Local athletes Ted Devito and Kim Williams were named the “Fastest Bears in the Bear” last February in Big Bear Lake’s first-ever Snowshoe the Bear event, and come Saturday, February 7 they will be defending their titles. The second annual snowshoe competition launches from the Village before heading into mountain trails on the San Bernardino National Forest in both a 5K and 10K race, which are open to all levels of snowshoers. Event organizer Karen Lundgren says, “Beginners are absolutely welcome.” And, adds co-organizer Paul Romero, “If you can walk, then you can snowshoe.” In addition to the two races, the Snowshoe the Bear event will also include a kids race, dog sled demos, live music, and pre- and post-race parties at Northwoods Resort. The Big Bear snowshoe is part of the nationwide series sponsored by Kahtoola, and Snowshoe the Bear is the tour’s ony California stop. First-timers are welcome to participate in the event and, says Peter Fulkerson of Equada Outfitters, “Kahtoola will provide a number of free demo snowshoes for people to try, and we’ve got maps of the course for anyone who wants a little practice before the event.”
