On the slopes: 2015 guide for skiing, snowboarding at Snow Summit

Skiing and snowboarding at Snow Summit offers this bonus: spectacular views of Big Bear Lake. (Snow Summit photo)

Skiing and snowboarding at Snow Summit comes with this bonus: spectacular views of Big Bear Lake. (Snow Summit photo)

This is the fourth in a series of updates from mountain resorts in California and Nevada.

What’s new at Snow Summit: Like its sister resort, Bear Mountain, the season’s biggest new attraction is the Cali4nia Pass, which allows access to the slopes at Summit, Bear and also Mammoth and June mountains.

Best eats: The View Haus, at the top of the hill, dishes up delicious barbecue and, as its name implies, great views of the San Bernardino National Forest. Specialties include the Blazin’ Pulled Pork, with pork shoulder; and the tri-tip sandwich, with meat that’s grilled outdoors and served on bread that’s baked fresh daily.

Après hot spot: Summit’s Slopeside Pub, which serves a variety of brews and hot chocolate.

Hidden gem: Dickey’s Run will reward the more skilled skiers and riders with beautiful views of the Snow Summit pine tree forest and Big Bear Lake. “Exhibition Run (at Bear Mountain) and Dickey’s Run are the favorite spots for locals looking for some good, challenging slopes,” says Dustin Murphy, spokesman for Big Bear Mountain Resorts. “The powdery white snow and the steeper inclines are what makes these runs unique.”

Spotted last season: Paula Abdul, Coolio, Emilio Estevez, Justin Timberlake and Dennis Quaid have been at Snow Summit or its sister resort, Bear Mountain, in recent years.

Social connections: @snow_summit on Instagram and Twitter; www.facebook.com/SnowSmt

Information: 909-866-5766; www.snowsummit.com

— Jerry Rice

On the slopes: 2015 guide for skiing, snowboarding at Mountain High

As its name might suggest, it's possible to see Catalina Island from Mountain High's quarter-mile Catalina Run. (Mountain High photo)

As the name might suggest, it’s possible to see Catalina Island far in the distance from Mountain High’s quarter-mile Catalina Run. (Mountain High photo)

This is the third in a series of updates from mountain resorts in California and Nevada.

What’s new at Mountain High: Terrain features for both beginner and advanced riders, increased snowmaking and the debut of the fourth edition of the resort’s app for iPhone and Android. It features new map tracking to record your runs, a calorie counter and digital badges to earn.

Best eats: The family owned Grizzly Café (760-249-6733, http://grizzlycafe.com) is a casual dining spot known for its large, delicious burgers. For breakfast, order a cinnamon roll then burn off the calories on the slopes.

For the family: The North Pole Tubing Park is the largest tubing facility in Southern California. Tickets are $20 for two hours of tubing.

Hidden gem: Catalina, a quarter-mile run that’s off the beaten path at the top of the East Resort. “It’s one of the highest and most scenic runs in Southern California,” says John McColly, resort spokesman. “You can see the Pacific Ocean and Catalina to the west, the backside of Mount Baldy and Mount Baden Powell to the north and south, and the Mojave Desert stretching out to the east. It’s a unique experience, and you feel like you’re at the top of a mountain range, at Mammoth or Tahoe, looking over the Sierras.”

Spotted last season: Adam Sandler

Social connections: @mthighsnow on Instagram; @mthigh on Twitter; www.facebook.com/mthigh

Information: 888-754-7878; www.mthigh.com

— Jerry Rice

On the slopes: 2015 guide for skiing, snowboarding at Bear Mountain

Bear Mountain is known as a hotspot for snowboarders. (Bear Mountain photo)

Bear Mountain is a hot spot for snowboarders. (Bear Mountain photo)

This is the second in a series of updates from mountain resorts in California and Nevada.

What’s new at Bear Mountain: The Cali4nia Pass was introduced in late September and is good for unrestricted, season-long skiing and boarding at Bear and three other resorts — Snow Summit, Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain.

Best eats: Silver Mountain Eatery offers three primary cuisines — Asian, Mexican and Italian — along with salads, smoothies and more.

Après hot spot: World Famous Beach Bar has live music acts performing regularly on a 13,000-square-foot sundeck.

Hidden gem: Exhibition Run, which is one of the steeper runs at the resort. “Most intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders enjoy this run because it’s the least-crowded run,” says Dustin Murphy, spokesman for Big Bear Mountain Resorts. “Riders can take their time enjoying the slopes and cruising down, while taking in the view of Big Bear Lake.”

Spotted last season: Eva Longoria and Dermot Mulroney out on the runs. In recent years, Paula Abdul, Coolio, Emilio Estevez, Justin Timberlake and Dennis Quaid have been at Bear or its sister resort, Snow Summit.

Social connections: @Bear_Mountain on Instagram and Twitter; www.facebook.com/BearMtn

Information: 909-866-5766; www.bearmountain.com

— Jerry Rice

Skiing, snowboarding … it’s happening every day now at Bear Mountain

Fresh powder is certainly a welcome thing at Bear Mountain and other ski and snowboard resorts in Southern California. (Bear Mountain photo)

Fresh powder is certainly a welcome thing at Bear Mountain and Southern California’s other ski and snowboard resorts. (Bear Mountain photo)

Thanks to the recent snowfall, Bear Mountain is now open for skiing and snowboarding every day of the week.

“We are so stoked that we received more snow than expected from the last storm,” said Rio Tanbara, Bear Mountain’s marketing director, adding that terrain is in very good shape due to the recent flurry of snow in the Big Bear Lake area.

“Our guests will be extremely pleased with what they see and experience here,” said Chris Riddle, Big Bear Mountain Resorts vice president of marketing. “Our team has worked hard to create and maintain more of what skiers and snowboarders are looking for – more jumps, more jibs, more snow and more fun.”

Bear Mountain’s hours of operation will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

Chairs 1, 6, 7 and 9 will be operating for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders with plenty of terrain features available. Five trail runs are currently available with more expected to open soon.

Lessons, rentals, retail and food service are open and available for Bear Mountain guests during regular hours of park operation. Snowmaking efforts will continue this week.

Season passes, individual tickets, group tickets and lift tickets are available. Guests should plan on arriving early, as ticket sales may be limited.

For the 24-hour snow report, call 800-232-7686. For other information, call 909-866-5766 or visit www.bigbearmountainresorts.com.

Hundreds hit the slopes on opening day in Big Bear

Snowboarders look to head up the chairlift at Bear Mountain Resort in Big Bear Lake, Friday, November 28, 2014. California is suffering  one of the worst droughts in its history. (Eric Reed/For the Sun)

Snowboarders look to head up the chairlift at Bear Mountain Resort in Big Bear Lake, Friday, November 28, 2014. California is suffering one of the worst droughts in its history. (Eric Reed/For the Sun)

By Joe Nelson, Staff Writer

Ricky Vega held his 3-year-old daughter, Brooke, steady as she stood atop a snowboard, feet buckled securely in bindings, at the Bear Mountain ski resort on Friday,

Vega positioned his daughter in place, in a safe area at the bottom of the slope, away from the throng of snowboarders zipping down the mountain. He whispered a few words of encouragement in her ear, then gave her a gentle push forward. He darted forward, several feet ahead of his daughter, then turned and held out his arms to receive her.

Clad in pink ski pants, a pink ski jacket and a knitted Curious George ski cap, Brooke was all smiles as she slid about five feet across the slope and into her doting father’s arms.

“My two nephews started doing this when they were 3, and now it’s her turn,” said Vega, 36, of Lakewood. “We’re trying to make it a family tradition.”

Vega was one of hundreds drawn to Bear Mountain on the cloudless and rather warm Black Friday for the resort’s opening day of the season. Neighboring Snow Summit opened for the season on Wednesday.

“It’s awesome. It’s beautiful weather,” said Vega, who along with his twin brother owns a cabin in Big Bear Lake, where he and his family spent the Thanksgiving holiday before taking to the slopes on Friday.

“I’m on vacation. It’s opening day,” Vega said, “and I wanted to get out here before all the snow melted.”

The two opening-day events, at Bear Mountain on Friday and Snow Summit on Wednesday, marked their first under new ownership by Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, which announced its purchase of the sibling ski resorts in September. The sale awaits the closing of escrow, said Rio Tanbara, director of marketing for Bear Mountain.

Read more of Joe Nelson’s story SKI

Snow Summit ski resort opens in Big Bear

First Chair Banner for Web (1 of 1)-2

Riders are already making their first turns on the mountain and everyone is talking about the 12 terrain features already available to ride.

DJ Slipmatt is busy keeping the base crowds entertained with music and contest updates.

Speaking of contests, the Message in a Bottle clue is on Twitter and Instagram. First person to find the bottle can bring it to Guest Services for a goody bag.

Be sure to tag all your photos from today with #summitopens. We’re keeping an eye on all those pictures. We’ll be updating the fan photo page with your pictures and the top photographer will get featured as the photo of the day and win a prize!

Just in case you missed it, here are our early season rates:

Discounted Early Season Rates Day Half-Day
Adult (22+) $45 $38
Young Adults (13-21) $38 $31
Child (7-12) $18 $14
Child (6 & Under)** FREE FREE

11.26.14

Conditions for Opening Day look fantastic with summit to base skiing and riding opening at 8:30 am! We will be operating Chair 1 to the summit and Chair 8 will service our beginner area. Skiers and riders will find 12 boxes and rails on the slopes as well as a roller! Our Crew will be adding more features as we make snow!

You can also compete in our first “Message in a Bottle” competition of the season. We’re going to hide a message in a bottle somewhere at Snow Summit. Follow us on Twitter  for the picture hint and use that clue to find the bottle. The winner can take the bottle to Guest Services to collect the prize!

Be sure to tag your pictures from the festivities with #summitopens. We’ll be tracking the tag and will post the winning image as our photo of the day which will also win a prize!

DJ Slipmatt will be providing the music and is stoked to see all the first day Summit guests!

Stay tuned to all of our Social Media Channels for updates throughout the day!

Mountain High opens for start of So Cal ski season

Mountain High Opening Day 2014

Ski season kicked off in Southern California yesterday with the opening of Mountain High.  This marks the 18th year in a row Mountain High has been the first to open in Southern California.

Roughly 1,000 guests donned their skis & snowboards and hit the slopes of Mountain High for their first winter fix of the season.  It’s a special treat to be open for Thanksgiving and the resort credits its hard working staff and dedicated employees.

“We’ve added several new snowmaking guns, our season pass sale is doing very well, and, with the hopes of a little El Nino snow, the stage is set for a great season,” said General Manager Ben Smith.

Operating hours will be 8:30am to 4:00pm through Thanksgiving.  Night skiing and Tubing Park operations will be evaluated after that.

Early Season Ticket rates will be just $45 for adults and young adults (Regularly $69) and $25 for children ages 7 to 12.  Kids six and under ski FREE with a paying adult.  Ticket sales will be limited so please arrive early for the best experience.  Prices are subject to change without notice.

The Coyote chairlift is currently spinning accessing an impressive rail garden on Cruiser with up to 10 features.  100% of the open terrain is groomed and thanks to Mountain High’s incredible snowmaking team we have a 10 to 12 inch base of machine groomed hard packed snow.  By next Wednesday the resort plans to have at least one top-to-bottom run open if not more.

For first-timers Mountain High offers a full line of rental and retail products however the Winter Sports School has not yet opened for the season.

Black Friday Special
No need to wake up early for the best price on lift tickets.  Stock up November 28th through December 1st, 2014, and save up to 40% on lift tickets to Mountain High, Southern California’s closest winter resort.  Prices start at just $20.00.  Click here to learn more http://www.mthigh.com/archive/email/blackfriday.html

Get Your 2014/15 Season Pass Before The Price Goes Up
For avid skiers and snowboarders a season pass is the best way to save money and pays for itself in as little as 5 visits.  Prices start at just $249 for young adult anytime season pass.  Or go VIP for just $49 and get free skiing at 12 other Powder Alliance Resorts plus tons of other great benefits.  No other resort in the region offers this.  Click here to learn morehttp://www.mthigh.com/season-pass-sale

Mountain High to open Tuesday with limited runs

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Mountain High will open for skiing and snowboarding tomorrow morning at 8:30am for the start of the 2014/15 season.  Get your Thanksgiving holiday started early and join us for this exciting day.

Operating hours will be 8:30am – 4:00pm.  Tickets are just $45 for Adults and Young Adults, $25 for kids ages 7 to 12.  Kids 6 and under receive a FREE ticket with the purchaes of an adult ticket.

Ticket sales will be limited to reflect the reduced terrain so please arrive early.  Night skiing and lessons have not begun yet but should be available shortly.

Our grooming staff will hit the mountain this evening at 4pm to begin preparing the slopes and our Park Crew is busy pulling out a dozen features to build a super sick rail garden for opening day.  Initially just Cruiser will be available accessing beginner to intermediate terrain but look for new trails and lifts opening shortly. 

This season we are proud to announce a wide range of improvements including new fan guns, new terrain features, and new terrain-based teaching programs. These snowmaking improvements will help Mountain High open even quicker this winter, allowing us to put down new snow faster than ever before.

Black Friday Ticket Special

No need to wake up early for the best price on lift tickets.  Stock up November 28th – December 1st and save up to 40%.  Ticket prices start at just $20 and make great stocking stuffers!  Click here to learn more.

14/15 Season Pass Sale Ends 11/30

Time is running out! Get your season pass today for as little as $249 and enjoy 5 months of terrific skiing and snowboarding at Southern California’s Closest Winter Resort. Go VIP for just $49 more and get free skiing privileges at 12 Powder Alliance Resorts. Hurry, sale ends November 30th. Click here to learn more.

California ski, snowboard resorts get a Halloween treat: snow!

The Village at Squaw Valley became a winter wonderland this morning as several inches of snow fell at the resort and throughout the Lake Tahoe area. (Squaw Valley photo)

The Village at Squaw Valley became a winter wonderland this morning as several inches of snow fell at the resort and elsewhere in the Lake Tahoe area. (Squaw Valley photo)

About the time kids were trick-or-treating on Friday night, mountain resorts throughout California were starting to get a special treat: snow. In some cases, it was the first white stuff of the season, raising hopes that the lengthy drought – fingers crossed – will come to an end this winter. There certainly was lots of excitement to go around:

Mountain High: The first snow of the season fell this morning at Mountain High Resort giving the area a crisp glow and solidifying the coming of winter. Traditionally, Mountain High opens in mid-November but it all depends on the season. Three times in the past 10 years, the Wrightwood resort has opened in October. Mountain High’s 10-year average is a Nov. 16 opening. For a gallery of “first snow of the season” photos, click here.

Heavenly: Winter has arrived at Tahoe, and Heavenly Mountain Resort received 3 inches of new snow overnight. 

Northstar: Three inches of fresh snow has accumulated and snow continues to fall. Temperatures have remained in the low 20s and the mountain’s snowmaking team has activated Northstar’s state-of-the-art snowmaking system. The National Weather Service has forecast an 80 percent chance of snow throughout the remainder of the day and into the evening, with expected additional accumulation of up to 3 inches. Snow showers are predicted for Sunday at a 20 percent chance.

Sierra-at-Tahoe: The resort received as much as 6 inches of snow overnight in the base area near the new Solstice Plaza. Early season snowfall is a reminder that winter and the ski and snowboard season are right around the corner.

Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows: The winter storm sweeping through the Sierra Nevada has brought 10 inches of fresh snow to Alpine Meadows’ upper mountain and 6 inches to Squaw Valley by late Saturday morning, with snow continuing to fall at both mountains. This is the first significant snowfall of the 2014-15 winter season, and comes less than a month before Squaw Valley’s scheduled opening date of Nov. 26. Alpine Meadows is expected to open on Dec. 12.

Mt. High bringing 20 tons of snow to Huntington Beach Saturday

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Join Mountain High Resort for the Grand Opening of Jack’s Snowboard Shop at 410 Main St., Huntington Beach.  We’re bringing 20 Tons of snow to the beach for a snowboard rail jam and demo  on Saturday from noon to  4pm.  The rail jam is invitation only.  If you would like to participate please contact Todd Proffit 

Giveaways and raffles all day including snowboards from Lib-Tech and Capita.  Walk the vendor village and score swag from Volcom, Burton, Von Zipper, Neff, Thrity Two, and more.

Pick up your 14/15 Season Pass or purchase it on site and get $200+ in additional benefits including a FREE Buddy Ticket ($69 value).

Save up to 70% on all your favorite brands.  Buy a 2015 snowboard and get a FREE lift ticket to Mountain High ($69 Value).  Bring your board or skis in for a tuneup and get ready for the 14/15 season.  Winter is coming!