UPDATE: Snow enthusiasts can celebrate the Thanksgiving weekend by hitting the slopes as Southern California’s winter season officially kicks off! Just confirmed: both Mountain High Resorts in Wrightwood and Big Bear Snow Play have opened for the season, inviting families and thrill-seekers to enjoy the fresh snow.
With 12-16 inches of fresh powder reported at Mountain High, the resort is welcoming visitors with five trails and three lifts operational. The excitement peaked during the opening weekend which started on November 22, 2025, with attendance soaring to nearly 2,000 skiers and snowboarders, marking the best opening in a decade.
For those looking for family-friendly fun, Big Bear Snow Play is offering thrilling snow tubing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with a special glow tubing event starting on November 28 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Friday, Saturday, and holiday night. “The timing is perfect for those looking for something to do this Thanksgiving,” said Scott Voigt, Director of Operations at Big Bear Snow Play.
However, not all routes to the mountains are accessible. Following a severe storm in September, Highway 38, a crucial access road to Big Bear, remains closed for repairs. Thankfully, visitors can still reach Big Bear Lake via Highway 330 through Highland and Highway 18 through San Bernardino or the Lucerne Valley.
As colder temperatures are expected next week, conditions should continue to improve, further enhancing the snow experience. Visitors are urged to plan ahead as resorts gear up for the busy holiday season.
Mountain High Resorts is set to operate from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. over the Thanksgiving weekend, enticing guests with live DJ performances and a vibrant atmosphere. With excitement building, this weekend promises to be a thrilling start to winter sports in Southern California.
For more information on lift tickets and current conditions, visit the respective resort websites. Don’t miss out on the season’s first snow adventures—get your gear ready and hit the slopes NOW!
