Big Bear Blog

While Holidays in Big Bear are super fun and action packed, sometimes you just need to schedule in a non-slope day. Not saying you should back it off; just suggesting penciling into your schedule time away from carving and shredding corduroy, hitting boxes and grinding rails. A day dedicated to a quieter scene. A day for exploring the forest on foot, climbing to perches offering stellar views. A day spent snowshoeing with friends.

After a long week, I decided I needed some quality time and a quick snowshoe up Snowforest’s slopes was definitely in order. Access was easy and there was plenty of parking at the top of Pineknot Avenue. Leaving the parking lot we dodged sledders testing their saucers on runs that rocketed over downed trees. It didn’t take us long to ascend to the top of the open slope above the Village. Here we lingered over a long lunch, enjoyed amazing views of the Lake and the Valley’s northern ridge. Even picked out some of Big Bear’s seven summits and scheduled a few dates for winter summits of these fantastic peaks.

It was a fun afternoon and while we didn’t sit idle, the cool air and our efforts refreshed me for the week ahead! Happy Holidays!

Earning my turns,
Glade Girl

This past Holiday weekend - during a feel-good, giving thanks-type of conversation - a friend posed this question, “What takes your breath away?” I was quick to answer: The power of a winter storm. Perhaps it was the glass of chardonnay I was holding at the time or the engaging topic but I was sincere. I find winter’s fury remarkable.

We were sitting around a cozy campfire in Joshua Tree National Park, tucked under a sagging awning watching it rain and enjoying leftovers from our Turkey-day feast. At that same moment I suspected Big Bear was receiving its first dose of winter. Rain in Southern California flatlands means snow in the mountains, right? While I was content in the desert, I really wanted to be in the snow. Feel the excitement of the first significant snowfall of the 2009-2010 Season and be a part of the celebration.

I fired off a quick text to a friend I knew was riding Bear Mountain. She answered in kind with a single, perfect image – it said it all and conditions looked awesome. As I enjoyed the last day of our holiday, I was happy to spot white-capped peaks as we drove through Johnson Valley. We climbed the 18 from Lucerne, encountering the first evidence of winter at 5,000 feet. It felt as if we were driving in the wake of the storm’s fury. Cresting into the Big Bear Valley’s east end, in the growing darkness of dusk my eyes traced Baldwin Lake’s broad sweep west and settled on slopes now white with winter – in that moment I was thankful there is more than one thing in this world that steals my breath. It was good to be home!

Earning my turns,
Glade Girl

Are you a local? Do you consider yourself a local because you’re always visiting Big Bear, pulling a “weekend warrior” one weekend after another? Are you often mistaken as a local?

Want to know if you are legit? Test your Valley “Cred” with our Big Bear-inspired quiz.

(1) Have a set of chains in your car and actually know how to use them? (Score 1 point for having ‘em and 10 points for knowing how to use them)
(2) How many ski resorts have you skied in the Big Bear Valley? (Score 1 point per mountain)
(3) Have you ever skied by torchlight? (Score 1 point for Yes and an additional point if you wrecked your favorite jacket)
(4) Have you been stuck in a long line at Vons on a Friday Night? (Score 2 Points for Yes)
(5) Have you explored Big Bear’s forests by snowshoe? (Score 1 point for Yes and an additional point if you went at night)
(6) Have you seen “A Christmas Carol” at the PAC? (Score 1 point for Yes)
(7) Have you gone sledding or tubing? (Score 1 point for Yes)
(8) Have you sipped hot chocolate while strolling around the Village? (Score 1 point for Yes)
(9) Have you stood outside in the freezing Big Bear air to usher in the New Year? (Score 1 point for Yes and 100 for the experience)
(10) Have you dug your car out of a snow bank? (Score 1 point for Yes)
(11) Have you grinded a down rail or MJ’ed a box? (Score 1 point for knowing what these mean and 10 points for performing either one)
(12) Have you attended a tree lighting ceremony on Pine Knot? (Score 1 point for Yes)
(13) Have you competed in ‘Snowshoe the Bear?’ (Score 1 point for Yes and 10 if you won!)
(14) Have you ever spent a Friday or Saturday evening skiing under the lights at Snow Summit? (Score 1 point for Yes)
(15) Have you seen zillions of twinkling stars on clear, crisp Big Bear evening? (Score 1 point for Yes and another 10 for the experience)

So what’s your score? Actually, it doesn’t really matter. You’re a local whether you live here or not, so long as you are out having a good time and sharing it with friends and family! Happy and safe holidays!

Earning my turns,
GladeGirl

Not sure if you’ve heard - Warren Miller’s latest film “Dynasty” is currently touring the country. This is Warren’s sixtieth year of filmmaking. Seriously, 60 years!

Celebrating 60 years of that unforgettable voice: Equivalent in my mind to the start of something good. A “bring it on” attitude to the winter season. A voice that still begs us to ponder the question: “What are you doing with the rest of your life?”

Honoring 60 years of a lifestyle: Who of us isn’t a bit envious? In 1946 Miller moved to Idaho, camping in the parking lot of the Sun Valley ski resort, earning money as a ski instructor and using his 8mm camera to film his friends as a way to improve their technique. His first film, “Deep and Light,” debuted in 1950. I ask: Who hasn’t thought about taking a winter off?

“Dynasty” has been described as “the most impressive sports film on the planet.” The film showcases skiing and snowboarding in Norway, Canada, China and all over the United States. As usual it has it all – epic footage of steep descents, committed lines and light pow! One not to be missed and this year we have a treat – it’s showing in Big Bear. Even cooler, it’s a fundraiser for local mountaineer Jordan Romero. Show starts at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 2nd at the Performing Arts Center in Big Bear Lake. Tickets are on sale in a variety of locations including Mountain Fitness on Fox Farm Road. Don’t delay, buy now. I’m positive this will be a sell out!

Earning my turns,
Glade Girl

I caught word on Wednesday via a text message from Big Bear Mountain Resorts that Vampire Weekend performs live at Bear Mountain on Friday, March 20th. The free concert promoted by KROQ stirred quite a buzz around town. Also, flocks of fans from all over Southern California made the trek up the mountain to see the boys from New York play their catchy riffs live.

I dropped by the resort in the afternoon to check out the free concert. I ordered fish and chips at the eatery and grabbed a Newcastle at the bar. I was late for the show, but nonetheless I found a decent seat.

I have to admit I thought Vampire Weekend was another one of those fly-by-night gothic bands that writes dreary music and has cult-like followers that are ale as powder with jet black hair and caked in makeup. However, I was in for quite a surprise. The band actually plays rock that has captivating hooks with an eighties-like twist, and their fan base was a group of regular ole folks.  

The band played an abbreviated set, but nonetheless they brought the house down. I look forward to more free concerts at the mountain resorts. Next time I will be sure to post it to the blog before the band palys.

Rock on,

Daniel Pea

Every day when I show up for work as a snowboard instructor at Snow Summit, I pass by chair lifts 8 and 4. These are the first chairs you will likely take for beginner skiing or snowboarding lessons.  These chairs provide access to the upper part of the “bunny” hill.

All of the people that are there to help you on and off the chairs are friendly and helpful. There’s one “liftie” that especially helpful, and always brings a smile to everyone’s face. His name is Scotty but we all call him “Red Bear” and as you can tell by the photo, the name suits him well. Read Bear is the perfect person to make new riders feel comfortable just before their first run down the slope. This big cuddly teddy bear is there to make sure you get on the chair safely, he always makes my students smile and you can tell that he loves being in Big Bear.

My blog is usually about some kind of athletic endeavor or adventure but that’s not the only reason I love being in Big Bear. Most of the time my friends come up because to go riding, snowshoeing, biking or some kind of mountain fun. I sometimes forget that they usually bring a friend, a date, kids or somebody else that doesn’t go with us. That means that they just hang out and read, shop, or just stare at the lake all day until we get home. I forget they come to the mountains to breathe the fresh air and have nothing to do. That’s exactly what they want to do. Come on up and do whatever you want or nothing at all, after all just being here is enough.
Spreading the love, rev

Last weekend was the 2nd annual Kahtoola’s Snowshoe the Bear.  The day before the event a storm rolled in, and dumped a fresh blanket of powder on the course. As the start time drew near the clouds parted and we got sunshine and blue skies the rest of the day.

As I ran around taking pictures and talking to friends I overheard quite a few people saying that not only was this their first event, but this was the first time they had ever put snowshoes on their feet! As far as I know, everyone who entered the race finished the race. More than one 5k participant pledged to come back next year  to do the 10k.

This year the organizers created a new category called “Conquer the Bear” for anyone who plans to compete in all the events that are listed on www.openairbigbear.com, which includes snowshoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, a multi-sport race, and the Big Bear Marathon. If you like adventure sports, want to have fun and challenge yourself at the same time, check out the site, pick an event (or all of them) and I’ll see you in Big Bear.

Spreading the love of adventure, rev

All roads leading into and out of Big Bear are now open. Now is the time to make plans to enjoy your winter activities in fresh snow.

Big Bear accumulated a good two feet of snow from the recent series of storms. Combined with the December snowstorms and snowmaking the resorts have a solid four foot base. This is the time to take advantage of these quality conditions.

This weekend is President’s Day Weekend, so prepare everything in advance to get the most of your trip. I suggest you purchase your lift tickets before you come up this weekend. Make sure you have chains. Even four-wheel drive vehicles will at need to have chains in the vehicle at all times. Book your room now! There are some great lodging rates. Be sure to visit BigBear.com or call 800-424-4232 to book your reservations. 

It’s also Valentines Day this Saturday, so guys make sure you have everything lined up so you can really woo your lady. For example, you can surprise her with rose pedals on the bed or a candlelit room with sparkling wine. To learn more, check out Big Bear’s romantic packages. Check out dining options in advance and be sure to make reservations.

Other than that the snow is exceptional right now and all roads are open. So come up and enjoy the best winter has to offer right here in Big Bear Lake. It’s just a hop, skip and jump away.

It’s Snow Time,

Daniel Pea
 

There’s a buzz around town, energy in the air, and snow in the forecast. Good friends are coming and new ones will certainly be made.

If you haven’t heard, this weekend is the 2nd Annual Kahtoola’s Snowshoe the Bear snow shoe race and expo. I can’t think of a better reason to get your friends and family up for a nice hike through the winter wonderland.

Before I moved to Big Bear Lake I’d never been snow shoeing. Nowadays, I can’t imagine not shoeing as soon as the powder hits the mountain. My friends and I have been looking forward to this year’s race because everyone had so much fun at last year’s race and party.

What makes it so fun is how easy it is really is. There is no need for lessons, shoe rentals and poles are inexpensive, and there are no complicated bindings to figure out. Just strap them onto your boots and off you go.

For more info on this weekend’s snowshoe race, log on to www.snowshoethebear.com, or if you’re interested in all the fun and exciting outdoor events in Big Bear happening this year log onto www.openairbigbear.com.

I’ll be at the race this weekend, and I look forward to shoeing with you!

Spreading the love on the mountain, Rev

Last weekend I went all out and experienced a smorgasbord of activities Big Bear offers in the winter time. The weekend was filled with great camaraderie and lots of laughter.

First up was a trek in the forest via snowshoes. I joined a group from off the mountain on Big Bear Discovery Center’s snowshoe tour. This tour is perfect for beginners, and I must say there were quite a few. The great thing about the Discovery Center’s tours is there is no pressure, and everyone is welcome to go at there own pace. There were a few stragglers that were far behind, but when I looked at their faces it was all smiles. The key factor here is it doesn’t matter how slow or fast you go, just as long as you have a good time.

On the tour we learned some interesting facts about nature. For instance did you know willow trees are the source for aspirin, and did you know white fir tree needles are filled with vitamin C, and taste like a tangerine?

Next, I went inner tubing with my nephews at Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain. Thanks to the magic carpet ride we must have slid down the hill 30 times or more in a two hour span. It was well worth $25 for easy lifts to the top.

On Sunday I went on an off road excursion led by our fearless leader Doug Walton of Big Bear Off Road Adventures. It was an absolute blast! It was Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride to the nth degree. A wild adventure indeed! We slipped and slid through the snow, got squirrely with it a few times, got stuck in 3 ½ feet of snow, pulled out another vehicle that was stuck, Doug hummed the theme song to Bonanza and we rammed into a juniper tree. The entire vehicle was filled with laughter. There was so much comedy on this trip, it was like being on a trip with Mr. Bean or Will Ferrell. It was one funny moment after the next.

I was expecting to go to work on Monday, but when I woke up and saw fresh snow on the ground that it could only mean one thing, a fresh powder day on the mountain. I went to Goldsmith’s Boardshop to rent a demo board and off to Snow Summit I went. What can I say it was a pow pow day. I can’t think of a better way to end such a great weekend of adventure.

May the snow be with you,

Daniel Pea