Snow Valley – Celebrating 82 Seasons

Snow Valley Mountain Resort is officially preparing the mountain to make sure that everything is ready for the 2019-2020 Winter Season. Recently, the resort has completed nearly $1 million in improvements, cementing the ongoing commitment that Snow Valley has to delighting visitors for many more years to come.

These improvements were performed ahead of the 82nd year of operation,  and they are a welcome addition to the already present, six-person high-speed chairlift, The Snow Valley Express. This brand-new charlift is the only one of its kind in Southern California, and it is right here in the San Bernardino Mountains.

What’s New for 2019?

Increased Access to Slide Peak

The skiing and snowboarding runs on Slide Peak are on track to open earlier than they ever have been before, due to a new brush-clearing program. A special thank you goes out to volunteers from the Rim of the World High School ski team, who helped to clear any obstacles or debris from the peak. Even with minimal snowfall, the runs will now be safe to enjoy!

New Rental Shop

Renting equipment will now be faster than ever! A brand new greeting desk will exist to help field guests’ questions, and the large and friendly staff will assist guests in the new streamlined rental process, by utilizing new customized software.

Greener Operations, Including LED Lighting

The traditional exterior lighting used for night skiing has been replaced with modern LED products. Not only will this help to reduce the resorts carbon footprint, but the improved visibility and light uniformity will help to keep guests safe while on the mountain.

Night skiing and snowboarding will be available until 8pm on select weekends and holidays. Click here if you have any additional questions regarding the hours of operation. 

New Alfresco Drinking and Dining Restaurant 

Micro brews, brats, burgers, and more, can all be enjoyed while taking in the incredibly mountain vista from the “Chalet Deck” at Snow Valley. You can opt to take your food to go and head up to the newly built “Mountain Top Terrace” that sits above the Snow Valley Express charlift.

Highway 330 Closure From September 9-20th

Highway 330 will be completely closed for construction from September 9-20. If you are planning on visiting Running Springs or attending the Running Springs Farmers Market and Artisan Faire during this time, you will need to take an alternate route. We highly recommend that visitors take Highway 18 to reach the market, which is a designated California Scenic Byway. It may take a little extra time (15-20 minutes) to reach your destination, but it is worth it to take in the beautifully scenic drive across the Rim of the World.

The 110-mile route takes drives around the mountain ridges of the San Bernardino Mountains from Cajon Pass to San Gorgonio Pass. Panoramic vistas can be found at any point along the route, and during the months of March and October, the mountains are covered in a colorful array of wildflowers.

For more information, please reach out to CalTrans District 8 at (909) 383-4631, or visit their website for any relevant updates.

Green Valley Lake, California

Completely surrounded by National Forest and less than 90 miles away from bustling Los Angeles, you can find the picturesque small community of Green Valley Lake.

Between the months of May through August, the natural beauty of the San Bernardino Mountains is in full swing, and just waiting to be discovered.

Wildflowers

Hike one of the trails bordering Green Valley Lake, and you will be greeted by thousands of wildflowers. If you are curious about what breed of flowers you are seeing, Heaps Peak Arboretum has a massive photo gallery of wildflowers that are native to California.

Bird Watching in Spring

Listen for the melodious calls of the Bullock’s oriole and the distinct call of the yellow-breasted chat as you walk through the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains.

Bring your favorite pair of binoculars and a field guide to help you identify the following birds: Dark-eyed Junco, Finch, Hummingbird, Mountain Chickadee, Northern Flicker, Pygmy Nuthatch, Red-Tail Hawk, Robin, Starling, Western Bluebird, Woodpecker and more!

Camping

The Green Valley Lake Campground overlooks a (seasonal) mountain creek, and offers single-family campsites for both RV and tent camping. Set among a forest of pine, fire, and cedar trees, each site is equipped with a table and a campfire with grill. There are even flushable toilets! Drinking water is provided, so make sure to fill your canteens before heading out to the lake to fish for trout.

It is important to note that fire restrictions may be imposed at any time, especially due to hot, dry weather conditions. This means that campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. Contact the Forest Supervisor’s Office at: (909) 380-2600.

Click here to make reservations for this campground, and check availability for your preferred site number.

Summer in the Mountains – Small Communities, Big Celebrations

Visiting the San Bernardino Mountains is often only thought of as a destination during the winter months. Of course, Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake, and Green Valley Lake are well known as being the closest communities  to Snow Valley where you can ski, snowboard, or take a scenic chair lift ride.

The truth of the matter is, as soon as the weather is warm, the Running Springs, Arrowbear, and Green Valley Lake communities are busy planning a robust calendar of celebrations and activities that appeal to every visitor.

ACTIVITIES

Mountain Biking

If you are a mountain biking enthusiast, Snow Valley Bike Ranch boasts several downhill trails, that are as thrilling as they are beautiful. Take your bike and climb aboard the Snow Valley Mountain Express, which takes you to the perfect viewpoint where you will gain access to the mountain bike trails.

For information on summer hours and summer pricing, visit Snow Valley’s website.

Running Springs Farmers Market & Artisan Faire

Stop by the Running Springs Farmers Market & Artisan Faire to pick up a unique treasure or fresh organic produce, open every Saturday from 10am-2pm, from May 4 until September 28.

The market runs features a different theme for your enjoyment each weekend, and hosts a variety of vendors that sell local and artisanal products such as: “No pesticide” Fruits/Vegetables/Herbs, Farm Fresh Eggs, Microgreens, Flowers, Honey, Olive Oil, Bread, Jams, Art, Gifts, Clothing, Body Products, Live Music, and more!

View the full schedule of events on our events page.

ART AND MUSIC

Annual Mountain Arts Festival

The 10^th Annual Mountain Arts Festival is returning to Running Springs from July 6-7. Rustic Arts and Fine Woodworking is hosting this free event at Rustique Furniture, and “wood” like to see you there!

Local artisans will be showcasing their creations at various booths, where you can select your own beautiful pieces to take home. There will be booths that feature: leather crafts, custom made wooden signs, glass art, photography, paintings, metal working, jewelry, handmade birdhouses, and more!

Address: 32088 California Hwy-18, Running Springs, CA 92382

Green Valley Lake Summer Concerts

Head up the mountain to Green Valley Lake, where there are summer concerts every other Saturday. The concerts are entirely free, and are held in the Community Garden. Watch local bands and performs play on a recently built stage. Bring your dancing shoes, or your favorite lawn chair and enjoy the music with beautiful lakeside views.

Keep your instruments handy because there are jam sessions held occasionally in the styles of Celtic, Old-Time, and Bluegrass, that anyone is free to join. You can email sandi@green-valley-lake.com for more information.

Address: 33205 Green Valley Lake Rd, Green Valley Lake, CA 92341

1. Green Valley Lake
   
   Often referred to as the “best kept secret on the mountain”, Green Valley is four miles off of Highway 18 and is completely surrounded by forest. At the heart of the town, you will find a privately owned lake that is open for public use. You can swim, fish, kayak, or rent a pedal boat! Fees are subject to change, so make sure you plan ahead. For more information, you can visit the Green Valley Lake Recreation website.

 

2. Pali Mountain Retreat
   
   For your next family reunion, school trip, or team building event, you can experience seclusion and exclusivity at Pali Mountain Retreat. Surrounded by 274 acres of lush forest, you can revel in the natural peace found only outdoors. There are a variety of packages available that can be uniquely customized to your needs. If you have a particularly adventurous group, there are some truly fun extras such as: Archery, paintball, ropes obstacle course, and ziplining!

 

3. Keller Peak Fire Lookout via Exploration Trail
   
   For incredible views that extend all the way to the San Gabriel Mountains, hike up to the oldest fire lookout in the San Bernardino Mountains. Built in 1926, the trail route to the lookout is graded as moderate, and spans a distance of 12 miles. Located just east of Running Springs, from the Highway 330 junction, you will see a brown sign that indicates you have found the “Exploration Trail”. You will pass by beautiful trees, several streams, and take in beautiful views before making your ascent to Keller Peak.
    
   The fire lookout is open from 9AM-5PM each day, and is staffed by local volunteers. From here, you can see the San Bernardino Mountains, the San Gabriels, Saddleback, Sugarloaf, and more! A must see for any active visitor.

 

4. Rocky’s Roadhouse
   
   A day spent exploring the San Bernardino Mountains is a sure way to work up an appetite. You will know that you are in the right place when you spot the big dog statue out front! This rustic deli offers some of the most delicious sandwiches on the mountain. If you happen to be traveling with a 4 legged friend, their patio is dog friendly!*Insider pro-tip: Rocky’s now accepts credit/debit cards and Apple Pay!

 

5. Snow Valley Mountain Resort
   
   During winter, Snow Valley is the premier ski resort found in Running Springs. During summer, visitors can now enjoy a Mountain Bike Park that hosts intermediate downhill trails, as well as cross-country mountain biking trails and hiking trails.The park now features the Snow Valley Express: California’s first high speed detachable 6 seat lift. Bikers can take the lift to the very top of the mountain and soar down the intermediate downhill trail. Non-bikers and hikers are able to ride the lifts too, and take in the incredible views of the San Bernardino National Forest.