Mountain High Ski Resort in Wrightwood — Online Webcam

Mountain High Ski Resort: Location Overview

Mountain High Ski Resort is one of the most popular winter destinations in Southern California, located in the San Gabriel Mountains within the Angeles National Forest. The resort is situated in Wrightwood, approximately 90 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, making it the most accessible ski resort for city residents. The live webcam on the resort grounds allows you to monitor the slopes and surrounding mountain scenery in real time.

Mountain High consists of three separate areas: West Resort, East Resort, and North Resort. Each offers its own set of trails and lifts, with a free shuttle running between them. The total skiable area covers approximately 290 acres, with a vertical drop of 1,600 feet. Average seasonal snowfall is around 142 inches, which, combined with the snowmaking system, ensures consistent coverage from November through April.

Resort History: From 1937 to Present Day

The history of Mountain High Ski Resort dates back to 1937, when the first rope tow was installed on what is now the West Resort. At that time, the resort was called Blue Ridge and was one of the pioneers of skiing in California. In 1947, the second chairlift in the state's history was built here, marking an important milestone in infrastructure development.

In 1975, the resort changed ownership and received its modern name, Mountain High. Since then, it has continuously expanded and modernized: new lifts, runs, terrain parks, and snowmaking systems have been added. Today, it is one of the most visited resorts in Southern California, attracting both experienced skiers and snowboarders as well as beginners.

Geography and Climate: San Gabriel Mountains

The resort is located in the San Gabriel Mountains—a range stretching 68 miles from Cajon Pass in the east to the foothills in the west. The highest peak in the range is Mount San Antonio (Mount Baldy), reaching 10,064 feet (3,068 m), making it the highest point in Los Angeles County. These mountains are visible in the background from the webcam on the Upper Chisholm trail.

The climate in the region is Mediterranean with pronounced altitudinal zonation. At the resort's elevation (approximately 7,000–8,000 feet), snow falls reliably in winter, while summer temperatures rarely exceed 80°F (27°C). The Angeles National Forest, where the resort is located, manages five wilderness areas and provides a third of Los Angeles' drinking water.

Winter Season: Slopes and Opportunities

In winter, Mountain High Ski Resort offers runs for all skill levels. The West Resort is known for its technical terrain and excellent terrain parks, the East Resort features longer and more open slopes, and the North Resort is geared towards beginners and family recreation with a tubing area. The season typically begins in early November and runs through the end of April.

The webcam on Upper Chisholm trail shows the upper portion of the Chisholm slope at the West Resort. This trail is accessible via the Blue Ridge Express Quad Lift and sits at an elevation of 2,424 meters above sea level—making it the highest camera on the resort grounds. The live feed shows current snow conditions, visibility, and skier activity in real time.

Summer Recreation: Hiking and Nature

Outside of ski season, the resort doesn't sit idle. In summer, the San Gabriel Mountains attract tourists with hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. From the webcam during this time, you can see dry grassy slopes with yellowish-brown vegetation, coniferous trees, and winding dirt trails leading into the valley. The mountain landscape without snow cover reveals a completely different but equally impressive view of the surroundings.

Popular summer routes include the ascent to Mount Baden-Powell (9,400 feet) and sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. Many visitors come here simply to enjoy the cool, clean mountain air, escaping the heat of the valley.

Wrightwood: Mountain Town at the Foothills

Wrightwood, where the resort is located, is itself an attractive destination for tourists. This community in San Bernardino County sits at an elevation of 6,208 feet (1,892 m) and has a population of approximately 4,720 (2020 census). Wrightwood maintains the atmosphere of an old mountain settlement with wooden houses, small shops, and restaurants.

The town is located along State Route 2 and serves as a gateway to the ski resorts and hiking trails of the Angeles National Forest. Many resort visitors stay here, choosing between hotels, cottages, and vacation homes. The webcam at the resort is visible from Wrightwood on clear days—the lift lights and illuminated slopes create a characteristic nighttime landscape.

What the Camera Shows

The webcam at Mountain High Ski Resort broadcasts a view of the Upper Chisholm trail 24/7. In the foreground, a dirt road curves through dry grassy terrain with yellowish-brown vegetation. Coniferous trees are scattered across the slopes—some alive, others dead or fallen. Large mountain peaks are visible in the background under a clear sky.

The camera is positioned at 2,424 meters above sea level and shows the upper portion of the Chisholm slope at the West Resort. In winter, you can see the snow cover, skiers and snowboarders, and the snowmaking system in operation. In summer, the landscape changes: the snow melts, revealing dirt trails and green vegetation. The broadcast runs around the clock, allowing you to observe changes in lighting and weather conditions in real time.