The sun has set on another summer at Big Bear Mountain Resort, which means winter will be here before we know it.

The parking lot at Snow Valley was refinished, eliminating rough patches and potholes.

With the closing of the mountain bike trails, it’s time to start thinking about skiing at the three resorts operated by BBMR: Snow Valley, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. What is the difference between the three? Read about them on the resort’s website: www.bigbearmountainresort.com/our-mountains.

After last winter’s record-setting snowfall, the resort is getting an early start on this year’s seasonal switchover, including refreshing park features and testing the snowmaking systems.

Season passes for all three mountains are on sale now but don’t delay – prices will go up on Dec. 8.

Renovations totaling $12.7 million have been underway at all three parks. At Snow Valley, two new magic carpets have been installed and the previous magic carpet layout has been revised to better serve Sports School guests and minimize the impact of high winds.

In addition, to better serve first-time and intermediate guests, Chair 2 has been shortened to provide quicker, easier access to the beginner area, which has been expanded to give guests more room to elevate their skills. And to better serve the expanded beginner area, as well as provide consistent coverage throughout the season, additional snowmaking infrastructure has been installed, including new high-efficiency snow guns.

The rental shops at all three parks have been renovated with new floor plans, efficient equipment storage, updated rental products and a revised check-in process so guests can grab their gear and get on the slopes faster.

At Snow Valley, guests looking to fuel up before, during,or after their day on the slopes will appreciate a full remodel of the Deer Meadow Grill with additional improvements to the outdoor seating area. Not to be outdone, the locker room, repair shop and all restrooms in the main lodge have also been renovated so guests can get in, get what they need and get back on the slopes faster. Improvements have also been made to multiple employee work areas, including a new break room, conference/training room and HR office to make sure the team is set up for success this season.

Snow Summit and Bear Mountain have undergone a number of updates over the past few years. That work continues at both mountains with an even bigger sun deck at Bear Mountain and updates to multiple dining venues.

For more information on Big Bear Mountain Resort, visit www.bigbearmountainresort.com.