Operations Update!
- Bear Valley
- Mar 20
- 6 min read
Due to the high temps this week having affected coverage in the area near the bottom of polar express, beginning today, Friday March 20th we will no longer spin Polar Express and instead shift to utilizing Pooh Chair from now to the remainder of the season. Please adhere to all closures and safety signage.
REMINDERS:
Beginning Monday, March 16th, Bear Valley will transition to late-season operations. We will operate every day the week of Monday, March 16th - Sunday, March 22nd with reduced hours of 9am -3pm Monday, March 16th - Friday, March 20th and back to regular hours of 9am - 4pm Saturday, March 21st - Sunday, March 22nd.
The following lifts will operate from 9 AM – 3 PM Monday, March 16th - Friday, March 20th, *with the exception of Koala:
Mokelumne Express
Pooh Chair
Cub
Koala (10am - 2pm Monday - Friday)
Panda & Cub Carpet
We will be back to normal 9am - 4pm hours on Saturday March 21st - Sunday, March 22nd.
The Village Shuttle will also operate on an adjusted schedule the week of Monday, March 16th through Friday, March 20th, running from 9 AM – 3:30PM.
Looking ahead, Bear Valley will be closed Monday, March 23rd through Wednesday, March 25th in an effort to preserve snow during the continued stretch of warm weather. We will reopen Thursday, March 26th.
Operations for the week beginning Monday, March 30th will be determined based on weather and snow conditions.
Every March, our community comes together to celebrate the life and legacy of Nickolay Dodov. We are fundraising and hosting the slopestyle on Saturday, March 21st!
This year marks the 10th Annual Nickolay Dodov Slopestyle & Fundraiser, a special milestone event dedicated to supporting the foundation’s mission of providing FREE avalanche awareness and safety education to individuals of all ages throughout California.
The Nickolay Dodov Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in memory of Nickolay Dodov, who tragically lost his life in an avalanche in Haines, Alaska in 2012. Led by Nickolay’s parents, Alex and Natalia Dodov, both longtime staples of the Bear Valley community, the foundation is deeply rooted in our mountain community and committed to educating skiers and riders about both backcountry and on-hill safety.
Our goal this year is to raise $10,000 with 100% of proceeds going directly to the foundation so they can continue this life-saving work. We’ll be hosting a raffle featuring incredible prizes generously donated by local and regional sponsors.
Join us as we ride, remember, and give back. Interested in sponsoring? Email us at socialmedia@bearvalley.com
To learn more about the foundation and its mission, visit the Nickolay Dodov Foundation website - https://nickolaydodovfoundation.com/Together, we can help educate, protect, and empower those who enjoy the mountains we all love.
Special thank you this years event sponsors;
Krimson Klover
HOWL
BLACKSTRAP
Matador
LÈ BENT
TEVA
VAPUR
SEQUOIA WOODS COUNTRY CLUB
MOUNTAIN ALOHA MTB CO.
THE STANDARD POUR
POSTERITY CIDERWORKS
BOYLE MCDONAL WINES
GOLD COUNTRY ROASTERS
AVELLINO ITALIAN MARKET & WINE BAR
SPIRAL
BLACK OAK CASINO RESORT
FLYLOW
NUUN HYDRATION
TREW
HESTRA
NOMADIX
SEIRUS
HIGH SIERRA FRAMING CO.
BEAR VALLEY SNOWMOBILE
Season Parking Pass Details:
$300 per pass.
Guaranteed access to preferred parking areas (Reserved entry until 10:00AM daily).
Available parking spots are reduced on days with inclement weather as we do not park cars banks during snowstorms.
The parking pass does not include overnight parking.
The parking pass will be available for purchase on Sunday, March 22nd beginning at 7am through our e-store - available online ONLY.
Important Reminders:
Pick up begins November 10th, 2026 (Mon–Fri) at our Guest Services office.
Pass must be displayed upon arrival and while parked.
No refunds or replacements, lost or forgotten passes will not be reissued.
Passes may be revoked for misuse or policy violations.
Set your alarm, these won’t last!
LIMITED FALL WEDDING DATES NOW AVAILABLE!
We’ve opened a limited number of fall wedding dates for September and October at Bear Valley. With golden aspens, crisp mountain air, and stunning alpine backdrops, it’s one of the most beautiful times of year to celebrate in the Sierra!
If you’re dreaming of a mountain wedding, now is the time to secure your date. Take a virtual tour of our ceremony and reception venues, explore the setting, and start planning your day. Visit our wedding site to learn more and inquire about available dates!
BEAR VALLEY SPORT SHOP SUPER SALE
Select Skis, boards, boots and bindings 20%-30%
Select Jackets, Pants 20%-30%
Select Gloves 20% to 40%
Select Helmets 20%
Select Bear Valley Logo Wear 20% to 50%
Whether you’re picking up new gear or grabbing a few mountain essentials, you’ll find quality, performance, and style waiting at the Bear Valley Sport Shop.
For questions or assistance, please call (209) 753-2301 ext. 626
26/27 COLLEGE CREW PASS
The new College Crew Pass lets students unlock the Cali Pass at the lowest price when they ride together.
Start your crew with a $50 spring deposit and ski or ride the rest of the 25/26 season, then lock in your full 2026/27 Cali Pass at a discounted rate based on the size of your crew.
Crew Pricing:
• 1st Pass – $399
• 2nd Pass – $349
• 3rd Pass – $299
• 4th Pass – $249
• 5–10 Passes – $249 each (plus perks for the Squad Leader)
The more friends you add, the better the price!
How it works: Reserve your spot starting March 7th with a $50 deposit (online or in person). In the Fall, you can build your crew (up to 10 people) or join an existing squad before the final balance is due October 31, 2026.
Eligibility:
• Ages 18–25
• Active college student
• Minimum 12 units (6 for graduate programs)
• Transcript required for verification
Your College Cali Pass includes the same access and benefits as a traditional Cali Pass, valid at Bear Valley, Dodge Ridge, China Peak, and Mountain High. *excluding the Powder Alliance, Powder Alliance NOT included.
Additional Info
For a $50 deposit, you can ski or ride the remainder of the 25/26 season. In the fall you'll build your 'crew' and have ability to get your season pass for as low as $249. Don't care to build a crew? The 'College Crew Cali Pass is $399 and your $50 deposit applies'.
Once paid in full your pass is valid all of the 26/27 Season. NO BLACKOUTS. No reservations required.
APPLIES TO CURRENT COLLEGE STUDENTS WHO MEET THE FULL TIME REQUIREMENTS (12 UNITS OR MORE) AND ARE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 18 AND 25. Verification required at time of pickup. Providing false information will result in forfeiture of the pass without refund. No re-activation's.
CALI PASSES ARE ISSUED AT THE HOME RESORT ONLY.
26/27 BEAR VALLEY SEASON PASSES
Our 26/27 season passes are on sale NOW at the LOWEST prices of the year. Renew your Bear Valley or Cali Pass and enjoy exclusive pass holder benefits and ski/ride free for the rest of this season. We’re also happy to share that there is no price increase from last year’s pass pricing but these are still the lowest prices of the year, and prices will increase on May 1st! Important Reminder: Cali Passes must be picked up at the resort where the pass was originally purchased.
RENEWING YOUR SEASON PASS
Renewing your physical season pass card online and skip the season pass office altogether. You will need your physical card to enter in the WTP number (located on the back of your season pass card) Once completed, use the same card and head straight to the lifts!
SPRING LESSON SPECIALS
You can now purchase our Spring lesson options online! Including Performance Clinics designed to sharpen specific skills with expert coaching, Midweek Mini Session youth lesson blocks (with morning and afternoon group options starting at accessible rates), and discounted Private Lessons for ages 3 and up that give you personalized instruction tailored to your ability. These Spring specials make it easy to plan your on-snow progression, pick the lesson format that fits your goals and schedule, and secure your spot in advance through our eStore.
