5 Places to go skiing Near Los Angeles.

Los Angeles is famous for beaches, movie stars, and ethnic diversity. While going skiing near Los Angeles is certainly not reason alone to visit the Golden State, it’s a true fact that you can surf the waves and ski the slopes in a single day if you plan it strategically. 

Mammoth Ski Area is by far the most coveted mountain to ski in Southern California but driving 5 hours or more in unpredictable weather conditions may not appeal to everyone. These 5 places to ski near Los Angeles are for those looking for an easy way to enjoy the slopes (or summer bike trails) and still stay close to the city. 

5 Places to go skiing near Los Angeles.

1.  Mt. Baldy Ski Resort. 

Mt. Baldy Ski Area is an hour away from Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Mountains. Sitting pretty at 8,600 feet, Mt. Baldy Ski Resort has 26 trails, 4 ski lifts, a tubing park, and a restaurant. Mt. Baldy Ski Resort has all the bells and whistles of larger ski resorts, it’s just on a smaller scale. This is one of the closest places to go if you want to ski near Los Angeles. 

2. Mt. Waterman. 

Local Angelenos love this charming ski area because it’s only an hour from the city along the scenic Angeles Crest Highway. At a height of 8,030 ft, Mt. Waterman has 3 ski lifts for its 27 trails, There is also a ski school for beginners or those needing to brush up on their skills. Mt. Waterman Ski Area is located in Angeles National Forest making it some of the finest scenery in the local area. 

3. Mountain High. 

Mountain High Resort is also roughly an hour out of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Mountains. This is a popular destination since it contains three separate resorts within it. Most visitors flock to the West Resort for snowboarding and skiing while the East Resort serves longer runs for more experienced skiers.  The North Resort is reserved for beginner trails, a tubing park, and a snow play area. 

4. Bear Mountain Ski Resort.

Located 2 hours from Los Angeles in the San Bernardino Mountains, Bear Mountain Ski Resort has a top elevation clocking in at 8,805 ft. Boasting 28 trails from beginner to expert, Bear Mountain Ski resort has a lot to offer when it comes to scenery and amenities. With a stunning mountain backdrop and Big Bear Lake in the foreground, the charming village of Big Bear has plenty of restaurants and accommodations to welcome you. 

5. Snow Valley Mountain Resort.

Sitting at a lower elevation than the other Big Bear Ski Resorts, Snow Valley may very well be the most convenient place to ski near Los Angeles. Although it’s located a little over 2 hours from Los Angeles, this small ski area has a streamlined operation that gets you from your vehicle to the ski lift in no time. With on-site parking, there’s no shuttle involved, and since there are no restaurants or accommodations, this is one of the less crowded ski areas to visit. 

Give it a try and go skiing near Los Angeles

Most tourists certainly don’t visit Los Angeles for its renowned skiing destinations, but if you find yourself there in the winter sunshine dreaming of the slopes, there are some options to quell your thirst. Who knows, maybe you’ll decide to surf the Pacific Ocean in the morning and ski Big Bear in the afternoon as a way to embrace the diversity of activities in and around Los Angeles.