Category Archives: California, Southern

Mountain High continues operation in national monument

Posted on by
Reply

Mountain High operates on the Angeles National Forest through a Special Use Permit issued and managed by the US Forest Service.  Despite the new designation as a national monument, the US Forest Service will remain the managing governmental agency.

Under the new designation there will be no changes to the current rules and regulations that govern ski areas or the management of Mountain High’s existing Special Use Permit.  The resort will be able to renew its lease as usual at the end of the term and the Special User Permit would be reissued if the resort was sold.

“The San Gabriel Mountains National Monument protects water rights, fire management, private property, and rights of way. It does not limit or prohibit any form of recreation. That means the recreational activities people already enjoy in the mountains – like winter sports – will remain available for all our communities to enjoy. This includes important and cherished winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding,” says Rep. Judy Chu.

Mountain High offering free season passes to 5th graders

Posted on by
Reply

The beauty of the winter mountains is something to be experienced by everyone and that’s why Mountain High and Toyota have teamed up to offer FREE season passes to regional 5th Graders in the 5th Grade Pass Program.   Any 5th Grader in California is eligible for a FREE season pass valued at $279 anytime he or she visits Mountain High during the 2014/15 season.

The 5th Grade Pass Program encourages kids to stay active in winter.  It teaches them new skills, builds overall confidence, and brings families together in an active environment.

Each year the 5th Grade Pass Program introduces thousands of local students and their parents to skiing and snowboarding and provides them with lifelong snow sports skills.  Parents of participants rank it very high and many base their children’s involvement solely on the program.

 “We are excited to partner with Toyota again this year to provide 5th graders in our state the opportunity to experience the joys and benefits of outdoor recreation,” says John McColly, CMO.

Snow sports participation is highly correlated to participation in other physical activities, and active kids tend to be healthier and more successful academically.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the Roberts Wood Johnson Foundation, and the America, Physiology Society (among others), America’s children are not getting enough physical exercise and this is leading to a meteoric rise in obesity.

Mountain High’s 5th Grade Pass Program encourages kids to stay active during the cold months.  In fact, during the winter of 2013/2014 snow sports participants burned more than 332 Billion calories while skiing, riding, and snowshoeing, enough to work off 475 Million cheeseburgers.

Additionally, research demonstrates that kids who participate in the Pass Program tend to remain active throughout the year which in turn, is highly correlated to improved academic performance and better health over the course of their lifetime.

Families that play together stay together and the Pass Program has shown to be very effective in bringing adults and other family members into, or back into the snow sports market.  In fact, nearly half of parents questioned said that they participated in snow sports because their child was involved in the Pass program.

Says Michelle Quan from Thousand Oaks, “It is an absolutely wonderful program.  We got the pass for my son when he was in 5th grade and it was just what I needed to get back on the slopes after 11 years! My husband also starting skiing again and now we now have four in our family who are skiers thanks to Mountain High.”

To order a free 5th Grade Season Pass parents visithttp://www.mthigh.com/deal/5th-graders-ski-and-snowboard-free.  Participants must be between the ages of 9 and 11 as of December 31, 2014, and parents are required to show proof of enrollment (report card, school ID, or certified letter of intent.)  Please note there is a $10 processing fee per pass.  Refunds are not available for previously purchased tickets or pass products.

Help wanted: Bear Mountain, Snow Summit resorts host job fair

Posted on by
Reply

Big Bear Mountain Resorts is ramping up for opening day, but first comes the annual Bear Mountain and Snow Summit job fair. It happens Saturday at Snow Summit from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

While offering a fun work environment, Big Bear Mountain Resorts offers great privileges to all employees. Among them: free skiing and snowboarding for employees and their immediate eligible families under the age of 18 at both Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, discounted rental equipment, free and discounted lessons, discounted food and beverages and discounts in retail shops.

“Our goal is to provide our guests with the best possible service and experience. We’re looking for hardworking and dedicated employees that are personable, out-going and have a passion for snow sports,” said Chris Riddle, director of marketing for Big Bear Mountain Resorts. “Most of our employees, including myself, have worked here for over 10 years and we know firsthand how incredible a career in the snow sport industry is, as we get some of the coolest perks around.”

Full-time and part-time positions are available in both indoor and outdoor areas, including ski and snowboard instructors, snowmakers, snow sport lessons promoter, sport shop sales, parking, lift operators, food servers, bartenders, dishwashers, cooks and guest services.

For more information, call employee services at 909-866-5766, Ext. 140; email employeeservices@snowsummit.com or fill out an application and bring it to the job fair.

Bear Mountain presents built from scratch

Posted on by
Reply

Each winter, so many talented snowboarder flock to Bear Mountain, SoCal snowboarding oasis, to pick apart the top-to-bottom park created by the prestigious Bear park crew.

The creativity of the set up combined with the variety of progressive riders makes for some next level snowboarding.

In the first episode of Bear’s Built from Scratch, enjoy your favorite park riders as they build laps from scratch during the 2013-14 season at Bear. Featuring Scotty Vine, Lenny Mazzotti, Jake Schaible, Justin Mulford, Castro, Johnny Miller, Chris Bradshaw, and Zak Hale.

Check out the video

Mountain High VIP pass offers free skiing at 12 resorts

Posted on by
Reply

Winter is coming and for regional powder hounds there is no better deal than Mountain High’s VIP Season Pass with FREE skiing privileges to 12 Powder Alliance resorts.

Now through Nov. 30, purchase a 14/15 VIP Season Pass to Mountain High, Southern California’s closest winter resort, and receive three (3) FREE days at Crested Butte, CO, Snowbasin Resort, UT, Sierra-at-Tahoe, CA, Schweitzer, ID, Stevens Pass, WA, Bridger Bowl, MT, Timberline, OR, Mt Hood Ski Bowl, Or, China Peak, CA, Arizona Snowbowl, AZ, Angel Fire, NM, and Silver Star, Canada.

That’s 36 FREE tickets!  Click here for a complete overview of resorts at www.powderalliance.com.

Additional Alliance-related benefits include discounts on lodging, rentals, buddy tickets, and more.  Restrictions apply and all tickets must be used during the 2014/15 season.  Visit www.powderalliance.com for a complete listing of holiday dates and resort benefits.

VIP Passes start at $349 for adults and just $299 for Young Adults, ages 13 to 21.  Children’s passes are also available beginning at $249 for ages 7 to 12.  Kids six and under receive a FREE season pass with the purchase of an Adult or Young Adult Season Pass.

“$349 for 13 mountains is a terrific value and something no other Southern California resort can offer.  Get a full season of skiing at Mountain High plus FREE tickets to some of the best resorts in Utah, Colorado, Montana, Washington, and now Canada,” said John McColly, CMO,

VIP pass holders also receive early ups on select days, monthly discounts for family and friends, savings at Wrightwood retailers such as Big Pines Zip Lines and the Grizzly Café, and free tickets to the North Pole Tubing Park.

Click here for a complete listing of discounts and savings.  In total, Mountain High’s VIP Season Pass includes more than $2,700 in added value.

With forecasters calling for the return of El Nino, this season is expected to be the best in years. Passes may be purchased online at http://www.mthigh.com/season-pass-sale, at the resort, and by phone at 888 754 7878.  Operators are available Monday – Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm.  Please note there is a $10 processing fee per pass.

 

Buck Strikes Back rail jam at Mountain High on Oct. 4

Posted on by
Reply

Mountain High Resort is trucking in 40 tons of snow on Saturday for the Buck Strikes Back rail jam.  This season it’s taking place on the streets of Wrightwood.

Aside from the early-season shred session, guests can stroll through the vendor village, buy or sell equipment in the giant ski & snowboard swap, chow down on chili from the annual Chili Cook-off, and see the premier of Mountain High’s new short film, Montage.

“Nothing gets you thinking winter like 40 tons of snow.  It’s been seven year’s since we produced the last Buck Off so be sure to put October 4th on your calendar.  You don’t need to travel far far way to get in some pre-season snow play,” says John McColly, Director of Marketing.

The Buck Strikes Back uses 40 tons of snow to create a 10,000 square foot winter jib arena complete with all levels of rails and boxes.  It takes roughly five hours to cover the arena and park personnel will be on hand all day to make sure the snow stays at its best.

A 20 foot start ramp provides the runway and guests will have their choice of several different features including a down rail, flat boxes, a stair set, and a finishing jib.  Difficulty levels vary from easy to advanced so there is something for everyone plus there will be a Best Trick Contest at 4pm.

Twenty five participants consisting of pros, celebrity riders, and ripping pass holders will be competing for cash and prizes.  Be sure to put on your best performance because the Buck Strikes Back aint no “Wookie” competition.

The rail yard is open to all ages, male and female, skiers and snowboarders. There is no additional fee however a new 2014/15 season pass and helmet are required.

Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, OR download a liability form from Mountain High’s website at www.mthigh.com, have it notarized with a parent’s signature and bring it with them.

Guests who purchase their season pass at the event will receive more than $200 in FREE benefits and renewing pass holders save an additional $50 off Adult, Young Adult, and College passes.  Regularly $699, prices start at just $249 for Young Adults and $299 for Adults.

For avid skiers and snowboarders they are the best way to save money and pay for themselves in as little as 5 visits.  Children six and under receive a free season pass with the purchase of an adult season pass. Click here for a complete listing of prices and benefits. http://www.mthigh.com/season-pass-sale

For those not interested in jibbing, there are plenty of other free activities.  Guests can check out the latest products from Burton, Lib Tech, Explosive, Gnarly, Smith, Virus and more in the vendor village, plus get huge deals on snowboarding equipment from the nearby Mountain Outhouse.

New this year will be a giant ski & snowboard swap where guests can sell their gear or pick up new equipment for the coming season.  The festival begins at1:00pm with riding and entertainment until 5pm.  Guests are invited to stick around for the after party where they can quench their thirst at the Yodeler for just a buck-a-beer and watch the premier of Montage, the latest snowboard film from Mountain High.

Cali4nia Pass good at Mammoth, Bear Mountain, June Mountain, Snow Summit

Posted on by
Reply

 

border="0"
border="0"Introducing the Cali4nia Pass, the best thing to happen to California skiing since stretch pants. The Cali4nia Pass gives you unlimited and unrestricted access to Mammoth Mountain, Bear Mountain, June Mountain and Snow Summit for $689. From a quick getaway to Big Bear to a full family vacation at Mammoth, we’ve got you covered. Every style, every skill level and everyone is invited.Plus, the Cali4nia Pass offers amazing perks like discounted tickets for friends, special early mountain access, and savings on food, lodging, equipment rentals and more.

Mammoth + Bear Mountain + June + Snow Summit = Cali4nia Pass. All the benefits of Mammoth & June plus anytime access to Bear Mountain and Snow Summit.
border="0"
border="0"

Mammoth Mountain owner buys Bear Mountain, Snow Summit ski resorts

Posted on by
Reply

 

Despite the warm temperatures this winter, Bear Mountain and Snow Summit have been taking advantage of snow-making capabilities to improve conditions on the slopes. (Big Bear Mountain Resorts photo)

Bear Mountain, a popular place for snowboarders, is one of two resorts being acquired by the owner of Mammoth Mountain. Snow Summit also is part of the deal announced this morning. (Big Bear Mountain Resorts photo)

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, owner of Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain, has entered into an agreement to acquire Big Bear Mountain Resorts, which operates both Bear Mountain and Snow Summit in Big Bear Lake. The two SoCal ski and snowboard resorts host nearly 800,000 visitors every winter.

The combination of these four iconic California mountain resorts creates diverse and unique offerings of both summer and winter experiences for day trips, weekend getaways and extended vacations, resort officials say. Bear Mountain and Snow Summit offer a full complement of outdoor activities from action sports to first-time family experiences, making it an excellent fit with the world class, big-mountain destination experience offered at Mammoth, they added.

“We couldn’t be more excited to enter into this agreement with Big Bear Mountain Resorts. These two uniquely Southern California resorts have been providing great skiing, riding and biking experiences to visitors from California and beyond. Millions have enjoyed their first mountain resort experience on the slopes of Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, and we look forward to expanding upon the legacy that Dick Kun and his people have created over the past six decades,” said Rusty Gregory, chairman and CEO of Mammoth Mountain.

“This acquisition represents the beginning of a renaissance for both Mammoth and Big Bear and is the first step in the next era of skiing and riding in California. In the coming months we will be announcing exciting new development and expansion plans for each of our four resorts designed to attract visitors from down the street, across the country, and around the world,” he added.

Mammoth has announced a new season pass that includes unrestricted access to all four mountains at $689 for adults. The new Cali4nia Pass will go on sale at the Hot Dawgz and Hand Rails event at Bear Mountain on Saturday, and then will be available online at www.snowsummit.com and www.Cali4niaPass.com.

“The Cali4nia Pass will cut through the clutter in the market by providing the most diverse set of resort options available in California by allowing you to ski where you want, when you want and as often as you want,” Gregory said.

This transaction will create one of the nation’s largest ski companies with more than 2 million visitors per year.

Dick Kun, the driving force behind skiing and riding in the Big Bear region and long-time CEO of Big Bear Mountain Resorts, said, “Mammoth has always been the natural long-term fit for the Big Bear family and we are thrilled to enter this agreement. I am deeply grateful to the employees, shareholders, and the Big Bear community for their work and support during the 63 years of our operations.

“Mammoth’s experience and leadership will ensure that Southern Californians will continue to enjoy recreating in the local mountains and will undoubtedly bring in a new era of experiences and opportunities for all of our constituents.”

Mountain High offers season passes for $249

Posted on by
Reply

Winter starts now for Southern California as Mountain High kicks off its annual season pass sale with more than $200 in early bird benefits.

For as little as $249 (Regular $699) guests can enjoy an entire season of skiing and snowboarding at Southern California’s closest winter resort plus track their days ridden, number of days, vertical feet and more.

Seniors age 70 & over receive a FREE season pass and children ages 6 and under receive a FREE season pass with the purchase of an adult season pass.

Visit http://www.mthigh.com/season-pass-sale for a full list of prices and benefits including Mountain High’s $49 VIP Upgrade.

As an added incentive, guests who purchase an Adult, Young Adult, or College pass by Sept. 8, receive the following benefits:

  1. Free Buddy Ticket.  ($69 value)
  2. Specials on 686 Outerwear at www.686.com
  3. $25 Off at Magic Mountain (Valid Nov. 2nd, 2014 through March 4th, 2015)
  4. Sport Chalet Mystery Card (Discounts up to 25%)
  5. 50% Off at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica pier
  6. $10 Off at K1 Speedway, America’s premiere indoor karting center
  7. Fiesta Village Season Pass
  8. Raffle.  Winners to be announced September 12th, 2014:
    • 2015/16 Mountain High Season Pass
    • Ski & Stay Package to Stevens Pass / Leavenworth
    • 686 Outerwear Package
    • Go Pro Hero 3
    • VIP Parking Space

Pass holders from the previous 2013/14 season who renew by September 8th receive the aforementioned benefits plus another $50 off the Adult, Young Adult, and College rate.

 “No other resort in Southern California comes close to this offer.  When you purchase by Sept. 8, you get a full season of skiing and snowboarding at Mountain High, day or night, plus more than $200 in free gifts!  You can’t beat that,” says CMO John McColly.

Season Passes are good any day or night the resort is open during the 2014/15 season with no restrictions.

Regularly $699, these passes are on sale from August 30th to November 30th, 2014, for as little as $249.  For avid skiers and snowboarders they are the best way to save money and pay for themselves in as little as 5 visits.

Passes may be purchased online, at the resort, and by phone at 888 754 7878.  Please note there is a $10 processing for all new passes purchased including senior and children 6 & under.

#Winter2014 recap: Skiing, snowboarding at Bear Mountain and Snow Summit

Posted on by
Reply

OK, we know that winter 2014 was a bummer of a snow season, but we’re going to take a look back anyway with dispatches from many of California’s ski and snowboard resorts – starting today with Bear Mountain and Snow Summit.

Season start/finish: Bear Mountain, Nov. 27-March 30; Snow Summit, Dec. 6-March 17.

Snowfall: 20-30 inches at each resort; the season average is 75 to 100 inches.

Comment: “Despite a shorter season and lack of natural snowfall, we’re very proud of what we were able to accomplish for the 2013-14 season at Bear Mountain and Snow Summit,” said Chris Riddle, vice president of marketing for Big Bear Mountain Resorts. “Each year we strive to provide the very best conditions, and this year was no different. Thanks to our advanced snowmaking system and our dedicated park crew, we were able to offer some of the greatest skiing and snowboarding in California – especially earlier in the season. We were able to successfully keep open the vast majority of our runs, with some of the very best conditions in the state. It was a great achievement for us.”

Looking ahead: Big Bear Mountain Resorts will be reducing the price of all passes for the 2014-15 winter season, with savings up to $110 from last winter’s rates. Dual-mountain pass holders will have unlimited access to 26 lifts, 438 developed acres and more than 55 runs.

Media: Here are video highlights from the slopes at each resort. First, Bear Mountain. >>>

Now it’s Snow Summit’s turn. >>>