2026-01-04T10:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Accumulations are uncertain at this time but may range from 2 to 4 feet above 5000 feet. Locally higher amounts are possible at higher elevations. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties. * WHEN...From Friday afternoon through Sunday morning. * IMPACTS...Dangerous travel conditions with chain controls and road closures possible. Low visibility due to combination of wind and heavy snow. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow accumulations remain above pass level through Friday afternoon, then drop to 5000 to 6000 feet late Friday night into Saturday. Potential for mountain snow to continue into early next week.
Bear Valley Mountain Resort Ski Report
Rate this placeLast Updated: January 1, 2026
Bear Valley Mountain Resort kicks off 2026 with a promising New Year’s Day outlook despite lingering snowpack concerns across California. Bear Valley Mountain Resort is a ski resort located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
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mph
Wind
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Humidity
Summary
As of January 1, the snowpack depth stands at 28 inches—significantly below average for this time of year—but Mother Nature seems ready to make up for it. Fresh powder is on the way, with nearly 8.5 inches forecasted in the next 24 hours and a staggering 85 inches expected over the next five days. The overnight temperature held steady at 34.7°F, suggesting a mix of wet snowfall and sleet that could transform into ideal skiing conditions as colder air pushes in behind the storm.
Excitement is building around Bear Valley following the resort’s recent acquisition by the Dodge Ridge ownership group, signaling renewed investment in infrastructure and guest experiences. With more than 23 inches anticipated in the next 72 hours alone, skiers and riders can expect rapidly improving terrain by midweek. While snow shortages plague much of the West, Bear Valley may be carving its own snowy path in the Central Sierra this week. Keep an eye on updates and avalanche warnings as this major storm system rolls in—2026 might just be off to an epic start on the slopes.
Weather Forecast
Seasonal Comparison
Year over year snow water equivalent
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Blue Lakes.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured from Blue Lakes
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Bear Valley Mountain Resort.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Bear Valley Mountain Resort
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Bear Valley Mountain Resort impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
Bear Valley Mountain Resort is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. The resort features various mountain aspects, including:
1. The Mokelumne Peak: This peak stands at an elevation of 9,332 feet and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valley.
2. Mount Reba: At an elevation of 8,600 feet, Mount Reba is a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding at the resort.
3. The Sierra Buttes: The Sierra Buttes are a prominent feature of the Sierra Nevada range and can be seen from various vantage points at Bear Valley Mountain Resort.
4. The Ebbetts Pass: This mountain pass is located near the resort and offers access to scenic hiking trails and backcountry skiing options.
Overall, Bear Valley Mountain Resort is surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and offers a variety of terrain for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
It boasts a diverse range of terrain across 1,680 skiable acres and is particularly known for its powder skiing. The best trails are considered to be Grizzly Bowl and Mokelumne, which offer challenging terrain for advanced skiers. An interesting fact about the resort is that it was originally founded in 1967 by a group of San Francisco businessmen who wanted to create a ski resort accessible to the Bay Area. For beginners, the Cub Meadow trail is recommended. The Sky High Pizza and Pub is a popular apres ski spot, known for its wood-fired pizza and selection of craft beer.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 10 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 12000 per hour |
Base Elevation | 2012 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 1280 Acres |
Established | 1967 |
Run Count | 67 Trails |
Bear Valley Mountain Resort FAQ
How much snow did Bear Valley Mountain Resort receive over the past day?
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Bear Valley Mountain Resort today?
Weather today, rain before 7am, then rain and snow between 7am and 1pm, then snow likely after 1pm. high near 35. south southwest wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. chance of precipitation is 100%. new snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Bear Valley Mountain Resort this week?
Bear Valley Mountain Resort is expected to receive up to 85.01" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are ski area conditions in California like right now?
California ski resorts are gearing up for an impressive storm cycle, with the Sierra Nevada set to receive some of the heaviest snowfall in the West. Bloods Creek leads with a massive 179 inches in the past 24 hours and 92 inches forecasted over the next five days. This surge will significantly impact nearby Bear Valley Resort and Dodge Ridge, ... Read more