Snow Summit

At Snow Summit, young sliders learn the ins and outs of snowboarding. (Snow Summit photo)

Reaching new heights at 60

  • Details: In 1952, Tommi Tyndall oversaw the construction of a mile-long chairlift and the clearing of the Log Chute ski run, and Snow Summit was born. The resort was an early industry leader, operating the nation’s first detachable chairlift and by 1964 it was the first in the West to utilize snowmaking. There have been plenty of other Snow Summit milestones since then, and a fireworks show in January will help celebrate the resort’s 60th anniversary. Snow Summit has a nearby corporate partner, Bear Mountain, and free shuttle service connects the two.
  • New for 2012-13: The ski-in/ski-out Slopeside Pub now has a 3,600-square-foot sundeck to accommodate more guests and live entertainment. The pub will have drink specials and an all-new menu of fresh and healthy appetizers, and the sundeck affords spectacular views of lower Miracle Mile and Summit Run.
  • Best lift deal: On the resort’s Facebook page, there will be contests for free lift tickets.
  • Snowmaking: System allows the resort to make snow on all of its trails.
  • After dark: Night sessions are offered most Friday, Saturday and holiday evenings. Westridge is groomed before the night session, giving skiers and snowboarders the freshest terrain since first chair.
  • Hidden gem: “The runs on the east side of the mountain are Snow Summit’s hidden gems,” said Rio Tanbara, resort spokesman. “Chairs 7 and 10 typically have shorter lift lines, and access the locals’ favorite Log Chute, as well as Timber Ridge, Perfect Pitches and Side Chute, where there are wide-open runs and fewer crowds.”
  • Address, phone, website: 880 Summit Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA; 909-866-5766, www.snowsummit.com
  • Social connections: Twitter, Facebook
  • Where to stay: Big Bear Lake Resort Association (800-424-4232, www.bigbear.com) has many suggestions for accommodations.
  • Eats at the resort: View Haus, at the top of the mountain near Chair 2, has breath-taking views of San Gorgonio Mountain and the valley below. Menu options include burgers, burritos, pulled-pork sandwiches and tri-tip.
  • Eats nearby: Maggio’s Pizza (909-866-8815, www.maggiospizza.com), a favorite with locals, has a variety of pies, of course, and also serves pastas, sandwiches, calzones and more. It’s in the Vons shopping center, about a five-minute drive from Snow Summit.
  • Après-snow hotspot: Slopeside Pub (for details, see New for 2012-13).

— Jerry Rice