Skiing or snowboarding?

You probably have already decided which one you want to try first. For beginners, the first hour or two is usually a little more difficult with snowboarding and takes a lot more energy, but after that the learning curve rises steeply and you may be able to graduate from the beginner slopes sooner than skiers. Beginner skiers usually have better control throughout the learning process, can get on and off the chairlifts easier, and move about the mountain easier. The sports are actually quite different and have their own special attractions. Many people are now enjoying both.

How long will it take to learn?

Most beginners will spend their first day on the beginner slopes, utilizing the base area lifts at Snow Summit or Bear Mountain. Each resort offers unique and various teaching philosophies geared specifically to first-time beginners. By the second day most people are able to ski or snowboard down one of the many low intermediate runs at each resort. After the second day we see wider differences in learning rates as individual athletic ability, coordination, aggressiveness, etc., take over. In general, most people have a certain amount of frustration the first day, but then begin really enjoying either skiing or snowboarding once they are able to control themselves more and move around the mountain. That's why snow sports are so popular — people can find challenge and excitement even when at a low ability level.

How important are lessons?

We think they're very important, especially for the first day or two, both to pick up the fundamentals quicker and to reduce the chance of injury. A lot of people try it on their own or are "taught" by a friend or spouse who really don't know the right teaching techniques. This can easily lead to disappointment and frustration, where as professional instruction can make starting out fun and rewarding.

The “GuaranSki” & “GuaranRide” Beginner Special is absolutely the best package for first-timers! This package guarantees you will be able to ride our beginner chairlifts by the end of the day or we will give you FREE lessons and beginner lifts tickets (valid during lesson only) until you can! Includes 4 hours of instruction, a beginner lifts ticket, and a discounted rental. Each special also includes a “Continuing Education Coupon” which will save you up to $20 off the price of an Advanced Beginner to Intermediate Ski & Ride Special!

Where can I rent equipment?

Most beginners do not have their own equipment. It is possible to rent from sport shops in the cities or on the way to Big Bear, but that entails stopping, going through the rental process, loading and carrying the equipment to the resort and then dropping it off on the way back — a major inconvenience (especially if you experience equipment problems) as compared to renting the equipment at the resort. Snow Summit and Bear Mountain have a wide selection of high quality rental equipment for both skiers and snowboarders, which can be purchased in one transaction with your lift ticket and/or lessons.

High quality rental equipment can make a big difference in learning. Our rental shops carry the latest in ski and snowboard technology, shaped skis and softer boards can help the beginner ease into learning. Burton Learn to Ride equipment is also available at both resorts and is designed specifically for first-time snowboarders. The snowboard is designed with slightly beveled edges that keep them from catching in the snow unlike regular snowboards and the step-in bindings aid in focusing on learning, not on fussing with gear. Boots that fit properly, bindings that work, ski or snowboard bottom surfaces that are smooth and edges that are sharp are critical for enjoyment, whether beginner or advanced.

On peak season weekends and holidays, we strongly recommend that you get an early start so the renting goes smoothly. Late arrivals can encounter a line at the rental outlets. If you are renting for a Saturday it's best to show up at opening time or even the night before (at Snow Summit only until 8 pm) to secure your equipment. Click Here for rental information.

Generally, what are the costs of the sport?

Other than food and transportation (and lodging if you stay overnight — fortunately Big Bear can easily be reached in 2 or 3 hours from anywhere in Southern California for a one day trip), the basic cost is that of the lift ticket (area use pass), which can be obtained as an all-day ticket (from opening until 4:30 p.m. or 5:00 p.m.) or an afternoon "half-day" (12:00 p.m. to closing). Added costs to beginners are for lessons and/or equipment rentals. This means that the first day or two can be the most expensive, as lessons are not necessary later and you can invest in reasonably priced equipment that lasts several years. If you take up the sport, the costs can go down further if you purchase a season pass, which allows frequent visitors to ski or snowboard at greatly discounted rates. Budget-minded people can keep all costs, including lodging, transportation, food, clothing and equipment very reasonable with a little thought and information. Click Here for lift ticket rates.

What other equipment and clothing do I need?

Remember that the mountains are generally colder than the beaches and valleys. Be prepared for colder weather with long underwear, several outer layers, gloves or mittens, a hat, etc. You also need goggles or sunglasses as the snow that reflects the sun can be very bright. Most days in Big Bear are sunny, so sunscreen for your face is also a necessity. We have an onsite sport shop for any of these items you may have forgotten.

Some things you should know about driving in the mountains:

If you are concerned about road conditions, please click on our Web site for weather and road conditions links rather than rely on TV, radio or other media because their reports can often be outdated and inaccurate. We have a direct link to the highway conditions from Cal Trans, not available to the public, to give you the most up-to-the minute information possible.

You must carry chains when driving in the mountains, which may be required in snowy conditions even if there is no snow on the road. There are roadside chain installers where chains are required who charge a small fee (around $20) if you don't know how to put them on.

Snow tires are often sufficient instead of chains; however, you must still have chains in your car even when chains are not required.

Driving time from the San Diego area is about three hours and from Orange and LA counties about two hours. Returning after a busy weekend or holiday can add a half-hour to an hour or more due to traffic.

When I arrive at the resort, what exactly is the process that I go through?

1. Entering the lot our parking staff will direct you where to park your car. If you are early you will park in the main lot within easy walking distance to the base area. If you arrive later on a busy day you may park 1/2 mile away in our auxiliary lots, in which case you take a shuttle ride to the base area. A convenient drop-off zone is available if you want to drop passengers and equipment before parking and shuttling.

2. The shuttles drop you at the base area ticket windows where you purchase/pick-up your lift ticket, lesson and/or equipment rental packages in one transaction. If you are taking a lesson and/or renting equipment you will get a lift ticket and vouchers for rentals and lessons.

3. If renting at Snow Summit, you will go to either the snowboard or ski rental facility with your lift ticket and voucher to get fitted for equipment. If renting at Bear Mountain, go to the Learning Center to get your lift ticket, equipment and rentals. It takes time to fit equipment to each individual. Expect to spend at least 15 to 20 minutes even if there is no wait.

4. You may need to check your personal belongings such as a jacket, backpack, regular shoes, etc. There are plenty of lockers located throughout each resort’s base area, as well as multiple basket check stations.

5. If taking a lesson you will then go to a meeting area with your equipment and your lesson voucher. Beginner snowboarders or skiers, children or adults all meet in different locations as indicated by signage and maps. Beginner lessons start at various times in the morning and afternoon, so if you miss one session you can catch a later one.

6. At the end of the day you turn in your rental equipment (if you are renting for the next day, you keep your equipment).

What about lunch and snacks?

Each resort has multiple food service buildings, including mountaintop restaurants, four full-service bars and large decks for eating and drinking outside on nice days. There are a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, hamburgers, burritos, tacos, soups, snacks and more.

What about injury - how likely am I to get hurt?

In spite of its reputation, skiing and snowboarding produce very few injuries, especially serious ones. The vast majority of people who are careful learn the basics and stay in control do not get hurt, or at most experience sore muscles or a few bruises. Of course, if you do get injured or just have a headache, we have a first aid facility located in the base area to help.

What about my children who are beginners, and what if I need childcare?

Snow Summit and Bear Mountain each have full beginner facilities for children including equipment rentals, and lessons for kids starting at 4 years old. Unfortunately, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain do not offer childcare. If childcare is a must, you may contact our information office at 909.866.5766 for referrals throughout the Big Bear Area.

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