Resort Comparison

Big Bear Mountain Resort vs Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Big Bear Mountain Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain.

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

Big Bear Mountain Resort

Impressive mountain

Best Value

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

$0 day pass

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, United States

$$

Family

Ski School Age

4+

-

Full-Day Program

-

Beginner Terrain

8.0

5.0

Walkability

6.0

5.0

Village Vibe

6.5

5.0

Mountain

Vertical

1,665'

1,824'

Skiable Area

748 ac

0 ac

Green Runs

25%

12%

Trails

55

50

Lifts

26

13

Getting There

Airport

ONT

LAX

Drive Time

1.5h

2h

Road Ease

6.5

5.0

Cost

Passes

Ikon

None

Day Pass

$109

$0

Cost Tier

Moderate

Moderate

Village

Dining

Moderate

Limited

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.

Key Differences

Big Bear Mountain Resort's beginner terrain score (8.0) exceeds Kirkwood Mountain Resort's (5.0), making it better for families prioritizing beginner runs
Big Bear Mountain Resort's walkability score (6.0) exceeds Kirkwood Mountain Resort's (5.0), making it better for families prioritizing walkability
Big Bear Mountain Resort's family village atmosphere score (6.5) exceeds Kirkwood Mountain Resort's (5.0), making it better for families prioritizing family village experience
Big Bear Mountain Resort offers more terrain variety (748 acres vs 0 acres)
Big Bear Mountain Resort has more beginner/intermediate terrain (80% green and blue), while Kirkwood Mountain Resort skews more advanced (56% black and double black)

Best For

Big Bear Mountain Resort

Families with first-time skiers (excellent beginner terrain)
Families wanting a charming, kid-friendly atmosphere
Advanced skiers seeking terrain variety (748 acres)

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Budget-conscious families
Expert skiers (56% advanced terrain)

More Comparisons

Heavenly Mountain Resort vs Kirkwood Mountain Resort Big Bear Mountain Resort vs Heavenly Mountain Resort Kirkwood Mountain Resort vs Mammoth Mountain Big Bear Mountain Resort vs Mammoth Mountain Kirkwood Mountain Resort vs Palisades Tahoe Big Bear Mountain Resort vs Palisades Tahoe

Explore More

Regions

British Columbia

Best For

Best for Beginners

Best for Toddlers

Guides

First Family Ski Trip Guide

Best Time to Go Skiing