Young riders can learn the ropes of the slopes at Bear Mountain

(Bear Mountain photo)

Young snowboard enthusiasts will be able to learn the basics of the sport this winter at Bear Mountain’s Riglet Park. (Bear Mountain photo)

Adults aren’t the only ones who will be hitting the slopes this winter at Bear Mountain, where Riglet Park will offer lessons for the little ones. Children as young as age 3 will be able to learn snowboarding basics in a fun and safe environment.

Young jibbers-in-training learn to ride miniature terrain park features by using Burton’s innovative Learn-to-Ride Technology. Riglet Park emphasizes learning in a playground-like setting, while introducing new possibilities for younger riders.

Children learn balance while riding custom-made snowboards with soft flex boots and bindings over mellow rollers, small berms and ground level features. With the Riglet Reel tow, a certified instructor will pull the child over the variety of mini-features, allowing young riders to experience the excitement of learning to ride on their own. Full-day lesson packages include equipment, shelter and lunch.

Bear Mountain will be promoting Riglet Park at a number of events and trade shows, including:
• Surfside Snow Carnival in Orange County, Nov. 2
• Burton Riglet Tour at Active Temecula, Nov. 16
• Ski Dazzle Ski Show & Snowboard Expo in Los Angeles, Dec. 5-8

Miniature versions of Riglet Park will be re-created at various events throughout the season. Once children try it out at Ski Dazzle and other locations, they will receive $25 off full-day and $20 off half-day lessons when they visit the official Riglet Park at Bear Mountain this season.

“We’re excited for the opportunity we have to introduce these young riders to snowboarding, and instill a passion for it at such a young age,” said Rio Tanbara, Bear Mountain’s director of marketing.

Information: www.bearmountain.com

 

Bear Mountain, Snow Summit looking for a few good men and women

Big Bear Mountain Resorts is seeking applicants to join the team at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. These are jobs with perks, including free skiing and snowboarding, discounted rental equipment and food and beverages, and skiing and snowboarding lessons for employees and their immediate eligible families, including grandchildren.

Both resorts will be hosting a job fair on Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Bear Mountain, 43101 Goldmine Drive, Big Bear Lake.

“We offer unique job experiences that you won’t find anywhere else,” said Chris Riddle, vice president of marketing for Big Bear Mountain Resorts.

A 40-year employee of Big Bear Mountain Resorts, Riddle understands what it takes to be successful in the industry. “We strive to give our guests the best experience possible, with an emphasis on great customer service. That wouldn’t be possible without an amazing team of employees who share our passion for the mountains, and for skiing and snowboarding.”

Bear Mountain and Snow Summit are seeking friendly, out-going, and customer-service focused individuals, 18 years and older. Applicants may be 16 or 17 years of age if applying for a ski school assistant position. Applicants are asked to arrive early and bring resumes,photo identification, and proof of legal right-to-work. Positions are available in both indoor and outdoor areas including ski and snowboard instructors, snowmakers, groomers, parking, lift operators, food servers, bartenders, dishwashers, cooks, guest services, and many more.

For more information, call Employee Services at 909-866-5766, Ext. 141; email jobs@bigbearmountainresorts.com or visit www.bigbearmountainresorts.com.

Tommy Gesme takes flight, lands with top prize at Hot Dawgz and Hand Rails

Hot Dawgz and Hand Rails attracted more than 40 professional snowboarders to Bear Mountain over the weekend. (Bear Mountain photo)

Hot Dawgz and Hand Rails attracted more than 40 professional snowboarders to Bear Mountain over the weekend. (Bear Mountain photo)

More than 40 of the best snowboarders from all over the world competed in the 10th annual Hot Dawgz and Hand Rails on Saturday at Bear Mountain, where bragging rights and $15,000 worth of cash prizes were at stake.

Tommy Gesme took home top honors and $10,000, while Dillon Ojo finished second and received $2,500; Jordan Small placed third and earned $1,000. Jaeger Bailey received the best trick award and $500 for his 50-50 hardway 270 transfer. Women’s first place went to Melissa Evans, who was awarded $1,000. This was Evans’ fourth win at Hot Dawgz and Hand Rails.

Gesme, Evans and Bailey were presented with customized iPad minis and go-pro cameras provided by Fusion of Ideas. The tablets displayed the winners’ digital checks at the award ceremony.

Thousands of spectators watched as top jibbers showcased their talents and their craziest tricks on more than 140 tons of man-made snow and urban-style steel features, which will be available for the public to ride in the Red Bull Plaza at Bear Mountain this winter.

“This year’s event was bigger and better than ever,” said Clayton Shoemaker, director of park development and youth marketing for Bear Mountain. “Hot Dawgz and Hand Rails is the ultimate winter kick-off party. If we can put on an event like this before winter even arrives, imagine what the park is like when the season hits. Bear Mountain really is the place to be this winter.”

Bear Mountain prepares for Saturday’s Hot Dawgz and Hand Rails

Today, a large cargo container and black plastic tarp mark the site of Saturday’s Hot Dawgz and Hand Rails event at Bear Mountain. In three days, that will all change as more than 40 professional snowboarders will be competing for $15,000 in cash prizes.

Below is a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations for the 10th annual event. For more information, visit www.bearmountain.com.

Hot dogs, hand rails and a whole lot of fun on Saturday at Bear Mountain

More than 40 professional snowboarders will be competing Saturday during Bear Mountain's 10th annual Hot Dawgz and Hand Rails. (Bear Mountain photo)

More than 40 professional snowboarders will be competing Saturday during Bear Mountain’s 10th annual Hot Dawgz and Hand Rails. (Bear Mountain photo)

Snow in September? It’s definitely in the forecast at the 10th annual Hot Dawgz and Hand Rails competition Saturday at Bear Mountain.

More than 40 top professional snowboarders are scheduled to take part, and they will compete for $15,000 in cash prizes.

The men’s first place winner will be awarded $10,000 and the women’s first place will take home $1,000. The jibber with the best trick will receive $500. Both men and women’s first place finishers and the best trick winner will be presented with customized iPad Minis, which will serve as their digital trophy. Provided courtesy of Fusion of Ideas, the iPad Minis will display the digital checks and headshots of winners. These winners also will take home go-pro cameras customized by Fusion of Ideas.

Since the skies likely will be clear, the event will take place on 140 tons of man-made snow and will include urban-style steel features, which will be available for the public to ride in the Red Bull Plaza at Bear Mountain this winter season.

“From up-and-comers to seasoned riders, the 10th anniversary lineup is bigger and better than ever,” says Rio Tanbara, Bear Mountain’s director of marketing. “Each year, riders take the contest to a new level, and we can’t wait to see what new tricks they have in store.”

The event will showcase the talents of Bear Mountain professional team riders Dylan Alito, Zak Hale, Brandon Hobush, Desiree Melancon and Scotty Vine, among dozens of other top riders. Judges include Chris Bradshaw, Joe Sexton, Scott Stevens, JP Walker and special guest snowboard legend Dave Downing.

Gates open at 9 a.m. Diversions include DJs, dozens of vendors giving away prizes and, of course, lots of hot dogs. On the menu is a special hot dog deal, which includes a hot dog, chips and a domestic beer for $10.

The band Five Knives will perform on the Red Bull tour bus. Recently named an MTV2 Artist to Watch, Five Knives toured with the Smashing Pumpkins in 2012 and is a featured artist on the 2013 Vans Warped Tour.

The competition will begin at 2 p.m. and may be viewed from Bear Mountain’s 13,000-square-foot deck and Beach Bar.

Information: www.bearmountain.com

Hot Dawgz & Hand Rails, with plenty of mustard, returns to Bear Mountain

Hot Dawgz & Hand Rails will bring 40 of the country's top snowboarders to Bear Mountain, where they'll have the opportunity for some flight time. (Bear Mountain photo)

Professional snowboarders have already booked their flights during Bear Mountain’s 10th annual Hot Dawgz & Hand Rails event in September. (Bear Mountain photo)

No fresh powder? No problem as Hot Dawgz & Hand Rails brings 40 top professional snowboarders to Bear Mountain for the event’s 10th anniversary on Sept. 21.

The winter kickoff party features 130 tons of ice chipped into man-made snow and creative, new urban-style steel features that will be available for everyone to ride this winter in the Red Bull Plaza at Bear Mountain.

Gates open at 9 a.m. and the competition — which may be viewed viewed from Bear Mountain’s 13,000-square-foot deck and Beach Bar — begins at 2 p.m. Admission is free.

DJs will be playing music, and guests can participate in fun games and claim prizes from Red Bull, GoPro, Electric, SkullCandy, ThirtyTwo and other snowboard brands.

“The 10th anniversary is going to be bigger and better than ever,” says Zak Hale, professional snowboarder and pro team rider for Bear Mountain. “Bear Mountain is the perfect place to get people excited about the upcoming winter season while showing off this year’s up-and-coming professional snowboarders.”

Judges will include professional team riders Joe Sexton, Chris Bradshaw and Scott Stevens, and guest snowboard legend Dave Downing.

The event also will be an opportunity to purchase 2013-14 winter season passes for Bear Mountain and Snow Summit.

Information: www.bearmountain.com

Bear Mountain, Snow Summit are getting ready to call it a season

Earlier today, skiers were getting in a few last runs for the season at Snow Summit. (Big Bear Mountain Resorts photo)

On Sunday, Bear Mountain and Snow Summit will be marking the end of the 2012-13 ski and snowboard season at the two resorts.

After receiving only 75 to 90 inches of natural snowfall this season, extensive snowmaking systems at each property allowed the slopes to remain open a week into April.

“Even in a season like this, where natural snowfall was well below average, we were able to make great snow and host big events right up to the end,” said Chris Riddle, vice president of marketing. “Being the only Southern California ski and snowboard resort open this late in the season, we have truly shown dominance in our snowmaking capabilities.”

Mountain High also boasts about its extensive snowmaking system, and the winter sports season at the Wrightwood resort just recently wrapped up. Mountain High closed March 31 after the annual Spring-A-Ma-Jig celebration.

For Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, being situated next to Big Bear Lake has its benefits. The lake acts as a reservoir for snowmaking, providing a nearly inexhaustible supply of water during the winter months. Regardless of natural snowfall, Bear Mountain and Snow Summit can cover nearly 100 percent of their slopes with manmade snow.

“A big ‘thank you’ goes out to all guests who came out this season to enjoy our new additions, and made this a fun season for everyone,” Riddle said.

It was a season that included a milestone, as Snow Summit celebrated its 60th anniversary.

“We look forward to many more decades of hosting happy skiers and snowboarders,” Riddle said.

Already, officials at Bear and Snow Summit are looking forward to next winter, selling passes that they say will offer skiers and snowboarders the biggest savings for the 2013-14 season. But the passes must be purchased by May 31. Click here for information.

Bear Mountain, Snow Summit filling Easter baskets with ‘snow’ much fun

At Bear Mountain, peeps are playing board games for Easter weekend. (Bear Mountain photo)

Bear Mountain and Snow Summit have lots planned for Easter weekend and into next week, as spring break festivities continue at both resorts. Here’s a sampling:

Bear Mountain
Saturday
Neff Beach Bash; highlights from last year’s events may be found here.

Sunday
Social Media Easter Egg Hunt

Monday through Friday
Snowboarder Magazine’s “The Launch”

Wednesday and Thursday
Uniform Days (discounts for law enforcement, EMS, firefighters and active military)

Saturday, April 6
Ashbury Demo

Information: www.bearmountain.com

Snow Summit
Saturday
60 Grit Blues Band at Slopeside Pub, 1-5 p.m.
D-Team Race

Sunday
Social Media Easter Egg Hunt

Wednesday-Thursday
Uniform Days

Information: www.snowsummit.com

#freshpow day on the slopes at Bear, Snow Summit and Mountain High

Snow Summit is a winter wonderland in March, thanks to productive cold-weather systems that went through Southern California on Thursday and this morning. This photo has attracted a lot of reaction since it was posted on Facebook earlier today. (Snow Summit photo)

By Jerry Rice

Fresh powder days in March are rare in Southern California – especially ones with storms that leave behind more than a foot of snow – so it may not be surprising that social media is burning up today with the latest reports from Bear Mountain, Snow Summit and Mountain High.

The photo of snow-covered tables and chairs at Snow Summit (above) has received more than 950 “likes” and 139 “shares” since it was posted this morning. Because a photo really is worth a thousand words, many of the comments have been appropriately brief: “Wonderland!” (from Freddie Merz), “Yes!!!” (Kelsey Elizabeth Stern) and “Wooooo Hoooooo” (Snuggle Bear Cabin).

Others said they were on their way up the hill (presumably after they called the boss to say they suddenly came down with some “ailment”), or that they would be there during the weekend.

With 12-14 inches of new snow at Bear Mountain, it appears to be time for some fresh-powder runs at the resort. (Bear Mountain photo)

Snow Summit reported 12 to 14 inches of fresh powder in the last couple days – about the same amount that fell at the resort’s corporate sibling, Bear Mountain, where the photo on the right was taken. Since being posted on Facebook today at about 10 a.m., the shot has received nearly 400 “likes” and 25 “shares.”

Snow Summit is 100 percent open, and only Bow, Deer and Goldmine canyons are closed at Bear, according to information on their websites. Also, skiers and snowboarders should note that Snow Summit will be holding its final night session of the 2012-13 season on Saturday.

With fresh powder at Mountain High, the snow depth on the slopes is 12-24 inches. (Mountain High photo)

At Mountain High in Wrightwood, they’re also excited about the conditions after receiving 6 to 8 inches of new snow. “We love fresh pow,” said the Facebook entry that was posted with the action shot on the left. “Share this photo if you love new snow as much as we do!”

The last time we checked, 61 of the resort’s Facebook fans followed through on that request.

Bear Mountain, Snow Summit have plans for the weekend

Here’s what’s on tap during the next few days at two Big Bear Lake mountain resorts:

Bear Mountain

  • Today and Thursday — Uniform Days (Law enforcement, EMS, firefighters and active military may purchase an area use ticket for $38.) Click here for more information.
  • Friday — KROQ-FM on the Bear Stage
  • Saturday — Power 106 Snow In with Kid Ink and T-Mills
  • Sunday — USASA Slopestyle (registration 8-9:30 a.m.); and DJ Jason Newman on the Bear Stage, noon to 4 p.m.

Information: www.bearmountain.com

Snow Summit

  • Today and Thursday — Uniform Days
  • Saturday — KIIS-FM on the Slopeside Stage, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Jimmy Blaze Band at the Bullwheel Bar, 3:30-7 p.m.
  • Sunday — Goldsmith Race No. 3

Information: www.snowsummit.com