Industry News
The Cali Pass, which offers unlimited access to a collection of independent California mountains, is set to increase in price on October 31. Designed as an alternative to the massive multi-resort passes, the Cali Pass appeals to local skiers seeking a less crowded, family oriented experience without sacrificing quality terrain.
Backed by Invision Capital of Chicago, the California Mountain Resorts Company owns four resorts across the state: Mountain High, Dodge Ridge, China Peak, and Bear Valley. The Cali Pass grants full access to all four, along with a range of perks and three free days at 14 partner resorts across the Western United States.
Listed at $729 for adults (ages 23-69), the Cali Pass undercuts both the Ikon Base Pass ($1,099) and Epic Local Pass ($833). Families especially benefit: each adult pass includes two free child passes for kids under five. This combination of affordability and smaller crowds makes it an attractive option for families wanting the full ski experience without the hassle of major resorts. Each mountain also offers extensive beginner terrain accessible right from the base lodges, making learning and progression easier for new skiers.
But these mountains aren’t just for beginners. All four California resorts boast summits above 8,000 feet and strong annual snowfall totals. In Central California, Bear Valley, China Peak, and Dodge Ridge each receive over 200 inches of snow per year, with Bear Valley averaging an impressive 282 inches, according to Onthesnow. The 2022-2023 season was particularly generous as China Peak was blessed with 536 inches across 45 snow days, providing pristine powder conditions with remarkably few skiers to share them.
Southern California’s Mountain High averages 71 inches annually, similar to nearby resorts like Big Bear (105 inches). However, with 80% snowmaking coverage, Mountain High can reliably maintain skiable terrain throughout the season, even during drier spells.
The Cali Pass mountains offer a variety of terrain, ranging from gentle groomers to expert glades. Advanced skiers in Central California will find plenty to challenge them at Bear Valley and China Peak. Bear Valley features 68% black diamond runs and 3% double blacks, including Grizzly Bowl and Avalanche, known for their steep chutes and exposed ridge lines. The resort even offers cat skiing for those seeking untouched off-piste adventure to test their limits. At China Peak, a quick five-minute hike from the Peak Chair leads to the double-black East Bowl, while the inbounds Buckhorn trail keeps experts busy with sustained pitch, drops, and moguls. Down south, Mountain High offers challenging runs like Vertigo and Olympic Bowl, but truly stands out for its terrain parks—a focus that keeps riders progressing even when snowfall is limited.
Beyond the slopes, Cali Pass holders enjoy a variety of year-round perks. Benefits to China Peak, Dodge Ridge, Bear Valley, and Mountain High include 10% off food and retail, 50% off buddy passes, 20% off summer lift tickets and mountain biking passes, along with 30% off lodging at Bear Valley and China Peak. Those looking to expand their skiing to other notable mountains across the western United States are in luck as well. Pass holders receive three free days at 14 partner resorts across nine states, some notable resorts being Loveland (CO), Timberline (OR), and Sierra-at-Tahoe (CA).
While the Cali Pass may not unlock the world’s most famous destination resorts, it offers something arguably more valuable: a more intimate, community-driven ski experience across 18 unique mountains. For skiers in Central California, the Bay Area, or the Greater Los Angeles region, it delivers easy access, strong value, and a comforting mountain charm. It’s the perfect blend of independent local hills and destination partners—a pass built for families, enthusiasts, and anyone who values great skiing without the crowds.
