Mountain High

Mountain High
Name	Mountain High
Location	San Gabriel Mountains, San Bernardino National Forest, California
Nearest city	Wrightwood, California
Coordinates	34, 22, 26, N...
Vertical	1,600 ft (488 m)
Top elevation	8,200 ft (2,500 m)
Base elevation	6,600 ft (2,012 m)
Skiable area	290 acres (1.2 km²)
Trails	59
Lifts	14
Snowfall	150 in (381 cm)
Website	https://www.mthigh.com

Mountain High. It is a major ski resort located in the San Gabriel Mountains within the San Bernardino National Forest of Southern California. Operating under a special use permit from the United States Forest Service, the resort is the closest major winter sports area to the Los Angeles metropolitan area, situated near the community of Wrightwood, California. The area comprises three distinct base areas—East, West, and North—offering varied terrain for skiing, snowboarding, and year-round mountain recreation.

Geography and Location

The resort is situated in the Transverse Ranges geologic province, specifically within the San Gabriel Mountains north of the Los Angeles Basin. Its slopes are primarily on the north face of Table Mountain, with base facilities located just outside the unincorporated town of Wrightwood, California. The property lies within the Angeles National Forest and San Bernardino National Forest boundary, administered by the United States Forest Service. The proximity to major population centers like Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and the Inland Empire makes it a highly accessible mountain destination, with the Cajon Pass serving as a primary transportation corridor. The climate is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with wet winters and dry summers, though elevation creates a distinct Alpine climate zone capable of sustaining seasonal snowpack.

History and Development

The area's development for winter sports began in the 1920s with the establishment of the "Blue Ridge Winter Sports Park." In 1937, the Ski Club of Los Angeles helped develop the site further, and the first rope tow was installed. The resort was later known as "Blue Ridge" and "Holiday Hill" before being purchased and renamed by a group led by Karl Kapuscinski in the early 1970s. Significant expansion occurred in the 1980s and 1990s, including the acquisition of neighboring areas and the development of the separate West and North resort sections. Major infrastructure investments, such as high-speed chairlift installations and extensive snowmaking systems, were made to ensure reliable operations in Southern California's variable winter climate. The resort has been owned and operated by several entities over the decades, including a period under the management of Resorts West Inc., and has consistently focused on serving the regional market.

Skiing and Winter Sports

The resort offers 59 named trails across 290 acres, serviced by a network of 14 lifts, including high-speed quad chairs and surface lifts. Terrain is divided among three base areas: the West Resort features primarily beginner and intermediate slopes, the East Resort is known for its advanced and expert terrain including terrain parks, and the North Resort offers a family-oriented experience with night skiing. The resort is a major hub for snowboarding in Southern California and has hosted events for organizations like the United States Ski and Snowboard Association. Its extensive computer-controlled snowmaking system, one of the largest in the West, is crucial for supplementing natural snowfall, which averages 150 inches annually. The resort also operates a renowned ski school and offers equipment rentals from brands such as Rossignol and Burton Snowboards.

Summer Activities and Operations

During the warmer months, the resort transitions to a venue for mountain biking and scenic recreation. The Mountain High Bike Park utilizes the chairlift system to provide access to downhill mountain biking trails, catering to various skill levels. The resort also hosts special events, including music festivals, marathon starts, and corporate gatherings. Hiking and sightseeing on the surrounding forest lands managed by the United States Forest Service are popular, with access to the Pacific Crest Trail nearby. Operations are scaled down compared to winter, with limited food service and facilities open at the East Resort base area, focusing on leveraging the mountain infrastructure for warm-weather uses.

Resort Facilities and Services

The resort features multiple base lodges with food service, retail shops, rental centers, and ticket offices. Dining options range from quick-service cafeterias to the full-service Notch 8 restaurant and bar. The resort operates a large fleet of rental equipment and a modern ski and snowboard school with programs for all ages. Other guest services include a ski patrol affiliated with the National Ski Patrol, childcare facilities, and ample parking across its three main lots. The separate North Resort area includes its own lodge and a dedicated beginner learning area. While there is no on-mountain lodging, numerous vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, and hotels are available in Wrightwood and the surrounding region.

Environmental Impact and Conservation

Operations occur under a strict special use permit from the United States Forest Service, which mandates comprehensive environmental management. Key initiatives include extensive water conservation and recycling for snowmaking, utilizing reclaimed water where possible, and energy efficiency upgrades to lift motors and lodge facilities. The resort participates in forest health projects, including collaboration with the San Bernardino National Forest on fuels reduction to mitigate wildfire risk. Waste reduction programs, such as recycling and composting in food service operations, are implemented. Environmental compliance is monitored by agencies including the California Regional Water Quality Control Board and the South Coast Air Quality Management District, with the resort engaged in ongoing efforts to balance recreational use with the preservation of the sensitive alpine and subalpine ecosystems.

Category:Ski areas and resorts in California Category:San Bernardino National Forest Category:Buildings and structures in San Bernardino County, California