Ready for some adventure and relaxation but can’t take a lot of time off? Only a two hour drive from Los Angeles awaits a four-season playground for the outdoor lover. As the winding road takes you up to almost an 8000 ft. elevation, the temperature drops and nature awakens with the sights of soaring pine trees and jagged rock formations. Big Bear is Southern California’s very own alpine mountain resort offering a variety of activities for all ages from inner tubing to freestyle snowboarding. LA’s the Place gives you a special tour of the highlights and special offers for Winter 2009.
Two Ski Resorts
Located within minutes of each other, one lift ticket gives you access to both resorts for the day. Snow Summit is for everyday skiers and riders in search of a friendly, laid-back winter playground. There is a usually an equal amount of skiers and snowboarders with runs for every skill level. Take a free shuttle provided by the resorts to visit Bear Mountain – a snowboarder’s dream. Bear Mountain, known as “The Park”, is the nation’s first mountain terrain freestyle park where you can practice your tricks on over 100 jibs and 150 jumps that vary in size and skill level. “Intro to the Park”, a class for snowboarders on how to take the jumps and jibs found throughout the beginner parks, is offered at both resorts.
Six Million Dollar Snow
No worries about global warming melting the snow and creating slushy runs and dangerous rocky terrain on the mountains. Six-million dollars in snow making equipment assures you fresh, man-made snow daily. How can you beat perfect ski conditions everyday? You can get up-to-date information about road conditions and weather reports on www.bigbear.com.
Sweet Deals at Northwoods Resort
Big Bear’s largest hotel and conference center, Northwoods Resort is located minutes from the ski slopes. Alive with rustic charm and modern amenities, Northwoods Resort is the perfect choice for a mountain getaway. Here are their amazing winter packages:
• 3 Night Mid-week Family Ski Package For $850 (all inclusive) – Breakfast Buffet for 4, lift tickets, and rental gear discounted 50%!
• 2 Night Mid-week Family Ski Package For $569 (all inclusive) – Breakfast Buffet for 4, lift tickets, and rental gear discounted 50%!
• Mid-Week Family Snow Play and More
$295 – A hearty breakfast, family snow play at Alpine Slide, and “dinner and a movie” back at the Resort!
• Mid-Week Ski Package for 2
$179 – Book a Guestroom at Northwoods Resort and receive, 2 Adult Lift Tickets to Big Bear Mountain Resorts and discounted ski and board rentals.
• Mid-Week Family Ski Package and More
$349 – A hearty breakfast, a day on the slopes, discount ski and board rentals, and “dinner and a movie” back at the Resort!
Off-Road Adventures
This is something you won’t want to miss! You’ll see beautiful scenery and pristine views of Big Bear country not many people get to enjoy because the only way to get there is by a heavy-duty, four-wheel drive vehicle. Travel over tough terrains, mud, and knee-deep snow as Doug, owner, driver and tour guide gives you more local history in a few hours than you had in your whole 5th grade history class. Off-Road Adventures offers many different types and durations of tours. Some of most popular are the Gold Rush Tour, Altitude 8535, and Stargazer. www.offroadadventure.com
Sweating in the Snow
To truly enjoy the peaceful serenity of the winter wonderland and get a great workout in, take a trek into the open country on a showshoe tour for both beginners and experts alike. During the tour, a naturalist will teach you about winter ecology and the history of Big Bear. If you want to try it on your own, a list and map of trailheads from the Big Bear Visitor Center is available as well as rental snowshoes from Goldsmith’s Boardshop and Ski Rental for $7 – 10 a day. Big Bear Discovery Center
Screaming Speed
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain takes all the effort out of inner tubing by offering a “Magic Carpet” ride up the hill so you and your family can have more fun.
Grab a tube, ride up the hill and scream and laugh all the way down the curvy snow covered hill. Just next door to the inner tubing is the Alpine Slide-South California’s only authentic bobsled experience. You control your own speed as you twist and turn down a quarter mile track. www.Alpineslidebigbear.com
Recovering from the Slopes
Haven’t skied in awhile and your muscles are telling you so? Try the Village Spa for soothing, creative spa treatments like the “Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice’ couple’s package or the Fireside Spa Package. They even have spa services for the kids like the Chocolate Cake facial and the Princess for a Day package. www.thevillagespabigbear.com
Whatever you need for your next outdoor get-away, Big Bear is an affordable playground or retreat for any age. Within hours, be whisked away to pure fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and a reminder of what life is really all about. www.bigbear.com 800.4.BIG.BEAR
