Resort Comparison

Big Bear Mountain Resort vs Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Big Bear Mountain Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain, while Kirkwood Mountain Resort offers more terrain for diverse skill levels. Big Bear Mountain Resort offers better value, while Kirkwood Mountain Resort caters to those seeking a premium experience.

The Verdict

Big Bear Mountain Resort leads with 4 wins

Best for Families

Big Bear Mountain Resort

Family-focused experience

Best Snowfall

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

304.1" average · Reliably deep

Best Terrain

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Impressive mountain

Best Value

Big Bear Mountain Resort

Moderate pricing

Easiest Access

Big Bear Mountain Resort

Most accessible

Best Village Vibe

Big Bear Mountain Resort

Pleasant base area

Big Bear Mountain Resort

California, USA

$$Ikon

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

California, USA

$$$Epic

Family

Ski School Age

4+

4+

Full-Day Program

Beginner Terrain

8.0

5.5

Walkability

6.0

7.5

Village Vibe

6.5

6.5

Mountain

Vertical

1,665'

2,000'

Skiable Area

748 ac

2,300 ac

Green Runs

25%

15%

Trails

55

86

Lifts

26

15

Getting There

Airport

ONT

RNO

Drive Time

1.5h

1.5h

Road Ease

6.5

5.0

Cost

Passes

Ikon

Epic

Day Pass

$109

$199

Cost Tier

Moderate

Premium

Village

Dining

Moderate

Moderate

Grocery

Spa

Pool

Add a third resort to compare

Snowfall Comparison

Live conditions

Big Bear Mountain Resort

65.5"

avg season

2024-25 season

41.9" total

64%

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

304.1"

avg season

2024-25 season

245.6" total

81%

Season Accumulation (10-Year Average)

OctNovDecJanFebMarApr

304"152"0"

Big Bear Mountain Resort

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Key Insights

Big Bear Mountain Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain, while Kirkwood Mountain Resort offers more terrain for diverse skill levels. Big Bear Mountain Resort offers better value, while Kirkwood Mountain Resort caters to those seeking a premium experience.

Key Differences

Big Bear Mountain Resort's beginner terrain score (8.0) exceeds Kirkwood Mountain Resort's (5.5), making it better for families prioritizing beginner runs
Kirkwood Mountain Resort's walkability score (7.5) exceeds Big Bear Mountain Resort's (6.0), making it better for families prioritizing walkability
Kirkwood Mountain Resort offers more terrain variety (2,300 acres vs 748 acres)
Big Bear Mountain Resort is moderately priced while Kirkwood Mountain Resort falls in the premium category
Big Bear Mountain Resort has more beginner/intermediate terrain (80% green and blue), while Kirkwood Mountain Resort skews more advanced (35% black and double black)

Best For

Big Bear Mountain Resort

Families with first-time skiers (excellent beginner terrain)
Parents with young children (ski school from age 4)
Budget-conscious families

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Those seeking a walkable village experience
Advanced skiers seeking terrain variety (2,300 acres)
Parents with young children (ski school from age 4)

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Explore More

Regions

British Columbia

Best For

Best for Beginners

Best for Toddlers

Guides

First Family Ski Trip Guide

Best Time to Go Skiing