Photos: Bear Mountain and Snow Summit get mammoth investments in upgrades

Lift ticket prices have risen $10 over the previous year since Mammoth Resorts’ purchase of Snow Summit in Big Bear. Mammoth has invested $3 million in improvements including a new ski school.

Snowboards lean on the rail as customers cozy up to Laybacks outside bar and take a break from the slopes at Bear Mountain in Big Bear Lake.

Activities assistant Perri McNeil sits with Kayden Magill, 6, of San Diego during a break from skiing at the new ski school at Snow Summit in Big Bear. Mammoth Mountain bought Snow Summit and Bear Mountain and has invested $3 million in improvements including a new ski school.

Ski instructors help young kids with winter gear during a break from skiing at the new ski school at Snow Summit in Big Bear. Mammoth Mountain bought Snow Summit and Bear Mountain and has invested $3 million in improvements including a new ski school.

Ski instructor Cody Mortensen teaches a young girl to ski at the new ski school at Snow Summit in Big Bear. Mammoth Mountain bought Snow Summit and Bear Mountain and has invested $3 million in improvements including a new ski school.

Snowboards hang on hooks outside the lodge at Snow Summit in Big Bear Lake.

A new tubing area is set up under the main chair lift at Snow Summit in Big Bear. Mammoth Mountain bought Snow Summit and Bear Mountain and has invested $3 million in improvements, including the new tubing area.

Sunny skies and fresh snowfall are bringing many skiers to Snow Summit in Big Bear. Mammoth Mountain bought Snow Summit and Bear Mountain and has invested $3 million in improvements including a new ski school.

Young skiers from the Snow Summit Development Team follow each other down the slopes at Snow Summit in Big Bear Lake.

A snowboarder gets air off a rail against the backdrop of a sunburst at Bear Mountain.

Young skiers from the Snow Summit Development Team follow each other down the slopes at Snow Summit in Big Bear Lake.

A yearround rock climbing wall, left, has been installed at the base of Snow Summit in Big Bear Lake.

A sunny day draws skiers and snowboarders to outdoor seating for meals and drinks at Snow Summit.

Shadows fall as snowboarders leave the mountain after a sunny day at Bear Mountain in Big Bear Lake.

The new ski school is fully operational at Snow Summit in Big Bear. Mammoth Mountain bought Snow Summit and Bear Mountain and has invested $3 million in improvements including a new ski school.

Snowboarders take a break from the slopes to wait in line for grilled burgers at the outside BBQ at Bear Mountain in Big Bear Lake.

Mammoth Resorts’ purchase of Snow Summit has brought improved menus and restaurant renovations.

Youngsters walk with their ski instructor and skis to the chair lift during ski school at Snow Summit.

Snowboarder Ryan Andrade, 16, of Los Alamitos gets air off a rail at Bear Mountain.