Big Bear Blog

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 

Yesterday my friend Billy came up for some snowboarding with his little brother and his cousin who happens to be rapper/actor/t.v. star Coolio. He was just another boarder until he peeled his helmet to reveal his trademark braids. It was fun watching the reactions from people when they realized who was on the slopes next to them.

I’ll admit I was a little surprised on how well the singer of “Gangster’s Paradise” ripped up our mountain top paradise. This rapper rips! When anyone recognized him he was happy to stop for a photo and he even took time to throw down an autograph on the door of our shack at Snowboard School. 

From the streets to the slopes Coolio gets mad props from me for being so talented and being a genuinely “cool” guy. Well that’s my “celebrity” sighting of the year but don’t worry I won’t go “Hollywood” on ya!

Dropping names and spreading the love, rev