Alpine Action
VISIT SNOW-COVERED SLOPES IN CALIFORNIA AND BEYOND THIS WINTER .
BY ASHLEY RYAN
THIS SPREAD : COURTESY OF BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN RESORT
Although the California sunshine always takes center stage in Newport Beach , sometimes it ’ s fun to get away from the endless summer weather and head to the snow to get in the winter spirit .
Whether you ski or snowboard , there are plenty of options for hitting the slopes this year . Those looking for something just a short distance away can visit Big Bear , which lies roughly 100 miles from the city , or slip up north to Mammoth , which offers some of California ’ s best winter sports . And if you ’ re considering going international , you simply can ’ t beat Whistler in British Columbia , Canada .
Wherever you drift , these ski resorts are sure to provide memorable moments all season long .
Opposite page : exploring the slopes at Big Bear Mountain Resort ; this page , from top : a fire pit for warming up after skiing ; Biggie the Bear high-fives a student
BIG BEAR The drive up to Big Bear only takes about two hours , making it the ideal destination for a quick mountain getaway . Big Bear Mountain Resort consists of two peaks , Bear Mountain and Snow Summit . Head to Bear Mountain for a modern , youthful atmosphere , or visit Snow Summit for more traditional runs . On both mountains , intermediate trails reign supreme , but a number of easier green paths and tougher black diamond or double black diamond options are also available . Skiers and snowboarders who rely on rentals can check out the new Bear Mountain Rental Shop , which has an improved floor plan thanks to a $ 1.2 million renovation . With a revamped check-in process and a new step-through ramp where technicians can easily fit guests for boots , the space aims to make it easier and faster to get out on the snow .
Additional renovations in the offseason made upgrades to Snow Summit ’ s Slopeside building , which has a new frame and deck , and the deck at the resort ’ s meadow area , where visitors can play cornhole , plus self-checkout and mobile ordering at various dining establishments . Laybacks Bar , though , may be the most improved , as the watering hole — known for its all-day apres ski offerings — underwent a $ 2 million refurbishment during the summer . An indooroutdoor bartop takes things to a new level , allowing bartenders to pivot from inside the lodge to outside on the sun deck with ease ; outdoor heaters , new flooring and larger coolers for drink storage were also added .
Three new restaurants are making their debut this season for apres ski fun , including The Patty Shack ( formerly Driftwood BBQ ) at Snow Summit . This upgraded eatery offers grab-and-go meals as well as flame-grilled barbecue dishes like a made-to-order wagyu burger , green chile macaroni and cheese , and more .
Over at Bear Mountain , another barbecue joint , Outlaw Bar & Smokehouse , opened its doors , cooking fresh fare over oak and hickory woods . The highlight of this dining experience is the house-made sauces , used throughout the eatery ’ s combination plates and sandwiches . The ski resort has also launched R & R Station , where meats and veggies are incorporated with noodles in ramen bowls .
New webcams have also been installed at both resorts , with base area and slopeside cameras already live at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain ’ s to follow later this winter . The world of tech is also lively in the form of the Big Bear Mountain Resort mobile phone app , which was launched last year but now features on-hill challenges that offer skiers and snowboarders the chance to earn 10 different badges to master the mountain .
In town , a number of contemporary offerings complement those at the ski resort . Find new guided treks from Big Bear Hiking Adventures , including exploration of Cougar Crest ’ s views . Aside from winter hiking , the area is ideal for tubing at the Alpine Slide , frolicking in the powder at Big Bear Snow Play , snowshoeing , horseback riding , zip lining , helicopter tours and more .
Elsewhere , Board & Brush presents visitors and locals alike with a chance to be creative during DIY workshops designed to be experienced with friends and family . Make holiday ornaments , wooden signs for the home and more at this art studio . Another new opening , All Little Cute Things , brings loose leaf teas , biscuits and wares from Britain and France to Big Bear .
NEWPORT BEACH MAGAZINE 33