Things to do / Travel Guide
The word desert doesn't exactly conjure up an image of high snow capped peaks beckoning to people wrapped in leg warmers, sweaters, gloves, and hats craving fresh powder to run their skis or snowboards through. But California is a state with many different terrains: rolling hills, sprawling cities, towering skyscrapers, deserts, and mountain tops. The desert offers up two types of skiing and snowboarding – classic alpine or relaxing cross country. Come explore for yourself just what the California desert has to offer.
Skiing in and around the San Bernardino National Forest
Bear Mountain is a favorite among the locals and its close proximity to Los Angeles makes this an easy choice for riders craving some mountain adventure. Distinguishing itself by catering to freestyle skiers and snowboarders, Bear Mountain has the nation's only freestyle park, covering almost 200 acres with just about as many jumps and jibs to fly over. They also boast Southern California's only Superpipe which measures 600 feet long, 77 feet wide, and an astonishing 18 feet deep!
Those riders not into fancy antics can enjoy the blanket of powder on the canyons, natural bowls, and laid out trails for all skill levels. Bear Mountain also educates riders from child to senior level. It also boasts the United States Adaptive Recreation Center which specializes in teaching those with physical and cognitive disabilities, so everyone can enjoy what Bear has to offer.
Be sure to be one of the first people there, as Bear Mountain limits its ticket sales to 7,000 people a day to prevent crowding. Ride the four peaks, dip into the fresh snow, and live it up. Bear Mountain just gets better and better.
Enjoy the lounges, bars, and world cuisines found at the base of Bear Mountain which include a multitude of après ski events including live music, karaoke, bonfires, and ice skating. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy a quiet evening lodging at one of the many local privately rented chalets, houses, or condos.
For those who are aren't into craving high peaks and waiting on lift lines, but just want to enjoy nature's sounds and make their own fresh tracks, head on over to Rim Nordic ski area and find all of this and more. Cross-country skiers, snowboarders with a desire to climb back up on their own, or snowshoe enthusiasts will delight in Rim Nordic's twelve miles of groomed trails, and marvel at the solitude that can be found here in the area. There are trails suitable for all levels from beginners up to the advanced levels, but riders must bring their own equipment as there are no rentals on site. When the sun goes down it's time to pack up, as the trails aren't open during the night, and go slip into something more comfortable for nightlife partying.
Only about 20 minutes away from Bear Mountain, Rim Nordic is close enough to share the same lodging and nightlife options making it a great congregating place for all types of winter sport enthusiasts.
Whatever it is you're craving, the California desert is ready to provide it. So wax up your skis and boards, jump into your vehicle for a short drive, and push yourself to the limit or enjoy a relaxing day in nature's commune. Desert skiing and boarding - it doesn't get much better than this!
Ski Resorts in Palm Springs, Death Valley and the California Desert
Skiing
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