Big Bear Blog

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

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

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

When it came to skiing mid-week, my parents were totally on board. They never thought twice about taking us out of school for a day of family fun at our local resort. So when my friend Debbie called me with the idea of riding with her two sons for a weekday snowboard session, I was thrilled. Taking the kids out of school once yearly for some free time on the slopes is a plus in my book. And ride they did – we turned and burned with shorter lift lines, wide open slopes and – right after our storm – spectacular snow conditions. Yeah, skipping school was a good call.

For the sake of protecting the guilty, we’ll call my friends Hank and Al – that’s Al on the right. First time on the slopes this season, Hank and Al took a two hour group lesson at Bear Mountain. Not surprisingly there were only a handful of kids in the Fun Zone. What’s even cooler is Hank ended up with his instructor Travis all to himself. You could call it a private lesson for a fraction of the cost! Al teamed up with two other kids and learned as much as he could before he hit the lifts and showed us his cool So Cal style.

Call it what you want – skipping school, taking a mental health day or cashing in on one of your vacation days – kids shouldn’t be the only ones playing hooky.

Earning my turns,
Glade Girl