Big Bear Mountain vs Copper Mountain
Comparing Big Bear Mountain (CA) and Copper Mountain (CO) on price, terrain, snowfall, and lift wait. Numbers from the 2026 season.
Big Bear Mountain
Big Bear Lake, CA
Ikon pass
Window price$95
Online (advance)$64
Season pass$1,329
Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain, CO
Ikon pass
Window price$274
Online (advance)$180
Season pass$1,329
Side-by-side
| Stat | Big Bear Mountain | Copper Mountain | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window lift ticket | $95 | $274 | Big Bear Mountain |
| Online (30+ days) | $64 | $180 | Big Bear Mountain |
| Season pass | $1,329 | $1,329 | Tied |
| Annual snowfall | 120" | 251" | Copper Mountain |
| Skiable acres | 748 | 2,507 | Copper Mountain |
| Vertical drop | 1,665' | 2,738' | Copper Mountain |
| Runs | 42 | 150 | Copper Mountain |
| Lifts | 17 | 24 | Copper Mountain |
| Summit elevation | 8,805' | 12,472' | Copper Mountain |
| Beginner terrain | 30% | 21% | Big Bear Mountain |
| Advanced terrain | 25% | 54% | Copper Mountain |
| Average lift wait | 20 min | 12 min | Copper Mountain |
The Match
Big Bear Mountain is cheaper at the gate ($64 vs $180 entry). Copper Mountain is significantly bigger (2,507 vs 748 acres). Copper Mountain sees more snow (251" vs 120"). Both are on the Ikon pass — same pass, same wallet.