Escape the City with Ikon Pass :: LA Edition
Hi pals!!
This marks my first post back after taking an (unplanned) pause on this space for the past several months. I may get up the courage to share more on my time away, but that’s a topic for another day.
To kick off my FAVORITE time of year - aka the Return of Sweater Weather - I had to share some of the coolest, coziest destinations for all my city dwellers in need of a weekend (or longer!) escape.
To honor my time in California this past year, I thought I’d kick off this inaugural series with an escape from LA. Deep in the heart of California's picturesque San Bernardino Mountains lies one of the MOST fun all season ski towns I’ve been to :: Big Bear! When it comes to winter sports and breathtaking mountain vistas, Bear Mountain Resort, is a go-to for LA based skiers and riders. Even if you aren’t a snow sport enthusiast, Big Bear offers the perfect escape for anyone in need of swapping the city smog for fresh, mountain air. Plus, with countless family-friendly activities, cozy lodging options, and great restaurants + cafes, it makes for a perfect destination, no matter the time of year. I promise the scenic drive alone is enough reason to plan your next getaway here. Located just 2 1/2 hours from LA (which doesn’t solely consist of hours sitting in freeway traffic, I promise!) you’ll travel up up through the mountains - sometimes THROUGH the cloud bank - into a completely different world. Pro Tip :: If you’re not too tired at the end of the day, take a quick pass through this mountain road to watch the sunset and city lights below start to pop up, it’s quite the sight!
During my stay in the area, I was fortunate enough to call the above cabin my home base, thanks to Big Bear Vacations! While Big Bear Mountain Resort does not own or operate any lodging properties, Big Bear has a wide selection of lodging options, from full-service hotels and luxury home rentals to more budget-friendly motels and private cabins. Big Bear Vacations has an incredible roster of cabin rentals to choose from, so your whole crew can get together under one roof while you’re in town. Many cabins in Big Bear are equipped with modern amenities such as fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, and hot tubs, making them an ideal place to return to after a full day on the slopes. With various sizes to accommodate couples, families, or larger groups, cabin rentals offer flexibility for any vacation plan - plus, they’re all conveniently located just a quick car ride from the mountain bases. Pro tip :: while I know most of you will be weekend warriors, there’s something extra special about a midweek getaway. The trails are much less crowded, and lodging rates and availability are usually better Monday-Thursday and non-holiday dates.
For more info on lodging in Big Bear, head here.
Want to book the cabin I stayed in? Rent it through Big Bear Vacations, here!
Let's dive into the mountain stats that make Big Bear Mountain Resort a must visit for my fellow snow lovers! The resort is now composed of three separate mountain destinations - all offering up their own unique experience - there’s’ Bear Mountain, Snow Summit, and Snow Valley. Combined, they offer up the region's best snow conditions and largest learning areas, with terrain and on-site amenities for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities. BBMR is one of the industry's most renowned destinations, together - the three resorts boast 687 acres of rideable terrain, including the FIRST terrain park in North America (Outlaw, 1992), SoCal's only halfpipe and highest lift-served peak (8,805 feet), one of the largest beginner areas, amazing après, and plenty of on-site events.
With Bear Mountain’s summit elevation of 8,805 ft, skiers and snowboarders alike can revel in some exhilarating descents, with a staggering top-to-bottom vertical of 1,665 feet. This mountain’s terrain park is definitely a mecca all on its own. With parks catered to different skill levels, riders can unleash their creativity and push their limits on a wide range of jumps, rails, and features. With unique setups and their own half pipe, it’s easy to see why this mountain is a magnet for both LA locals and professionals alike.
For those looking forward to more après than ski, don’t fear! All my lodge bunnies will be satisfied during their time at Big Bear. Bear Mountain itself has such a fun, youthful energy to it, and you’ll definitely find yourself lingering at the base while the music is belted out. Once the lifts stop running, Big Bear Mountain Resort has over 30 on-site dining venues between Bear Mountain and Snow Summit to warm up in. When it’s time to fuel up, swing by Bighorn Smokehouse in the meadow area to enjoy outdoor seating with a fire pit (and live music/entertainment on most weekends). If you’re looking for a little liquid pick-me-up, check out Hawks ’52 on the upper floor of the Main Lodge or the Slopeside Speakeasy next to the base of Chair 2. Whether you're craving a hearty meal, a refreshing beverage, or simply a cozy spot by the fireplace to relax, Bear Mountain Resort has you covered. And aren’t those all the things you’re looking for when escaping the city?!
*Ikon Pass holders receive 10-15% off in-resort dining (excluding alcohol) at BBMR! Download the Ikon Pass app to check out all dining options available while at the resort.
Just two miles down the road from Bear Mountain, You’ll find its twin property, Snow Summit. With a peak of 8200 ft, you’ll still find breathtaking, panoramic views of the mountains and lake here. With over 240 acres of skiable terrain and 31 trails of all ability levels, Snow Summit boasts 18+ skiable miles! Compared with Bear Mountain, Snow Summit is a great family-friendly option that isn’t as focused on park terrain. One thing I absolutely LOVE about Snow Summit? They have night skiing! On select dates, BBMR’s Night Sessions, will give you the opportunity to ski or snowboard beneath the stars on iconic beginner to intermediate trails. At Snow Summit, gain access to 125 acres of terrain on popular runs such as Upper Miracle Mile and Summit Run. And guess what? At Snow Valley, your third BBMR destination, you can cruise on 105 acres on The EDGE, Mambo Alley, and Eagle Flats after the sun sets. Check out dates here.
Snow Valley is a recent addition to the Big Bear Mountain Resort, making it a trifecta of all season fun in the San Bernardino Mountains. 11 miles down the road from Big Bear Lake, you’ll find an additional 230 skiable acres at Snow Valley. With classic ski resort charm (it’s the longest continually operating ski resort in Southern California, opening up in 1924!), it features some of the region’s best beginner terrain, award-winning learning centers, and Southern California’s only lift-served sledding,
As mentioned before, Big Bear is an all season mountain town and resort. So no matter what time of year you’re looking to get away to the mountains- there’s plenty of adventure to be found. While the Winter months are obvious times to get your turns in on the slopes, the Spring ski season is NOT to be missed here. Think :: endless bluebird days, MORE hours of sunshine, and shedding all the bulky layers in favor of t shirt and goggle tans. Plus, Bear Mountain’s annual pond skim is not to be missed! One of the most fun I’ve been to on any mountain.
Other snowy activities that can’t be missed? Check out the Alpine Slide & Bobsledding, go snow-tubing, or even take in the views from above with a scenic helicopter ride! You’ll find countless options to keep you busy here.
When the ski mountains close for the snow season, it’s time to shift focus to other outdoor activities. The sparkling Big Bear Lake beckons visitors to dive into its refreshing waters, offering endless opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. With kayaks and paddleboards available for rent in town, you can leisurely explore the lake's secret coves and hidden beaches. For those seeking land-based adventures, mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, and golfing await, promising endless excitement in those long warm-weather months.. During the summer, (May-October), Snow Summit is home to SoCal's premier lift-served, gravity-fed Bike Park, which includes access to over 60 miles of cross-country trails. Plus, there's plenty of non-biking activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including a 30-foot climbing wall, zip line, Eurobungy® trampoline, free concerts and events, and the best hiking trails in the San Bernardino National Forest. Head here to learn more about Big Bear Mountain Resort’s summer activities.
As summer transitions into fall, Big Bear undergoes a breathtaking transformation. The lush green forests begin to trde their emerald hues for a magnificent display of reds, yellows, and oranges. Fall foliage blankets the landscape, creating a picturesque backdrop for a multitude of autumnal activities. Leaf peepers, your time is NOW! Take a leisurely hike, rent a cozy cabin by the lake (though this one is a no brainer for me year round!), or plan a trip to join in on the Oktoberfest festivities, where you can indulge in seasonal dishes, and revel in the welcoming ambiance of this charming mountain town.
Start planning your next escape from LA to Big Bear Mountain Resort today! Head to www.bigbearmountainresort.com to begin today.
And make sure to use your 23/24 Season Ikon Pass for discounts on lodging, on-resort dining, rentals, and more! There’s still time to get your pass, but hurry! Time is running out. Compare pricing and plans here.
See you on the slopes!
xo
J.