Review of Mountain High Ski Resort

If you've never tried snowboarding or skiing, or maybe you're new to the area and looking for a good local mountain, you need to check out Mountain High Ski Resort in Wrightwood. Let me start of by saying that I used to work at this resort as a snowboard instructor, and while that may cause some people to disregard the following review, I'll do my best to give the good and the ugly. And trust me--there's plenty of good, and plenty of ugly at Mountain High.

The best thing about this place is its proximity to the Inland Empire and the Los Angeles areas. Mountain High is in the city of Wrightwood, which is a mere 15 minutes off the 15 freeway. One minute you're driving through desert, and the next you're staring at pine trees in a puny mountain town. There is very little mountain driving, which is a major benefit when the weather is bad. No matter where you are at in Southern California, a day of skiing or snowboarding is always in reach. Save gas, save time, save a place in your heart for Mountain High.

Don't see any snow on the mountain tops? It doesn't mean you can't ride. Mountain High has some of, if not the best, snowmaking in Southern California. As long at the temperature drops to around freezing, Mountain High can make enough snow to cover most of the mountain.

If you're a beginner, Mountain High has packages that include equipment rentals, lessons, and lift tickets. The lessons are a great idea for a first-timer, but they can get expensive. It's best to purchase a package that includes all three (ticket/rental/lesson). Some of the instructors are amazing, some are in the middle, and some are downright awful. Thankfully, most of them do a good job.

Now for the downsides:

• Crowds--this place is easy to get to, and on weekends and holidays, EVERYBODY gets to it. Get there at least half an hour before opening, otherwise you'll end up parking on the side of a road, sitting in traffic for hours, or even turning around and driving home (they do sell out). 
• Jerks--There are a lot of these people up on the mountain. Most of them are 15-25 years old, and lots of them are high or on their way to being drunk. They have an extremely limited vocabulary, they cut the line, they disrespect others around them--they're a miserable excuse for human existence, and they give the sport a bad name.
• Did I say crowds?--On the slopes, too. Keep your eyes open, and watch out for people below you.  Lots of people sliding around on pieces of wood and fiberglass with sharp edges=potential disaster. And wear a helmet. 
• Size--Mountain High isn't a very big resort, and even though they have two hills (East and West), East isn't open all season, because it faces the sun most of the day, and the snow melts more quickly.
• Cost--Skiing/snowboarding is expensive. Save money by checking the website for deals, and purchase discounted tickets at Ralph's supermarket. Borrow equipment when possible, and rent if necessary. Never buy new equipment, unless you know for sure the sport is for you. 

Mountain High gets better every year, but it also gets more pricey. There are definitely a few negatives, but if you're looking for someplace close to try out one of the most amazing sports on the planet, you should give Mountain High a shot.

Photo Credit: Mountain High Resort