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| Friday July 04, 2008 |
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| By Cheri Sicard Photos by Mitch Mandell Big Bear Mountain Resorts, which includes Southern California's premier ski resort, Snow Summit and the nation's first all-mountain freestyle park, Bear Mountain welcome skiers and boarders of all levels. Combined together, both resorts offer 55 runs, 27 lifts, 4 high-speed chairs, 150 jumps, over 80 jibs and boxes, two half pipes and Southern California's only Superpipe! Big Bear Mountain Resorts also offers a guaranteed ski or snowboard learning experience that is easy and exciting for all ages. These are some of the best run ski areas these writers have ever encountered with first rate facilities and friendly helpful staff. Snow Summit is the place for everyday skiers and riders in search of a friendly laid back winter playground. "The Park" at Bear Mountain known as an "All Mountain Terrain Freestyle Park" attracts every level from first-time snowboarders and skiers to freestyle enthusiasts. It is the only mountain resort in the United States devoted almost entirely to a freestyle terrain. Snow is a sure thing here, whether or not mother nature combines. The snow capability of these two resorts truly astounds, as they are able to cover 100% of the mountains in gorgeous real man-made snow.
More Winter Fun Skiers and snowboarders are not the only ones taking advantage of Big Bear's snow-covered mountains. Other winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, downhill inner tubing, backcountry off-roading and sledding. Taking a trek into the open country via snowshoes or cross-country skis is one of the best ways to enjoy the true bliss of Big Bear Lake's picturesque winter scenery. This is a great way to escape the crowds and enjoy the peaceful serenity of the natural winter wonderland. Snowshoes and cross-country, steel edged skis can be rented at various sporting goods stores throughout Big Bear. There are a vast amount of trailheads throughout the Big Bear valley. Contact the Big Bear Discovery Center to get a list of trailheads and to obtain an Adventure Pass. Children who visit Big Bear Lake can experience the thrill of inner tubing down snow packed slopes, which are specifically designed for good times. Parents too, can relive their youthful days and glide down the smooth vertical incline for a fun-filled ride. Inner tubing in the winter wonderland is the ultimate outdoor family outing that creates memories that last a lifetime. Many Southern California families have made sliding down the slopes of Big Bear Lake an annual tradition. The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain and Big Bear Snow Play both have snowmaking systems to ensure there is always snow for inner tubing thrill seekers. Each facility also makes it easy to get up the hill with a Magic Carpet ride to the top. The moving conveyor belt eliminates the stress of climbing the hill and provides more opportunity for having fun. All day passes are available and include inner tube rental and Magic Carpet use. Big Bear Off-Road Adventures offers a unique backcountry experience like no other. Passengers board a heavy-duty, four-wheel drive vehicle that handles the toughest terrains, including knee-deep snow. The interpretive guided tour gives its guests an insight of Big Bear's alpine environment and its fascinating history. It also gives passengers a chance to see breathtaking views of The San Bernardino Mountains and The Mojave Desert. Of course Big Bear's winter wonderland would not be complete without a few snowmen and snow angels. Visitors enjoy playing in the snow and creating snowmen with personality. It's compelling to see the collection of different snowmen and snow angels on display throughout Big Bear Valley, as if they were greeting incoming visitors to the alpine, winter playground. Practicalities Guests can book their ski and board packages online at www.bigbear.com or call 1-800-4-BIG-BEAR (1-800-424-4232), where they can also request a visitor's guide. During the winter, snow chains are recommended in all vehicles, except those equipped with 4-wheel drive and snow tires. For road conditions, call 1-800-427-ROAD. Road conditions can also be found at the KBHR radio station website at www.bigbear.com. Visit the Big Bear Mountain Resorts website for information, reservations, season passes and more. Off Road Adventure tours run from 1 1/2 hours to 5 hours. For more information about all the tours offered by Big Bear Off-Road Adventures or to make a reservation call 909-585-1036 or visit their website at www.offroadadventure.com. The Big Bear Discovery Center is a prototype for urban forest Visitor Centers around the country. In a unique partnership with the US Forest Service, the non-profit San Bernardino National Forest Association manages this state-of-the-art visitor center and educational facility. For tour reservations or information about all of the activities at the Big Bear Discovery Center, log onto www.bigbeardiscoverycenter.com or call 909.382.2790. Find the facility on North Shore Drive, Highway 38 in Big Bear Lake. Note: The Discovery Center is pet friendly and handicapped accessible. Hours of Operation: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM - Seven Days a Week. For Snow Play information visit the Big Bear Alpine Slide website or the Big Bear Snowplay website. More About Big Bear
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BIG
BEAR LAKE, CALIFORNIA, USA - For fabulous winter fun in the snow right in Southern
California head to Big Bear. 
Go
Mid-Week and Save!