Forgive me for harping on our old standard, but I had to take a shot at ol’ Big Bear before I hung up my Spring Break rifle (which if you’ve been following our coverage at all you know is really more of a Spring Break frag grenade).
Once more, then, for good measure: Big Bear Lake in Southern California is an all-seasons resort destination known best for top-quality skiing, snowboarding and other snowbound attractions during the late-fall, winter and early-spring seasons. The lake and village are located about 100 miles from Los Angeles, so depending on your luck with the traffic, you can expect around a three-hour drive from Los Angeles International (LAX).
We like Big Bear Lake for numerous reasons, not the least of which is the fact that you can stay close to the ski resorts without paying outlandish rates. If you scour the local packages carefully, you can often find group discounts adding up to accommodations, dining, amenities and slope fees for under $100 per person, and Spring Break is actually an ideal time to go because the ski season is winding down and the prices with it. If you own your own equipment, you’re golden!
Big Bear Lake has two major ski resorts, Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. Both come highly recommended, but in the spirit of action-packed Spring Break ski vacations, I’ve got to go with Bear Mountain.
Most importantly, Bear Mountain allows snowboarding, while Snow Summit doesn’t, and there are some experts here at USA Travel Guide who will not endorse a non-boarding park. Personally, I can’t even walk on snow without breaking a couple ribs, so I’m taking their lead on this one.
Not only are snowboards allowed, there’s plenty to do with them. The main attraction is a 198-acre freestyle park that recently earned the resort “#1 Park in the Nation” by Transworld Snowboarding Magazine (it was a reader poll). While there are gradual portions for noobs to build their confidence, the bulk of the park is designed for skilled boarders looking for a challenge and a thrill.
Once again, we recommend the Northwoods Resort and Conference Center for your Big Bear lodging. Located only 3 miles from the mountains, Northwoods has a warm lodge-style décor and feel that can be a lot of fun. They’ve got a number of Bear Mountain ski packages as well.
Got more great Spring Break ski vacation ideas? Let us know about it in the comments section, or head over to the Spring Break 2009 Ideas Center for more fun ideas.
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5 Comments
I am with you on the snow/rib combo, but i have to say that i have seen pictures of the Northwoods Resort and i wouldn’t mind jumping in that hot tub on a snow packed day while everyone else is hitting the slopes.
Big Bear Lake is an outstanding spring break destination! Just wanted to mention that Snow Summit definitely allows snowboarding. Not sure where you got your information??? but take it from a local…i ride there all the time!
Thanks for setting us straight, Matt.
That’s our mistake!
If you want to do a little snowboarding off the beaten trails of the ski resorts, you can drive all the way almost to the top of the Mountain on the National Park Road south of Big Bear Blvd in the Boulder Bay area.
Stop at the Y in the road where it’s blocked off in the Winter and you can snowboard all the way down to the the Mountain to the back of the Performing Arts Center.
Thanks, John.
I know our readers love to seek out the cool stuff that not everybody knows about. We appreciate the tip.
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