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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Big
Bear Mountain Resorts
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By Matthew
Martz |
Fresh mountain
breezes, clear blue skies and a unique blend of calming
stillness and vigorous outdoor activities is what you
will find at Big Bear Mountain Resorts located in the
San Bernardino Mountains, approximately 100 miles northeast
of downtown Los Angeles.
The towering aromatic pine trees, wild deer and squirrels
that inhabit the two main areas that make up BBMR (Snow
Summit and Bear Mountain), allows visitors to feel a
million miles away from the city, when in reality they
are just a short drive from the suburban sprawl of southern
California.
This distinctive alpine mountain destination is the
ideal year-round get away, providing recreationalists
of all ages and skill levels with a wide array of open-air
activities such as skiing, snowboarding, golfing, hiking,
biking, or horseback riding.
In the winter, Snow Summit provides the perfect playground
for skiers and snowboarders and includes many trails
for all types of riders. The family fun park is a big
hit, filled with low riding rails and jumps. New features
on the Central Park Run even include a 15-foot jump.
There is a ski and snowboard school for newbies and
a place to rent equipment as well if you don’t
own your own. Early season ticket prices are sold at
reduced rates, with additional discounts available for
half-day sessions, which begin at noon.
During the summer months, the resort
transforms one of its two high-speed quads, the East
Mountain Express, into the Scenic Sky Chair, whisking
riders to an elevation of 8,200-feet in 15-minutes while
providing visitors with a spectacular view of Big Bear
Lake and the entire valley.
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Big Bear Mountain Resorts Winter |
Starting in
late May, the Sky Chair is open weekends only until June
18, when it open for operation on a daily basis. A roundtrip
ticket is $12 for adults and $6 for kids, a bit less if
you hike back down, or a bit more if you haul your mountain
bike up and bike down. Be aware that this is an open quad
chair ski lift as opposed to the enclosed gondolas you might
find at other skiing locations.
Once at the summit, adventurers can grab a tasty BBQ
lunch at the View Haus before hopping back on the Sky
Chair for a peaceful decent, or heading out on one of
the many of trail options for cross-country biking and
hiking. The area’s expansive network of diverse
trails and roads, including 40 miles of Forest Service
infrastructure, sets up the perfect backdrop for all skill
levels.
One of the shortest routes down the mountain is a one-mile
service road, offering breathtaking vistas and a family-friendly
way to view firsthand the numerous assortments of wildflowers
that bloom during the spring and early summer months.
For seasoned hikers, head out behind the View Haus, down
to Skyline Drive, which traverses across the ridgeline,
offering spectacular views of the Santa Ana River Valley
and San Gorgonio Mountain.
Located across from the Bear ski resort on Goldmine Drive
and open seven days a week; weather permitting from May
through early November, is the Bear Mountain Golf Course.
This 9-hole course is nestled at the base of Bear Mountain
Resort in the Moonridge meadow area, and includes a pro
shop with club rentals as well as a 300-yard driving range.
The Club House Grill overlooks the ninth hole and serves
a full breakfast and lunch seven days a week. The hours
of operations vary throughout the summer season, so it’s
best to call ahead for reservations as well as tee times.
If you’re looking to stay for more than just a
day, the Big Bear Mountain Resorts offers all of the comforts
travelers are accustomed to, from charming bed and breakfasts
to rustic lodges, to cabin rentals where you can rest
your head for another fun filled day on the slopes or
trails.
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Bear Mountain Jump Lift |
Bear Mountain Jump |
Finally, don’t forget to bring the
kids, as the nearby city of Big Bear offers plenty of
things to keep the family busy, including Moonridge Animal
Park and Zoo, the Alpine Slide, go-carts, miniature golf,
water slides, arcades, Discovery Center and much more.
Big Bear Lake also offers a great Golf
course and some of the best antique stores and vintage
shopping in Southern California.
There are three routes to choose from when
traveling to the Big Bear Mountain Resorts area. Hwy 330/Hwy
18 is the fastest and easiest route, but can get crowded
on weekends and holidays.
Highway 38 is a bit longer, but is the most scenic and often
has less traffic than Hwy 330/Hwy 18. Finally, there is
Highway 18, which gets less snowfall and has the least amount
of mountain driving.
It is a good idea to choose your route depending on weather
conditions and day of the week, and always carry chains
in your vehicle when traveling in and around the area.
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Mammoth
Lakes one of
the largest ski resorts in the US and attracts skiers
and snowboarders |
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