How to Go Skiing in Mt. Baldy, California

Located on Mount San Antonio, Mt. Baldy ski resort in Los Angeles County, California, has more than 800 skiable acres with 26 runs, the longest being more than 2.5 miles. The resort's proximity to Los Angeles makes this an easy ski resort to get to from just about anywhere. Mt. Baldy (Mount San Antonio) has a vertical drop of 2,100 feet, with a height of 8,600 feet.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access

Instructions

Choose Your Lodging

1. Make reservations at Mt. Baldy Lodge by calling [phone] or booking through the Mt. Baldy Web site (see Resources below). Each of the six cabins in the Lodge has its own fireplace, and there is a restaurant in the main building.

2. Reserve lodging off-site by calling LA INC. The Convention and Visitors Bureau at [phone] or by visiting its Web site (see Resources below).

3. Look for a vacation rental with room to spread out and plenty of luxurious touches (think fireplaces and pool tables). These private homes and condos can be booked through management companies, as well as the individuals who own them. Depending on the size of your group and the number of people splitting the cost, these lodgings tend to be moderately priced.

4. Stay in Mt. Baldy Village, located about 45 miles from Los Angeles, if you plan on making your trip last more than a day. Though the resort is an easy distance from Los Angeles, the commute will eat into your skiing time.

Arrange Transportation to Mt. Baldy

1. Book airline tickets to an airport in the greater Los Angeles area. LAX is the largest, with other airports located in Burbank, Ontario and Long Beach. Car rental agencies are available at each of these airports, and many travel sites offer deals on airfare and car rental combinations.

2. Take the 210 Freeway up to Mt. Baldy, California. You will find very good directions on the resort's Web site.

Plan Your Ski Trip to Mt. Baldy

1. Plan your trip to Mt. Baldy, California, from December through April. The resort has plans to improve snow-making, providing more skiable days per year, but visitors should consult the resort's Web site to find ski conditions on the day of travel. Click on the "Snow Report" link on the main page of the site for a current ski report.

2. Lifts open at 8 a.m. daily. You can find updates on which lifts will be open for any given day on the resort's Web site.

3. Try something new at the Mt. Baldy terrain park designed for snowboarding. This park offers rails and other terrain features for practicing old moves or learning new ones.

4. Book a season pass or a Mt. Baldy Club Card, depending on the frequency of your skiing trips. The Club Card allows you to purchase discounted tickets for friends and family, but lift reservations are required. These can be made online.

Tips & Warnings

• Book online for easy access to your reservation information.

• Be aware of road conditions before heading to Mt. Baldy.