--- title: "Bear Valley Ski Resort — Snow Report & Mountain Cams | Arnold Haven" description: "Live Bear Valley snow report, forecast, and mountain camera streams, plus a guide to skiing the resort just up Highway 4 from Arnold, California." lang: en json-ld: | { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "TouristAttraction", "@id": "https://arnoldhaven.com/explore/bear-valley-ski-resort#attraction", "name": "Bear Valley Ski Resort", "alternateName": "Bear Valley Ski Resort", "description": "Reaching heights of around 8500 feet, Bear Valley has some of the best skiing in California. 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Half the year, it's a place where pristine, white snow sits atop rugged, unforgiving Sierra Nevada Mountains and the other half, a wilderness playground of hiking trails, alpine lakes, and granite bouldering. [Check availability](/cabins)[See the cabins](/cabins) Snow report ## Bear Valley conditions right now Live mountain weather for Bear Valley, plus the resort's own mountain cameras so you can see the snow before you load the car in Arnold. Base 7,100 ft Summit 8,500 ft [Resort conditions & lift status](https://www.bearvalley.com/conditions-updates) Live conditions are temporarily unavailable. Check the resort's own report for current snowfall, depth, and lift status. [Bear Valley conditions](https://www.bearvalley.com/conditions-updates) Bear Valley sits high enough to hold winter longer than almost anything else on Highway 4. The village base sits near 7,100 feet and the lift-served summit tops out around 8,500, which means storms that fall as rain down in Arnold usually stack up as dry snow on the pass. In a good season the mountain collects well over 300 inches, and it is not unusual for a single Pacific system to drop two or three feet in 48 hours. The season typically runs from around mid-December through early April, with the deepest base in February and March and long, soft spring days after that. Because the resort is only about 30 miles up the highway from the cabins, it is easy to watch a storm land overnight, check the cams over coffee, and be on the hill before the groomers are tracked out. The live camera is hosted by YouTube, which sets its own cookies. Show live cameras ### Base Cam Village base area, lifts and the day lodge. The live camera is hosted by YouTube, which sets its own cookies. Show live cameras ### Summit Cam Looking out from the top of the mountain. First things first ## A Quiet up-and-comer While ski resorts in Lake Tahoe get all the media attention, Bear Valley Ski Resort flies under the radar while growing its infrastructure and maintaining its 80’s movie local mountain vibe. With the enhancements Skyline International has been bringing to the resort, the future of this mountain could be bright. ![Bear Valley Ski Resort](/assets/bearvalleyhistory-1920x1080-1-drUu8nC_.webp) 02 ## THE HISTORY OF BEAR VALLEY SKI RESORT In 1963, a group of skiers led by John Reveal and Jim Slevin discovered a small ski area near Bear Valley, California. The area had a few trails, a rope tow, and a small lodge. In 1967, the Bear Valley Ski Corporation was established, and construction began on a new ski resort. The new resort was designed to be a family-friendly destination, with a focus on beginner and intermediate skiers. The resort opened to the public in 1967, with two chairlifts, a handful of trails, and a small base lodge. Over the next few years, Bear Valley Ski Resort continued to grow and expand. In 1970, the resort added a third chairlift, which opened up more advanced terrain for skiers. The resort also expanded its base lodge and added several new buildings, including a ski school, rental shop, and restaurant. In 1981, the resort opened the Bear Valley Cross Country and Adventure Company, which offered cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter activities. In 1991, the Bear Valley Ski Resort was sold to Dundee Realty Corporation, a Canadian company. In 2014, the Bear Valley Ski Resort was sold again, this time to Skyline International Development, a real estate development company based in Canada. ![THE HISTORY OF BEAR VALLEY SKI RESORT](/assets/bear-valley-mountain-BDf5kSkT.webp) ![THE HISTORY OF BEAR VALLEY SKI RESORT](/assets/springskiband-scaled-DNMIWERx.webp) 03 ## STAY NEAR BEAR VALLEY Arnold has more food and drink options than Bear Valley Village & is only 30 minutes from the slopes. ![STAY NEAR BEAR VALLEY](/assets/2019-02-19-Presidents-Day-Bear-Valley-071-copy-1920x1080-1-7zHiFNKb.webp) ![STAY NEAR BEAR VALLEY](/assets/springskicrash-scaled-IGxiTji-.webp) Gallery ## Bear Valley Ski Resort in pictures ![Bear Valley Ski Resort — photo 1](/assets/bearvalleyhistory-1920x1080-1-drUu8nC_.webp) ![Bear Valley Ski Resort — photo 2](/assets/bear-valley-mountain-BDf5kSkT.webp) ![Bear Valley Ski Resort — photo 3](/assets/springskiband-scaled-DNMIWERx.webp) ![Bear Valley Ski Resort — photo 4](/assets/2019-02-19-Presidents-Day-Bear-Valley-071-copy-1920x1080-1-7zHiFNKb.webp) ![Bear Valley Ski Resort — photo 5](/assets/springskicrash-scaled-IGxiTji-.webp) ![Bear Valley Ski Resort — photo 6](/assets/clint_bear_valley-e1695693232930-DCoRijoQ.webp) ![Bear Valley Ski Resort — photo 7](/assets/springskipond-scaled-xiaF6v_A.webp) ![Bear Valley Ski Resort — photo 8](/assets/bearvalleypass-BiouwNIf.webp) Nearby ## Keep exploring [ ![Skiing/Snowboarding](/assets/bearvalleypass-BiouwNIf.webp) ### Skiing/Snowboarding Bear Valley boasts a diverse range of ski slopes suitable for all skill levels. Whether you're a novice or an expert, you'll find terrain that matches your abilities. The resort offers ski and snowboard lessons for beginners and terrain parks for freestyle enthusiasts. Discover ](https://www.bearvalley.com/mountain/lifts-trails/) [ ![Cross Country Skiing](/assets/crosscountryski-D1Z4D35U.webp) ### Cross Country Skiing If you prefer Nordic skiing, Bear Valley offers excellent cross-country skiing opportunities. Glide through well-maintained trails, taking in the serenity of the snowy forest. Discover ](https://www.bvadventures.com/cross-country-skiing) [ ![Tube Park](/assets/TUBERSBearValley-BwYRaQcB.webp) ### Tube Park For a fun-filled family activity, try tubing at Bear Valley Snowpark. Glide down groomed tubing lanes and enjoy the thrill of speeding downhill. Discover ](https://www.bvadventures.com/sledding-tubing) [ ![Snowshoeing](/assets/bearvalleysnowshoe-DkhzbE-i.webp) ### Snowshoeing Explore the pristine wilderness around Bear Valley on snowshoes. Guided tours are available for those new to snowshoeing, providing a safe and enjoyable experience. Discover ](https://www.bvadventures.com/snowshoeing) [ ![Snowmobiling](/assets/snowmobile-e1695705237303-Cxefz27H.webp) ### Snowmobiling Bear Valley Snowmobile provides snowmobile rentals for visitors eager to explore the snow-covered wilderness surrounding the resort. These snowmobiles are well-maintained and come in various models suitable for riders of different skill levels. Discover ](https://www.bvsnowmobile.com/rentals) [ ![Mountain Biking](/assets/bearvalleymountainbiking-D5oeb2tT.webp) ### Mountain Biking The resort offers a wide range of mountain biking trails suitable for riders of all levels, from beginners to advanced. You can explore gentle scenic paths or challenge yourself on more technical routes. For adrenaline junkies, Bear Valley boasts exciting downhill trails with jumps, berms, and technical features. These trails cater to experienced riders looking for a heart-pounding experience. Discover ](https://www.bvadventures.com/bicycling) [ ![Rock Climbing](/assets/summerinbear-700x700-1-BDhbYZcz.webp) ### Rock Climbing Bear Valley offers a mix of climbing options, including bouldering and sport climbing. Bouldering enthusiasts can test their skills on the resort's granite boulders, while sport climbers can tackle challenging routes with bolted anchors. You'll find a range of routes that cater to different abilities and preferences. Whether you're a beginner looking for easy, well-marked paths or an experienced climber seeking challenging ascents, Bear Valley has something for everyone. Discover ](https://www.bearvalley.com/rock-climbing/) [ ![Hiking](/assets/bearvalleyhiking-CUknMH-I.webp) ### Hiking Hiking at Bear Valley offers a diverse range of terrain, from gentle paths through alpine meadows to more challenging routes that ascend to high mountain peaks. You can choose hikes that cater to your fitness level and preferences. Bear Valley provides trail maps and information at the resort, ensuring that you have the necessary guidance and resources to plan your hikes. Discover ](/explore/bear-valley-ski-resort) [ ![Frisbee Golf](/assets/calaveras-disc-golf-white-pines-w0HSfmdO.webp) ### Frisbee Golf The course at Bear Valley offers a mix of challenging and more accessible holes. Players can test their skills with long-distance throws, navigate through obstacles, and strategize to achieve the lowest score. If you don't have your own discs, Bear Valley Ski Resort provides disc golf equipment rentals, ensuring that you have access to the necessary discs for your game. Discover ](https://udisc.com/courses/ricks-revenge-OpUt) [ ![Music Festival](/assets/Screenshot2023-07-03at9.43.47AM-Bt2Kyhq8.webp) ### Music Festival The Bear Valley Music Festival is an annual vibrant celebration of music that attracts both seasoned music enthusiasts and casual listeners. It features an eclectic lineup of musical performances spanning various genres, including classical, jazz, rock, and more. Discover ](https://www.bearvalleymusicfestival.org/) Stay nearby ## Ski cabins near Bear Valley Ski Resort Bear Valley is roughly a 30-minute drive up Highway 4 — the practical choice for Bear Valley ski lodging without paying mountain-village rates. Looking for Bear Valley lodging? Arnold Haven has two dog-friendly cabins — a five-bedroom A-frame chalet that sleeps 12 and a two-bedroom loft that sleeps 4. Minimum stay is 2 nights, check-in is at 3pm and check-out at 11am. Check-in Self check-in, 3pm Cancellation 5 days notice, full refund - [CHALET BRUIN — 12 guests, 5 bedrooms](/cabins/chalet-bruin) - [KODA LOFT — 4 guests, 2 bedrooms](/cabins/koda-loft) Check live availability, see your full price, and book securely — ID check and payment are handled by Stripe. Check dates & book Good to know ## Frequently asked questions Who bought Bear Valley Ski Resort? + In August of 2014 Skyline Development entered into a binding agreement to purchase Bear Valley Mountain. The purchase of the ski area was completed on Dec 19th, 2014 and Skyline Development was officially operating the ski area and managing village operations. Is Bear Valley good for beginners? + Bear Valley prides itself on being a family-friendly resort with a welcoming atmosphere. It offers various activities for families, including lessons for beginners and a tubing hill for children. How many feet of snow in Bear Valley? + Natural snowfall average is 359″ (30 feet) annually. How much snow did Bear Valley get in 2023? + Bear Valley Mountain Resort, CA, broke its 40-year snowfall record from 82/83 on March 24, 2023. The record sat at 639 inches, but was smashed with a new historical all-time high of 648 inches on March 24, 2023. What is Bear Valley known for? + Reaching heights of around 8500 feet, Bear Valley has some of the best skiing in a state known for great skiing. It is so good, in fact, that the World Pro Ski Tour has been held here on multiple occasions. Are there bears in Bear Valley? + The Sierra Nevada region of California does have black bears, but they tend to inhabit more remote and less developed areas of the mountains. If you’re visiting Bear Valley or other areas in the Sierra Nevada, it’s possible to encounter black bears in the wilderness, but bear sightings are relatively rare and typically not a cause for concern. What months does it snow in Bear Valley? + The snow season in Bear Valley typically begins in late November or December and continues through March or April. The peak snowfall months are often January and February. How many lifts does Bear Valley have? + Bear Valley Mountain Resort has a total of 10 lifts. Arnold Haven Cabin stays in Arnold, California — minutes from Calaveras Big Trees State Park, White Pines Lake and Bear Valley. 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