California Summer Mountain Activities

Every Ikon Pass holder has at least two things in common: an undeniable appreciation for 365 days of adventure and the beautiful thrills that nature so readily provides. So, when you’re hitting the road during these warmer months – seeking adventure across California and beyond – get ready to pair your trip with endless trails, towering peaks, unique experiences, and stunning vistas. Summer in the mountains is part of the adventure, and the adventure runs deep. Here’s how to find it at Big Bear Mountain Resort, Mammoth Mountain, and Palisades Tahoe formerly Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows.

Big Bear Mountain Resort

Big Bear changed the game when it built the first-ever dedicated terrain park way back in 1991. Since then, this SoCal favorite has been creating, challenging, and evolving the mountain experience ever since. The adventure stays high throughout the summer months with world-class mountain biking, creative golf experiences, and industry-defining events.

Mountain Biking
Spring brings an incredible transition from snow to dirt. The result is a mountain biking mecca featuring Southern California’s premier lift-served bike system. Tap into over 60 miles of professionally built and maintained trails, the gravity-fed bike park at Snow Summit, and terrain for riders of all ages and ability levels.

For XC riders, Snow Summit features a mix of technical and doubletrack options with striking views of the surrounding valley – including SoCal’s tallest mountain, Mt. San Gorgonio (elevation 11,500 feet). Pedal out for a quick run along Pineknot or enjoy the views on an all-day trek on the 26-mile Skyline Trail.

In the downhill park, experience the ecstasy of descending 1,200 feet of vertical drop, with gravity fed lines that include jumps, berms, and man-made features.

The adventure never ends at Snow Summit for mountain bike enthusiasts.

Glow Golf
Glow up your golf game and play a round under the stars during select dates this summer. All Glow Golf reservations include green fees, cart rental, one (1) glow ball, and dinner at the Clubhouse Grill. From 7pm-10pm, the fun is open to all ages and abilities, but spaces are limited. Check in with the Big Bear website to reserve your spot.

Fox Us Open of Mountain Biking, 2021
Join Snow Summit from September 23-26 for an open class event that gives up-and-coming racers the chance to step up and compete against the pros. Throughout the summer, the Summit Bike Park team will continue to dial in the downhill track that was built for the US OPEN in 2019 and will once again be the final stop of the US Downhill National Series.

On The Road to Big Bear Mountain Resort

For those coming from Southern California hot spots, summer is the perfect time to beat the heat and head to higher ground. It’s a great thing, then, that Big Bear can be reached in just under 2-hours. Even better? The journey itself is something to savor. While there are several routes to get to Big Bear, traveling the Rim of the World Highway includes soaring vistas and neck-turning views. Strap in, turn up your playlist, and enjoy the ride. Along the way, find breathtaking hikes, quaint towns, and several water features where you can cool that driver’s foot.

Mammoth Mountain

Set against the backdrop of the eye-popping Minaret peaks, Mammoth combines quintessential beach vibes and massive mountain terrain. Elevate your adventure with the unique experience of climbing a Via Ferrata, kick up dust on the highest lift-served mountain bike park in California, and take it to the links on the Sierra Star Golf Course.

Via Ferrata
Climb a new type of adventure, one that literally means “Iron Path.” This guided climbing experience attaches climbers to steel cables, iron rungs, and suspended bridges – each fixed to the rock – in order to ensure climber safety while providing maximum stoke. With six different routes that progress in difficulty, Via Ferrata is the perfect alpine activity for both families and individuals.

Increase your stoke this summer at Mammoth Mountain’s Via Ferrata.

Mammoth Bike Park
The Premier Bike Park in the US, Mammoth unlocks over 80 miles of singletrack and offers a progression of pavers, berms, jumps, drops, and a beginner-friendly Discovery Zone for new riders.

Sierra Star Golf Course
Elevate your game while surrounded by the pristine lakes and stunning mountain views. Golf at Sierra Star is a deep immersion in the majesty of the Eastern Sierra. Featuring rolling hills, tree-lined fairways, and some of the most breathtaking views of any course in North America, this 18-Hole Championship Course plays to a par of 70 and is open to the public.

On the Road to Mammoth Mountain

The trip from the inland empire to Mammoth Mountain is a non-stop (but often worth stopping) cruise north on the 395. Along the way, take your time to seek out quaint general stores, magnificent natural landscapes, and hunger-busting cuisine.

On the road, just miles north of the town of Bishop, the Owens River Gorge is remarkable for many reasons. Known for its unique, rich mineral-based color palette, this stop is renowned for sport climbing, bouldering, and fly fishing alike. Pick your favorite pastime, or test out a new favorite hobby, and carve out some time to explore the wilds of Owens River Gorge.

Palisades Tahoe

Road-trippers can escape the crowded metro bay area and discover the immense open spaces of Tahoe’s finest, Palisades Tahoe. To get there, lock into I-80, get up to speed, and turn up that adventure playlist.

The gateway to adventure lives at High Camp, 2,000 feet above the Village at Palisades Tahoe. Take the 10-minute tram ride and soar 550 feet above a mountainscape of creeks, waterfalls, forests, granite rock, and the iconic Tram Face. With 360 views and panoramic vistas of Lake Tahoe and an interpretive guide at the helm, your summer at Olympic Valley comes to life before you even reach the top. Once you reach High Camp, step off the tram and into a world of high alpine adventure, with The North Face Guided Hikes or a Via Ferrata experience, amongst many other activities.

Soak in the scenery at Olympic Valley’s High Camp.

The North Face® Guided Hikes
Unlock summer adventure provided by The North Face® and join one of Olympic Valley’s experienced hiking guides for a free memorable mountain experience on a mind-expanding, beautiful 1.5-mile trail around High Camp. With no reservation necessary, simply meet in the High Camp lobby at either 11:30am or 2:30pm. All hikes are weather and conditions permitting.

Via Ferrata
Explore Olympic Valley’s most iconic rock face, The Tram Face, on the all-new Via Ferrata routes operated by local guide service, Alpenglow Expeditions. Learn to navigate the rock face on the protected climbing route with permanent steel anchors and cables that keep participants safely connected to the rock 100% of the time.

On the Road to Palisades Tahoe

On the road to Palisades Tahoe, discover a unique, historic man-made wonder just outside the town of Truckee. The Donner Pass Summit tunnels are a well-earned stop for intrepid hikers and snowshoers. Featuring multiple spectacles to explore – tunnels #6, #7 and #8, and the Snow Shed – carve out time for a hike through these dark landscapes. With dramatic lighting pouring in through endpoints and cracks in the wall, the stop is an uncanny experience.

The Donner Pass Summit tunnels are a must-see on your way to Palisades Tahoe.

Across California and beyond, now is the time to call the crew and plan out your summer of stoke. With of endless adventure at Mammoth Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort, and Palisades Tahoe, this summer is yours to own.

(Please be aware that COVID-19 policies may still be in place at most mountain destinations this summer. Be sure to visit the resort websites ahead of time to familiarize yourself with local procedures and restrictions.)