FAQ

Is it snowing?

Check out our web cam or visit our snow report for today’s forecast.

What time do the lifts open?

Lifts are open 9am-4pm daily, and 8:30am-4pm on weekends and peak days, conditions permitting.
Backside and lower Mountain lifts close at 3:30, conditions permitting.

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.

When is the best time to come?

Depends on what you’re after! Midweek, non-holiday* 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! Holiday times often correspond with lots of activity here at the Mountain and down in the Village, with lots of events so that makes for a larger selection of things to enjoy with just a few more people to enjoy the fun.    So if you are feeling social or just want to get away from the crowds, plan accordingly.

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 the law requires that in “winter conditions” you must carry a set of chains in your car. You’d hate to be caught in a storm without ‘em!

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.

Where will I park my car?

Bear Valley Mountain has plenty of parking at the ski area. For those looking for more convenient access, our Preferred Parking lot is available weekends & holiday for $20 per car and $30 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!

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 Sky High Pizza 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 leaves the Mountain every hour on the half hour (8:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, etc).

How often do the shuttle buses leave?

Last bus from the Mountain to the Bear Valley Village Center is at 4:30pm.

Is the Schedule the same everyday?

No, on the WEEKEND/HOLIDAY SCHEDULE the 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.  During the mid-week, the shuttle leaves from the Bear Valley Village Center on the hour and from the Mountain on the half hour. First bus to the Mountain is at 8am, and the last bus is at 4pm.  IMPORTANT NOTE: No shuttle service from 1pm – 2pm. 

Does Bear Valley offer night skiing?

Unfortunately, Bear Valley does not offer any night skiing at this time.

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.

What facilities does the Village have? 

The Village is the perfect place to eat, sleep, dine or have some more winter fun.  Several amenities, services and recreation are available inthe Village:  Cross Country, Snowmobiling, Lodging, Restaurants & Bars , Sport Shop, Photographer, General Store, Post Office, Library, Masseuse, Overnight and Day parking, Real Estate, Gas Station, Preschool, Shuttle Bus, Museum, Art Gallery, Sheriff’s Sub-Station 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Are there childcare facilities for my infant?

Kids 4-8 will love our Kids Club where they will learn the fun of snowsports and enjoying breaks in our club house.  The KidsClub offers both full day and half day programs. For younger kids (0-3) you may contact the main office at 209.753.2301 x732, they are happy to try and arrange a local sitter during your visit to Bear Valley. The main office manages a list of local babysitters (typically teen-age children of employees), that are experienced watching young children and infants that are not quite ready for “KidsClub”. Babysitters are welcomed to use the “Play Center” facility located on the second floor of the Main Office to care for your children. The Play Center offers children’s games, arts & crafts, movies and an indoor play structure to ensure your kids are having a great time while you dig into the steep and deep. Rates are $10.00 per hour, per child. Parents will pay babysitters directly. Availability is limited; we recommend that you contact our main office at least one week in advance.

Where can I stay in Bear Valley?

Bear Valley Village offers several unique types of accommodation, from private lodge rooms to studio or multi-roomed condos, and snow-bound cabins. View a complete list of Bear Valley Lodging.

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.  

How do I find out about employment?

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

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!