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A Snowy Vacation at Big Bear Lake
It is true that in California you can surf and ski in the same day – at least from September to March. Big Bear Lake is just over two hours away from Santa Monica beach, so you could catch the waves in the morning then get out on the powder for lunchtime. Nestled in the San Bernardino mountains, Big Bear Lake boasts two winter resorts that are arguably the best places to ski or snowboard in California. It is definitely the best place to learn or to improve your technique: Bear Mountain has the region’s largest beginner area, and Snow Summit has an impressive ski school with friendly and enthusiastic instructors. Group sizes are small, and you may even be lucky enough to get a one-on-one lesson for the same price. Thrill-seekers are welcome too: SoCal’s freestyle skiers and snowboarders make these resorts their home, with terrain parks offering a full range of jibs, and the only Superpipe in California. After a spot of night skiing at Snow Summit, the Big Bear Lake area has much to offer in the way of après-ski, whether it be hitting up a bar or having a cozy supper by the fireplace.
Breathtaking Scenery
The drive to Big Bear Lake itself is a complete spectacle. As you climb up the windy City Creek Road, ears popping as you quickly reach six and a half thousand feet, you will want to regularly stop off at the marked vantage points to take photographs of the vast spread of pine trees, rolling hills and the sprawling valley below. That’s before you get to the eponymous lake, expansive and mysterious, with huge rocks perfect for sitting on whilst fishing. Drive up at night to see the moon bright and magnified. As you reach the town, the trees seem to form protective walls around you, creating a rustic and welcoming feel –and the pine cones are enormous.
Snowy Activities at Big Bear Lake
Whilst snowboarders are often a minority in other ski resorts, they are in ready supply at Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. Many are locals, come to take advantage of the inexpensive lift passes, a decent amount of vertical and plenty of ever-improving jumps and jibs in the adventure parks. However, many visitors are completely new to the sport, and have come to take lessons from the ski school. The two mix well, and the vibe here is very relaxed. It is a great place to learn: the instructors use a sorting activity to put learners in small groups of similar ability, catering also to intermediate skiers and boarders who want to improve their form. Those at Bear Mountain and Snow Summit are always looking for new ways to enjoy the snow, and with a new advanced rider‐only mountain biking trail with multiple features for downhill enthusiasts opening in Snow Summit this fall, there’s no doubt visitors will have fun in the snow in 2014.
Other Activities
Many people choose to visit Big Bear for the beautiful scenery and relaxed pace of life. The town itself has a great selection of coffee shops and bakeries, restaurants, bars and gift shops, and is lovely to wander around after a day out in the snow. As soon as you enter Big Bear Lake, tubing and sledging sites are visible. Meadow Park, Miller Park and Sugarloaf Park have basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, outdoor picnic areas, walking trails, and a skate park. You can go fishing at Ski Beach Park, and there are plenty of water sports to do in the summer months. There is even an alpine zoo nearby.
The locals are a very friendly bunch, from the smiley family that run the Robinhood Lodge to Bob, the silver-haired snowboard instructor with a passion for dancing, and will make you feel very welcome. It’s a great vacation spot for families, with plenty of slopes and facilities for all abilities at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, and a place to really feel at one with nature. Whether you are looking out over the never-ending lake, feeling the wind on your face during a night-skiing session, or sitting down for a cappuccino and watching your kids play in the snow, you will be glad you left the beach behind.