Bear Mountain Big Bear review of skiing and summer golf

Big Bear Mountain Resort presents Bear Mountain as a winter ski and snowboard area and the site of its 9-hole golf course during warmer months.

Reviewers appreciate the range from beginner terrain to advanced runs, while repeated complaints focus on long lift lines and artificial-snow conditions during lighter winters.

Bear Mountain is a ski resort and golf course situated at 43092 Goldmine Drive in Big Bear Lake, California. The resort's lift-served summit reaches an elevation of 8,805 feet. During the winter months, typically from November through April, Bear Mountain offers terrain parks and designated areas for beginners. Ski and snowboard rentals and lessons are available for those looking to hit the slopes.

When the snow melts, the focus shifts to golf. Bear Mountain's golf facilities are generally open from May through October. These summer operations include a driving range and a putting green. A pro shop is also located at the golf course. The operating dates for both winter and summer activities can be adjusted based on weather and other conditions.

The resort is about 1.7 miles from Snow Summit's main address. It is considered a second mountain for visitors to the Big Bear area. While it provides a dual-season setting with skiing in winter and golf in summer, it can become crowded during peak times.

We assess Bear Mountain across four areas. The experience itself measures what the visit or activity delivers. It received a score of 8 out of 10. Strengths include terrain for several ability levels and two distinct seasonal uses, with summer golf at the base area. Limits noted are long lift lines at peak times and conditions that can depend heavily on snowmaking.

Value measures what you get for what you spend. This category received a 5 out of 10. Reviewers note that while the terrain is appreciated, there are repeated complaints focused on long lift lines and artificial-snow conditions during lighter winters. Golf during busy periods requires advance planning.

Crowds and wait measures how busy it gets and how long you wait. It scored a 4 out of 10. Limits mentioned include long lift lines at peak times, which can detract from the overall experience. The site is presented as a winter ski and snowboard area, and the site of its 9-hole golf course during warmer months.

Setting and access measures the surroundings and how easy it is to get there and park. This area scored an 8 out of 10. The strengths here are the terrain for several ability levels and the two distinct seasonal uses, including summer golf at the base area. The verdict states that the terrain and dual-season setting stand out.

Winter activities and park features

Bear Mountain pioneered the first terrain park in North America. Today, it maintains its parks with a dedicated Park Crew. The resort also features Southern California's only halfpipes. The Midway lift replaced former central-area chairs to improve access to progression terrain.

On-hill amenities

Geronimo's Outpost is an on-hill dining spot located at the base of the Geronimo run. For a quick bite, Crispy Coop serves chicken sandwiches, tenders, fries, soup, and macaroni and cheese. Methods Sports Bar & Coffee offers La Colombe coffee and has flat-screen televisions for guests.

The Adventure Academy provides an outdoor viewing and dining space for parents. Bear Mountain's base-area renovation added accessible ramps and pathways connecting the slopes and plaza.

Summer and other features

During warmer months, Bear Mountain offers golf. The resort's sun deck includes custom benches built along the edge of the slope.