Downhill Skiing

Bear Valley Mountain Resort is California's most centrally located mountain resort, situated on scenic and all-weather Highway 4. The closest major ski resort to the Bay Area, Bear Valley's central Sierra location and 8,500 foot summit provide some of the lightest and deepest snow conditions in all of California. (Bear Valley Ski Area is operated under special use permit with the Stanislaus Forest.) Eleven lifts service Bear Valley's 1,280 acres and breathtaking 1900 foot vertical descent. Skiers and snowboarders will enjoy the diverse terrain, offering 60 different trails: 30% gentle beginner, 40% intermediate and 30% advanced.

Cross-Country Skiing

Bear Valley Cross-Country offers one of the largest groomed trail systems in the country including 33 different trails with huts, picnic tables and ridges offering spectacular views. Equipment rental, lessons, restrooms, parking, food, snowshoe rentals, Sno-Park permits and ice skating are available at the cross-country ski center. Extensive cross-country and snowmobile trails can also be found three miles above Bear Valley at the Lake Alpine Sno-Park area. Located approximately four miles above Arnold, the Calaveras Big Trees State Park offers scenic cross-country trails when snow conditions permit.

 

Snowmobiling

Only three miles above Bear Valley is one of California's premier snowmobile recreation areas. Highway 4 from Lake Alpine to Highland Lakes turnoff and beyond is snow covered and groomed during the winter months for snowmobiling, and brings you past picturesque lakes and serene meadows. A Sno-Park permit for your vehicle must be obtained for parking and is available in Bear Valley. Snowmobile rentals, service and sales are available in Bear Valley.