Mountain High facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mountain High |
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 Mountain High
Location in California
Mountain High
Location in the United States
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| Location | Big Pines, Los Angeles County, California |
| Nearest city | Wrightwood, California |
| Coordinates | 34°22′29″N 117°41′36″W / 34.37472°N 117.69323°W |
| Vertical | 1,600 ft (490 m) |
| Top elevation | 8,200 feet (2,500 m) (East) 8,000 feet (2,400 m) (West) 7,800 ft (2,400 m) (North) |
| Base elevation | 6,600 feet (2,000 m) (East) 7,000 feet (2,100 m) (West) 7,200 ft (2,200 m) (North) |
| Skiable area | 290 acres (1.2 km2) |
| Runs | 59 total 20% easiest 42% More difficult 34% Most difficult 3% Experts only |
| Longest run | 1.6 miles (2.6 km) |
| Terrain parks | Yes |
| Snowmaking | Yes (partial) |
| Night skiing | Yes (partial) |
Mountain High is a popular winter resort located in the San Gabriel Mountains of Los Angeles County, California. It is one of the most visited resorts in Southern California. The resort sits along State Route 2, just west of Wrightwood.
Mountain High has three main areas, each with different elevations. The East Resort ranges from 6,600 feet (2,000 m) to 8,200 feet (2,500 m). The West Resort is between 7,000 feet (2,100 m) and 8,000 feet (2,400 m). The North Resort's elevation goes from 7,200 feet (2,200 m) to 7,800 ft (2,400 m).
Contents
Mountain High: A Winter Wonderland
The Story of Mountain High
Skiing and hiking became popular in Southern California during the 1920s. People loved visiting the Big Pines area, which is close to where Mountain High is today. In 1929, a huge ski jump was built there. It was the largest in the world at the time! Builders hoped to attract the 1932 Winter Olympics.
The Mountain High West Resort is one of the oldest ski areas in the country. It first opened in 1937 as Blue Ridge, using a rope tow to pull skiers up the hill. In 1947, it built the second chairlift ever in California. The resort was sold in 1975 and renamed Mountain High.
The Mountain High East Resort started as Holiday Hill in 1948. Back in the 1960s, a lift ticket only cost $1.50! In 1979, the owners of Mountain High bought Holiday Hill. It was mainly used for parking and extra ski runs when there was enough snow.
The Mountain High North Resort began as Table Mountain Ski Area in 1938. It later changed its name to Ski Sunrise in 1975. After several years with little snow and no snowmaking machines, it was sold to Mountain High in 2004. Today, the North Resort is used for ski lessons, tubing, and snow play. This helps reduce crowds at the West Resort.
Mountain High has changed owners a few times over the years. In 2017, the resort's management bought the property. In 2024, Mountain High was almost affected by the Bridge Fire, but it survived.
Exploring the Mountain High Resort Areas
Mountain High is split into three different areas along State Route 2. If you buy a lift ticket at one area, it works at all three! A shuttle bus usually runs between the West and East resorts. This makes it easy for skiers and snowboarders to move around.
The Mountain High West Resort: Fun for Snowboarders
The West Resort is the most popular of the three areas. It sits between 7,000 feet (2,100 m) and 8,000 ft (2,400 m). Much of its terrain is designed for Mountain High's Terrain Park. This park has unique features like the Slayer Box and the Paradox, perfect for snowboarding.
Besides the terrain parks, the West Resort also has great glade skiing and snowboarding in an area called "The Reef." This area only opens when there's a lot of snow. The West Resort often opens first in Southern California because it has a huge snowmaking system. This system helps make snow even when nature doesn't provide enough. Over 80% of the resort has permanent snowmaking equipment. This also means the West Resort is usually one of the last Southern California resorts to close each year.
The Mountain High East Resort: Long Runs and Alpine Views
The East Resort offers longer runs and more open spaces. It ranges from 6,600 feet (2,000 m) to 8,200 ft (2,500 m). This area gives you a classic alpine snowsports experience. The longest run at Mountain High is Goldrush, located at the East Resort. It's 1.6 miles (2.6 km) long and is the longest run in Southern California!
The East Resort has snowmaking capabilities across 100% of its terrain. This helps keep the slopes covered, even with daily sun exposure. The Mountain High East Resort was slightly damaged in the 2024 Bridge Fire. However, the resort plans to open it for the 2025-2026 season.
The Mountain High North Resort: Perfect for Beginners and Snow Play
The North Resort is mainly for beginners and intermediate skiers. It's also a great place for snow play. This resort is located between 7,200 feet (2,200 m) and 7,800 ft (2,400 m). It used to be called Ski Sunrise. It has one quad chairlift and three handle tows. It's also home to the Yeti snow play area.
In recent years, the North Resort has mostly been closed for skiing and snowboarding. This is because it doesn't have a snowmaking system yet. It relies only on natural snowfall, which can be challenging in Southern California. As of the 2024-2025 season, the resort is mainly used for snow play.
Sky High Disc Golf Course
During the summer, the Mountain High North Resort opens for disc golf. The "Sky High" course has three different nine-hole courses. They wind through the beautiful Angeles National Forest. This course was first created in 1999.
Camping Adventures
Mountain High also manages several recreation sites and campgrounds. These include Table Mountain Campground, Mountain Oak Campground, Jackson Flat Campground, Appletree Campground, Peavine Campground, and Lake Campground. These campgrounds are in the Angeles National Forest. Camping is only available during the summer months, starting in May.
