Big Bear Mountain vs Steamboat
Comparing Big Bear Mountain (CA) and Steamboat (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
Steamboat
Steamboat Springs, CO
Ikon pass
Window price$339
Online (advance)$149
Season pass$1,329
Side-by-side
| Stat | Big Bear Mountain | Steamboat | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window lift ticket | $95 | $339 | Big Bear Mountain |
| Online (30+ days) | $64 | $149 | Big Bear Mountain |
| Season pass | $1,329 | $1,329 | Tied |
| Annual snowfall | 120" | 342" | Steamboat |
| Skiable acres | 748 | 3,741 | Steamboat |
| Vertical drop | 1,665' | 3,668' | Steamboat |
| Runs | 42 | 184 | Steamboat |
| Lifts | 17 | 23 | Steamboat |
| Summit elevation | 8,805' | 10,568' | Steamboat |
| Beginner terrain | 30% | 14% | Big Bear Mountain |
| Advanced terrain | 25% | 44% | Steamboat |
| Average lift wait | 20 min | 10 min | Steamboat |
The Match
Big Bear Mountain is cheaper at the gate ($64 vs $149 entry). Steamboat is significantly bigger (3,741 vs 748 acres). Steamboat sees more snow (342" vs 120"). Both are on the Ikon pass — same pass, same wallet.