Top Snowboarding Resorts within Driving Distance of Los Angeles

Holding degrees from Cornell University and the University of California, Los Angeles, Mark Thek oversees the design and production of power systems to support aerospace programs in his role as president of Los Angeles-based Esterline Power Systems. In his free time, Mark Thek stays active through pursuits such as snowboarding.

Although residents of a city better known for beaches and warm weather, Los Angeles-based snowboard enthusiasts also have easy access to a number of mountains. Some of the best of these include:

1. Snow Valley Mountain Resort: With 240 acres of available terrain and two terrain parks, Snow Valley offers numerous options to snowboarders. Located two and half hours away by car, it is one of the closest ski and snowboard resorts to Los Angeles. It is also the oldest continuously operating resort of this kind in all of Southern California, having welcomed skiers since the 1930s.

2. Bear Mountain at Big Bear Mountain Resort: Bear Mountain features multiple terrain parks, making it the more popular of the two resorts at Big Bear among snowboarders. The mountain, which sits three hours from Los Angeles, does not offer night skiing, but because a pass grants access to both resorts, snowboarders may enjoy additional runs at neighboring Snow Summit in the evenings.

3. Mammoth Mountain: Reaching this 11,000-foot mountain requires more time in the car than many other Southern California resorts. However, those willing to embark on the five-and-half to six-hour trip will be rewarded with what Thrillist.com calls the best mountain in the region. Features include terrain parks, half pipes, and 3,500 acres of diverse terrain. In addition, hotel and dining options abound.