This winter, California has seen an unprecedented amount of snowfall. Everywhere from Tahoe to Big Bear has seen record breaking snow showers, and Mountain High Resort in Wrightwood, CA is no exception. I was lucky enough to be invited for full day of fun in the snow by the kind people at Mountain High. The day before we arrived, the mountain received 13 inches of snowfall! This made for excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding with tons of fresh powder on the slopes.
Mountain High has three resorts: West, East, and North. Because of all the snowfall, the West Resort had all runs open, and all lifts operating on the day I visited. The East and North Resorts were scheduled to open the next day. With all the runs open at the West Resort, the mountain never felt crowded despite the parking lot being packed. The drive up to Mountain High could not have been easier. All roads were open with no restrictions. I made the drive from the beach to the resort in two hours flat. Only in California can you be sitting on the beach one minute and in the mountains the next!
Upon arriving at Mountain High, I was greeted warmly by the staff and directed towards the rental center. The rental process extremely fast with the resort’s smooth flowing system. After checking in, I was out the door with my gear, and on the slopes within minutes. Staff at the rental center were efficient and courteous, and happy to answer any questions.
Before hitting the slopes, I warmed up with a quick drink at the Foggy Goggle, a lively outdoor bar at the base of the mountain. After the libation, it was time to snowboard! Mountain High West has seven lifts and a superb mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert runs. I never waited longer than a minute for any lift. Because of higher traffic, the lower runs were slightly more snow packed, but the upper runs were pure powdery bliss! Mountain High is the perfect spot for families as its slopes offer something for everyone. The expert runs are challenging, while the intermediate runs are very approachable, and the beginner runs are safe and easy. Perfect for the kiddos.
Midday, I stopped for lunch at the Bullwheel Bar and Grill, a ski in/ski out restaurant located right on the mountain. I ordered nachos, an Italian sausage sandwich, and a bowl of their world famous chili. All of it was delicious. I highly recommend the chili! After filling my belly and warming toes by the fireplace, it was back to the slopes for some more fun in the snow. In the evening, I was treated to some après ski apps and beverages by the wonderful staff at Mountain High. It was the perfect ending to the perfect day.
Mountain High Resort is Los Angeles’s closest ski resort. With another winter storm blowing through this week, the mountain will once again be blanketed in fresh powder, and all three resorts are expected to open. When all three resorts are running, Mountain High boasts more trails than Snow Summit, more acres than Bear Mountain, and more terrain than Snow Valley. Basically, there is TONS of fun to be had! This winter has brought record snowfall to Southern California, and Mountain High Resort is your place to enjoy it all!
This promises a lot of fun for people living in Southern California. I have always thought their weather was warm and sunny all year round. Mountain High Ski Resort would be a great winter travel destination!