Big Bear’s slopes have been busy with snowboarders and skiers, but the snow underfoot is far from natural. A dry winter left the mountain with only brief periods of fresh snow. Man-made snow has kept the season alive as locals and visitors hope for a shift in the weather.
Big Bear typically receives about 11 inches of snow in December, but this past month, the city didn’t record any snowfall. Big Bear Mountain Resort’s snow-making team produced artificial snow using high-pressure air and water, but unseasonably warm temperatures limited their efforts.
Justin Kanton, director at Big Bear Mountain Resort, explained the challenges in an interview with CBS News.
“You need the right humidity density for that to crystallize once it gets in the air. Otherwise, you’re just blowing water in the air,” Kanton said.
The lack of natural snow and cool temperatures has reduced the number of trails open to skiers and snowboarders. Big Bear Mountain Resort is currently operating only a quarter of its trails, with Snow Summit offering just 15 out of 31 trails.
The limited snowfall has prompted many to request refunds for their season passes. The decrease in visitors has created financial challenges for the resort, and reduced operations have led to staffing cutbacks. Ski lift workers have struggled to get enough hours, as fewer open trails mean fewer guests.
Collin Cook, lift operator at Big Bear Mountain Resort, described the season as one of the most difficult in recent memory.
“This season has been very weird. We got a little bit of snow in early November, then didn’t see snow until Jan. 7, it’s been rough. We haven’t had this little snow in about 60 years is what my boss was saying.” Cook said.
Visitors traveling to Big Bear for snowboarding and skiing often arrive to find icy or slushy conditions and fewer open trails. Many who expected powder-covered slopes have faced disappointment. The limited runs have also led to overcrowding, diminishing the quality of their experience.
The lack of snow impacts their experience on the mountain and can lead to overcrowding on the few available runs, further diminishing the quality of their trip. For some, the trip becomes less about enjoying winter sports and more about making the best of less-than-ideal conditions.
Cook reflected on the contrast between this season and last year.
“A year ago, people were having to dig snow out so the lift could operate; this season, we are praying the snowcat leaves us snow for a push pile.”
Collin Cook, Lift operator, Big Bear Mountain Resort
Anastasia Vokkur, freshman nursing major, shared her experience with this year’s conditions compared to previous seasons.
“Last year, you could go off trail and get stuck in feet of snow, but this season, not even all the runs are open. The snow is so thin my board gets scratched by rocks—it’s either slush or ice, which is disappointing. Big Bear is my go-to mountain, and it is suffering,” Vokkur said.
Locals, resort workers, and snow sports enthusiasts are hoping for a late-season storm to bring relief. For workers, fresh snow could mean additional hours, while visitors are eager to salvage their season with better conditions.
Despite the challenges, Cook expressed optimism for a change in the weather.
“We’re all praying for a late season, but this is definitely the least amount of snowfall in a very long time,” Cook said.
With a dry winter impacting the slopes, Big Bear Mountain Resort is relying on artificial snow to sustain operations. Residents and visitors alike are holding out hope for a late-season snowfall to restore the mountain’s winter activity.
