Hunting for a place to rest its weary flakes, a so-called “monster storm” finally found us up here in Big Bear and did some damage before answering all the skiers and snowboarders snow hungry hopes.  With a storm like this on the horizon, plenty of powder hounds were ready to get theirs and start the year off with the soundless sound of base n’ edges on fluff.  But, after a full day of rain and temps sticking to around 36%, the snow was no where to be seen and the stoke of freshies was dwindling rapidly.  Then (finally!!) on Sunday, January 6 the snow hit and kept coming for a good two days which gave the resorts a much needed boost after a devastating Saturday closure.  With almost two feet piling up after the skies cleared, hopes were revived with jackets zipped, layers layered and tires a’ spinnin’ the storm riders came in hordes to hit it up before having to go back to work post holiday.  Now, from here the story goes in two directions:  Sunday:  super fun fresh tracks with every run but freezing cold……….Monday:  it rained on top of 10 inches of forbidden powder!  Which day would you rather ride?  I choose both and got to get 5th chair up Geronimo on Sunday as well as some awesome park runs at Bear.  That was in some ways the best day of the season so far! (except for slip sliding on a ice sheet and jacking up my elbow—it’s fine now, thanks for asking)  As far as Monday, what looked like wide open powder fields forever was actually evil ice coated temptation that lured the eager rider into its grasp, only to up end the poor thrill seeker……leaving him defeated but still ready to try another spot.  Too bad the whole mountain was masked under a 1/2 sheet of hard ice from a morning stint of rain and this boarder was disgusted after multiple attempts and slaying the ice/powder monster only to end up with bruised shins and a need for more powder (hold the ice).  So, not to be disappointed, this rider was happy to go home and pull out the shovel, heat up some coffee and attack the rest of the snowy drive.  Playing in the snow makes you feel young and vibrant, at least until the plows come back and leave you with another 4 foot berm to break up! 

I rode again at night this last Saturday January 12 at Summit. I must say I was quite happy to find decent snow on most of the runs; not bad for night riding. Try Westridge for the best snow conditions and after warming up hit the park. The park staff has had fun with the new building material and the park run shows it with a bigger side hip hit and elevated boxes to slide. 

This season is far from over so keep those legs strong and bases waxed and check back for more local views of a snowboarders life in Big Bear.

Keep Thinking Snow,

Land Crab