Snow Valley Base Area in Running Springs — Online Webcam
Snow Valley Base Area Webcam — Live Stream from the California Mountains
The Snow Valley base area in Running Springs is the heart of one of Southern California's oldest ski resorts. The real-time online camera shows the central part of the resort: the chairlift with towers and stations 12 and 13, going up the slope, as well as the light tower with floodlights for night skiing. From this angle, you can see the coniferous forest covering the mountain slopes and the entire base area infrastructure.
Snow Valley History: From Fish Camp to Modern Resort
Snow Valley has a rich history dating back to the distant 1920s. The resort was founded in 1924 and has since become the longest continuously operating ski resort in Southern California. Interestingly, this place was originally called Fish Camp because of a small pond, located in the area of the current base area.
In the 1920s, the Svetkovich brothers built a small resort and a lumber camp here. Since then, Snow Valley has come a long way from a modest winter camp to a full-fledged ski resort with modern infrastructure. In 2006, the resort received city approval to host banquets in the lodge, opening up opportunities for weddings and private events during the summer months.
Geographic Location and Nature
Snow Valley is located in the San Bernardino Mountains at an elevation of 2,073 to 2,390 meters above sea level. The resort sits between Keller and Butler peaks, 11 miles west of the popular Big Bear Lake. The base area is located on Highway 18 above the town of Running Springs.
The resort's territory is part of the San Bernardino National Forest, and Snow Valley is one of three ski resorts in this forest area. The coniferous forests of pines and firs visible in the camera's background are typical vegetation of these mountains at this elevation.
Ski Resort: Numbers and Facts
The resort covers 240 acres and offers skiers and snowboarders 30 trails of varying difficulty. The vertical drop is 317 meters — enough for a full skiing experience.
The trail difficulty distribution is as follows:
— 32% beginner
— 13% intermediate
— 41% advanced
— 14% expert
The average annual snowfall exceeds 12 feet (about 3.66 meters), ensuring a stable snow cover during the winter season. The snowmaking system additionally covers most of the trails.
Base Area Infrastructure
The Snow Valley base area is the central hub of the resort, where the main infrastructure is concentrated. Here you'll find the historic lodge with a fireplace, restaurant, and mountain-view terrace. In the past, this lodge provided rooms, food, and drinks for visitors, and the fireplace served as the main warming spot after skiing.
The base area features:
— Chairlift with stations 12 and 13
— Expanded beginner area
— Sledding and tubing area
— Light towers for night skiing
— Steep Slide Peak slopes
Most accommodation options are within 10 minutes or less of the base area, making the resort convenient for family vacations.
Unique Skiing Zones
One of Snow Valley's main features is the Meadows zone, completely separated from high-speed traffic. This makes it widely recognized as the best place in the region for teaching beginner skiers and snowboarders. A separate area without crossing with experienced riders creates a safe environment for first steps on the slope.
For advanced riders, the base area features steep Slide Peak slopes — some of the most challenging trails at the resort. The contrast between the calm Meadows and extreme Slide Peak makes Snow Valley a versatile resort for riders of all levels.
Summer Recreation at Snow Valley
The resort operates year-round as an alpine destination. During the summer, the Snow Valley base area transforms: instead of skis and snowboards, mountain bikes, hiking on mountain trails, and the scenic Scenic Sky Chair are available, which takes you to the top to enjoy panoramic views of the San Bernardino National Forest.
In summer, the slopes covered with dry vegetation and dirt (as seen on the camera) host special events and mountain bike competitions. The base area becomes a starting platform for trails of varying difficulty.
How to Get to the Snow Valley Base Area
The resort is located on Highway 18 (State Route 18) above the town of Running Springs. The drive from Los Angeles takes about two hours. The distance to Big Bear Lake is approximately 11 miles to the east. The base area is easily accessible by car, with parking located in close proximity to the lodge and lifts.
For those planning to stay nearby, most accommodation options — from cottages to hotels — are within a 10-minute drive of the resort's base area.
What You Can See on the Camera
The online camera at the Snow Valley base area shows the central part of the ski resort in real time. In the foreground is a light tower with a group of floodlights used for night skiing. Behind it, you can see the chairlift towers with marked stations 12 and 13, going up the slope.
The slope in the frame is covered with dry vegetation and dirt — this is the typical appearance of the resort during the off-season when there is no snow cover. In the background is a dense coniferous forest of pines and firs covering the slopes of the San Bernardino Mountains. The ski infrastructure is visible in its off-season state: lifts are stopped, trails are open for viewing. The camera operates live and allows you to observe weather conditions and changes at the resort at any time of day.
