Big Bear Blog

Snow Summit closed on Saturday, April 18 – Cheers to a great season with tons of powder and lots of smiles. But I haven’t given up on skiing in Big Bear yet and turned to the San Gorgonio Wilderness recently to fill the need to make perfect turns down steep slopes. The snow pack is still strong and we had some of the best spring corn I have seen in a long time. A group of us hit the trail early to see if we could make it to the top of Jepson Peak (11,207 feet) and descend one of the northeast-facing chutes. 

Hiking in along the Santa Ana River trail, the sound of running water eased us into a steady cadence as we made our way through the forest to Slushy Meadow. From there we donned our skis and skinned up a gully to the base of the big and prominent Sun Bowl. Sun Bowl is a spectacular amphitheatre created by San G’s ridgeline as it descends from the east and anchored by Jepson Peak to the west. It is so spectacular that in the late 50’s Walt Disney wanted to develop the area into a world-class ski resort and even put a bid in to host the 1960 winter Olympics on its slopes. Thankfully, Walt Disney did not realize that dream.

With this in mind, in silence we each enjoyed the view and had a bite to eat. Together we made a plan and decided on a straight forward approach. Climbing the chute we wanted to ski so we could check out the snow conditions and get a look at our descent path. Smooth going sun-baked corn made easy progress of our hard work climbing at altitude. We topped out at 1:00 p.m. and were offered lofty views of Big Bear Lake to the north, the Los Angeles basin to the west and San Jacinto to the south and east. Though we felt alone and on top of Southern California, we spied a few other hearty souls climbing in the distance towards San G’s summit.

After signing the summit log, we clicked into our skis and were happy to know it was all down hill from here. One-by-one we descended Jepson’s rock lined chute. A few hop turns in the narrow throat gave way to carving as it continued to fall away from the summit. We had enough coverage to traverse west over to Mount Charlton’s glades before returning to Slushy Meadow and hike back to the car.

It was a great day – much like every day this past winter season - sharing fun turns and stunning views with good friends.

Earning my turns,
Glade Girl 

I’ve heard people bragging about how they can go surfing in the morning and skiing in the afternoon, or vice versa.  Well I must say I’ve never tried to surf, but I do know how to rent a boat and play on the lake. Big Bear Marina is open for the season, and other marinas will soon follow suit. If you own a boat then you’ll be glad to know the public boat launch ramps open to the public Wednesday, April 1.

Take a cruise on the lake or go fishing in the morning and take a few runs on the slopes in the afternoon. That way you can say you’ve conquered the spring conditions in Big Bear. The best part is the lake and slopes, which are the key components to a spring fling are just a hop, skip and jump away from each other.

Lake ‘n’ Slopes,

Daniel Pea

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

Spring is here and mountain play is in full swing at both resorts with great for skiing and boarding on great snow coverage. There’s no need for heavy clothing and thick gloves to stay warm. In fact, now that spring is here it’s “no jackets required!” This is a great time to get those last runs in, because with lesser crowds means shorter lift lines and wide open terrain. This gives you more opportunity to let it rip. Plan a trip to Big Bear now and don’t worry about packing a jacket. Grab your board throw on a t-shirt and come on up for a spring fling. see you there, rev

The Big Bear Lake Resort Association just announced that it will ofer its midweek lift and lodging packages for weekend stays. What this means is if you visit Big Bear on weekends from March 20th to the end of the 2008/2009 ski season, then you’ll save some serious cash on the slopes and on your overnight lodging accommodations.

These sweet deals provide guests with a discount of 25% on both lift tickets and lodging. In fact, a group of seven just booked a two night stay for March 27 - 29 at Grey Squirrel Vacation Rentals with lift tickets to Big Bear Mountain Resorts. The bottom line came out to just $68 per person, per night. Lift tickets at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain are regularly $53. You do the math!

If you plan to visit Big Bear in the next few weeks, whether you come up midweek or on the weekends take advantage of the lift and lodging package deals. Visit BigBear.com or call 800-424-4232 to get the full scoop on these great bargains.

Did I mention the spring skiing and riding is phenomenal right now. Come up and play!

Daniel Pea 

This last storm gave Big Bear exactly what it needed – enough coverage to enjoy endless turns through deep powder in Bear Mountain’s canyons. Cold temps kept the snow light until visibility returned. Blue sky kept us warm as we hiked for untracked pitches amongst the trees. Ducking into the canyons is reminiscent of riding the gladed runs I grew up with especially because the same technical skills apply. I love the mountain and its natural challenges! But skiing the canyons and riding gladed runs comes with some responsibility. There are a few rules that need to be followed:

1) Never ski or ride the canyons alone.
2) Always keep your partners in sight.
3) Stop occasionally and check in with each other.
4) Move more cautiously through the trees taking care to look for rocks, stumps and downed trees.
5) Check in with Patrol.
6) Know where you are going – if you don’t know the terrain, you have no business dropping in. Understand the topography and where it will take you.

And never, ever steal your mate’s line! That is just bad form. There are plenty of freshies for everyone – you just have to be willing to work for it.

Earning my turns, Glade Girl

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
 

It is probably a good thing snow storms happen on Sunday nights – it means more ‘freshies’ for those of us sticking around for some epic mid-week riding. Five inches of powder goes a long way on a Monday morning. I made first chair and riding alone, I enjoyed the morning’s silence as the lift whisked me to the top. I figured I could move faster through the singles line and lap it up on Bear Mountain’s Rips, Gambler and Outlaw before moving on to Silver. It didn’t take long before I made some new friends. And it took even less time for the mountain to get tracked up. We rode all morning, toasted our turns with après ski libations and parted ways in the parking lot.

What a great way to set the tone for the week ahead – making friends and memorable turns. It just can’t get any better than this!

Earning My Turns,

Glade Girl

I forgot how fun it is to go night skiing! In High School I was a member of the ski club: Every Thursday afternoon we climbed onto a school bus that took us to Labrador Mountain - an hour’s drive from my hometown in upstate New York. We skied into the evening on well lit runs. At some point we would cut through the trees on slick trails that snaked their way between runs, flying over darkened whoop-dee-doos in power wedges. I haven’t been night skiing since then – at least not until this past Friday night at Snow Summit.

And the skiing was great! We rode Westridge right after the groomers had finished with it – laying our edges into deep cut corduroy. Super fun, we headed back up Chair 2 for more. At the top, I poked my head into Snow Summit’s Patrol shack to see if any of my friends were working. To my surprise and delight, many were. In fact, the women of Patrol had taken over for their annual Girl’s Night. A sign on the door could have read ‘No Boys Allowed’ because it was just the girls manning first aid for the mountain. And they had cooked a feast: A potluck with enough healthy and not-so-healthy calories to keep everyone warm while responding to emergencies on the hill. Thanks Dee, Debi, Leigh Anne, Jen, Heather, Liz and Tara for keeping us all safe. It was cool; let me know the next time you take over the mountain!

In the end, it was the views that got me. There is something special about looking down on Big Bear Lake bedecked in city lights – the shoreline is illuminated in casts of green and gold. In dramatic contrast, the center of the Lake appears bottomless in deep tonal blacks. I think I am going to mix in some more night skiing this winter and I encourage everyone else to do the same.

Earning my turns – Glade Girl

 2009 is already off to a great start at the Snow Sports School at Snow Summit. Classes have been super fun and as always it’s great to be reunited with friends and co-workers after the summer break. Snow conditions have been perfect! The sunny days with bright blue skies provide epic views and comfort.

We have a great lineup of instructors this year with every level of student covered, from first time beginners to shredders that want to hit the boxes, rails and other terrain features. Now is the time to learn how to ski or snowboard. Come up to take a beginner class with one of our fun and friendly instructors. This way you can get out there and have fun on the slopes with your friends and family.

Safety, fun and learning is our motto and helping you learn how to safely have fun on our mountain is our goal. So come on up and let’s have some fun!

Spreading the word, rev