In this showdown of skiing destinations, Mt. Baldy presents itself as the go-to choice for experienced snow enthusiasts, with its challenging terrain and higher elevation, although altitude sickness is a potential concern. On the other hand, Big Bear caters perfectly to beginners and intermediates, offering a more extensive range of amenities.
Read more to settle the epic showdown of Mt. Baldy vs. Big Bear, a winter sports enthusiast’s dream dilemma.
Mt. Baldy vs. Big Bear: Quick Comparison
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a sneak peek at the main factors that distinguish Mt. Baldy from Big Bear.
| Factor | Mt Baldy | Big Bear |
| Location | 8401 Mount Baldy Road, Mount Baldy, California | 880 Summit Blvd Snow Summit, Big Bear Lake, California |
| Accessibility and Transportation |
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| Accommodations |
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| Amenities |
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| Dining Options |
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| Local Attractions and Activities |
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| Atmosphere | Traditional American pub-style atmosphere. | Big Bear Mountain Resort offers a laid-back California après ski scene. |
| Cancellation Policies |
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| Pricing |
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Location
Both Mt. Baldy Resort and Big Bear Mountain Resort are located in Southern California, but they are about 75 miles apart from each other. Big Bear Mountain Resort is 98.5 miles from Los Angeles whereas Mt. Baldy Resort is only 51.4 miles.
Mt. Baldy Resort is closer to Los Angeles with a scenic drive to the resort. In Contrast, The road to Big Bear Mountain has a less scenic drive to the resort. Mt. Snow and Okemo are also two skiing resorts located in Southern Vermont, in Los Angeles County.
Accommodations
While Mt. Baldy Resort offers 6 cozy cabins and private tent cabins, Big Bear Mountain Resort relies on nearby lodging options. This includes hostels, cabins, and lodges.
While there are no accommodations available in the Big Bear Resort, there are several options available nearby. Here are some highly rated lodging options near Big Bear
- ITH Big Bear Lake Hostel & Retreat Center
- Lakewood Cabins
- WorldMark Big Bear Lake
- Snow Lake Lodge
- Cozy Moon Cabin
Amenities
Big Bear Resort offers scenic sky chair rides and Snowboarding, while Mt. Baldy offers skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and more.
Mt. Baldy Resort is a good option for affordable amenities while Big Bear Resort is a better choice for luxurious amenities or on-mountain amenities.
Dining Options
Big Bear Resort flaunts a diverse array of dining experiences, from casual cafes to fine dining. Meanwhile, Mt. Baldy Resort features the Lodge Restaurant and the Pines Restaurant, offering delectable dishes in a relaxed setting.
Mt. Baldy Resort’s The Lodge Restaurant is a casual restaurant, and The Pines Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant that serves a variety of dishes. On the other hand, big Bear Resort has cafes, fine dining, seafood, and many more options.
Local Attractions and Activities
Mt. Baldy Resort and Big Bear Resort offer a variety of local attractions and activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. However, Big Bear Resort offers a wider variety of attractions and activities, including golfing, Zip Lining, and Rock Climbing.
As Big Bear Resort is located next to Big Bear Lake, you get to do activities like fishing and, water spots. These activities aren’t available in Mt Baldy resort. Both resorts and beautiful hiking trails, similar to Mammoth Mountain and Lake Tahoe.
Atmosphere
At Mt. Baldy Lodge, you’ll find a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere while Big Bear offers an energetic and social atmosphere. Mt. Baldy is also less crowded compared to Big Bear Resort.
Big Bear Resort is perfect for those looking to unwind and celebrate in contrast to Mt. Baldy’s relaxed and communal ambiance.
Booking & Cancellation Policy
Both Mt. Baldy Resort and Big Bear Mountain Resort have flexible booking and cancellation policies. Both resorts have a 14-day cancellation or reschedule policy, while Big Bear additionally offers a 50% refund for cancellations made 13-8 days before arrival.
Big Bear Mountain Resort has a more flexible cancellation policy than Mt. Baldy Resort.
Pricing
Mt. Baldy Resort has 6 lodgings with prices ranging from $180 – $250 unlike, Big Bear Resort. However, Big Bear Resort has lift tickets where prices range from $59 – $109.
The prices of night and second session lift tickets at Big Bear Mountain Resort (BBMR) and Snow Valley ranges from $59 – $152. The specific ticket prices are listed below:
- BBMR Night tickets: $109
- Snow Valley Night lift tickets: $59
- BBMR Second Session tickets: $152
- Snow Valley Second Session lift tickets: $107
Mt. Baldy vs. Big Bear: Best Winter Getaway
For experienced skiers or snowboarders looking for challenging terrain, Mt. Baldy is a great choice. However, Big Bear is a better option for a beginner to intermediate skier or snowboarder looking for a resort with more amenities.
Mt. Baldy has a more challenging terrain and higher elevation, which can lead to altitude sickness. Big Bear on the other hand is beginner-friendly with lower elevation.
Ultimately, The best way to decide which resort is right for you is to weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that best meets your needs.
Conclusion
So, now you know all the ins and outs of Mt. Baldy and Big Bear.
Mt. Baldy offers challenging terrain and a laid-back atmosphere, while Big Bear is more beginner-friendly with a wider variety of amenities. Consider and choose the resort that best meets your needs.
