Ski and Snowboard season is a great option for those looking to escape the confines of the Southland sprawl, and although Los Angeles is more known for sand and waves, it is also home to diehard weekend warriors who head to nearby mountain resorts.
There are several options for skiing and snowboarding within driving distance from LA and finding bargains on ski and snowboard equipment, rentals and lift tickets.
Destinations
Mountain High Ski Resort
Wrightwood
Considered SoCal’s closest ski resort, Mountain High has 59 trails and 16 lifts under 90 minutes from LA.
Snow Summit Mountain Resort
Big Bear Lake
Thirty inter-connected trails, and easy access to the cozy village of Big Bear for aprés-ski dining and entertainment. Great views of Big Bear Lake are an added bonus. Big Bear is an hour to two hours from LA, depending on traffic.
Bear Mountain
Big Bear Lake
Great for snowboarders, Snow Summit’s sister property includes a freestyle park, offering more than 120 jumps, more than 80 jibs, and the SoCal area’s only superpipe. Like Snow Summit, there’s easy access to lodging, dining, and nightlife in Big Bear Village.
Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth Lakes
A five-hour drive from LA, Mammoth is one of California’s best snow destinations, drawing snowboarders and skiers from around the world. There are great lodging, nightlife and postcard views to accompany the epic terrain. At 11,053 feet, Mammoth Mountain has the highest summit of any California resort and an average of 400 inches of snowfall yearly with more than 3,500 skiable acres.
Equipment
Burton Snowboards & Channel Islands Surfboards
One of the biggest names in snowboarding, Burton Snowboards on Melrose Ave. can outfit riders from boots to board, jacket and gloves, with the latest gear updated each season. It’s a great stop for moonlighting surfers, as well.
Ski & Snowboard Outlet San Gabriel
San Gabriel & Costa Mesa
With a 12,000-square-foot San Gabriel shop and a 14,000-square-foot Costa Mesa store, hundreds of skis, snowboards, and clothing items are heavily discounted and available throughout the year.
Doc’s Ski & Sports
Santa Monica
With a hands-on owner and great ski and snowboard gear from all major manufacturers, this spot is the place to find the right equipment at the right price, whether you’re a beginner or a pro.
Ski Net Sports
Studio City, Calif.
The San Fernando Valley’s best-known ski equipment stop, with knowledgeable sales staff and a range of equipment to fit any skiing style.
Rentals
It’s often much cheaper to pick up rentals locally than paying the premium rates at ski resorts. Here are some options in the Los Angeles area:
Summit Ski and Cycle
Westchester
Family owned and operated, with solidly discounted rental skis and snowboards available.
Val Surf
Valley Village
Wide variety of ski and snowboard rentals, dubbed by users as the best rental spot in the San Fernando Valley.
Sport Chalet
Various Locations
This chain features extensive ski and snowboard rentals and lives up to its name.
Lift Tickets
Similar to to rentals, lift tickets are often available at local stores at discounted rates. REI in Santa Monica offers discounts for several resorts, along with Costco locations throughout LA.
