Uphill Policy

Our Human Powered Uphill Travel Policy has recently Changed - - Please Read Carefully:

Before and after chairlift operations:

Acceptable forms of human-powered uphill travel include skis, split boards, and snowshoes. Boot-only hiking is usually too damaging to the snow surface and is only allowed in snow conditions where the boot imprint is less than 1”.  

Human-powered uphill travel is allowed up until 30 minutes before first chair, and then again 30 minutes after last chair. Anyone wishing to explore within the ski area boundaries should be informed about the potential dangers, follow the protocols noted here, and avoid any travel on the slopes when any snowmaking operations or equipment is present weather currently making snow or not, or when grooming operations are taking place in the vicinity. If in doubt, the best approach is to stay out.

During chairlift operations:

Human-powered uphill traffic will be allowed within the ski area boundary during operating hours with the following restrictions:
1. A valid ticket or pass is required. Acceptable tickets or passes include a Downhill season pass, a Downhill day ticket for the day climbing is taking place, a No-chairlift/Climb Only day ticket, or a No-chairlift/Climb Only season pass. Tickets can be purchased in the ticket office, in Cy’s Café, or online.

There are two approved uphill routes within the ski area boundary:

2. One route ascends Big Bear and then climbs Huckleberry Ridge to Silver Ridge, then on to the summit, the climber is to keep as close to the climber’s left-hand tree line as is practical and safe (see the trail map)

3. The second route is to the top of Angel Peak up Quartzite Ridge beginning at the Saddle where the 4,800’ intersects Lost Dutchman. There are no up-routes in the ski area leading to the saddle; Access is either from outside the ski area boundary or downhill by Lost Dutchman. Angel Peak terrain above Lost Dutchman is not patrolled when the Angel Peak Chairlift is not running, please use Backcountry etiquette and common sense, be prepared, and do not ski or ride alone.

4. Uphill travel may not unduly damage the snow surface, boot only hiking is only allowed when the boot imprint is less than 1”

Fall and Winter of 2023-2024

Beginning November 1^st 2023, Uphill Tickets and Passes will be required for all uphill travel regardless of the status of chairlift operations. Day tickets are available for purchase online and can be picked up regardless of the time of day at the ticket kiosk at the main base area. Approved routes are:
During chairlift operation- Big Bear to Huckleberry Ridge.
Outside of chairlift operations- Runs without snowmaking equipment or active grooming operations. 
Uphill travel can be demanding and dangerous, please make sure you are adequately prepared, and do so at your own risk.