When I lived at the beach, I viewed all four seasons the same – never favoring one over the other, just another month of clear skies and blue surf. It was only a date on the calendar that signified we had progressed into yet another season.

That changed when I moved to Big Bear and since then spring has shifted into the favored position. Why? In the mountains seasons tend linger past the imaginary boundaries drawn by a calendar date. I learned early on dates don’t really mean much up here. On northern slopes the chill of winter hangs well past April while southern aspects bathe in the warmth of longer days. You start to notice cars with racks carrying an array of colorful road bikes idling next to SUV’s carting snowboards parked next to trucks toting kayaks. 

It underscores the undeniable truth about springtime in Big Bear: Over the course of a few days you can vary your adventures like you change your clothes. Not consigned to just one outdoor pursuit but given the freedom only multiple options bring: Ski, hike, run, ride, paddle, climb? In spring you can carve Snow Summit’s slopes (still open) in the morning and finish the day with a quick hike up Cougar Crest; or spend a few hours snowshoeing Mill Creek’s drainage followed by an afternoon run on the Pacific Crest Trail. Plus leftover daylight to sip a favorite brew on the front porch.

Spring in Big Bear is simple: It’s about adventure and the only concern is whether you can fit it all in.

Still earning my turns,
Glade Girl