Early Development and Big Pines Origins (1920s–1930s)
Skiing in Wrightwood grew out of the Big Pines Recreation Area, developed by Los Angeles County in the 1920s. By 1929, a massive ski jump was built for winter carnivals, and Table Mountain soon became recognized as a prime slope. In 1937, Harlow “Buzz” Dormer and Craig Wilson installed the first rope tow on Table Mountain. Dormer formalized operations in 1939 when he obtained a Forest Service permit and built a small warming hut. This made Table Mountain one of the earliest formal ski areas in Southern California.

The Howard Moore Era (1940s–1960s)
Howard “Bud” Moore took over in 1943 and secured a long-term permit in 1945. By the early 1950s, Moore constructed a two-story lodge at the base of Table Mountain using timber milled on-site. The resort grew steadily, adding several Poma lifts during the 1950s and 60s, including the formidable “Giant Poma.” Moore was known for his innovations: providing standardized snow reports, advocating ski safety rules, and experimenting with snowmaking despite water shortages. The resort gained popularity among families for its rustic charm and accessible terrain.

Transition to Ski Sunrise (1970s)
After a crippling accident in 1969 left Moore partially paralyzed, he sold the ski area in 1972. In 1973, a group of investors under Tamount, Inc., took over. By the 1974–75 season, they rebranded the resort as Ski Sunrise. Improvements included a chairlift, a new restaurant, snowmaking enhancements, and expanded facilities. Ski Sunrise marketed itself on its uncrowded slopes and sunny exposures, attracting skiers looking for a quieter experience. In the late 1990s, it also opened the Sky High disc golf course, still active today.

Challenges and Decline (1990s–2004)
Ownership returned to Moore in 1993 when the investors defaulted. Although he continued to run Ski Sunrise, drought winters and competition from Mountain High devastated attendance. In 1999–2000, the area operated for only 35 days across two seasons. With limited snowmaking and shrinking skier visits, Ski Sunrise could not compete with larger, better-funded resorts. In 2004, Mountain High purchased the property, ending its independent ski operations.

Legacy and Current Status
Howard Moore, remembered as a pioneer of Southern California skiing, died in 2006. Today, the old Ski Sunrise area is Mountain High North, used primarily for tubing, snow play, and beginner lessons. The original lodge, built in the 1950s, still stands, serving guests in winter. The Sky High Disc Golf Course continues as a summer attraction. Though the Ski Sunrise name is gone, the mountain remains a cornerstone of Wrightwood’s ski history, remembered fondly by generations of skiers.

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Timeline

1924 – Big Pines Recreation Area opens, developed by Los Angeles County as a mountain retreat.

1929 – A 1,150-foot ski jump is built in Big Pines, drawing attention to the area for winter sports.

1937 – Harlow “Buzz” Dormer and Craig Wilson install the first rope tow on Table Mountain.

1939 – Dormer receives a Forest Service permit and builds a warming hut, formally establishing Table Mountain Ski Area.

1943 – Howard “Bud” Moore takes over operations of Table Mountain Ski Area.

1945 – Moore secures a Forest Service permit for ownership and long-term operation.

Early 1950s – Moore constructs a two-story base lodge from timber milled on-site.

Mid-1950s – Several Poma lifts are installed, including the “Giant Poma.”

1969 – Moore suffers a serious accident, leaving him partially paralyzed.

1972 – Moore sells the ski area to Tamount, Inc.

1974–75 – Resort is renamed Ski Sunrise. New ownership adds a chairlift, restaurant, and snowmaking upgrades.

1980s–1990s – Ski Sunrise maintains a niche following with uncrowded slopes and family-friendly atmosphere.

1993 – Tamount defaults; Howard Moore forecloses and regains ownership.

1999–2000 – Severe drought limits operations to just 35 days across two seasons. Skier visits drop drastically.

2004 – Mountain High purchases Ski Sunrise for about $375,000, converting it into a snow-play and beginner area.

2006 – Howard “Bud” Moore passes away at age 91.

Present – The area is operated as Mountain High North. The original lodge still stands. In summer, the Sky High Disc Golf Course remains popular.