Look, if you’re staring at the 10-day forecast and feeling a little "meh" about the Southern California winter, I get it. We aren't exactly buried in 10 feet of powder right now. But honestly, the big bear snow summit ski report for mid-January 2026 is better than the raw numbers look on paper.
Right now, we are looking at a base depth of about 18 inches, with the summit holding onto a much more respectable 36 inches. Is it all "natural" fluff? Nah. Most of that is the result of Snow Summit’s world-class snowmaking team working overtime whenever the temps dip. It’s machine-groomed, fast, and remarkably consistent.
It's been dry lately. Highs have been creeping into the upper 50s during the day, which sounds more like hiking weather than skiing weather. But don't let the "balmy" afternoon sun fool you. The overnight lows are still dropping into the 30s. That’s the golden window where the resort fires up the guns to keep the trails from turning into a slushy mess.
Breaking Down the Trails and Lifts
You’ve got about 10 lifts spinning right now at Snow Summit. That covers a decent chunk of the mountain, though not everything is wide open yet.
The big news for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend is that Chair 7 is scheduled to open. This is a big deal because it grants access to 7 Down and Upper Low Chute. If you aren’t an advanced rider, stay away. Seriously. Those runs are steep, and with the current snow quality being "machine-made firm," they’re not forgiving.
For the rest of us just looking to cruise, the classics are in play:
- Summit Run: It’s the backbone of the mountain. Good for a long, easy burn.
- Miracle Mile: Holding up surprisingly well despite the warm afternoons.
- Westridge Park: If you’re a park rat, this is your home. They’ve got a 1 jump, 4 boxes, and 3 rails setup that’s currently being tilled to keep it from getting too icy.
The Terrain Park Status
Over on Zzyzx, the park crew just added a new jib, a tube, and a rail. It’s a tight, playful setup. If you’re heading up this Friday or Saturday, keep an eye on Chair 3. That’s where you’ll find the best lap-to-wait ratio for terrain park enthusiasts.
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The Weather Reality Check
I’m gonna be real with you: it’s gonna be warm.
The forecast for Saturday, January 17, shows a high of 44°F. Sunday and Monday (MLK Day) are sticking in that mid-40s to low-50s range. What does that mean for your skis? It means spring conditions in January.
In the morning, the snow is going to be firm—kinda crunchy, maybe even a little "bulletproof" in the shaded spots. By 1:00 PM, it softens up. It turns into that hero snow where you can carve deep without much effort. By 3:30 PM, it might get a bit "mashed potato-ish" at the base.
Pro Tip: If you have an Ikon Pass, use your "First Tracks" access on Saturday morning. Getting on the snow at 8:00 AM instead of 9:00 AM makes a massive difference before the sun starts baking the lower mountain trails.
Night Sessions and Holiday Logistics
Since it’s a holiday weekend, Snow Summit is running Night Sessions on Saturday and Sunday.
Riding under the stars is a vibe, but it’s also a strategic move. The snow usually starts to refreeze as the sun goes down, which makes for a faster surface. If you’re already there on a day ticket, you can usually add a night session for about $19. If you’re only coming for the night, expect to pay between $59 and $109 depending on how late you book.
Getting Around
Don’t bother trying to drive between Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. The parking lots are a nightmare on holiday weekends. Use the free intermountain shuttle. It leaves Snow Summit every hour on the hour (and the half-hour) and returns from Bear Mountain at :15 and :45.
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It’s way easier to just park once and let the shuttle driver deal with the traffic on Big Bear Blvd.
What Most People Get Wrong About Big Bear
A lot of people see "no new snow" in the big bear snow summit ski report and decide to stay home. That’s a mistake if you actually like skiing rather than just powder.
Because Snow Summit has one of the most advanced snowmaking systems in the country, they can maintain a "manufactured" winter long after the natural stuff has vanished. You aren't going to find hidden stashes in the trees right now—stay on the groomers. The coverage on the main trails like Log Chute and Ego Trip is actually pretty solid.
- Check the Cams: Look at the live webcams at 8:00 AM. If you see white ribbons on green hills, it's still worth the drive.
- Dress in Layers: You’ll be freezing on the lift at 9:00 AM and sweating in your hoodie by noon.
- Hydrate: The air is dry and you’re at 7,000+ feet.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning to head up this weekend, book your lift tickets right now. Seriously. They will sell out, or the price will jump significantly at the window.
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Also, check your wax. Since the snow is a mix of man-made crystals and melting slush, a "warm weather" or universal wax will keep you from sticking when you hit the flats near the bottom of Chair 1.
Grab some Darn Tough socks at the base area if you're running low—they’re doing a "buy 3 get 1 free" deal starting this Friday. It’s a small win, but hey, good socks make a long day on the mountain a lot more tolerable.
Keep an eye on the wind speeds for Monday. While the sky looks clear, any sudden gusts can put the upper chairs on hold. If you see the wind picking up, stick to the lower-mountain lifts like Chair 4 to avoid getting stuck in a "wind hold" line.