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Snowshoe the Bear Big Bear Lake

03
Feb 2010

 

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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Arts & Culture – Big Bear Lake

31
Jan 2010

Art Gallery in the Village of Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is host to three art galleries, a local arts council, a community arts theatre society, and a state-of-the-art performing arts theatre.  The Arts Council of Big Bear Valley promotes art and music through service programs such as the “Magic of Music” and events, including Art on the Lake and the Big Bear Lake Film Festival.

The Community Arts Theatre Society (C.A.T.S) was established in 1994 as a non-profit theatrical organization designed for community participation in bringing inspirational theater to Big Bear.  From stage production and costume design to the performance itself, community members have an opportunity to be a part of the theater magic.

The Big Bear Performing Arts Center (Map: PAC) is a 398-seat, state-of-the-art theater, where the stage is set to promote and encourage a wide variety of arts, cultural performances, community events and programs designed to take advantage of the full range and flexibility of the center.  It also develops community outreach and provides opportunities for individual performers and community theater presentations.

An appreciation for literature also abounds with the local Trio of Talent, a large group of artists, authors and actors that meet once a week at a village bookstore to discuss each other’s work.  The local bookstore also features book signings.  The Big Bear Library serves as a great community resource and is connected to the San Bernardino County Library networking system. This gives the community access to all materials available countywide.  T

he Library provides services to children, adults, and seniors and is committed to being a resource upon which the public, business, industry, and government can rely for accurate and timely information, recreational needs, and cultural enrichment. Through the Library’s Literacy, Information, Technology and Education center (LITE), programs and resources are offered that assist today’s young children, parents and caregivers in developing skills to meet tomorrow’s challenges. The workshops, hands-on projects, and all-around fun, offered to children up to five and their parent or guardian, expose them to educational opportunities and growing experiences that benefit both child and adult. The program also provides free, confidential adult basic literacy assistance, free children’s books for qualified families, English improvement and GED instruction.

Big Bear Lake Arts Council -Village

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Arts & Culture – Big Bear Lake

31
Jan 2010

Art Gallery in the Village of Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is host to three art galleries, a local arts council, a community arts theatre society, and a state-of-the-art performing arts theatre.  The Arts Council of Big Bear Valley promotes art and music through service programs such as the “Magic of Music” and events, including Art on the Lake and the Big Bear Lake Film Festival.

The Community Arts Theatre Society (C.A.T.S) was established in 1994 as a non-profit theatrical organization designed for community participation in bringing inspirational theater to Big Bear.  From stage production and costume design to the performance itself, community members have an opportunity to be a part of the theater magic.

The Big Bear Performing Arts Center (Map: PAC) is a 398-seat, state-of-the-art theater, where the stage is set to promote and encourage a wide variety of arts, cultural performances, community events and programs designed to take advantage of the full range and flexibility of the center.  It also develops community outreach and provides opportunities for individual performers and community theater presentations.

An appreciation for literature also abounds with the local Trio of Talent, a large group of artists, authors and actors that meet once a week at a village bookstore to discuss each other’s work.  The local bookstore also features book signings.  The Big Bear Library serves as a great community resource and is connected to the San Bernardino County Library networking system. This gives the community access to all materials available countywide.  T

he Library provides services to children, adults, and seniors and is committed to being a resource upon which the public, business, industry, and government can rely for accurate and timely information, recreational needs, and cultural enrichment. Through the Library’s Literacy, Information, Technology and Education center (LITE), programs and resources are offered that assist today’s young children, parents and caregivers in developing skills to meet tomorrow’s challenges. The workshops, hands-on projects, and all-around fun, offered to children up to five and their parent or guardian, expose them to educational opportunities and growing experiences that benefit both child and adult. The program also provides free, confidential adult basic literacy assistance, free children’s books for qualified families, English improvement and GED instruction.

Big Bear Lake Arts Council -Village

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Clubs

31
Jan 2010

From A to Z, Big Bear residents can find a club or organization that meets a need, offers an opportunity to serve, or provides a learning experience. At last count, there were 87 Big Bear clubs and organizations.

Big Bear offers the traditional service clubs such as the Big Bear Lions, Elks, Kiwanis, Moose, Optimist, Rotary and Soroptimist International. Veteran, political, parent and children’s organizations that serve specific groups and meet specific needs are also available.  Big Bear’s business organizations are very active and include the Chamber of Commerce, Leads Club, the Professional Property Management Association and the Real Estate Board.  Youth sports, scouts and senior clubs are also available.

Big Bear’s senior population is growing and currently comprises approximately 30% of the population.  Senior services and living accommodations include the Bear Valley Senior Center and the Mountain Meadows Senior Apartments in the Village. The Senior Center offers activities for those 55 and older and includes weekly Tai Chi, ceramics, senior aerobics, bingo, crafts, cards, ping pong, potluck and barbeque dinners, socials, dances, a travel club and more.  Mountain Meadows Senior Apartments provide eligible seniors with very comfortable, one-bedroom apartments with modern kitchen appliances, a living room area, a bath and a small deck or balcony.  For Big Bear seniors who are unable to get out and about, Big Bear offers Meals On Wheels, a program primarily established to provide nutritious meals for seniors in need.

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Snow Conditions

26
Jan 2010
Snow Conditions, photo courtesy of Bear Mountain Resort

Both Bear Mountain and Snow Summit are experiencing epic conditions. The last storm increase the snow base to 48-84 inches of machine groomed packed powder. Tonights storm is expected to deliver six inches of fresh powder. Locals are saying that this is the best snow base they’ve seen since the late 60′s.

Road Conditions:
HWY 330: San Bernardino to Running Springs Open to traffic R-2
HWY 18: Running Springs to Big Bear Open to traffic R-2
HWY 38: Mentone to Big Bear Open to traffic R-2
HWY 18: Big Bear to Lucerne Open to traffic R-2

Weather;
Today: A 30 percent chance of snow. Cloudy, with a high near 41. South wind between 5 and 10 mph. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tonight: Snow showers likely, mainly before 4am. Cloudy, with a low around 23. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of snow showers before 10am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 40. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

RAIN AND MOUNTAIN SNOW SHOWERS WILL END WEDNESDAY MORNING WITH SNOW LEVELS AROUND 5000 FEET. 4 TO 6 INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED ABOVE 6000 FEET IN THE SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTY MOUNTAINS.

Additional Resources;

Latest Dopler Radar

Map; Bear Mountain Resorts

Road Conditions

 

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