Snow Summit Remains Open

Big Bear Valley, CA, April 10, 2012 - Snow Summit is expected to remain open through at least April 15th, with fun and complete services for the whole family including all levels of terrain. Conditions are very good on most runs with 10 to 30 inches of snow and fresh snow is expected this week. K-BEAR meteorologist Ben Brissey says a couple of late season spring storms are on track to impact the area through the second half of the week. Listen to K-BEAR for the latest weather info and road conditions. Bear Mountain is now closed for the season, and Bear Mountain Only season passes will be honored at Snow Summit for the rest of the season.

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Late Season Storm Impacts Big Bear Valley

Big Bear Lake, CA, March 19, 2012, 2:00pm - KBHR Meteorologist Ben Brissey  said today the late season winter storm that blasted the area over the weekend has finally moved out of southern California, but not before dropping one to two feet of new snow on the Big Bear Valley, with nearly 3 feet reported at resort level, bringing our total snowfall for the season to 75 inches, which is 13 inches above average. But we fell short of matching the March miracle of 1991 that dropped 2 & a quarter inches of rain before dumping nearly 30 inches of snow locally. While it has been a great season for snowfall, in comparison rainfall totals are running a bit below normal, with our seasonal average of just under 22 inches, we’ve received nearly 15″ of precipitation, a 7 inch deficit for the season which doesn’t reset until July 1st, so we still have plenty of time to catch up. Spring does officially arrive this week and temperatures will warm-up quite nicely, however mother nature may have other plans, with another storm possible for the weekend.

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Mountain Travel Tips For Driving In Winter Weather

Big Bear Lake, CA, March 16, 2012, noon - Winter storms have been sporadic this year, but K-BEAR Meteorologist Ben Brissey says there’s a big one projected for this weekend that could bring several inches of snow. So if you must get in your car and travel anywhere in the mountains this weekend, Caltrans has a few helpful tips to make your drive a safe and enjoyable one. Fill up your gas tank and always have tire chains with you. Mountain weather is unpredictable and changes without warning. Bring water, food, warm clothing, sturdy shoes or boots, and necessary medications. Bring a charged cell phone and your cell phone charger for your vehicle. Bring a flashlight or battery operated radio just in case.  Make sure your tires are in good condition and your vehicle is running well. If you need to install tire chains, use the chain control areas or turnouts near chain control locations – never block the roadway or put chains on next to the road. Never play in the snow next to the roadway – it is dangerous for you, your kids, and other motorists. And remember, always make room and slow down for Caltrans equipment, CHP vehicles, and emergency responders. For the latest weather and road information listen to 93.3FM or visit www.bigbearnews.com.

USARC Ski-A-Thon Helps Those With Disabilities Enjoy The Slopes

Big Bear, Ca, February 20, 2012, 3:00pm - Skiers and snowboarders can spend a day on the slopes, never wait in a lift line, enjoy a complimentary lunch, have chances to win great prizes, celebrate at an after-ski party with silent auction and entertainment, and do it all to support children and adults with disabilities. The 2012 USARC Ski-A-Thon is less than two weeks away on Saturday, March 3 at Bear Mountain, and there is still plenty of time for you to register and participate. This FUNdraising day on the slopes enables winter sports enthusiasts to generate much needed resources for the United States Adaptive Recreation Center (USARC,) the non-profit organization that has provided adaptive recreation programs for over twenty years.  Located at Bear Mountain, the USARC is an independent organization dedicated to the belief that success in challenging outdoor experiences not only brings a necessary and healthy component to the lives of those with disabilities, but that the resulting self-confidence can be transferred to other aspects of their lives.  Proceeds from the Ski-A-Thon are used to purchase specialized ski equipment, train hundreds of volunteers, and subsidize the cost of providing one-on-one private lessons to Southern California’s disabled community. Donors can deduct pledges on their taxes. For more information about the Ski-A-Thon, and to get involved, go to usarc.org or call the USARC at 909-584-0269.

5th Annual “Snowshoe The Bear” Starts “Conquer The Bear” Series

Big Bear, Ca, February 20, 2012, 12:00pm – The recent 14 inches of snowfall the Big Bear Valley received will be perfect snowpack for the 5^th annual Snowshoe the Bear race that will take place this Saturday, February 25^th. Snowshoe the Bear is a great event for anyone who has ever wanted to give snowshoeing a try.  There is a challenge for everyone at every level with a 5 and 10k course.  You don’t need to own a pair of snowshoes to compete, as you can rent them from may shops around the Big Bear Valley including North Shore Trading Company, Goldsmith’s Boardhouse and Bear Valley Bikes.   If you are renting from a local shop, be sure to call ahead and reserve a pair, as they can run out.  Snowshoe the Bear is the first event in the Conquer the Bear and Conquer the Cub series, in which participants compete in the snowshoe race, Paddlefest in July, a road bike race in August, and a trail run in September.  Those that complete all of the races will Conquer the Cub or Conquer the Bear.  For more information on Snowshoe the Bear, or the Conquer the Bear series go online at www.OpenAirBigBear.com.

Enjoy the Fresh Snow This Holiday Weekend!

Big Bear, Ca, February 17, 2012, 4:00pm – The recent snowfall the Big Bear Valley received has created great conditions for this holiday weekend.  With 14-16 inches of fresh snow on the slopes and surrounding mountainside, skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers are in for a great weekend.  Nearly all the runs are open at both Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, and Big Bear Mountain Resorts is Southern California’s “Learn to Ski & Ride Headquarters,” so those needing lessons or a refresher will find excellent classes and instructors.  Outdoor enthusiasts who are interested in going snowshoeing, can stop by the Discovery Center for guided tours, or they can go to Goldsmith’s Boardhouse, North Shore Trading Company or Bear Valley Bikes to rent snowshoes.  Motorists are advised to drive with care as roads may be icy or slippery, and are reminded that there are three routes in and out of the valley for your driving needs.  Highway 38 is on the east side of the valley and often is an easier route to take when departing on holiday weekends, as there is less traffic.  Highway 18 down through Lucerne Valley is also another way down the mountain, and is ideal for those traveling back to the desert communities, Arizona, or Nevada.  And as always carry chains in your vehicle as it is the law that you have them in your car when driving in the mountains in the winter months.

Saturday Night Race League

Big Bear, Ca, January 25, 2012, 3:00pm – Adult ski racing is back at Snow Summit for the second year after a hiatus.  The Saturday Night Race League, which is for adults 18 and older will start this Saturday, January  28^th, and will feature a duel giant slalom style course.  Skiers and snowboarders can participate in the Giant Slalom race that takes place in the Jim Bollingmo Race Arena at the bottom of Miracle Mile, which is a viewer friendly slope, so spectators are welcome and invited to cheer on their friends and family.  Registration will take place from 3:30 to 5:30pm in the VIP Room located in Bear Bottom Lodge.  Inspection will take place from 5:00 to 5:45pm, with the race to start at 6:00pm.  The Saturday Night League is a fundraiser for the Snow Summit Race Team.  Skiers can create a team of three, and enter the team for the four race series for $300.00, which includes night lift ticket.  If you can only make it to one event, or choose to ski as an individual, the price is $25.00 per race, and teams or individuals can sign up early at Goldsmiths Boardhouse.

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