For the firefighters who have been battling the relentless flames - from the San Bernardino forest to the coast at Palisades and elsewhere - it's a way to take a break from the stress of the job.
Big Bear Mountain Resort's newly launched "Heroes on the Slopes" program is also a chance to recognize police officers and EMTs who spend their days saving lives and keeping people safe, its officials said.
The promo offer that launched last week offers free lift tickets every Tuesday and Wednesday for active first responders across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Tickets can be redeemed at Bear Mountain, Snow Summit and Snow Valley through the remainder of the season. It is just the latest attraction to offer a benefit to the region's first responder community.
"We deeply appreciate your tireless efforts and heroism, especially in the wake of the LA fires," BBMR said in announcing the program. "Your dedication to our safety deserves to be celebrated, and we hope this offer allows you to take some well-deserved time on the slopes."
Dana Point EMT and seasonal Laguna Beach lifeguard James Aheara heard about the deal and thought it would be a good excuse to get out in nature on his recent day off. He visited Snow Summit in Big Bear.
"I'm not going to compare ourselves to the firefighters in the wildfires, but it gets stressful sometimes, you can kind of get burnt out," he said.
It was a chance to "step away, be a little selfish for a moment and have some fun," he said.
Big Bear Mountain Resort spokesman Justin Kanton said the offer was the least the resort could do following the challenging season Southern California first responders have faced the past few months.
"It's just a good opportunity for these people who have been doing so much for us, here in Big Bear as well as down the hill, to just take a break for a minute and get above whatever circumstances they are dealing with and come decompress," he said. "Come enjoy a day on the slopes with us."
It gives people a chance to step away, reconnect with nature and take a breath, he added. "That's all we're really hoping to do here, just provide them with an opportunity to enjoy themselves, considering everything they've been going through."
The Big Bear community can relate to fire-related worries and concerns. Just a few months ago, the Line Fire scorched more than 40,000 acres, threatening the mountain communities.
"I think we can relate better than most, which is unfortunate, but it's the reality of the last couple seasons here," Kanton said. "Now is the time to show our appreciation for the men and women who put themselves out there and have to take on these things."
Mammoth Mountain, also owned by Alterra Mountain Company, has also launched the same program.
To redeem a free lift ticket, a badge and driver's license or identification card can be taken to any ticket window on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.