Big Bear Ski Resort Packages

We found a little excitement building around our piece a couple days back on ski vacations in Salt Lake City, so we decided we had to strike that fire (or snow) again.

This time we’re headed to Big Bear Lake in Southern California. An incredible four-seasons destination for outdoor enthusiasts of any measure, Big Bear Lake truly comes alive in the wintertime when fresh snows blanket the mountaintops on a near daily basis and skiers and snowboarders from all over the country flock in to cut themselves a piece of it.

Winter sports entertainment abounds in Big Bear, from Snow Play parks to Alpine Slide, home of California’s only authentic bobsled chute, but right now we’re all about the big time: ski resorts.

You’ve got two great options in California ski resorts at Big Bear, Bear Mountain Resort and Snow Summit Resort, and it’s a hard choice between the two. Just about any group could have a good time at both resorts, but if I might help you choose with a gross over-generalization: Bear Mountain is more advanced, Snow Summit is more family-friendly.

Bear Mountain Ski Resort, recently named the “#1 Park in the Nation” by Transworld Snowboarding Magazine (reader poll, actually), is perhaps most revered for its impressive 198-acre freestyle park. Designed with fun, challenge, and every level of rider in mind, the park is richly-marked with jumps, pipes, jibs, banks and enough speed hills to thrill even the stoutest heart. Lessons are available if you need help getting the most of Bear Mountain’s considerable delights. (link)

Snow Summit Ski Resort has a somewhat more family-friendly vibe, backed up by a gentler difficulty progression and more overall acreage in the beginner-to-intermediate range. Like Bear Mountain, Snow Summit caters well to skiers and snowboarders, though without the massive freestyle park, experienced boarders may find themselves pining for the gamier exploits of Bear Mountain. Snow Summit counters with great beginners’ facilities. (link)

Rates are comparable (they’re operated by the same people), so we’ll leave the choice up to you. As for lodging, we’ve got that one covered.

For Big Bear hotels, you’ve got to check out the Northwoods Resort. Styled after a lodge in the Adirondack, rife with fanciful amenities, it’s our favorite by a mile. Perhaps the coolest feature is the year-round, outdoor heated pool. Even in the dead of winter, snow falling all around, you can enjoy a soothing dip. (I’m so enamored with this feature that I even asked to include the picture).

Northwoods Resort is currently offering a full menu of Big Bear ski resort packages. Check’em out!

*Big Bear Lake is another great choice for Spring Break, whether traveling with friends or family. Check back next Wednesday (2/18/09), when we kick off our extensive Spring Break coverage.

**Safety Note: When traveling to and around Big Bear Lake, California in the late fall, winter and early spring, always be mindful of the current weather and road conditions. During the winter, it is required by law that you have tire chains in your vehicle, even if it is not necessary to have them equipped at the time. Don’t get a ticket! For more information, click here.

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