Bear Valley Mountain Resort kicks off the 2025–26 ski season under new ownership with a fresh sense of anticipation—but Mother Nature has yet to fully join the party. Bear Valley Mountain Resort is a ski resort located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California.
Wind
Humidity
Overnight temperatures dipped to a chilly 28°F, preserving what little snow has accumulated. The current snowpack depth stands at just 2 inches, a stark 87% below average for mid-December. With a Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) of 1.3", early-season skiing remains limited, and only a few beginner and lower-elevation trails are open. Groomers are working tirelessly to optimize thin coverage, and snowmaking operations are expected to accelerate as cold overnight temps persist.
Despite the slow start, optimism is in the air. Recent acquisitions by the Dodge Ridge ownership group are breathing new life into Bear Valley, promising infrastructure upgrades and a revitalized guest experience. Early forecasts hint at a return of La Niña patterns, which could bring heavier snowfall later in the season—welcome news after last year's record-breaking 648 inches. While the deep powder days are still on the horizon, the mountain buzzes with potential. Watch for updates as weather systems approach next week; Bear Valley’s winter canvas is just beginning to paint its story.
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.
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.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Bear Valley Mountain Resort impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
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 |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, sunny, with a high near 55. southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning.
California ski areas are seeing minimal new snowfall today, with no significant accumulation forecast over the next five days across the Sierra Nevada or southern ranges. Key Northern Sierra resorts like Palisades Tahoe (near Squaw Valley G.C. and Ward Creek), Heavenly (near Heavenly Valley sensor), and Kirkwood (near Carson and Ebbetts Pass) are reporting no new snow in the past ... Read more