Snow Valley averages about 12 feet of snow per season but with extreme volatility. 6% of winter months see 90 inches or more but about 40% of months get less than a foot of snow. The Southern California mountains get occasional rain, but only about 1/4 as often as ski areas in eastern North America. Snow Valley has 100% snowmaking coverage but a limited water supply and thus tends to operate the lower 2/3 of the mountain most of the time. Powder skiing is infrequent and best on the short but steep Slide Peak at the top of the area.

Accumulation and Preservation

Snow Valley usually gets about half open by Christmas, but has difficulty opening further terrain without some natural snow assistance. Terrain is mostly north facing but with mellow pitch and open to the sun. Spring conditions are routine by February in Southern California's warm weather. Most of the lower mountain is open for about 3 months. The steeper Slide Peak is open for 2 months or more only in the top 1/4 of seasons.