Bear Valley, California — Bear Valley isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of ski resorts in California. Hell, it probably isn’t even the tenth. But Bear Valley’s extensive terrain network has given it a devoted fan base, and a recent ownership change has resulted in some much-needed improvements.
In a video from last summer by PeakRankings, the experience at Bear Valley Mountain Resort is detailed. This includes an analysis of the terrain, lifts, snow quality, and on-mountain facilities. PeakRankings gave Bear Valley a score of 63/100, which ranks them 7th in California/Tahoe. What makes this ski resort unusual is its lift network and the fact that 40% of the terrain doesn’t have direct lift access after reaching the bottom.
As mentioned in the video, this past winter saw various improvements that have improved the lift network and overall guest experience. The Koala Chair (a fixed-grip double) was replaced by a fixed-grip quad. This lift was previously at Taos Ski Valley. The Cub Double Chair has been replaced by a triple chair that was previously in a different terrain zone at Bear Valley (previously known as Kuma). The Super Cub chair had its seats replaced, which is intended to make it easier to load and safer for guests to ride. Other improvements include new food offerings at various locations, more retail options at Reba Sports, and a simplified rental process.
These changes haven’t been factored into PeakRankings’ score yet. Regardless, the video by PeakRankings describes what makes the ski resort a special place to experience.
Image/Video Credits: Bear Valley Mountain Resort, PeakRankings
