Big Bear Mountain vs Northstar
Comparing Big Bear Mountain (CA) and Northstar (CA) 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
Northstar
Truckee, CA
Epic pass
Window price$199
Online (advance)$127
Season pass$1,051
Side-by-side
| Stat | Big Bear Mountain | Northstar | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window lift ticket | $95 | $199 | Big Bear Mountain |
| Online (30+ days) | $64 | $127 | Big Bear Mountain |
| Season pass | $1,329 | $1,051 | Northstar |
| Annual snowfall | 120" | 350" | Northstar |
| Skiable acres | 748 | 3,170 | Northstar |
| Vertical drop | 1,665' | 2,280' | Northstar |
| Runs | 42 | 100 | Northstar |
| Lifts | 17 | 20 | Northstar |
| Summit elevation | 8,805' | 8,610' | Big Bear Mountain |
| Beginner terrain | 30% | 13% | Big Bear Mountain |
| Advanced terrain | 25% | 27% | Northstar |
| Average lift wait | 20 min | 12 min | Northstar |
The Match
Big Bear Mountain is cheaper at the gate ($64 vs $127 entry). Northstar is significantly bigger (3,170 vs 748 acres). Northstar sees more snow (350" vs 120"). Pass affiliation: Big Bear Mountain is Ikon, Northstar is Epic.