Big Bear Blog

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 admit it: I am a life-long, die-hard skier who has never given much thought to a ski-specific pre-season exercise program. Sure, I mountain bike, run and do yoga regularly, but I have never considered throwing circuit training into the mix. This year is different – I set a few skiing-related goals for myself and these will require more from me than my typical strategy of “I’ll get ski-fit by skiing.”

Plus, as a PSIA Certified Ski Instructor, I know the key to skiing well is a strong core, not just endurance and strength in the lower body. I confess, this year I decided to ‘walk the walk’ and signed up for a group snow sports-specific workout program with Ted Devito at Mountain Fitness.

While I was open to having my butt kicked by Ted’s no-nonsense approach to fitness, I didn’t think I would enjoy it. In the past, the only time I spent in a gym was to attend a spin class or swim laps not to lift weights, count reps or do sit-ups. But after three weeks into the program, I am having a blast. Each night is different and interesting. The circuit of eight exercises tests my core, flexibility and balance and tasks me to draw strength not just from my legs but my upper body too. The next morning I wake up a bit sore with a feeling of accomplishment and a notion that this season might just be better than last.

And, I have to give a nod to Rev: He’s always there with some encouraging words balanced with some good-natured heckling and, of course, some awesome funk mash-ups to help us groove through the tough parts.

Earning my turns,
Glade Girl

This time of year temps make a sustainable dip into the 20’s at night. Early season storms swing through without commitment. And inevitably, we hit a brief warming trend. Tank tops and shorts return and the trails become busy with hikers and mountain bikers. Just when we start to wrap our arms around chilly nights – welcoming the cold with a roaring fire in the wood-burning stove.

Yup, we’re in a bit of holding pattern, a waiting game. Waiting for that first snow. We know it’s coming. We’re not putting life on hold. We’re taking advantage of the warmer weather – doing all the things we did before it turned cold. Patience is a virtue, right?

One of the cool things about living in Big Bear is when that wait is finally over. Fat flakes float down turning forests and slopes a monochromatic hue. We long for enough snow to create, at best, a decent base or, at worse, a solid argument for snowmakers to return to work. And with that first snow we reach for our phones, send emails, facebook and tweet. Our fingers move in a frenzy trying to get the words out – “It’s snowin!”

We’re on the front lines and we take it seriously. But for now…we play the game.

Earning my turns,
Glade Girl