Atlas Snowshoes from Goldsmith's Board House

Did you know Snowshoe the Bear is this Saturday, February, 6. The event welcomes both experts and complete novices. It starts in the Big Bear Lake Village at 8:00 AM and goes out into the San Bernardino National Forest. There is a fully marked five and ten kilometer course. Enjoy fun, family atmosphere and live music.

I’ve never been snowshoeing, and I wondered what our conditions were like (besides the obvious four foot base of snow). I wanted to know; did the snow support the snowshoes, how well do the shoes grip the snow, and how fast could I walk.

I went over to Goldsmith’s Board House (909 866-2728) in Big Bear Lake and rented a pair. I found out there are basically three types of snowshoes;

1. Running –smaller size for aerobic exercise, not practical for serious long term snow travel.
2. Recreational –better in the back country, slightly larger than the running ones.
3. Mountaineering – made for serious outdoor travel and for long distance. These snowshoes can be up to 30 inches long by 10 inches wide.

Snowshoes for running have fixed rotation bindings which bring the back of shoe up with each step, allowing faster movement.  When you find the pair you want make sure you can easily manipulate the straps and securely lock your boot into the snowshoes.

I strapped myself into the snowshoes and was surprised how easy it was to walk in them. I didn’t use the polls. I noticed the crampon cleats were on the balls of my feet. I switched my balance from the heels to the front and was able to move at a good speed.

When I walked on a path that had already been broken, I didn’t leave much of an impression. When I went out into untracked snow, my snowshoes left a three inch deep track (see video). I fell through once. I walked too close to a bush…we have so much snow, you can’t see the bushes!

Goldsmith’s carry Atlas snowshoes, including poles and pack, for under $200. While you’re there, you may want to pick up a good pair of sunglasses or goggles. Ask for Ashley, she helped us and is very knowledgeable. She can hook you up with clothing, boots, anything you need for high altitude recreation.

FACT: The first snowshoes in North America are attributed to the Huron and the Algonquin Indians.

10k Course Description: Begin on Village Drive in front of Paoli’s Restaurant.  Turn right/south on Knickerbocker.  Turn left/east on Forest Road 2N08. Continue on Forest Road 2N08 to trail 1E01.  Turn left/south on 1E01 to Deer Group Camp.  Turn right on the Deer Group Camp access road (from the middle of the camp) to Forest Road 2N08.  Turn right/east on Forest Road 2N08 and continue to the village via the same path.

5k Course Description: Begin on Village Drive in front of Paoli’s Restaurant.  Turn right/south on Knickerbocker.  Turn left/east on Forest Road 2N08.  Turn left/east on Towne Trail (marked with Boulders).  Turn around at beginning of Summit Condos.  Return via the same path.

Additional Resources;

Snowshoeing in the San Jacinto Mountains; Several people took the tram and then asended to the top of the mountain. They shot several great videos. The snow conditions are very much like our mountains.

Snow Report Big Bear- Updated snow conditions for Big Bear Mountain Resorts, Snow Valley, Mount Baldy, Mountain High and Mammoth Mountain.

Snowboard & Ski Rentals- Goldsmith’s Boardhouse and Ski Rentals is what we recommend. They have been fitting skiis, adjusting boards forever! Their staff is knowledgable and can shred with the best. Work with people who love the sport!

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Big Bear Halloween

Alpine Magic Mountain has been blowing snow and looks like they will be open for snow tubing this weekend. Both Resorts (Bear Mountain and Snow Summit) have been blowing snow and covering the mountain with their snow guns. Check back with up, we’ll let you you when they open!

Events

October 30 – Nov 1

Octobertfest Schedule

39th Annual Oktoberfest
October 31, 2009

The Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest runs for seven consecutive weekends, September 19 through October 31 at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center, located at 42900 Big Bear Boulevard in Big Bear Lake. The times are Saturdays 12 noon to 12 midnight and Sundays 12 noon to 5:30 p.m. Ticket prices for Saturdays are $12 adults; $9 seniors (65+); $6 children (3-12). Sundays are $5 adults; $4 seniors (65+); and children (12 and under) are free. Group and tour package pricing is also available. For more information call 909-585-3000.

Event Website

Google Map

“Theatre of Horrors” Haunted House at the PAC
October 30, 2009 – 7:00pm to 10:00pm
October 31, 2009 – 6:00pm to 10:00pm

The Theatre of Horrors Haunted House is back again this year at the PAC. Presented by Soroptimist International of Big Bear and the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center Foundation with proceeds going to the Soroptimist’s to help fund their various community causes. The Haunted House will be open two weekends October 23rd and 24th and 30th and 31st. Fridays hours are from 7-10 PM and Saturdays from 6-10 PM. Tickets are $6 for adulats and $4 for children 6 and under and can be purchased online or by phone (909) 866-4970 or in person at the Box Office.

Event Website

Google Map

Spooky Halloween Book Signings
October 30, 2009 – 3:00pm

Feel a chill at children’s author Merrily Kutner’s Halloween book signings and readings. Meet the award winning author of the books, Z IS FOR ZOMBIE and THE ZOMBIE NITE CAFE, in her “scary” costume at two Halloween celebrations. Merrily will read portions of her books to children and sign books on Friday, October 30th at Kathy’s Art, Etc. & Postal Plus. Readings will be at 3 PM, 4 PM, 5 PM and 6 PM. Owner Kathy Bambeck is providing treats, punch, and stickers, and face painting will be offered. Participating stores on Halloween Eve in the Stater Brothers Center will treat with free goodies, discounts and spooky fun. If you miss Merrily at these signings, she’ll also have signings on Halloween in the Village on Saturday, October 31st. Come on in to Premier Properties Sotheby’s International Realty for her 4PM and 4:40 PM signings and Halloween candy as you wait for it to get darker for trick-or-treating! For more details please call (909) 866-2344

Location: Kathy’s Art, Etc, and Postal Plus

Halloween in the Village
October 31, 2009

Take a walk through the village seeing all the horrors that it has to offer! Dont forget your costume or you’ll miss out on the trick or treating! For more info, call 909.866.4607.

Location: Village at Big Bear Lake

Boo In The Zoo!
October 31, 2009 – 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Bring the children on this special day for a late afternoon/early evening of Tricks ‘n Treat–The Graveyard, Pumpkin Patch, Electric Dungeon of Doom, Witches Brew, Scarecrow Land, Witches Lair, and Goblins throughout the park. Also enjoy seeing the park animals receive their Halloween treats too! For more information call (909) 878-4200.

Event Website

Google Map

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Get ready for an invasion of kids in costumes as the Village gears up to have its annual “Halloween in the Village” event October 31^st, from 5:00-8:00 pm on Pine Knot Ave. and Village Dr.    Come take part in this time-honored tradition as over sixty of the Village businesses open their doors to pass out candy.  But don’t forget the local organizations that also attend and set up booths with hot beverages,   and of course, additional Trick-or-Treating.

Be sure to dress your kids in warm clothes under their costumes, good walking shoes and paint their face rather than a mask. Bring a flashlight and a bag for all of the goodies.  The Village streets will be closed to traffic at 4:00 p.m. and re-opened at approximately 8:30 p.m. There are many parking area surrounding the Village. The Lost Child Booth will be located at Jack and the Box on Village Drive.

 This is one family event that cannot be missed as the Village businesses and local organizations of the Valley help create a festive and safe atmosphere for a fun Halloween adventure that your kids will remember for years to come.

Finally, if you are a local organization or business that wishes to get involved, call Kathy Sawyer to make arrangements at 909-584-1066

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Oktoberfest in Big Bear Lake

The weekend of September 19 & 20 is the beginning of the 39th Annual Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest. The event continues every weekend through the end of October. Here is a list of the events happening in Big Bear (San Bernardino Mountains) this weekend. 

39th Annual Oktoberfest

The Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest runs for seven consecutive weekends, September 19 through October 31 at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center, located at 42900 Big Bear Boulevard in Big Bear Lake. The times are Saturdays 12 noon to 12 midnight and Sundays 12 noon to 5:30 p.m. Ticket prices for Saturdays are $12 adults; $9 seniors (65+); $6 children (3-12). Sundays are $5 adults; $4 seniors (65+); and children (12 and under) are free. Group and tour package pricing is also available. For more information call 909-585-3000 or visit www.bigbearevents.com.

Big Bear Lake International Film Festival

This year’s Big Bear Lake International Film Festival will take place on September 18-20, 2009 at the PAC and Village Theatres. This year’s honorees at festival will be Academy Award Winner Philippe Rousselout for Cinematography, Lou Diamond Phillips – Acting Award for Excellence, Academy Award Winner David Ward for Screenwriting, and John Grandi for Community Service. These awards will be given out Friday night at the opening Gala at the PAC. The BBLIFF is a non-profit organization dedicated to showcasing the emerging talent of screenwriters and independent filmmakers within the idyllic setting of Big Bear Lake. Our goal is to nurture a festival, which is highly creative, filmmaker friendly and which provides an educational experience for those people interested in all aspects of the film industry. For all details please visit www.bigbearfilmfestival.com or call (909) 866-3433.

Hot Dawgs and Hand Rails

Tornados Presents Hot Dawgz and Hand Rails Rise of the Dog at Bear Mountain Resort Saturday September 19th, 2009 from 2pm til dark. The Pro Invitational rail Jam offers up $15,000 in cash prizes. Admission for public is FREE! We’ll have a full bar (21 & up), music, vendor booth city, pro autograph signings, games, giveaways and of course weenie roasting. Stick around after the sun goes down and premier Stepchild/Thirty Two’s new film “This Video Sucks” and Bear Mountain’s: “A Parkumentary”. Event sponsors: Tornados, Electric, Thirty Two and Fuel TV.

14th Annual Run For The Grizzlies!

14th Annual Harley Bike Run fundraiser for our Grizzly Bears. Open to the public and all bikes welcome! Saturday September 19th from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Poker Ride – Prizes – Vendors – BBQ and Live Music. Register at Chad’s Place in the Village 40740 Village Drive. All proceeds to benefit the Grizzly Bears at Moonridge Animal Park. For more information call (909) 878-4200 or visit www.moonridgezoo.org/GrizzlyRun.html Vendors can call (951) 218-5818.

Big Bear Lake Village Wine Walk

The Village Business Association presents their first annual Wine Walk on Saturday September 19th from 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm. 20 stores and restaurants will be participating. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 day of the event. For more details and to order tickets please call (909) 878-8044.

More Big Bear Information

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Grizzly Mountain Gourmet is getting ready to open in the Big Bear Lake Village. We just received this email from Paul, the owner, describing his store;

“We are very excited to be opening our neighborhood market conveniently located in The Village within the next 6 weeks and will be bringing lots of delicious treats to the residents and visitors of Big Bear.  Grizzly Mountain Gourmet will feature olives, cheeses, fresh baked breads, cookies, cakes, pies, soups, salads, fresh seafood, unique cuts of meat and game, Serrano ham, premium olive oils, prosciutto, made to order sandwiches, soups, coffees, teas, a juice bar, gourmet chocolates, beer and wines from around the world.  We will also offer fun and unusual items for purchase that you can prepare at home as well. 

We look forward to seeing you in our store soon and don’t forget we will be “sampling” something delicious every day at the marketplace!”

Watch the progess of the store opening at www.grizzlymountaingourmet.com.

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