Alpine Meadows vs Bear Mountain

Alpine Meadows (California) and Bear Mountain (California) head-to-head: stats, terrain, and 2026-27 pass coverage.

StatAlpine MeadowsBear Mountain
Vertical drop1,637 ft (499 m)1,650 ft (503 m)
Summit elevation8,494 ft8,793 ft
Base elevation6,857 ft7,142 ft
Lifts1411
Runs9326
Beginner terrain5%27%
Intermediate terrain60%46%
Expert terrain35%27%
Night skiing-No

Bear Mountain has the bigger vertical (1,650 ft vs 1,637 ft); Alpine Meadows has more runs (93 vs 26); Alpine Meadows skews more expert (35% expert terrain).

Which pass covers them?

ResortPass coverage (2026-27)
Alpine MeadowsIkon Pass: 7 days
Bear MountainIkon Pass: unlimited days

One pass covers both: Ikon Pass. Check your full resort list in the pass finder →

Stay near Alpine Meadows

Lodging near the base fills up first during peak weeks. Search stays near Alpine Meadows

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More detail: Alpine Meadows stats · Bear Mountain stats