Soar (backwards) over Snowy Big Bear

Skiers and snowboarders at Big Bear Mountain Resorts, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, may or may not be in for the record snowfalls, but that’s not a problem. Although the most recent storm dropped a respectable amount of snow, the $12 million investment in snowmaking equipment a few years ago guarantees snow buffs non-stop powdery fun all winter.

New thrills

This winter, Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain introduces a new attraction in Big Bear Lake not seen anywhere else in California. It’s the Soaring Eagle, a family-friendly, dual-seated zipline ride that gives guests the sensation of flying high above Big Bear’s snow-covered forest floor.

The Soaring Eagle is designed for all ages, although riders must be at least 42 inches tall. It carries two riders at a time on comfortable side-by-side seats equipped with safety buckles. Guaranteeing thrills, this exhilarating amusement-style ride is 500-feet long with a 100-foot vertical drop. The ride begins at the base of Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain and lifts riders backwards—yes, backwards– on a zipline cable to a 70-foot tall launch tower that is situated on a hillside. The backwards ride to the towering peak rewards riders with spectacular vistas of Big Bear Lake and surrounding white-carpeted mountains. Once the Soaring Eagle reaches the top, it pauses for a brief moment so riders can take in the unsurpassed beauty below. The most exciting part of the ride is when it catapults forward at speeds up to 26 mph, on a 100-foot long vertical drop, that travels 500 feet back to the base.

Zipline deals

Still need more adrenaline? Fly through Big Bear Lake’s winter wonderland on a zipline excursion and save with a winter special offered by Action Tours California. Check out their $99 zipline tour specials through winter.

Red Bull’s thrills

Bear Mountain’s Red Bull Plaza has two features to challenge snowboarders: a 40-foot double-sided gateway rail and box that resembles a brick wall and a ride able cop shop, both designed by Bear Mountain and Snow Park Technologies, the same company behind professional freestyle events and playgrounds for well-known snowboarding professionals all over the world.

Slide or trek all day

Prefer your sliding closer to the ground? Big Bear’s two inner tube parks, Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain and Big Bear Snow Play, stand out as unique facilities in southern California with “Magic Carpet” uphill lifts that transport riders to the top of the snow-packed slopes on conveyor belt technology.  Inner tubing, the ultimate family outdoor snow adventure, has become a winter tradition for many families. The gentle slopes are groomed nightly, just like the ski slopes, to ensure smooth “sailing.”

For a new night-time adventure, try Glow Tubing. Big Bear Snow Play has installed cutting-edge, high-powered computer-driven LED lights to ignite the entire snow-tubing hill, spanning more than two acres. The snow play park transforms its white snow-covered hills into a spectrum of colors every Friday, Saturday and holiday nights from 5 to 9 p.m. all winter long.

Trekking in the open country via snowshoes or cross-country skis is one of the best ways to enjoy the true winter bliss of Big Bear Lake’s pine-filled scenery. Escape the crowds and enjoy the peaceful serenity of the natural winter wonderland, picnic lunch in tow. Snowshoes and cross-country skis can be rented at various sporting goods stores throughout Big Bear; choose from a vast number of trailheads throughout the valley.

Cozy up at night

Nothing is better than cuddling in front of a cozy fire after a day of snow play. For your special weekend, choose from a pleasing array of full-service hotels, romantic bed & breakfasts, lodges and cabins, many with cozy wood-burning fireplaces.

For more travel inspiration visit here.

Courtesy photos