Income and education levels are higher than those of surrounding communities are. In the summer, it is about 20 degrees cooler than the Valley floor with summer highs generally in the 80's. Average rainfall is 50 inches a year, which is 3 to 4 times typical rainfall in the Southern California area. Average snowfall is 80 inches a year starting in late November and ending in March. The area receives 310 annual days of sunshine being above the marine layer that covers the Los Angeles Basin during much of the year.
Air quality is generally good due to the elevation being above the valley's inversion layer.
The area is host to 2.4 million visitor days a year, primarily part time vacation homeowners and their guests. There are 400 guestrooms in hotels, motels and Bed and Breakfasts for overnight visitors as well as 500 cabins, which are rented out on a short-term basis. Ski packages, Weddings and Eco-Tourism is major sources of visitor growth. The area is also popular for business conferences. Summer is the most popular tourist season with winter usage growing.