It is sad to see them go. It really is. Snow Valley, one of California’s last independent snow resorts (a quiet, fun place where neither super mega pass was accepted) has been devoured by the Alterra Mountain Company, according to a press release from the Denver, Colorado based mega resort corp.
“Snow Valley Mountain Resort has been a treasured destination since 1924 and together we will continue its incredible legacy,” said Kevin Somes, Vice President and General Manager of Snow Valley Mountain Resort. “By becoming a member of the Alterra Mountain Company family of destinations, Snow Valley will continue to deliver exceptional guest experiences to ski and snow enthusiasts in Southern California and beyond.”
Sadly, it will also limit the ability of Southern California snowboarders to ride a mountain without handing over all their shred money to the Alterra Mountain Company a year in advance in the form of a super-mega pass. If business goes a usual, Alterra will raise the prices at Snow Valley so high that only super-mega pass holders will be able to afford a visit. Resort consolidation is bad for everyone. Snow Valley, we will miss you. But, we guess somebody’s gonna have to jump. For the official word from Alterra, please click to continue.
Alterra Mountain Company Adds Snow Valley Mountain Resort in Southern California to Its Family of Destinations
DENVER–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jan 20, 2023–Alterra Mountain Company has closed on the purchase of Snow Valley Mountain Resort, adding another beloved Southern California destination to its portfolio of iconic year-round destinations. Snow Valley will join the operations of Big Bear Mountain Resort in Big Bear Lake, including Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, creating expanded access in Southern California and opening up new terrain to skiers and riders who call one of the three mountains home.
“The acquisition of Snow Valley Mountain Resort is a continuation of our ongoing mission to build a premier portfolio of great mountains in robust markets,” said Jared Smith, President & CEO, Alterra Mountain Company. “As we do with all our destinations, we are excited to invest essential capital to enhance the on-site employee and guest experience to further strengthen our offerings to skiers and riders in Southern California.”
Easily accessible from Pasadena, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and San Diego, and located just 11 miles from Big Bear Lake, the new three-mountain experience will offer skiers and riders the ability to progress from beginner to intermediate to expert terrain. With a focus on the beginning of that progression, Snow Valley features some of the region’s best beginner terrain, with award-winning learning centers and a shared dedication to exceptional guest service. The addition of the resort also means that skiers and riders will have access to Southern California’s only chairlift serviced sledding area for enhanced snow play during the winter season.
“Snow Valley Mountain Resort has been a treasured destination since 1924 and together we will continue its incredible legacy,” said Kevin Somes, Vice President and General Manager of Snow Valley Mountain Resort. “By becoming a member of the Alterra Mountain Company family of destinations, Snow Valley will continue to deliver exceptional guest experiences to ski and snow enthusiasts in Southern California and beyond.”
Alterra Mountain Company’s destinations offer premium ski, snowboard, and all-season activities for those who seek adventure and fun in the great outdoors. The 16 mountain destinations are spread throughout six states and three Canadian provinces: Steamboat and Winter Park in Colorado; Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort, and Snow Valley Mountain Resort in California; Stratton and Sugarbush in Vermont; Snowshoe in West Virginia; Tremblant in Quebec, Blue Mountain in Ontario; Crystal Mountain in Washington; Deer Valley Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah; and CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures in British Columbia. Alterra Mountain Company also introduced the Ikon Pass for winter 2018/2019, which today offers skiers and riders access to more than 50 mountain destinations throughout the Americas, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.
The Ikon Pass and Big Bear Mountain Resort season passes will be accepted at Snow Valley starting Monday, February 20, 2023.
About Alterra Mountain Company
Alterra Mountain Company is a family of 16 iconic year-round resorts, the world’s largest heli-skiing operation, and Ikon Pass – the premier ski and snowboard season pass offering access to more than 50 iconic mountain destinations around the world. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, and born out of a shared love of the mountains and adventure, the company has brought together some of the world’s most aspirational brands, including: Steamboat and Winter Park in Colorado; Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort and Snow Valley Mountain Resort in California; Stratton Mountain and Sugarbush Resort in Vermont; Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia; Tremblant in Quebec and Blue Mountain in Ontario, Canada; Crystal Mountain in Washington; Deer Valley Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah; and CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures in British Columbia. Also included in the portfolio is Alpine Aerotech, a worldwide helicopter support and maintenance service center in British Columbia, Canada, Aspenware, the ski industry leader in technology services and e-commerce, and Ski Butlers, the global leader in ski and snowboard rental delivery. For more information, please visit www.alterramtnco.com.
About Snow Valley
Home of Southern California’s only six-person chairlift, Snow Valley is in the San Bernardino Mountains in Running Springs, CA. Snow Valley is Southern California’s most versatile ski area and is “Southern California’s #1 “Family-Friendly Resort,” “Beginner Friendly Resort”, and “Least Crowded Resort,” according to Liftopia’s “Best in Snow Awards.” These honors salute Snow Valley’s fantastic Snow Sports School, night sessions and lift-served Snow Play (sledding). Meanwhile, advanced skiers and snowboarders love Snow Valley’s Slide Peak, a legendary Southern California slope with a 35-degree pitch. Snow Valley is one of the largest resorts in the San Bernardino National Forest, with 1,041 feet of vertical drop, a summit of 7,841 feet and base at 6,800 feet – all spread across 240 acres of skiable terrain. Its longest run is one mile. Snow Valley has a lounge with full bar, food outlets, a large retail Sport Shop offering the biggest brands in snow sports, and rental and repair shops. For more information, see Snow-Valley.com.
