SE Group prepared the 2020 Master Development Plan (MDP) for the Big Bear Mountain Resort, which includes both the Bear Mountain and Snow Summit ski areas. A key component of the MDP is expansion of the US Forest Service Special Use Permit boundary by approximately 300 acres to connect the Bear Mountain Ski Area and Snow Summit Ski Area locations. In addition, construction of seven new lifts (two new lifts at Bear Mountain, two new interconnect lifts, three new lifts at Snow Summit) and removal of eight existing lifts (two lifts from Bear Mountain, six lifts from Snow Summit) have been identified as part of the MDP. The plan also includes installation of snowmaking infrastructure on approximately 77 acres and construction of a new on-mountain lodge at Bear Mountain. Ascent conducted an intensive archaeological survey of approximately 520 acres of the area proposed for direct impact and a cursory archaeological survey for an additional 450 acres that were over 30 percent slope. The survey resulted in the identification of a bedrock milling feature, an unrecorded portion of the Skyline Truck Trail, and four isolated tree blazes. Our architectural historian also conducted the built-environment survey and is currently preparing the historic district evaluations for both the Bear Mountain and Snow Summit facilities.
Big Bear Mountain Resort
Amber Grady