Big Bear Mountain vs Sierra-at-Tahoe
Comparing Big Bear Mountain (CA) and Sierra-at-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
Sierra-at-Tahoe
Twin Bridges, CA
Independent pass
Window price$185
Online (advance)$89
Season pass$749
Side-by-side
| Stat | Big Bear Mountain | Sierra-at-Tahoe | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window lift ticket | $95 | $185 | Big Bear Mountain |
| Online (30+ days) | $64 | $89 | Big Bear Mountain |
| Season pass | $1,329 | $749 | Sierra-at-Tahoe |
| Annual snowfall | 120" | 400" | Sierra-at-Tahoe |
| Skiable acres | 748 | 2,000 | Sierra-at-Tahoe |
| Vertical drop | 1,665' | 2,212' | Sierra-at-Tahoe |
| Runs | 42 | 50 | Sierra-at-Tahoe |
| Lifts | 17 | 11 | Big Bear Mountain |
| Summit elevation | 8,805' | 8,690' | Big Bear Mountain |
| Beginner terrain | 30% | 25% | Big Bear Mountain |
| Advanced terrain | 25% | 25% | Tied |
| Average lift wait | 20 min | 8 min | Sierra-at-Tahoe |
The Match
Big Bear Mountain is cheaper at the gate ($64 vs $89 entry). Sierra-at-Tahoe is significantly bigger (2,000 vs 748 acres). Sierra-at-Tahoe sees more snow (400" vs 120"). Pass affiliation: Big Bear Mountain is Ikon, Sierra-at-Tahoe is Independent.