This provides a MUCH better value than Big Bear/Sn...

This provides a MUCH better value than Big Bear/Snow Summit. It is still worth going to big bear for night life, restaurants and lodging though. Snow valley isn't quite as good at keeping runs open by blowing snow, but they do ok. However I will say that no SoCal mountain is worth spending too much money on when there isn't any natural snow on the ground and above 30 degree temps. If there is no natural snow, both mountains are going to be icy and thin. On the flip side, when the snow storms DO come, it is great skiing at both mountains, so you might as well save 60% and go to snow valley. Big bear has more runs, but also more people so it isn't any more open than snow valley most of the time. Big Bear DOES have the best terrain park features if you're into mostly freestyle, but if not, the value just isn't there I think. As for the snow valley base camp, it is almost big and maintained as big bear/snow summit, and has all the amenities, so it should have anything you need. If you like lots of run options, more people, and lots of freestyle features, Big Bear is for you. If you don't mind doing the same run twice, like to freeride, or you are a beginner needing easy runs as well, then you can save a lot of money going to snow valley. Just wait for snow to come before you go up there to either place.