Big Bear Mountain vs Palisades Tahoe
Comparing Big Bear Mountain (CA) and Palisades Tahoe (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
Palisades Tahoe
Olympic Valley, CA
Ikon pass
Window price$289
Online (advance)$189
Season pass$1,329
Side-by-side
| Stat | Big Bear Mountain | Palisades Tahoe | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window lift ticket | $95 | $289 | Big Bear Mountain |
| Online (30+ days) | $64 | $189 | Big Bear Mountain |
| Season pass | $1,329 | $1,329 | Tied |
| Annual snowfall | 120" | 450" | Palisades Tahoe |
| Skiable acres | 748 | 6,000 | Palisades Tahoe |
| Vertical drop | 1,665' | 2,850' | Palisades Tahoe |
| Runs | 42 | 270 | Palisades Tahoe |
| Lifts | 17 | 42 | Palisades Tahoe |
| Summit elevation | 8,805' | 9,500' | Palisades Tahoe |
| Beginner terrain | 30% | 25% | Big Bear Mountain |
| Advanced terrain | 25% | 35% | Palisades Tahoe |
| Average lift wait | 20 min | 15 min | Palisades Tahoe |
The Match
Big Bear Mountain is cheaper at the gate ($64 vs $189 entry). Palisades Tahoe is significantly bigger (6,000 vs 748 acres). Palisades Tahoe sees more snow (450" vs 120"). Both are on the Ikon pass — same pass, same wallet.