Frequently Asked Questions

The Mountain

Is it snowing?
When will it snow?
When is the best time to come?
Will I need chains?
How long does it take to get to Bear Valley?
Can I get to Bear Valley using public transportation?
Where will I park my car?
Is there a shuttle bus from the village?
How often do the shuttle buses leave?
Does Bear Valley offer night skiing?
Where can I go sledding?
Can I rent gloves or goggles?
Is there any snow-clothing available to rent?
What lifts/runs are open?
What time do the lifts open?
What time are lessons?
Where do I rent equipment and what times are they open?
What is there to do if I don't want to ski/snowboard?
Do you get sunburned in the snow?
Are there childcare facilities for my infant?
Where can I stay in Bear Valley?
What should I wear?
How do I find out about employment?
What facilities does the Village have?
What is DTL?

Is it snowing?

Check out our web cam or visit our snow report for today's forecast.
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When will it snow?

Now that's a tricky one. You can check out our snow fall history since the 68/69 winter to get an idea of what past snow falls were like, or check out forecasts from the National Weather Service or Intellicast.
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When is the best time to come?

Depends on what you're after! Midweek, non-peak* brings the fewest crowds and if you're lucky enough to be be here during a storm, all the freshest lines you could dream of! Peak times often correspond with lots of activity here at the Mountain and down in the Village, with lots of events.
*Peak dates: 12/23-1231/06, 1/1/07, 1/13-1/15/07, 2/17-2/25/07
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Will I need chains?

View up to date road conditions, provided by CalTrans, or call their toll free number- 1.800.427.ROAD (7623) and say "4" at the prompt. But as a rule of thumb, you should always have a set in your car. You'd hate to be caught in a storm without 'em!
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How long does it take to get to Bear Valley?

On average, trips from the Bay Area take 3 to 3 1/2 hours, and under 2 1/2 hours from the Central Valley. Trips from Sacramento take between 2 1/2 and 3 hours. View Directions
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Can I get to Bear Valley using public transportaion?

Bear Valley has teamed up with Calaveras Transit to get you on the slopes! The shuttle is available on weekends and holidays, and reservations are HIGHLY recommended. For more details, contact Calaveras Trasit at 209.754.4450 or visit www.calaverastransit.com
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Where will I park my car?

Bear Valley Mountain Resort has plenty of parking at the ski area. For those looking for more conveinent access, our Preferred Parking lot is available weekends & peak days for $15 per car and $25 per RV. But don't worry, if you happen to arrive late on a busy day, our parking lot shuttles will pick you up, and safely transport both you and your gear down to the day lodge and back. For those staying overnight in the Village, park your car in any of the designated lots, and take the complimentary shuttle up to the Mountain!
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Is there a shuttle bus from the village?

There sure is! Bear Valley's complimentary shuttle picks guests up from outside of the Bear Valley Village Center (by the Pizza Co. entrance) and drops off in front of the ski area day lodge. The shuttle bus operates daily, leaving the Village every hour on the hour starting at 8am (so 8am, 9am 10am, etc) and leavees the Mountain every hour on the half hour (8:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, etc).
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How often do the shuttle buses leave?

Last bus from the Mountain to the Bear Valley Village Center is at 4:30pm.
WEEKDAY SCHEDULE: Shuttle leaves from the Bear Valley Village Center on the hour and from the Mountain Resort on the half hour. First bus to the Mountain is at 8am, and the last bus is at 4pm. **No shuttle service from 1pm & 2pm
WEEKEND/HOLIDAY SCHEDULE: Shuttle leaves from the Bear Valley Village Center and the Mountain every half hour. First bus to the Mountain is at 8am, and the last bus is at 5pm.

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Does Bear Valley offer night skiing?

Unfortunately, Bear Valley does not offer any night skiing at this time.
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Where can I go sledding?

Although there are no sledding areas on the Mountain, there are several places nearby. Bear Valley Cross Country has a sledding hill available in the meadow, or there are snow parks along the highway- one at Spicer Reservoir Road, and another at the Highway 4 road closer, just before Lake Alpine. These snow parks do require permits that can be picked up in the Village. Both Bear Valley Cross Country and Bear Valley Sport Shop have them available. $5/day or $25/season.
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What facilities does the Village have?

General Store	Post Office	Library
Lodging	Restaurants & Bars	Sport Shop
Masseuse	Overnight and Day parking	Cross Country
Snowmobiling	Real Estate	Gas Station
Preschool	Photographer	Shuttle Bus
Museum	Art Gallery	Sheriff's Sub-Station

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Can I rent gloves and goggles?

Gloves and goggles are considered personal items, so they are not available for rent, but you can purchase them from any reputable snow sports retail outlet.
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Is there any snow-clothing available to rent?

Bear Valley has waterproof overalls, called "bibs," available for rent. You can purchase the rental from any of our snow sports or rental cashiers.
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What lifts/runs are open?

Snow reports and Lift & Trails Reports are distributed throughout the resort each morning. The online reports are updated as conditions change.
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What time do the lifts open?

Lifts are open 9am-4pm daily, and 8:30am-4pm on weekends and peak days, conditions permitting.
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What time are lessons?

All group lessons are offered at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm, daily. However, it is highly recommended that you arrive at the lesson meeting area 10 minutes prior to your lesson. Private lessons are available throughout the day. Check with our Snow Sports office to arrange a private lesson.
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Where do I rent equipment and what times are they open?

Our rental shops are open 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday, and 8:00am-4:30pm weekends and peak days. Our Ski Rental Shop is located across the hall from the Snow Sports office, and snowboard rentals are located at the Grizzly Den, on the slope-side of the day lodge.
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What is there to do if I don't want to ski/snowboard?

Bear Valley Village has plenty of opportunities for sledding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling, as well as restaurants, shops and even massage! If you're looking to head out of the snow, within an hour's drive there are even more opportunities for dining, shopping, spa, wine tasting and golf.
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Can you get sunburned in the snow?

Yes, you can. Make sure you wear plenty of sunscreen, even on cloudy days, and re-apply frequently. Just watch out for those raccoon eyes- especially if you're playing hookie!
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Are there childcare facilities for my infant?

Bear Valley's day care facilities are for children ages 2-10, and who are completely toilet-trained.
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Where can I stay in Bear Valley?

Bear Valley Village offers several types of accommodation, from bunk-style dorms, to private lodge rooms to cabins and condos. View a complete list of Bear Valley Lodging.
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What should I wear?

The following is a checklist of clothing suggestions for the mountain environment. You will be most comfortable if you dress in layers that can be removed or added as necessary due to varying weather conditions throughout the day. While it is great to have all these items, the most helpful items in ensuring your comfort are listed below in bold!

Gloves or Mittens, Warm Fleece or Sweater, Warm Hat or Beanie, Goggles and/or Sunglasses, Sunscreen and Lip Balm, Winter Jacket with Hood or Shell/Rain Jacket with Extra Sweater, Long Johns or Warm Tights, Long Sleeved Turtleneck/Shirt, Warm Socks, Ski Pants or Water Repellent Pants, Warm Water Repellent Boots or Shoes and a Helmet

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How do I find out about employment?

You can contact Human Resorces at work@bearvalley.com or visit the Employment section of the website to learn more about current openings, benefits, and fill out an application.
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What is DTL?

DTL stands for "Direct To Lift." This technology allows you to pre-purchase your tickets from one of our off-mountain ticket outlets , and head straight to the lifts! This means no standing in ticket lines to exchange a voucher for a lift ticket- what you pick up from our partner shop is your lift ticket!
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