StormDrop
Storm Detail
L1 · Tracked

Bear Valley

CA·April 2–2, 2026

4"
Snowfall
29
Score

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Route Options

Pre-researched routes from major origin cities. Drive times are airport → resort.

OAKOakland
3.5hdrive
175 mi
~$379

Similar to SFO, marginally closer. Often cheaper flights on budget carriers.

Ground Transport

Rental Car Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty~$90

Often cheaper rental rates than SFO. Same Hwy 4 route and conditions. AWD/4WD strongly recommended.

SMFSacramento
2.5hdrive
140 mi
No flight needed

Primary airport. Hwy 99 South to Hwy 4 East through Angels Camp, Murphys, Arnold, then up Hwy 4 to Bear Valley. Hwy 4 above Arnold is a genuine mountain road — steep, winding, chain controls common. Road closes east of Bear Valley all winter. Storm conditions 4–7hrs. If Hwy 4 closes, you cannot reach Bear Valley.

Ground Transport

Rental Car Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty~$105

On-airport rental center. ONLY realistic transport option to Bear Valley. R2 chain controls common above Arnold. AWD/4WD STRONGLY recommended — genuine mountain road. Parking free, no reservation required. No shuttle or practical rideshare exists.

SFOSan Francisco
3.5hdrive
175 mi
~$379

Secondary airport. Same Hwy 4 mountain road concerns. Storm conditions 5–8hrs.

Ground Transport

Rental Car Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Sixt, Fox~$100

$60–$140/day for SUV. AWD/4WD strongly recommended. Same Hwy 4 closure risks.

SCKStockton
2hdrive
100 mi
Prices unavailable

Closest airport but very small with limited service (Allegiant Air only). Minimal flights. 2 hours clear via Hwy 4 East.

Ground Transport

Rental Car Limited — check availability~$90

Very limited rental car options at this small airport. Same Hwy 4 mountain road. AWD/4WD strongly recommended.

Flight prices via Google Flights · Updated every 6 hours

Lodging

Slopeside

Bear Valley Lodge

The only hotel-style lodging at the resort. Can ski to the lodge from the backside. Best option for storm chasers wanting to be in position.

$120–$200/night

Book

Ski Village

Bear Valley Village Condos

Various condos in Bear Valley Village. Limited inventory — book early. Tough for last-minute.

$200–$400/night

Book

Nearby Town

Arnold Lodging (Ebbetts Pass Lodge, various motels)

30–40 min drive downhill from Bear Valley. More options than at the resort. Better last-minute availability.

$80–$130/night

Arnold Cabins (Airbnb/VRBO)

Full cabins in Arnold area, 30 min drive. More inventory than Bear Valley itself.

$150–$400/night

Book

Calaveras Big Trees Area Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals near Calaveras Big Trees, between Arnold and Bear Valley.

$150–$300/night

Book

Cost Estimate

Rough estimate for a 2-night trip. Flight price via Google Flights.

Flying from

Ground Transport

Lodging

Trip Length

Nights
2
Days skiing
2
✈ Flight (est.)~$379
🚗 Rental Car~$90
🏨 Lodging × 2 nights~$240
🎿 Lift tickets × 2 days~$398
Total (est.)~$1,107