Mountain Activies

Mountain Activities

Bear Mountain, (8,805 feet elevation) and the surrounding peaks, are a haven for hikers and bikers in the summer, but in the winter it's all about skiing.

The Big Bear Lake region, according to Wikipedia, is unique among populated areas in Southern California in that, because of the elevation, it normally receives significant winter snow.snowboarder

Snowfall, as measured at lake level, averages 61.8 inches each year (although upwards of 100 inches can accumulate on the forested ridges bordering the lake, above 8,000 feet). In February 1990, 59.5 inches of snow were recorded. The most snow in 24 hours was 27.0 inches on March 27, 1991. The greatest snow depth was 58 inches on February 3, 1979. Snow has fallen in every month except July and August. There are normally 16.5 days each year with measurable snow (0.1 inch or more).

By mid -winter, thanks to the dry winter climate and the availability of man-made snow to boost Mother Nature's contribution, Big Bear Mountain is 99% open with some of the best conditions available in California! Most runs boast a 2 to 3 foot snow base and packed powder conditions. No matter what you imagine the snow to be, it's better than you think, so don't wait for natural snow when unparalleled conditions are here right now!

If you've ever wondered how Big Bear Mountain Resorts makes excellent snow here is a quick explanation.

There is only one ingredient in man-made snow: Water. We get all we need from Big Bear Lake. Water is atomized and blown into the cold dry mountain air. It freezes and falls to the ground as real snow! A sophisticated system of generators, compressors, and pumps distributes power, compressed air and water. High tech snowcats with special resurfacing equipment make a fresh surface every night. Snow Summit and Bear Mountain make snow at every possible opportunity November through March.

For the latest in snow conditions and activities on Big Bear, visit the big-bear.blogspot

Magic Mountain Alpine Slide

www.alpineslideatmagicmountain.com

The Magic Mountain Recreation Area at Big Bear Lake, home of the world-famous Alpine Slide, offers Family fun activities year round. In the summer there is a cool wet water slide and in the winter there is plenty of fun snowplay for the whole family. The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain is open all year and is Southern California's only authentic bobsled experience. Begin with a scenic chairlift ride to the top. From there riders navigate their own individually controlled sleds, each with teflon runners and ball bearing wheels, down their choice of two quarter-mile long cement tracks filled with high-banked turns and long straightaways.

There are a variety of attractions at the recreation area, which include year round operations of the go-carts and an 18 hole minature golf course. The nine Cam-Am racers feature 5.5 horsepower Honda motors and the minature golf course offers 18 exciting holes complete with breaking greens and water hazards. Parents can join in the fun or enjoy soaking up the sun on the spacious lawn and two sundecks. The area's double water slide operates during the summer months, taking riders down two twisting and turning flumes filled with refreshing, cool water, before dumping them with a splash into the heated pool at the bottom.

The Park

www.bearmountain.com

With a commitment to offer one of the best freestyle terrain parks in the world, Bear Mountain continues to improve THE PARK for the 2005/2006 winter season. Spanning over 198 acres, THE PARK delivers 150+ jumps, 80+ jibs, Southern California's only superpipe, 1 standard halfpipe and other signature features during the height of the season that are strategically placed around the resort. And we keep it fresh by constantly redesigning and upgrading everything in an effort to provide guests the most fun and progressive riding and skiing experience in Southern California.