# 8Small Ski Area in California
All ReviewsOverview
With a summit elevation of 8,600 feet, Mt. Baldy, California boasts 2,100 feet of vertical. The Southern California mountain also features 26 trails serviced by 4 ski lifts. The mountain offers a seven-lane tubing park located at the top of the Sugar Pine Chairlift 1 as an alternative or addition to your ski day. Also located at the top of that 15-minute lift ride is the Top of the Notch Restaurant, a scenic dining experience for breakfast, lunch and dinner at 7,800 feet that overlooks Southern California.
Baldy is a great ski resort for those new to skiing or riding with its dedicated Flow Zone area, a terrain-based learning setup designed to focus on progression with rollers and banked turns. Staff is standing by at the Mt. Baldy Flow Zone to give tips, assist with the basics and familiarize gear. Advanced and expert skiers and riders, and those who manage to progress their skills to that level will find plenty of challenge at Baldy with a healthy percentage of steeps on the trail map.
Where Is Mt. Baldy Ski Resort Located?
Located 45 miles or just about an hour northeast of Los Angeles, California, in the San Gabriel Mountains on Mount San Antonio, Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts is part of the Angeles National Forest. Baldy is approximately 40 miles northwest of the San Bernardino International Airport, but the closest airport is Ontario International Airport (ONT), about 30 minutes south of the ski resort.
Inside Scoop
The ticket office and restrooms are the only services at the parking lot level. Ride the first chair to the main part of the ski area, where rentals, lessons, basket check, tubing park, first aid and a restaurant will be found. Skiers often choose to ride the chair back to the parking lot at the end of the day. By the way: Gas up. There is no gas station at the ski area.
If you want to ski on the lower portion of the mountain, then do it early. With a lot of north-facing slopes, there’s a lot of thaw and shade conditions, resulting in softening later on in the day. California mountains usually don’t have consistent snowfall. So, if it’s predicted in the forecast, get to the mountain ASAP since natural snow only lasts a max of a few days.
If a lot of snow is predicted, head straight to Chair 4, and take advantage of some sun while heading down the hill to the base. On an average day, there’s a lot of spring conditions and corn snow off of Chair 4.
Restaurants
Breakfast Places
- If you have time for a sit-down breakfast, the Farm Cottage is the place to go. Located on an actual farm, the setting is gorgeous and the food amazing. 5200 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, CA 91701
Our Favorite Lunch Spots
- For a quick bite, head to Claro’s Italian Markets. It’s a local supermarket chain that provides pre-made food that is delicious and fast. 1655 N Mountain Ave, Upland, CA 91784
- With its vintage cars and rustic look, you’ll surely enjoy your meal at the Grizzly Cafe. This place is perfect if you want an omelet in the morning or a rib-sticking country fried steak for lunch. 1455 California Hwy 2, Wrightwood, CA 92397
Dinner
- Spraggi’s is and upscale Italian restaurant, serving all your favorite classic dishes. Sit outside, or head to the bar. 1651 W Foothill Blvd, Upland, CA 91786
Apres/Nightlife
- At Creekside Tavern, you can buy a bottle of wine or beer, and then smoke some nice cigars. With TVs, chess tables and a great bar, you and your friends will definitely find something to entertain you. 6870 Mt Baldy Rd, Mt Baldy, CA 91759
Best Time for Snow
Average Snowfall
21"
13"
9"
5"
3"
3"
Dec
10"
Jan
18"
Feb
14"
Mar
3"
Apr
Terrain Overview
Beginners Runs
20%
Intermediate Runs
40%
Advanced Runs
20%
Expert Runs
20%
Runs in Total
26
Longest Run
2.5 mi
Skiable Terrain
800 ac
Snow Making
80 ac
Total Lifts: 4
Double Chairs
4
Elevation
Base
6500'
Summit
8600'
Vertical Drop
2100'
Important Dates
December 14, 20242024/12/14
Projected Opening
May 04, 20252025/05/04
Projected Closing
N.A.
Projected Days Open
175
Days Open Last Year
72
Years Open
178"
Average Snowfall
Contact Information
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