Resort Comparison

Big Bear Mountain Resort vs Mammoth Mountain

Big Bear Mountain Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain, while Mammoth Mountain offers more terrain for diverse skill levels.

The Verdict

Big Bear Mountain Resort leads with 4 wins

Best for Families

Big Bear Mountain Resort

Family-focused experience

Best Snowfall

Mammoth Mountain

259.4" average season

Best Terrain

Mammoth Mountain

3,100' of vertical

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

Mammoth Mountain

California, United States

$$Ikon

Family

Ski School Age

4+

4+

Full-Day Program

Beginner Terrain

8.0

7.0

Walkability

6.0

6.0

Village Vibe

6.5

6.5

Mountain

Vertical

1,665'

3,100'

Skiable Area

748 ac

3,500 ac

Green Runs

25%

25%

Trails

55

175

Lifts

26

28

Getting There

Airport

ONT

SFO

Drive Time

1.5h

5h

Road Ease

6.5

4.0

Cost

Passes

Ikon

Ikon

Day Pass

$109

$200

Cost Tier

Moderate

Moderate

Village

Dining

Moderate

Good

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%

Mammoth Mountain

259.4"

avg season

2024-25 season

203.3" total

78%

Season Accumulation (10-Year Average)

OctNovDecJanFebMarApr

259"130"0"

Big Bear Mountain Resort

Mammoth Mountain

Key Insights

Big Bear Mountain Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain, while Mammoth Mountain offers more terrain for diverse skill levels.

Key Differences

Big Bear Mountain Resort's beginner terrain score (8.0) exceeds Mammoth Mountain's (7.0), making it better for families prioritizing beginner runs
Mammoth Mountain offers more terrain variety (3,500 acres vs 748 acres)
Mammoth Mountain has greater vertical drop (3,100' vs 1,665'), offering longer runs
Big Bear Mountain Resort has more beginner/intermediate terrain (80% green and blue), while Mammoth Mountain skews more advanced (35% black and double black)

Best For

Big Bear Mountain Resort

Parents with young children (ski school from age 4)
Budget-conscious families
Parents wanting full-day ski school programs

Mammoth Mountain

Advanced skiers seeking terrain variety (3,500 acres)
Parents with young children (ski school from age 4)
Budget-conscious families

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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