Bear Mountain Ski Map
Bear Mountain, California
Painted in 1988
Our custom black wooden frames feature a deep, squared profile to showcase Niehues’ timeless work. Frame width ranges from ⅞ to 1 ⅝ inches, dependent upon on print size, and features a non-glare acrylic front plus foamcore backing.
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The Man Behind The Maps Book
Bear Mountain Ski Area
When one thinks of outdoor recreation in Southern California, surfing or sailing often come to mind. But, thanks to Bear Mountain, there’s also plenty of skiing and snowboarding to be done. Located just over two hours from Los Angeles, Bear Mountain features Southern California’s highest lift-served peak and something for every skier. With 1,600 feet of vert, 62 runs, and 12 lifts, Bear Mountain has everything you’d expect from an established resort, and then some. While Bear has plenty of traditional ski terrain, its crown jewel is its terrain parks. Instead of just having designated park areas, Bear designates 85% of its terrain as “freestyle.” That means that there are jumps, rails, boxes, and half pipes littered around the mountain. And it’s all set up in a way that makes it easy to progress from safe, easy features to more intimidating and challenging options.
So, if you’re an up-and-coming park skier, or you just enjoy the occasional jump on your way down the hill, Bear has something for you. James Niehues painted this Bear Mountain ski map in 1988, and it does a great job of encapsulating Southern California’s best skiing. Bear is truly a standout resort in an unlikely area, and that makes it all the more special.
Location: Bear Mountain, San Bernardino National Forest
Nearest major city: Big Bear Lake, California
Coordinates: 34.2267°N 116.8602°W
Vertical: 1,665 ft (507 m)
Top elevation: 8,805 ft (2,684 m)
Base elevation: 7,140 ft (2,180 m)
Skiable area: 748 acres (303 ha)
Runs: 62 total , 15% beginner , 15% low intermediate , 40% intermediate , 30% advanced
Longest run: Geronimo 1.5 mi (2.4 km)
Lift system: 12 lifts: 3 quad chairlifts, 2 triple chairs, 4 double chairs, 3 surface lifts
Lift capacity: 16,590 skiers/hr
Snowfall: 100 in (250 cm)
Snowmaking: 100%
Night skiing: None
"The 'Rembrandt of snow' has published a hefty coffee table book with a collection of nearly all of his hand-painted maps."

Timeless art for your home
Hand-painted maps require the best reproduction process available. Each illustration starts with a high resolution digital scan. It is then printed on museum quality cotton paper using the latest HDR ink-jet technology.
Legendary Ski Artist James Niehues
If you are a skier or snowboarder, there is a good chance James Niehues has been your mountain guide. Throughout his 30 year career he has worked at the smallest hills and the most expansive resorts in North America. He has left his mark in South America, Australia, Asia and Europe too. And even if you have never shared a bottomless powder day with him, he has always been close by.