Bear Valley Purchased By California Mountain Resorts Company

On November 1, 2023, California Mountain Resort Company, backed by Invision Capital of Chicago, along with ski industry investors Karl Kapuscinski and Tom Cohen announced that they acquired Bear Valley along with properties in the village of Bear Valley. With the acquisition, Bear Valley joins the "Cali Pass" giving pass holders to access 3 other ski resorts in California, as well as resorts at 19 "Powder Alliance Resorts" world wide.

California Mountain Resort Company also owns and operates Mountain High, China Peak, and Dodge Ridge in California.

Bear Valley re-emerges with new ownership, new energy, and a new commitment… with the same amazing terrain and the same dedicated crew. From facilities, lifts and operations, to grooming – on and off the hill – look for great things to come and tradition to live on with the awakening of THE BEAR!

…AND HE BROUGHT FRIENDS.

Bear Valley joins the Cali Pass! Bear’s skiers and riders can now get unlimited access to 3 additional classic California resorts with the Cali Pass; Dodge Ridge, China Peak and Mountain High. PLUS, they will have additional access to 19 more global destinations. Moreover, the Cali Pass includes substantial discounts on food, retail, lodging, and more. In light of this integration, Cali Pass pre-season sale rates have been extended to Wednesday, November 10, with savings of $200 off the adult price.

“Restoring Bear Valley to its laudable past is a monumental endeavor,” said CMRC in a press release. “Central to this mission are Bear Valley stalwarts like (resort GM) Tim Schimke, whose familial bonds with the mountain, combined with the forward-thinking leadership of others, form our operational cornerstone.” 

In a statement CMRC said "Bear Valley represents more than a destination; it's a tapestry of historical mountain escapades and time-honored traditions. The journey ahead is riddled with challenges, but I am optimistic. With the dedication of our team and Tim Schimke's unparalleled leadership, we are poised to meet and surpass these challenges. Our goal remains steadfast: to revive and amplify the Bear Valley legacy for one and all."

Nine lifts provide access to 75+ runs covering 1,680 skiable acres (2.6 sq mi; 6.8 km2). Prior to the 2010–11 season, an additional 400 acres (1.6 km2) of non-lift serviced terrain was opened to the public expanding the resort to 1680 skiable acres, making it the eighth largest in skiable acres in California. The resort is known for its commitment to snow making and snow science expertise, and as a result of snow management, was one of six resorts in California that remained open into mid-spring during the worst droughts in history.

Bear Valley is also known for its rich racing history and one of two resorts in the state that operates a NASTAR course nearly every weekend of the winter season. The Bear Valley Cross Country and Snowshoe Trail System consists of 35 trails covering 3,000 acres (12 km2) of terrain. Bear Valley Cross Country is owned and operated by Paul and Diane Petersen.

The base village includes a hotel, spa, cabins, 2 restaurants, 2 full bars, and a pizza parlor. The Lodge at the base facility is known for its majestic granite fireplace and post and beam construction of the atrium style hotel. The hotel's Cathedral Lounge is a desired location for weddings and special events. The village also includes a US Post Office, museum, general store and snowmobile rental center. There is also an Alpine County Sheriff's office and fire station, as well as a County library and K-6 public school. In winter months, there is a shuttle to the ski area in daily operation.

Since 1969, Bear Valley has hosted the annual Bear Valley Music Festival. The festival, which begins at the end of July and runs for 2 weeks and 3 weekends, includes a variety of music, including contemporary bands and classical concerts featuring a full symphony orchestra conducted by Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate.