Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts
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Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts, or "Baldy" for short, is a family owned and operated ski resort on Mount San Antonio (AKA Mount Baldy). The resort is run by the Ellingson family who some say own half the mountain. They are also the owners of the Mount Baldy Lodge, which is one of two resuraunts in the village. The ski resort claims to be "The largest and steepest resort in Southern California," with 26 runs spanning 3 mountains over 800 acres with 2,100 vertical feet. It is located just 45 miles from Los Angeles, making it the closest resort to the city.
The resort is south-facing, which can cause the snow to melt or turn to ice. The annual snowfall is low and, because the resort is so steep, the snow also falls off the mountain very easily. These factors, combined with inadequate snowmaking resources, make it difficult for the resort to develop a good base on which to build up enough snow for normal operation. As a consequence the resort operates sporadically in the beginning of the season, sometimes having only one run open. Its ski lifts were installed half a century ago by Charles Fagg. He is the son of Dorothy Wisely who is well known in Baldy. She was a school teacher in the original Baldy Schoolhouse.
During December and January Baldy tends to get hit with enough snow to provide full coverage of the mountain. When Baldy has good coverage, visitors have reported that, "It's better than Mammoth!" Although this claim may be a little strong for a resort of Baldy's size, it certainly offers excellent terrain. Because so many people divert to other mountains with faster lifts and more groomed runs, Mt. Baldy is typically dominated by experienced skiiers who enjoy the technical challenges available there.
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