Snow Valley Parking
On peak and holiday dates, you must pre-buy parking or you will be turned away. Snow Valley charges $25–$40 per vehicle on peak winter dates ($75 oversized/RV), purchased online at least one day ahead — no day-of sales, and once reservations sell out there is no additional parking and no offsite lot. Non-peak days are free, first-come.
The facts
- Cost
- Free non-peak; $25–$40 on peak/holiday dates ($75 oversized)
- Lot size
- Large base-area lot at 35100 CA-18
- When it fills
- Peak dates: sells out in advance online
- Overflow option
- None — no offsite lots or shuttles
- Tow risk
- High if parked along Hwy 18 shoulders; CHP enforces
- Hours
- Winter operating days (closed in summer)
- Restrooms
- Yes
Getting there
35100 CA-18, Running Springs, CA 92382
Get directions →How peak-day parking works
Snow Valley (now operated by Big Bear Mountain Resort) switched to reservation parking on peak winter dates — holiday weeks, most Saturdays, and powder-frenzy weekends. On those dates: parking is $25–$40 per regular vehicle depending on the date ($75 for oversized vehicles/RVs), it must be purchased online at least one day before arrival, and day-of online purchase is not available.
The rule that burns people: once reservations are sold out, guests without a parking reservation are denied entry. Snow Valley has no offsite lots and no shuttle system, and Highway 18's shoulders are no-parking and actively enforced on snow days. There is no plan B — book parking when you book lift tickets.
Non-peak days and snow-play traffic
Outside the designated paid dates, the base lot is free and first-come — midweek ski days are easy. Check Snow Valley's parking page for the current season's paid-date calendar before any weekend trip.
Remember chain control: on storm days, CHP checkpoints on Highway 18 can require chains well below the resort. Carry them even if the forecast looks clear — this stretch of mountain creates its own weather. (Our full chain-control guide arrives with the winter section this fall.)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a parking reservation at Snow Valley?
On peak and holiday dates, yes — purchased online at least one day ahead ($25–40 per vehicle). On non-peak days parking is free and first-come. Check the current paid-date calendar on snow-valley.com.
What if Snow Valley parking is sold out?
You will be turned away. There are no offsite lots, no shuttles, and Highway 18 roadside parking is prohibited and enforced. If reservations are gone, pick another day or head to Big Bear's resorts, which have offsite lot + shuttle options.
Is Snow Valley open in summer?
The ski operation closes for summer; the resort has run limited summer activities in some years. Parking rules on this page apply to winter operating days.
Facts on this page last verified July 17, 2026. Fees, hours, and access rules change seasonally — confirm with the official source before a long drive.