A winter wonderland? In Southern California? Of course, it is, if you head up to the Big Bear Mountain Resorts now that the season has officially opened. After November’s unusually warm temperatures finally gave way to a dip in the barometer, Big Bear kicked up its brand new powerful snowmaking system and paved the way for skiers and snowboarders to blanket the slopes.
To start off the season, visitors to Snow Summit can hop on their choice of two chairlifts on their way to Miracle Mile, or they can opt for Bear Bottom Beginner’s Area, which features all levels of terrain. As the season progresses and snowmaking proceeds, additional lifts and terrains will open their doors. Mark Friday, December 1 on your calendars; that’s when Bear Mountain will open, and park staff will be able to construct the features that have brought skiers to the resort year after year.
Whatever Mother Nature decides, snow will be plentiful at Big Bear. The resort has invested $6 million in new snowmaking gear, including 26 new Super Wizzard snow guns, and they expect nothing less than solid, good-quality snow every day of the skiing season. Snow Summit itself will feature a generous base of 8 to 24 inches of mainly machined-made packed powder.
Newcomers to this world-class and innovative terrain can take part in the resort’s learning programs or premier services. On opening day, guests can save with special early-season lift ticket prices of $35 for adults (22 and older), $30 for young adults (13 to 21), and $10 for children (7 to 12), while children 6 and under are admitted for free.
When you’re ready for a break from the beach, a whole different world is just a day trip away. Tucked in the San Bernardino Mountains, Snow Summit Mountain Resort and Bear Mountain Resort is ready for willing skiers and snowboarders. They’ll supply the snow, as long as you bring the boards. For local rentals, click here.
Big Bear Mountain Resorts (BBMR) includes Snow Summit Mountain Resort and Bear Mountain Resort. The two resorts are of similar size and are located in the San Bernardino Mountains, just a tank of gas away roundtrip from most areas in Southern California.
Together, BBMR has the region?s most progressive terrain parks, most dependable snow conditions, the largest full-service learning programs and a multitude of premier services. BBMR welcomed the most skier visits of any Southern California winter resort for the 2005/2006 season.
Snow Summit Ski Corporation owns and operates Big Bear Mountain Resorts consisting of Bear Mountain Resort and Snow Summit Mountain Resort, located in Big Bear Lake, California and Sierra Summit Mountain Resort located near Fresno, California. For more information, please visit www.bigbearmountainresorts.com.
