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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Mountain High Resort
Wrightwood Village
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By Matthew
Martz |
With its
close proximity to Los Angeles and Orange County, Mountain
High Ski Resort in Wrightwood is the perfect place for
a day or weekend snow adventure.
Tucked away 6,000 feet up in the San
Gabriel mountains among the big pines of the Angeles
National Forest, Mountain High Resort's 20 miles of
runs makes it one of the top five resorts in the state,
and top 25 resorts in the country in terms of visits.
The resort is composed of three separate
parks. East, west, and north.
West is the primary park that is open,
especially when it hasn't snowed much. It is also more
of the skills park with plenty of jumps, jibs, rails,
and boxes suitable for the more advanced snowboarder.
Surprising for its low elevation, Mountain
High does get plenty of snow, but snowmaking still happens,
due mainly impart to the warmer So Cal temperatures.
But they do have night riding on the west side, which
is good, although the snow by then tends to be slushier.
The east park provides more of the longer
alpine-type runs and is a bit more challenging, but
has less park-type things. Most of the black diamond
runs are found here as well.
Meanwhile, the north side is the smallest
of all the areas, and the runs are narrower, making
it fun for beginners and intermediate riders. It also
has a Family Recreation Area that includes a sledding
and tubing park.
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Wrightwood Tubing |
If you're new to skiing or snowboarding,
or perhaps looking to improve your already mad skills,
Mountain High Resort offers lessons for all ages, and
levels, and professional instructors are ready to teach
you all the fundamentals of snowboarding, or skiing.
There is even an all day Kids Academy
program that includes lunch, snacks, structured learning,
and fun time breaks. It's a great way for mom and dad
to have fun on the slopes without worrying for the little
ones.
When signing-up for lessons, if you need
gear -- no problem. The price of lessons includes equipment
rental.
After a long day on the slopes, a good place to unwind
is the Bull Wheel Bar and Grill. When the snow is right,
this is a great ski-in-ski-out watering hole, with good
grub to boot.
While in the area, you'll defiantly want to pay a visit
or even stay and play in neighboring Wrightwood Village.
Also known as the land of four seasons, and originally
inhabited by the Serrano Indians, Wrightwood eventually
evolved into a cattle ranch, and apple orchard, then finally
into a quiet mountain resort community.
There is always something to do, and whether it be camping,
fishing, hiking or a serene picnic, Wrightwood affords
the opportunity to relax and just enjoy life.
For the more adventurous hiker, there are numerous trailheads
that lead to various points of interests and features,
such as Mt. Baden Powell, the Pacific Crest National Scenic
Trail, and many of the other secret wonders that make
up the Angeles National Forest, including places like
the Bighorn Mine.
Once a historical wagon road, mine shaft, and also an
old stamp mill, the Big Hill Mine is a cool place to check
out. The main trial offers panoramic views and is very
easy to reach on foot. Definitely worth the afternoon
for this trip of just 2.5 miles.
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Wrightwood Snowboarding |
Wrightwood Ski Lift |
Aside snow skiing, snowboarding and hiking,
Wrightwood is also known for is it's relaxed downtown
village comprised of a varied collection of shops, restaurants,
and lodging choices.
Weekends at Mountain High Ski Resort can
be crowded, especially at the main park on the west side.
However, the east side on weekdays seems to attract much
lighter crowds, and with a few jumps and rails it is sure
to satisfy the non-hardcore park rider.
Mountain High is Southern California's
closest winter resort, just 90 minutes from L.A. and Orange
County.
With its many activities, Wrightwood is
best visited year-round, and is reachable via Interstate
15 from Orange County or Highway 14 from the Los Angeles
area, approximately 2 hours to the north just off scenic
Highway 2. Photo's courtesy Mountain
High
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Snow
Summit the perfect playground for skiers,
snowboarders and family snow tubing. |
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Mammoth
Lakes one of
the largest ski resorts in the US and attracts skiers
and snowboarders |
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