For decades, Snow Summit and Goldmine Mountain operated independently of one another, less than two miles apart. In 1988, S.K.I., a major ski area operator, bought Goldmine, changed its name to
Bear Mountain, and invested millions of dollars in improvements that enhanced its competitive position against Snow Summit. In 2002, Snow Summit purchased Bear Mountain, and the two became one company. In January 2023, Big Bear Mountain Resort purchased Snow Valley. Snow Summit, Snow Valley, and Bear Mountain are marketed as areas constituent to Big Bear Mountain Resorts. A lift ticket from either area is honored at the others, and a free bus service between Snow Summit and Bear Mountain shuttles patrons back and forth between the two for that purpose. Since 2023, there have been rumors of a connection between Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. A plan has been submitted to the
U.S. Forest Service, but approval won’t be announced until Spring 2025 according to insider reports. ==Snowmaking ==