Big Bear Today April 2018

Volume 29, No. 10 April 2018
www.bigbeartodaymag.com
The Mountain’s Monthly Lifestyle Magazine
Walk on the
Wild (Flower)
Side!
• Last Skiing & Riding, First Walks & Greenthumbs
• Bandits, Missing Persons, Hal Ketchum at Cave
• Early Season Trails to Hike or Ride Horseback
• Redlands Bicycle Classic Back with Time Trial

Page 2—April 2018
From the Publisher
Trails Foundation
or whatever beating
feet to more paths
ig Bear Valley Trails Foundation is
merging with Southern California
Mountains Foundation. The former BFoundation will continue to exist but will
just be a division of the latter.
Which will then be called the Big
Bear Valley Trails Program of the Southern
California Mountains Foundation. At
least, that’s how I think it’s all playing out
after a late March ceremony wedding the
two organizations at the Discovery Center,
after Big Bear Today went to press.
Doesn’t really matter, because by any
name the trails group is making big things
happen. 2017 was a banner year for trail
work in the Valley, said trails coordinator
Bennett Rossell, with some 813 volunteers
donating 3,345 service hours of labor valued
at over $95,000. As part of Adopt-A-
Trail program workers cut one mile of new
path and did work on another 53 miles.
“Nearly every system trail in Big Bear
received maintenance,” Rossell said. “Big
Bear Cycling for instance has adopted Pine
Knot Trail and it currently is super polished
and buttoned up nice. Wildhorse
Trail from near the top of Onyx Summit
to Hwy. 38 is adopted by High Trails Outdoor
Science School and last year they had
over 50 volunteers working.”
Rotary Club of Big Bear Lake is another
player, adopting one of 12 sections
along the new, professionally-designed
worldclass Skyline Trail. The Club’s efforts
are in memory of late Snow Summit
president Dick Kun, a Rotarian for many
years and avid mountain biker. Big Bear
Mountain Resorts continues to provide
countless hours of labor.
As do athletes from Kodiak 100 competition
who keep up Siberia Creek, probably
the hardest trail to maintain. “You
have these ultra-runners hiking down with
heavy packs on,” Rossell said. “That trail
washes out about every winter.”
People are putting their bucks as well
as their backs into the program. Financial
commitments increased 144% over 2016
and should go up again this year. Already
39% of system trails in the Valley have
received financial backing, from
heavyhitters like REI, Team Big Bear,
Cyclery USA, Bosch and others. More
than $8,000 was raised last year by over a
hundred participants during the
Mountaintop Trail Rally. After years of
neglect, Big Bear’s trail system is finally
getting some love.
And if you’re a trails user you’ve noticed.
Signage is becoming worldclass at
trailheads like Bristlecone, Pine Knot and
others. New directional signs along the
routes help people find their way. And
we’re actually seeing new trails! Legendary
Cabin 89 received extensive work last
year and new Happy Hills 1/4- mile ADAaccessible
paved path opened at City Hall.
All of which brings the question:
when is a shortage a surplus? That’s the
conundrum Big Bear’s trail network finds
itself in. Official “system” trails recognized
by the Forest Service are what’s
listed on maps and there’s not that many,
at least compared to non-system which are
unofficial routes created by users. It’s estimated
that Big Bear has four times as
many non-system trails as official ones.
“Big Bear actually has a trail deficit,”
Rossell said, pointing to mountain Meccas
like Moab and Park City in Utah,
Breckenridge, even Mammoth Lakes as
worldclass trail communities. All have
extensive trail networks that make Big
Bear’s offerings pale in comparison, at
least official system routes.
“When you have a trail deficit and
you’re surrounded by a large population
with lots of tourism, you end up with
people creating their own trails,” Rossell
said. “If there’s not enough official trails
people make their own.”
So next step is to get the Forest Service
to open more trails, either new ones
or even legitimizing some existing usercreated
paths. The future trails plan calls
for 100 miles of new system trails plus another
200 miles of restored user paths.
Wishful thinking? Perhaps. But
Rossell said there’s support from the Forest
Service and already several preliminary
funding sources have been identified.
It’ll take money to pay for the NEPA study
that has to be done before any trail is cut.
In the meantime Trails Foundation or
whoever they are has announced three
cool new ways to volunteer. Serve as an
official Trail Host at key locations on busy
weekends and support hikers by passing
out maps, water and information.
Or really crank up the volunteer experience
by becoming a Trail Steward certified
by the Forest Service, which provide
quick trail repair. “Our highest level
of engagement sees volunteers leading ontrail
work crews,” Rossell said. “These are
broadbased ways to help our efforts.”
As are monthly public work days
when anyone can join in. Last year Trails
Foundation or whatever oversaw 39 trail
work days. How many will 2018 bring?
Have a good one.
Marcus
ON THE COVER: See wildflowers that grow in Big Bear and nowhere else in the world at
Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve, on self or guided tours on the famous Pebble Plain
Volume 29, Number 10 April 2018
4
7
8
10
16
Publisher
Marcus G. Dietz
Associate Publisher
Sandra L. Dietz
Publishing Consultant
Bret Colson
Technical Consultant
Charles Dietz
Photography
Steve Dietz
John Daskam
Mark Gauger
In This Issue...
Foxes, snow leopards, mountain lions and
more at Alpine Zoo. See page 15
Big Bear Today
Walk on the Wild(flower) Side
Big Bear’s favorite spring trail isn’t long, but packs a big
wallop as it winds through Baldwin Lake Ecological Preserve,
home to rare wildflowers and Pebble Plain. A volunteerstaffed
visitor center at the trailhead opens each Saturday
starting April 7 and there’s weekly guided walks through the
wildflowers. Lace up the boots and head out!
Here’s the Dirt on Earth Day in Big Bear
Bear Valley Electric hosts its own shindig with facepainting,
energy saving ideas and more to raise planet awareness. Or
play in the Earth during Greenthumbs volunteer days...hike it
on early season trails...or raise money on it during the annual
MS Walk. Celebrate all month at Discovery Center!
Bandits, Missing Persons, Ketchum Shows
Who says spring is slow in Big Bear? Not at The Cave it isn’t.
April sees headliners like Moonshine Bandits, Missing Persons
and Hal Ketchum, and next month there’s Tiffany, Dick Dale
and Dave Mason. Mixed in are some top tributes to Johnny
Cash, Heart and Fleetwood Mac and more. Rock on!
Lake Season Opens, New Fish Tourneys
Welcome March weather gave the lake level a nudge upward,
in time for its April 1 opening. Head to your favorite marina to
get in on early season action when fishing is at its best, as a
tuneup for new fishing tournaments where all species are fair
game with lots of cash and prizes on the line (pun intended).
Redlands Classic Back with Time Trial
America’s longest-running professional cycling race returns
after a few year hiatus with its Big Bear Time Trial along the
north shore of the lake. Spectating is free and spots along
Alpine Pedal Path afford great viewing, as do the start at East
Boat Launch and turnaround in Fawnskin. Just a taste of
what’s to come this summer for cyclists, on The Back Page.
DEPARTMENTS
2
3
13
14
From the Publisher
Potpourri
New! Area Map/
Calendar of Events
The Almanac
Big Bear's most complete
listings for recreation,
dining, and more.
Big Bear Today is a monthly magazine covering recreation,
dining, nightlife, and events in Big Bear. Reproduction of any
material, without the express written consent of the Publisher,
is prohibited. Advertising/editorial, call Big Bear Today at (909)
585-5533. Mailing address: PO Box 3180, Big Bear City, CA,
92314. Fax: (909) 585-9359. E-Mail: bigbeartoday@verizon.net.
Member, Big Bear Visitor Bureau and Big Bear Chamber of
Commerce. Internet Address: www.bigbeartodaymag.com
Production: Offset printing by G.W. Reed Printing, Inc.
Color prepress by 2-Bit Studio.
Manuscripts and Art: Contributions are welcome. Big
Bear Today is not responsible nor liable for unsolicited
manuscripts or art. Materials received will not be returned.
© Copyright 2018 Big Bear Today

Big Bear Today April 2018—Page 3

Page 4—April 2018
INCH-HIGH COLOR SHOW
A short trail and volunteer-staffed Visitor
Center present the unique Baldwin Lake Ecological
Preserve in a whole new light
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
A○ t first glance there’s nothing to suggest
there’s anything special about
this rugged, barren terrain. In fact
the area for the most part lacks vibrant
color, save for shades of clay soil and an
endless expanse of blue sky horizon. The
only thing that breaks up the stark horizon
is nearby Baldwin Lake, the Valley’s naturally
occurring body of water that again
has water lapping at its shores.
It’s only upon closer inspection that
the uniqueness that is the Baldwin Lake
Ecological Preserve comes to life. There’s
color here, beautiful shades of yellow and
red and purple, if you’re willing to look
closely for it. There’s history too—some
150 years ago this area was the epicenter
of Southern California’s largest gold rush.
Perhaps most significantly, there’s life here,
no less than ten different floral species that
exist here and nowhere else on the planet.
A self-guided interpretive trail and
visitor center explores Baldwin Lake Ecological
Habitat via a short loop that visits
11 marked posts. Developed by the Forest
Service in conjunction with Fish and
Game, the loop is short, just over a halfmile
in length, and it presents a healthy
dose of rare habitat and history.
Pick up a free copy of the guide at the
trailhead, located along Hwy. 18 in
Baldwin Lake just west of Holcomb Valley
Rd., or at the adjacent Ecological Reserve
building, open Saturdays 10 a.m.-2
p.m. April 7-June 23 and staffed by volunteers
in a partnership between San Bernardino
National Forest Association and Fish
and Game Dept.
The terrain is rocky so good footwear
is recommended, and there is a touch of
elevation gain, but the trail is well marked
and easy to follow as it winds along old
fire roads and even wagon trails from yesteryear.
History abounds, starting at the
Weekly wildflower walks start April 7
Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve
opens for the season on April 7 with free
guided wildflower hike organized by
Southern California botanists Saturdays
at 11:30 a.m.
Join San Bernardino National Forest
botanists as they lead guided Wildflower
Walks through unique Pebble
Plain terrain. Volunteers identify some of
the unique species that grow here and nowhere
else in the world. The walk is a
loop and is free; bring your own lunch
and water and wear hiking boots. Parking
and restrooms are available.
Learn about wildflowers endemic to
Big Bear, like Parish’s rock crest which
typically blooms in early spring. `Shooting
Stars’ should be in peak bloom in
April as well. Later in spring Kennedy’s
Buckwheat emerges.
Guided wildflower walks in the reserve
continue through June 23. Best
viewing is in April and May as colors are
in full bloom and temperatures are still
relatively cool. Despite the dismal winter
these are hardy plants used to not getting
water so the show should still go on.
Pebble Plain is unique to Big Bear
and there are other areas of it in the Valley
besides the Preserve. There are sections
in upper Moonridge that are also
being set aside for preservation..
At Big Bear Discovery Center, free
Nature Walks continue Saturdays at 1
and 2 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. and
noon. Each 30-minute, non-strenuous adventure
explores Discovery Center’s forest
grounds as naturalists point out local
flora and fauna plus local history.
Call Discovery Center at 866-3437.
Big Bear Today
Expansive views, rare terrain at East Valley’s Baldwin Lake Ecological Preserve
building marking the trailhead—it once
was known as the “Horse House,” a synonym
for house of ill repute activities that
reportedly went on here decades ago.
As the trail winds through open sagebrush
habitat overlooking Baldwin Lake—
there’s water iat press time—visitors learn
about the flora and fauna that call this area
home. Deer, coyotes, mountain lions, a variety
of small mammals, birds and reptiles
live in this harsh terrain, where the sun’s
rays are intense—bring your sunscreen—
yet winters are harsh. Three types of jays—
pinyon, Steller’s and scrub—are found in
the San Bernardino Mountains.
The trail’s highlight comes at posts #7
and #8, as it visits Pebble Plain. Scattered
patches of rocky clay soil are in fact some
of the planet’s most unique terrain, believed
to be created during the Pleistocene
periods 10,000 years ago when glaciers
covered much of the area. Pebble Plain is
so unique, it has been compared to coral
reefs with as many as 20 species in a square
meter.
Big Bear’s unique climate, particularly
in spring—freezing nights, warm days—
causes pebbles to literally push to the soil
surface. It’s a habitat only the most hardy
can survive in, like “belly plants” only an
inch or two high, best viewed by lying
down. Douglas’ violets (actually yellow),
Parish’s rock cress, Bear Valley sandwart
and others are mostly unique to this area.
It’s among the highest concentrations of
rare plants in North America!
Belly plants contrast nicely with colorful
displays that aren’t particularly
unique, like red Indian paint brush, orange
California poppies, and even purple lupine
that smells like grape soda. Artifacts from
the mining era are mixed in with more recent
items that are purely trash...please
leave the area exactly as you found it.
Stop #10 marks western juniper, best
identified by red stringy bark, scaly green
leaves, and small light purple berries. These
slow-growing trees are hardy and
enduring...some in the forest are believed
to date over 2,000 years!
If this short loop isn’t enough hiking
for you, continue east on Hwy. 18 another
quarter-mile to Holcomb Valley Rd. and
turn left. Just before the transfer station at
the end of the road is the famed 2,638 mile
Pacific Crest Trail. The section on the left
is closed after last year’s Holcomb Fire but
the southern section on the right sports panoramic
desert views.
Discovery Center is (909) 866-3437.
www.BigBearToday.com
(L) A group enjoys Baldwin Lake Ecological Preserve; get on yur belly for a good look at Douglass’ violets in bloom on the Pebble Plain

Big Bear Today April 2018—Page 5
PCT, paths for early season hikes
Forever views from this PCT spot; paved path awaits at new Happy Hills Trail
Bertha, Wildhorse hikes
Join Sierra Club Big Bear Group for
early-season hikes to Wildhorse Creek and
Bertha Peak.
Both are ideal April destinations with
plenty of sun exposure to make for great
spring outings. Bring the ten essentials like
layered clothing, lunch/snack, sunglasses,
sunblock and plenty of water.
BERTHA PEAK is one of the five
Peaks of Big Bear climbs and is set for Sunday,
April 22. It’s a seven-mile (roundtrip)
climb through forest of mountain mahogany,
pine, cedar and juniper trees above
the lake’s north ridge with spectacular
views of the lake, Mt. San Gorgonio and
even Snow Valley on a clear day.
The 1,400 ft. elevation gain trek is
rated moderate with the final half-mile up
strenuous to the peak. Trekking or just an
old pair of ski poles a big help, especially
on the finale. Meet 8 a.m. at Cougar Crest.
Call (760) 333-3103.
WILDHORSE CREEK on Saturday,
April 28 serves up spectacular views of the
San Gorgonio Wilderness and Santa Ana
River valley plus the chance to lunch by a
babbling brook. The eight mile (roundtrip)
hike starts on an old jeep trail and winds
through open forest of Jeffrey and Pinyon
pines plus juniper.
The last part of the trail heads down
to the creek with 1,400 ft. elevation gain.
Meet 8:30 a.m. at Wildhorse Creek
trailhead, on Hwy. 38 near Heart Bar campground.
Call (909) 289-1932.
As winter recedes—what there was of
it, anyway—spring affords opportunities
for terrific local hiking, beyond that found
at Baldwin Lake Ecological Preserve (story
page 4).
Most notable is the 2,638-mile Pacific
Crest Trail which stretches from Mexico
to Canada. The annual April kickoff weekend
at Campo is no longer—after the movie
Wild thousands of people are now hitting
the PCT, forcing a permit system and ending
the border bash—but this is still the
month most thru-hikers begin their treks.
And with the light winter many figure to
get jump starts on their journeys, which
typically take six months or so to complete.
About 39 miles of PCT run through
Big Bear, entering the Valley at Onyx Summit
and continuing through Holcomb Valley
heading west. Sections make for terrific
early season day hikes, though one of
the best, near the transfer station around
Doble, remains closed after the 2017
Holcomb Fire.
Still that area offers some fun outings.
Head south on PCT at Holcomb Valley
road away from Doble and spectacular
desert views unfold including one panoramic
spot (right). Or catch the same section
from Hwy. 18 by heading north. Going
South on the other hand dishes up vistas
of Baldwin Lake and then Big Horn
Wilderness. This section also leads to the
famous Eye of God.
Of course, paved paths practically
guarantee perfect trail conditions and Big
Bear has a couple worth checking out. Alpine
Pedal Path is absolutely worldclass
quality, recently widened to 12 feet making
it suitable for hikers, bikers, skaters,
joggers, even strollers and wheelchairs.
The 3-1/4 mile route (one-way) begins
on Stanfield Cutoff and traverses west,
sometimes just feet away from the lake,
concluding west of the Solar Observatory.
Along the way it winds through beautiful
meadow, past Serrano campground and
picnic areas, near boat launches and
through dense forest.
Plus it has great access to the Woodland
Interpretive and Cougar Crest
Trailheads along with Big Bear Discovery
Center. The views across the lake to Snow
Summit and Bear Mountain are stunning
and there’s benches for breathers. Anglers
like Alpine Pedal Path for great fishing
access to the lake and it will also be the
site of the May 5 MS Walk (story page 6).
The new ADA-accessible Happy Hills
Trail is another top paved trek. It opened
several months ago with trailhead at City
Hall (39707 Big Bear Blvd.) and is 10 feet
wide of asphalt plus lined with gravel to
capture precipitation. The quarter-mile trail
runs through a beautiful, treed area following
a seasonal stream before ending at the
National Forest boundary.
Along the way Happy Hills passes historical
log cabins and there’s picnic tables
and bear-proof trash bins. Plenty of parking
and restrooms are at the trailhead along
with cool renovated rustic chalet. While
not long the trail may eventually become
HORSEBACK RIDING
Baldwin Lake Stables
Pony Rides & Petting Zoo
909-585-6482 • Big Bear City
Big Bear Blvd. east through stop sign at Hwy. 38,
veer left on Shay Rd. and follow the signs
46475 Pioneertown Rd.
www.baldwinlakestables.com
Open Year Round•Rates by the Hour
1, 2, 3 & 4 Hour Rides•Reservations Suggested
Specialty Rides
•Majestic Sunset Ride
•1/2 Day Ride along the
famous Pacific Crest Trail
Please Make Reservations
for Specialty Rides
Under Permit USDA Forest Service
an access route
to longer hikes.
Bring hiking or
walking shoes
and enjoy another
new trail in
Big Bear!
Woodland
Interpretive Trail
on the north
shore is another
fine early-season
option. It’s sunny
exposure tends
to keep the dirt
path dry in
spring and there’s great lake views to enjoy
during the 1-1/2 mile interpretive loop,
considered easy with mostly flat terrain and
just a few short climbs.
Pick up a free guide to the trail’s numbered
posts at Discovery Center and learn
Year-Round
Christmas Room!
Our rooms are
filled with gifts
and treasures
from nearly
20 artists!
Come Up the Historic Staircase of the 1920's Navajo Hotel
• Bear-ly Used
Books
• Jerky
• Pottery
• Aprons
• Sports
Memorabilia
• Everything
Bears & More
about flora and fauna along the route, from
pinyon pines and California black oak to
Yerba Santa. Woodland Trail takes about
45 minutes to an hour.
Discovery Center (909) 866-3437
Open 7 Days
a week
Big Bear's from 9:30 a.m.
Shopping Experience
There is not “Anything” we do not have!
Village Faire
40794 Village Dr.
(909) 866-8220
Above the Leather Depot in Big Bear Village

Page 6—April 2018
Resorts wind down with Break, Hunt
Celebrate spring Bear Mountain-style
with a day of fun in the sun highlighted by
not one but two top free live performances
on the deck Saturday, March 31.
Help wind down the winter season
during Bear Break 2018, with modified
mogul race, tug-of-war competition, best
dressed retro contest and tons of prize giveaways.
Play big kid backyard games like
colossal cornhole, larger-than-life ladder
golf, and big boy beer pong.
Chill—literally—with pond skimming
from 1;30-3 p.m. across the 100-foot
manmade lake in The Scene. Come in hot
or you’ll cool quickly by splashing into the
water short of successfully crossing the
pond. Best overall impression wins and
there’s bonus points for costumes and creativity.
Someone will take home a 2018-
19 Bear+Summit Anytime season pass plus
$500 cash!
First up on the stage is the Southern
California surf duo Wheeland Brothers for
an hour-long set at 12:30 p.m. The pair’s
beach-inspired sound has taken them all
over California and from west coast to east,
the Caribbean and beyond. Three albums
including 2016’s “Lost in the Key of Sea”
show the popularity of their surf sound,
which is why the Wheeland Brothers have
been favorites at Virgin Island festivals like
Cali Roots, Firefly and others.
Then it’s time for reggae rock with Tomorrows
Bad Seeds at 3:30 p.m. in another
free show. The band is no stranger to Big
Bear, having played previously at The Cave
909.878.4FUN
at North Shore Landing
& Holloway’s Marina
Pirate Ship Lake Tours Aboard ‘Time Bandit’
Narrated lake tours aboard
1/3 replica of a Spanish galleon
seen in the movie ‘Time Bandits’
• Pirate Booty for the Kids
• Cocktails for Adults • Sunset Tours
as well as last year’s Hot Dawgz and Hand
Rails. TBS has enjoyed a meteoric start to
its career since its debut album “Early
Prayers” in June 2007 hit the airwaves.
The band was part of the Warped Tour
2010 and performed “Only for You” on national
television with Craig Ferguson in
2011. The single “Nice & Slow” charted
#1 on CDbaby Reggae charts. “One Way”
from the third TBS album made the Billboard
Indicator Charts and the band is touring
in support of a new single “Throwback.”
Bear Break opens with its mogul race
at 10 a.m. Climb to the top of The Scene
on foot and race down resort-built bumps.
Best overall time takes home a dual mountain
anytime pass for next year plus $250.
Tug-of-War commences at 11:15 over
the skim pond. Four-person teams fight to
keep from getting wet and the last team
standing takes home four $100 BBMR gift
cards valid for lift tickets, lessons, rentals
and dining. A season pass is also on the
line during the 4:45 p.m. best dressed
event.
Easter Egg hunt at Snow Summit base
area is on Sunday, April 1. Win big by finding
golden eggs during hunts at 10 a.m.
for ages five and under, 10:30 for six and
over. Meet near the DJ booth at 9:45 a.m.
There’s live music too at the free event.
All of which makes for great Spring
Break skiing and riding and a fitting wind
down to the season which ends sometime
in April. While winter has been marginal
• Waverunners • Jet Skis
• Sea Doos! • Kayaks, SUP
• Wakeboard/Water Ski Rides
• Poontoon Boats
and Fishing Boats!
www.HollowaysMarina.com or www.BigBearBoating.com
COZY CHALETS WITH FIREPLACES & GREAT VIEWS...
LOCATED AT SNOW SUMMIT'S BASE AREA...
JUST STEPS TO THE SKI LIFTS!
Also Available
Lakeside RV Park
with
Full Hookups!
Remodeled Bathrooms and Store
www.800BigBear.com
to say the least, as the month arrives there’s
still 135+ features on the slopes between
the resorts with many runs and lifts operating.
Including favorites like Miracle Mile
and Log Chute at Snow Summit, along
with Chair 7 runs like 7-Down and lower
Timber Ridge.
Bear meanwhile has built a cool mini
mogul field for Break in The Scene.
There’s still plenty of park with big jump
line down the Park Run and jibs galore.
Forget the beach, the place to enjoy Spring
Break is Big Bear!
While there’s still this season to enjoy,
it’s time to think of next year. Season
Passes are on sale at their lowest prices of
the year, and they’re good for the rest of
this season and all of next. Midweek adult
passes valid at both Snow Summit and
Bear Mountain are just $269 while dual
mountain passes good anytime are $429.
Bear Mountain only anytime passes are
$329. Don’t buy a ticket at the window;
buy a 2018-19 pass instead!
Big Bear Today
Pond skimming, concerts by Wheeland Brothers and Tomorrows Bad Seeds
Really though the best deals are new
Ikon Passes from Alterra Resorts, owner
of both Big Bear resorts. Ride here plus
there, at California resorts like Mammoth
and June Mountains plus now Squaw Valley-Alpine
Meadows, all with unlimited
access. Also neverending at Copper Mountain,
Eldora and Winter Park in Colorado
along with eastern resorts.
Plus there’s select number of days at
a dozen other areas, like Deer Valley and
Alta-Snowbird, Jackson Hole, Big Sky,
Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat and more.
Alberta’s Big 3 (Lake Louise, Sunshine
Village, Norquay) is even on the list! Ikon
Base Pass with limited holiday blackout
days is $599—actually a hundred bucks
less than last year’s Cali4nia Pass. For $899
the Ikon Pass offers even more value—
Steamboat also becomes unlimited—plus
seven days instead of five of access to the
select resorts with no blackouts.
Visit bigbearmountainresort.com or
call (844) GO-2-BEAR.
Beat feet to beat MS at May 5 Walk
Beat feet for a good cause during the
2018 Big Bear MS Walk on Saturday,
May 5 along North Shore’s paved Alpine
Pedal Path.
Join dozens of teams and hundreds
of walkers for a morning walk along the
lake followed by terrific party. Since the
first multiple sclerosis walk in 2005, the
Big Bear event has generated hundreds
of thousands of dollars to assist MS sufferers,
including those living in Big Bear
Valley. MS stops people from moving and
you can help make sure it doesn’t.
The walk starts and ends at North
Shore Elementary and travels along the
paved Alpine Pedal Path. Choose from a
1K walk or 5K walk, roll, stroll or run
option. The lake is feet away from participants,
and views of the ski resorts and
snow-covered peaks of the San Gorgonio
Wilderness in the distance are stunning.
Along the way there’s rest stops with
snacks and drinks. Alpine Pedal Path is a
great early-season walk anyway and is
popular with bikers, skaters and strollers.
Registration opens at 8:30 a.m.
Opening ceremonies get underway at 10
a.m. with Big Bear Marine Corps Color
Guard leading the way. There’s tons of
activities to enjoy including information
and vendor booths, music, and kids fun
zone with bounce house. The food court
features grub from participating restaurants.
The walk follows at 10:30.
The finish line festival features food,
music, facepainting, team booths and
sponsor giveaways. MS Walk’s raffle always
has lots of great prizes, like merchandise,
gift certificates to local restaurants,
overnight getaways in Big Bear and
other destinations, and more.
Those who raise $100 or more in donations
get a MS Walk T-shirt. Raise
higher levels and there’s amazing gifts
starting with hats and drink tumblers to
exercise mats, backpacks, all the way to
a Fitbit Blaze and even Sony Wifi TV.
There’s prizes for Best Dressed and Most
Spirited teams plus Inspirational walker.
MS is a chronic, often disabling disease
that attacks the central nervous system,
with symptoms that differ from person
to person. Although the progress and
severity of MS cannot yet be predicted,
recent advances in research and treatment
give much hope to those affected by the
disease.
The Southern California Chapter of
the National MS society depends on community
support to fund local programs
and accelerate national research projects
to identify the cause and cure of MS.
Call (909) 949-1363 ext. 66503 or
register online at www.walkMS.org

Big Bear Today April 2018—Page 7
Get outside for Earth Day expo, walks
Celebrate Earth Day in Big Bear with
a whole month of nature activities on tap.
Bear Valley Electric Service holds its
annual Earth Day Expo Friday, April 20
from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in its parking lot. Exhibitors
include Department of Water and
Power, Sierra Club Big Bear Group, Pine
Knot Marina, Big Bear Discovery Center,
the Chamber of Commerce and others.
Admission is free. BVES is at 42020
Garstin Dr.; call (909) 866-4678.
Of course Big Bear Discovery Center
is a great place to celebrate the outdoors
with recreation information, wilderness
permits, mountain displays and more. Explore
the woods with a naturalist during
free Nature Walks every Saturday at 1 and
2 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. and noon.
Each 30-minute, non-strenuous adventure
teaches local flora and fauna plus local history
while exploring Discovery Center’s
forested grounds.
Celebrate Earth Day in the forest by
getting your hands dirty on Greenthumbs
native plant restoration volunteer day on
Saturday, April 21.Volunteers meet at predetermined
locations to work for the Forest
Service’s long-running forest program.
There’s only four dates for 2018 in the revamped
program and this is one of them
so plan on attending.
Big Bear Ranger Station itself has two
greenhouses, a lathe house, and seed storage
shed, and volunteers use these facilities
to grow and outplant thousands of native
plants from seed they collect, to give
the forest a hand in its regenerative efforts.
Hundreds of acres of habitat has been enhanced
in the process for wildlife, federally
listed plants and animals, and other degraded
lands in the program since its inception
in the mid-1990’s.
Workdays last from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Bring a sack lunch, water, sunscreen, hat,
jacket and work gloves if you have some.
Call (909) 382-2828 for meeting location.
Mud, obstacles task Spartan `Beasts’
FREE
Bowling &
Laser Tag!
Thousands of elite athletes converged
on Snow Summit for two days of intense
competition during one of the largest
events to come to Big Bear in years. Now
they’re back at it, and this time it is a U.S.
National Series event as well.
Spartan SoCal Beast & Sprint weekend
returns May 19-20. Two challenging
courses are designed to test the best trained
athletes, with waves of 250 entrants heading
out every 15 minutes for a steady
stream of action.
On Saturday it’s the Spartan Beast, the
most difficult race with 12-14 miles of distance
and more than 30 signature Spartan
obstacles to overcome. The obstacles are
noteworthy in themselves—massive ladders,
wall climbs, mud and more. Racers
have to climb up the ski runs, under barbed
wire, even cross fire. Probably some leftover
snow too.
On Sunday it’s the Spartan Sprint, designed
for first timers to seasoned veterans.
The 3-5 mile course still packs over
20 obstacles. Both days see Spartan kids
races with half-mile, one and two mile
courses and scaled down obstacles. Along
with their own mini festival area filled with
games and children’s challenges.
At the base area there’s finish festival
with lifestyle exhibits, vendors, music,
food and more. Spectating is $20 online in
advance or $25 onsite and includes $5 in
Spartan bucks redeemable at the merchandise
tent, entry to the rocking festival area,
and access to some of the obstacles on
course, including the epic Gladiator pit and
finish line.
Test your own physical conditioning
at the event with fitness challenges like
pull-up, slosh pipe, Kaiser and traverse
wall. At the post race party there’s music,
food and beer. Call (800) 4 BIG BEAR.
With this ad buy 2 games per person at
regular price and your 3rd game is FREE!
(Not valid when on wait list)
Visit Our New SPORTS BAR & ARCADE!
GLOW BOWLING NIGHTLY!
The BOWLING BARN
40625 BIG BEAR BLVD. (ENTER ON BONANZA) •878-BOWL (2695)
THERE’S ALWAYS A PARTY AT THE BOWLING BARN! BBT—35
Nature Discovery Zone lets kids explore the forest firsthand
Children experience the forest firsthand
in an outdoor “classroom” just for
them at Discovery Center. Ages 2-7 delight
in the Nature Discovery Zone—first one
in the National Forest system—which
combines education and unstructured play
areas just for youngsters.
Nine interactive areas encourage outdoor
exploration and even children older
than the recommended age group enjoy the
activities. The areas let kids climb and
crawl, build and dig, gather and enjoy quiet
time, plus there’s Pollinator Pathway,
Messy Materials and Music and Movement.
In addition a half-mile interpretive
loop adjacent to Nature Discovery Zone
has been built, stroller-friendly for a forest
walk the whole family can enjoy.
Discovery Center is also a great place
to catch Cougar Crest Trail; no Adventure
Standard
Motel Rooms
$65
with Fireplace
& Queen Bed
Non-Holiday / Midweek
Weekends Slightly Higher
Subject to change without notice.
Pass is required to park there and a short
half-mile connector path is a nice forest
walk that’s probably more enjoyable than
the beginnings of Cougar Crest anyway.
Looking ahead, don’t miss next
month’s International Migratory Bird
Day celebration at Discovery Center on
May 12. From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. there’s information
on local birds including walks,
activities and nature crafts. Admission is
free. And from 10-11 a.m. build your own
sturdy birdhouse with each kit just $6,
sponsored by Butcher’s Block.
Discovery Center (909) 866-3437.
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LAKE, DINNING
CLOSE to SLOPES!
Deluxe
Spa Rooms
$85
with Cozy
Fireplace
(800) 255-4378
local (909) 866-2166
41121 Big Bear Blvd. • Big Bear Lake, CA
www.BlackForestLodge.com

Page 8—April 2018
Bandits, Hal Ketchum, tributes at Cave
Hal Ketchum
on April 28
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80’s
rockers Missing Persons
with Dale Bozzio,
joined by Bow Wow
Wow, also from the decade. Country music
stars Moonshine Bandits one night, legend
Hal Ketchum another.
Throw in the best tribute to the late,
great Johnny Cash and April is shaping up
to be a big month at The Cave Big Bear.
All in advance of more great concerts by
Tiffany, Dick Dale, and Dave Mason in
May, Ted Nugent is back July 2, and more!
What has to be the nation’s top
JOHNNY CASH TRIBUTE returns to
thrill Cave guests on April 7. The only tribute
band endorsed by the star’s official
website JohnnyCash.com, San Diegobased
Cash’d Out brought tears to Cindy
Cash’s eyes during a show. “She gave me
a necklace with Johnny’s hair in a glass
locket,” said vocalist Douglass Benson.
Cash’d Out plays over 150 of the late
singer’s tunes including the June Carter-
Cash duets made famous in the Oscar-winning
film “Walk the Line.” The band includes
George Bernardo on drums and
Stephen Rey on bass and has toured the
country for 11 years and thousands of
miles. From Cash’s Sun Records days and
early Columbia era sound to the mega live
recordings from Folsom and San Quentin
prisons, Cash’d Out presents an authentic
recreation of the music with passion.
Cash’s longtime drummer
W.S. Holland sat in with Cash’d
Out. Cash producer Lou Robin has
been to several shows and calls it
like “going back in time.” The
group has won four San Diego
Music Awards for Best Tribute
Band. Tickets $15-$35.
MOONSHINE BANDITS
return to The Cave on Friday, April
13. The band’s music reflects its
Central California hard-driving
roots, ranging from country rap on
songs like “For the Outlawz” to the
hit song “Get Loose.” It’s unique
to be sure, a blend of West Coast
beat and country twang, West
Coast hip/hop and rap.
The band’s live show features
originals like “My Kind of Coun-
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Take a musical
trip back to the 80’s
when Missing Persons’
Dale Bozzio and
Bow Wow Wow share
The Cave Big Bear
stage one night only
Saturday, April 14.
Missing Persons
was one of the
decade’s signature
groups and original
lead singer Bozzio
still fronts the band,
known for hits like
“Words,” “Destination
Unknown” and “Walking in L.A.” Not
to mention “I Like Boys,” “Right Now”
and the fan favorite “Mental Hopscotch.”
Bozzio came to Hollywood to be a
movie star—she also was at one time a
Playboy Bunny—but instead became a decade-defining
rock star after working with
Frank Zappa. Missing Persons released
five albums in a relatively short early 80’s
span with Spring Session M going gold.
The music of the decade also became the
images of those years thanks to MTV, with
Missing Persons videos helping propel the
band to fame. Read an interview with
Bozzio online at bigbeartodaymag.com.
Music from the 1980’s is still hot and
Bozzio’s Missing Persons band with all
new members continues to be a big concert
draw, touring throughout the country.
The crowds are somewhat smaller than the
estimated million people she played in
front of at the US Festival, taking the stage
with heavyweights like David Bowie, U2,
The Pretenders, Stevie Nicks and others,
but during a Cave show two years ago
Bozzio showed her voice isn’t “Missing”
as she put on a terrific concert.
Moonshine Bandits at The Cave April 13
Big Bear Today
try,” “Whiskey
River”
and “We All
Country”
plus unique
versions of
other songs.
Like Garth
Brooks’
“Friends in
L o w
Places”
backed by a
hip-hop
driven beat.
“Cali-country,”
the debut
disc for
Moonshine
Bandits on
Average Joes Entertainment/Suburban
Noize Records, features more of the band’s
driving, good-time music sound, on songs
like “California Country” and the party
anthem “Throwdown.”
It’s no coincidence that moonshine
and whiskey are themes; Tex’s great-grandfather
was a bootlegger in the Bay area who
used his barbershop as a front. “My greataunt
was actually pedaling it in baby carriages
to politicians during prohibition,”
Tex said. He is continuing the family tradition,
albeit legally, by endorsing moonshine
distilled in Modesto by Valley Spirits
Distillery, 99 proof, un-aged whiskey
available in original, apple pie and peach.
Yet Moonshine Bandits are all about
Continued on page 9
80’s bash with Missing Persons, Bow Wow Wow
Missing Persons’ Dale
Bozzio (right); Bow
Wow Wow (below)
Opening is Bow Wow Wow, which
also played The Cave January 2016 and
was fabulous. The band’s biggest megahit
“I Want Candy” is obviously a favorite but
Bow Wow Wow also slays it on “C30, C60
C90 Go,” “Do You Want to Hold Me” and
other hits. Tickets $20-$40.
Show starts at 7:30 p.m.
The Cave; 40789 Village Dr. (909)
878-0204 or thecavebigbear.com.

Big Bear Today April 2018—Page 9
Horseback rides, petting zoo at Stables
High in the hills above East Big Bear
Valley, the views are expansive and
neverending, especially when you’re sitting
high in the saddle.
Hiking can be a lot of fun, but another
great way to explore Big Bear backcountry
is on horseback. Let the horse do the walking
during guided tours at Baldwin Lake
Stables, where there’s a steed for every
ability level ready to do all the work on
Cave concerts...
Continued from page 8
the music and their live shows have created
legions of loyal fans. The band has
over 15 million YouTube views, with a fan
favorite video on CMT.com that hit #1 and
on CMT’s High Five countdown that
reached #2. Tickets $15-$35.
FLEETWOOD MAC or HEART?
Decide for yourself April 21 with a tribute
doubleheader featuring two top bands in a
musical competition. Nothing but hits from
two amazing bands all night long!
Mirage is well-known for its
Fleetwood Mac tribute, including shows
at The Cave. Longtime Stevie Nicks impersonator
Michelle Tyler leads the way
but the whole band is tight with great guitar
work by Bruce Lawrence. Carla Buffa
as Christine McVie is also spot-on. Hits
like “Go Your Own Way,” “Don’t Stop,”
“The Chain,” Dreams” and “Rihannon”
make Fleetwood Mac’s case.
Dog `N Butterfly counters, having
been given the stamp of approval by
Heart’s Ann and Nancy Wilson. The tribute
band captures the original’s high energy
concert experience complete with
retro-inspired costumes on songs like “Barracuda,”
“Crazy on You,” Magic Man,”
“These Dreams” and many more.
Vocalist Lizann Warner’s spot-on portrayal
of Ann Wilson has landed her several
tracks on video games and Sandals
Resorts commercials. All of which has led
Dog N’ Butterfly to appear on AXS-TV’s
rocky trails or while climbing steep hills,
as riders soak in scenic beauty that stretches
in all directions.
Indeed Baldwin Lake Stables has
horses with all temperaments, from tame
for first-time novices to spirited, perfect
for the adventurous. Those heading out on
guided horseback rides must be at least age
seven and 48 inches tall.
Rides one, two, three or even four
World’s Greatest Tribute Bands and popular
DJ “Uncle” Joe Benson to call them
one of the best tribute bands he’s seen.
Tickets start at $20-$40.
LESS THAN JAKE/FACE TO
FACE is April 27. The former is an American
ska punk band best known for singles
like “She’s Gonna Break Soon” and “The
Science of Selling Yourself Short.” Face
to Face meanwhile rose to fame with the
1995 radio hit “Disconnected” that first
played on KROQ and went on to appear
in the movies “Tank Girl” and “National
Lampoon’s Senior Trip.” Tickets $35.
HAL KETCHUM is a country music
star returning to The Cave April 28.
Ketchum has released 11 albums in his
amazing career and he’s had 17 songs reach
the Hot Country charts. Three of his
singles, “Small Town Saturday Night,”
“Past the Point of Rescue” and “Hearts are
Gonna Roll” all reached #2 on the charts
with three others—“Sure Love,” “Mama
Knows the Highway” and “Stay Forever”—entering
the Top Ten.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 15
years ago, Ketchum took a five-year hiatus
from music to focus on his health. Now
he’s touring again armed with songs from
his acclaimed 2014 album “I’m the Troubadour”
and his last Cave visit two years
ago had people swaying for days. Nikki
Sparks opens. Tickets start at $20.
All shows start at 7:30 p.m.
The Cave; 40789 Village Dr. (909)
878-0204 or thecavebigbear.com.
SEEK ...
and Ye Shall Find!!
Awesome views abound on guided horseback rides at Baldwin Lake Stables
hours in duration depart daily from
Baldwin Lake Stables, past ranches along
Pioneertown Rd. into the forest. Longer
outings venture onto the famous Pacific
Crest Trail, rising high into the sky past
scrub and shrubs and cactus, surrounded
by pine trees and views that go on and on.
The well-maintained PCT is mostly
level with only a few moderate climbs
along the Valley’s eastern ridge, with amazing
views of the Big Horn Wilderness and
high desert beyond. The riding in fact has
been compared to areas in Colorado, Wyoming
and Northern Arizona, serving up
peace and tranquility on rides along trails
that are just minutes away from Big Bear
Village or the resorts.
Also popular are seasonal sunset rides,
continuing through October, which lead to
.com
a spectacular scenic overlook with a great
vantage point to watch the sun setting to
the west, one of Big Bear’s best opportunities
to view the stellar show. No surprise
that East Big Bear Valley is considered to
have some of the best equestrian trails in
the Southland.
Spring is a great time to experience
horseback riding, before the summer heat
and crowds arrive, serving up plenty of the
clear blue sky days Big Bear is famous for.
Winter riding is also spectacular, along
snow-covered trails with magnificent
frosty peaks all around. Plus horses really
love tromping around in the snow!
Baldwin Lake Stables marks 30 years
of horseback adventure this season and
screens dozens of horses annually for tem-
Continued on page 10
New! Night Glow Tubing!
Fridays, Saturdays, Holidays 5-9 pm
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Page 10—April 2018
Cinderella panto full of laughs
With their evil intent and genuine
meanness, Cinderella’s stepsisters are
prime panto pickin’s.
Which is what comes to life on stage
four shows only at the performing Arts
Center April 26-29. Get ready to laugh hysterically
as the evil stepsisters get their
comeuppance in Buttons—A Cinderella
Panto presented by the High School’s Performing
Arts Department in collaboration
with Big Bear Theatre Project.
The show is a satirical sequel to the
well-known fairy tale, picking up where
the original Cinderella tale left off. Familiar
characters return and are joined by a
few new ones in continuing the story with
farce, slapstick and audience participation.
Following the form of a traditional
English panto, contemporary references,
humor, schtick, and music fill out the chaotic
story. Not only do Big Bear High students
appear in the production, some familiar
Big Bear adult performers are featured.
Big Bear Theatre Project’s Steve
Cassling for instance plays evil stepsister
Ciabatta, not the first time he’s played a
female part in a panto.
The other stepsister Cappuccino is
played by high school English teacher
Colin Schour. Watching the two perform
in drag will be worth the price of admission.
Live band with local musicians accompanies.
Many in the cast have extensive theater
experience. Appearing as Cinderella
is Lauren Davis with Ely Dawson as Prince
Charming and Ry Wood-Silva as Lord
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Lancelot Prance-a-Lot. Jacob Walker plays
Buttons with Hannah Magers as Lady
Portia Prance-a-Lot, Star Walker as Arthur
and Jazmin Thompson as evil stepmother
Elvira. Gladys is played by Trinity Lowe.
Other performers include Morgan
Schetter as the Fairy Godmother, and
Lainey Mayer, Chloe Anderson, and Keara
Ollila as the three fairies. Andrew Burton
is policeman Jobsworth, Naomi Payne is
the Busker, Millie Nelson and Liam Walker
are servants, and Aubrey Hull the ghost.
Buttons—A Cinderella Panto is at 7
p.m., Sunday matinee 2 p.m. Tickets for
the family friendly show $15, students/seniors
$10. Call the PAC (909) 866-4970.
Horseback rides...
Continued from page 9
perament, the number one priority being
that the horse is sure-footed, calm and safe.
Private guides are also available for those
who want to learn more about Big Bear’s
fascinating history, including upclose looks
at unique landmarks in the area including
the famed Eye of God.
There’s even hand-led pony rides
around the corral for younger buckaroos
that cost just $10. Children especially love
to spend time in the adjacent petting zoo,
mingling with the pigs, chasing chickens
and eyeballing the emus.
Advance reservations recommended.
All guides work for tips.
Baldwin Lake Stables is at 46475
Pioneertown Rd. in Big Bear City. Call
(909) 585-6482.
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Early fishing season on the lake can be great, as this catch from a Cantrell
Guide Service outing shows
New tournaments for Fishing Assoc.
Reel in some bucks and help stock the
lake at the same time during six Ultimate
Big Fish Derby events.
Held by the Big Bear Fishing Association,
the tournaments are unique in that
anglers compete for multiple lake species.
In addition to the usual categories of trout
or bass, catfish and even carp (yes, bow
hunting is allowed) are on the list too with
payouts to the five largest fish in each division.
Plus total combined weight.
First tournament event is May 18-20,
hosted by Pine Knot Marina. Each date is
a full Fishing Festival with youth fishing
club all three days, as youngsters are taught
how to rig a fishing pole with line, sinker
and hook. Fishing Association members
are demonstrate different baits, lures, and
techniques plus lead casting lessons.
There’s also vendors and raffles for
great prizes, such as guided trout or bass
tours from Big Bear Charter Fishing, pontoon
boat rental from Pine Knot Marina,
cabin stay from Resort Town Rentals and
more. Plus $10 of each $30 entry fee ($20
youth) goes toward stocking the lake.
Subsequent tournaments are on June
22-24 at Holloway’s Marina, July 27-29
at Pleasure Point Marina, August 17-19 at
Captain John’s, and Pine Knot Marina September
14-16. Fishing begins each Friday
at noon with 2:30 p.m. weigh-in Saturdays,
12:30 p.m. Sundays with prizes awarded
after. Visit bigbearfishingassociation.org.
In the meantime lake season officially
opens in April and marinas begin 2018
operations. Spring typically offers the best
trout bite as fish come to life after a long
winter slumber.
Make plans now for “Fishin’ for
$50K” on June 9-10, with a total of 80
tagged trout waiting to be caught, all worth
cash prizes. Five grand prize tagged trout
net the lucky angler an incredible $10,000
each while another 25 are worth two hundred
bucks each. Plus 50 bonus tagged
trout bring in $50 each.
If that’s not enough, someone will take
home a Hobie fishing kayak. The $80 entry
includes free Pautzke Fire Bait.
Call (800) 424-4232.
Lake Activities
Boating • Fishing • Hiking
Biking & Special Events
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18

Big Bear Today April 2018—Page 11
Snow leads to speedway, sleds
There’s still plenty of winter for spring
at Big Bear’s two inner tubing areas and
soon there will be speedway!
Both Big Bear Snow Play and Alpine
Slide at Magic Mountain have snow packs
several feet deep as April arrives. Each
plans to be open daily for inner tubing on
snow-covered slopes from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
through April 8 and then weekends only
till the snow is gone.
Get in those last thrilling downhill
rides before they’re gone for six months
for just $35 which includes tube rental.
Plus Magic Carpet uphill lifts found at both
Big Bear Snow Play and Alpine Slide that
families merely step on and off of.
No uphill climb means families save
all their energy for downhill fun and get in
all the runs they want. The walk would be
especially long at Big Bear Snow Play,
once Rebel Ridge ski area with the longest
tubing runs in Southern California.
Tubing under the stars is an exciting
experience and during spring the snow is
faster after dark than it is during the day.
Big Bear Snow Play’s glow tubing night
sessions have become very popular with
changing strobes illuminating the snow and
Alpine Slide has offered tubing under the
lights for years. Better hurry though; final
5-9 p.m. sessions of the year at both areas
are Friday and Saturday, March 30-31,
priced at $30.
Big Bear Speedway is set to return
April 21 with timed Sodi Kart racing on a
fifth-of-a-mile long Grand Prix-style track
set up in the parking lot at Big Bear Snow
Play. Tecpro barriers used in Formula 1
and circuits around the world line the hair
pin turn-filled track to make the experience
even more authentic and drivers wearing
helmets follow green, yellow and checkered
flags just like at professional races.
These aren’t your father’s go-karts.
Features like self-adjusting hydraulic
brakes and vacuum fuel pumps come
straight from the automotive industry. The
karts handle like race cars and the Honda
Whisper Motors generate amazing power,
enough for cars to lay rubber through turns
though virtually impossible to roll.
The leader in karting, Sodi Karts balance
speed and safety with four point seat
belts and Extra Enhanced remote controls
so the pit crew can shut down or throttle
back any or all karts at any time for safety.
Sodi RT8 sports design elegance and fully
adjustable pedals to serve up the ultimate
race experience. Big Bear Speedway has
17 single karts and six doubles which have
two steering wheels and two brake pedals
for training or parent riding with a child.
The famous individually-controlled
Alpine Slide bobsleds operate weekends
only after April 8 as well. Relive the
PyeongChang Olympics on sleds that
never need snow as they take thrill seekers
down two quarter-mile long cement
tracks filled with banked turns and long
straightaways. Each sled has teflon runners
and ball-bearing wheels.
Push the control handle forward to
pick up speed...or pull back to slow down.
Riders go as fast or slow as they please, as
they zip down the snow-lined track in an
authentic alpine setting. While similar
tracks are found worldwide and at a couple
dozen locations in the country, mostly at
prominent ski resorts, the closest other one
is in Park City, Utah.
Each ride serves up the ultimate Go
Pro moment as drivers with cameras donned
shoot through the turns. Bobsled rides cost
$6 each, or $25 buys a five-ride book.
Alpine Slide is also home to Putt `N
Around go-karts and 18 hole miniature
golf course. The popular dual water slide
opens Memorial Day weekend and daily
operations return in June.
Alpine Slide is on the boulevard 1/4
mile west of the Village. (909) 866-4626.
Big Bear Snow Play is on Big Bear
Blvd. next to Motel 6. Call (909) 585-0075.
"Fly, Drive or Walk to the Barnstorm Restaurant"
The Best Homemade Food in Big Bear
Open Daily from 7 am to 3 pm
Dinner: Fri., Sat. & Sun. from 5 to 9 pm
with live Entertainment
and Weekly Specials!
• Fine Selections
of Beer and Wine
• Authentic
German
Specialties
Last call for inner tubing at Alpine Slide and Big Bear Snow Play!
At the Barnstorm
Live Music
Saturday
Night
Art Harriman
every Saturday Night
for Dinner
“Sharing music, humor and
experiences in movies with
Elvis Presley, Hank Williams Jr.,
the Bill Cosby Show and
six years on Children's Miracle Network Telethon.”
Breakfast • Lunch
Dinner
18
Airport Terminal
X
Valley Blvd.
W. Big Bear Blvd.
International Menu
10% OFF*
for BB Locals
(beer & wine
not Included)
Big Tree Dr.
(909) 585-9339
Music with your meal
Hot Lunch Specials from $8.99
Monday thru Friday, except Thursday
*non-Holiday prices
The Barnstorm Restaurant — Inside the Airport Terminal
501 W. Valley Blvd. • Big Bear City • CA 92314

Page 12—April 2018
To-go meals that are to-die for
R
oasted triangle tip that’s downright
addictive, seasoned just right.
Homestyle meat loaf and enchiladas
that taste like they came from the local
cantina. All just a couple minutes of microwave
time away!
Say hello to what Community Market
owner Mark Doucette calls “cold fast
food,” delicious fully-cooked entrees and
side dishes that are the ultimate in convenience.
Prepared in Community Market’s
convection oven and commercial smoker
and then vacuum-sealed air tight for freshness,
the meals have become wildly popular
and for good reason...just grab and zap
for a real homestyle dinner, at very reasonable
prices.
“We put out heartland comfort food
that’s preservative-free and cooked the way
you would do it at home,” Doucette said.
“Most items are portioned for two people
or servings. Everything we do is fresh,
done right here and handmade.”
Like the enchiladas, rolled by hand in
chicken, pork or cheese varieties. “Pork is
always topped with green sauce, cheese is
usually red, and the staff goes back and
forth on which sauce chicken should get,”
Doucette said. Either way just 90 seconds
or so in the microwave delivers a delicious
Mexican meal right at home.
Roasted triangle tip is another highlight.
It’s perfectly seasoned and cooked
before spending time in the store’s sousvide
oven that utilizes precise temperature
control to deliver consistent, restaurant
quality results. “It’s still pink edge to edge,
medium rare tri-tip that’s perfect every
time,” Doucette said. Roasted pepper pork
loin is prepared the same way.
Kahlua pork comes from a recipe an
employee raised in Hawaii provided whose
uncle roasted pigs in the ground. Community
Market simulates the process in its
pressure cooker and duplicates it amazingly
well. Especially with its homemade
barbecue sauce, Doucette’s own recipe,
that adds tangy sweet, tangy flavor.
Side dishes create full meals, like
baked potato stuffed with cheese and all
the fixings or potatoes O’Brien, vegetable
medleys, savory mac and cheese and more.
“There’s even smoked tofu for vegetarians
that’s very popular,” Doucette said. All of
the take-home items are dynamite, usually
priced around five bucks or less, which is
why Community Market added a second
refrigerator case to meet demand.
Community Market has long been famous
for hot foods like its chicken kabobs,
which started from humble beginnings a
quarter-century ago to being at least part
of the reason the Kentucky chain left town.
Each kabob boasts a whole coop’s worth
of bird, with succulent pieces of skinless,
boneless chicken first rolled in Community
Market’s own barbecue sauce. Then
it’s breaded in special seasonings and flour,
cooked and assembled onto a skewer, five
golf-ball sized pieces apiece.
Typically Community Market goes
through 250 pounds of kabobs each week.
Yet they’re only cooked in small batches,
12-15 kabobs at a time, so they’re always
fresh and
tender. Get
`em early
though for
the last
Community Market chicken kabobs;
owner Mark Doucette shows off smoked
chicken breasts
batch is
usually
around 4
p.m. Homem
a d e
burritos
made with
flour tortillas,
tasty
taquitos and
guacamole
sauce, poppers
and rotisserie
chicken are also in the deli.
Gotta mention the filet mignon, sold
in packages of two expertly-trimmed halfpound
cuts regularly priced at $10.89/lb.,
sometimes a couple bucks less during a
sale. Even discriminating eaters find virtually
no fat or grisle on the filets and that’s
not by accident.
“Filet mignon comes with a strip of
grisle in the middle that we take off every
time,” Doucette said. “It takes five seconds
to remove it, but most places don’t.”
Put them on the grill at home and it
works out to filet mignon dinner for two
for around ten bucks. Warning: eating filet
mignon for five bucks a steak lowers
tolerance for top sirloin and other cuts!
Community Market is at 100 E. Big
Bear Blvd. in Big Bear City, four miles east
of the supermarkets. Call (909) 585-2641.
Big Bear Today
Providing the most accurate & detailed snow forecasts available on the net
for Big Bear and the local southern California mountains since 1998
www.snowforecast.com/BearMountainResort
www.snowforecast.com/SnowSummitMountainResort
Become a Fan on FaceBook and
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Big Bear Today
HOMESTYLE
QUALITY...
Steaks
East
Seafood
Valley's
Pasta
Only
Chicken
Bakery!
Voted Big Bear's
Best Breakfast!
DAILY Breakfast Special!
Every Saturday Night
All-You-Can-Eat
Beef Ribs $19.95!
NIGHTLY DINNER SPECIALS
MON—MEAT LOAF $9.95
TUES—CLOSED FOR DINNER OPEN 6-3
WED—PRIME RIB $15.95
THURS—NEW YORK STEAK $12.95
FRIDAY—HOMEMADE POT PIES $13.25
OR SURF & TURF $15.95
SAT—ALL-U-CAN-EAT BEEF RIBS
$19.95...POT PIES $13.25 IF AVAILABLE
SUN-HOLIDAYS—PRIME RIB $15.95
FRESH CATCH OF THE DAY FRI/SAT
After lunch or dinner...
treat yourself from our
Bakery!
Caramel-topped apple
dumplings...cheesecakes...
apple streudel...fresh-baked pies
of the season!
Also Available to Go!
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Dine Next to Our 2 Cozy
Fireplaces or Under Trees on
Our Outdoor Patio!
337 W. Big Bear Blvd.
(2 miles east of the Convention
Center in Big Bear City)
(909) 585-7005
...FAMILY
PRICES!
To To Los Angeles
and Orange County
Captain John’s
S
CAPT. Marina
JOHN’S GROUT BAY
MARINA
West Boat Ramp
WINDY POINT
W E
North Shore
Landing
Castle Rock
Trail
Holcomb
Valley
BOULDER
BAY
1989 25 YEARS 2014
The Mountain’s Monthly Lifestyle Magazine
All Phone Numbers are area code
(909) unless otherwise noted
March
30
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus in
concert at The Cave at 7:30
p.m. $15-$25. 878-0204.
31
Bear Break at Bear Mountain
with daily contests, music on
the deck, more. 866-5766.
31
Deadman’s Party Oingo Boingo
tribute 7:30 p.m. at The Cave.
Tickets $18-$38. 878-0204.
April
1
Easter Services at 8, 9:30 and
11 a.m. at First Baptist Church
(41960 Big Bear Blvd., 866-
3951); Community Church by
the Lake at 10:30 a.m. (40946
Big Bear Blvd., 866-7523).
1
Easter Egg Hunt at Snow Summit
plus live music, activities.
Under 5 10 a.m., 6 and over
$10:30. 866-5766.
7
Wildflower Walk at 11:30 a.m.
led by Forest Service botanists
marks the opening of the Baldwin
Lake Ecological Reserve, open
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free, bring your
own lunch. Guided walks Saturdays
through June 23. 866-
3437.
7
Cash’d Out Johnny Cash tribute
7:30 p.m. at The Cave. The
Jackpot Club opens. Tickets
$15-$35. 878-0204.
13
Moonshine Bandits in concert
7:30 p.m. at The Cave. Tickets
$15-$35. 878-0204.
14
Missing Persons headlines a
GILNER POINT
METCALF
Holloway
BAY Marina
Big Bear and Vicinity
Pleasure
Point
Performing Arts
Center (PAC)
Polique Canyon
Trail
Solar Observatory
BIG BEAR LAKE
Mill Creek
Mill Creek
Alpine Slide
at Magic Mtn.
Pine Knot
Trail
Cougar Crest
Trail
Woodland
Trail
Discovery Center
Serranno
Campground
East Boat
Ramp
EAGLE POINT
Swim
Beach
Big Bear
Pine Knot
Marina
Marina
Meadow Park
Town Trail
night of 80’s music 7:30 p.m. at
The Cave, Bow Wow Wow
opens. $20-$40. 878-0204.
18
Winemakers Dinner at the Black
Kat (560 Pine Knot) featuring
Raymond Vineyards at 6:30 p.m.
$135/person. 878-0401.
20
Earth Day Expo presented by
Bear Valley Electric (42020
Garstin Dr.) 11 a.m.-2 p.m. with
booths, facepainting and balloons
for kids. 866-4678.
21
Greenthumbs Native Plant Restoration
Program marking Earth
Day with volunteers working
from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; call for
meeting location. 382-2809.
21
Fleetwood Mac vs. Heart with
tribute bands Mirage, Dog N
Butterfly 7:30 p.m. at The Cave.
Tickets $20-$40. 878-0204.
22
Bertha Peak Hike with Sierra
Club 8 a.m., meet at Cougar
Crest trailhead. (760) 333-3103.
26-29
Buttons: A Cinderella Panto presented
by the high school at
Performing Arts Center 7 p.m.,
2 p.m. Sunday matinee. $15,
$10 senior/student. 866-4970.
27
Less Than Jake/Face to Face in
concert 7:30 p.m. at The Cave,
Direct Hit opens. $35. 878-
0204.
28
Wildhorse Creek Hike with Sierra
Club 8:30 a.m., meet at
trailhead on Hwy. 38 near Heart
Bar campground. (289-1932.
28
Country Legend Hal Ketchum in
concert 7:30 p.m. at The Cave.
Tickets $20-$40. 878-0204.
Walk
Board
April 2018—Page 13
Big Bear City
Moonridge
For updated calendar of events visit us on the Internet!
www.bigbeartodaymag.com
CC
Club View Drive
Big Bear Mountain
May
2
Redlands Bicycle Classic Big Bear
Time Trial along the north shore.
iredlandsclassic.com.
5
MS Walk is on Alpine Pedal Path
with music, kids zone to raise
money to fight multiple sclerosis.
Registration 8:30 a.m., opening
ceremonies 10 a.m., walk at
10:30. (909) 949-1363.
11
Tiffany in concert 7:30 p.m. at
The Cave. Tickets $18-$38.
878-0204.
12
International Migratory Bird Day
at Discovery Center 10 a.m.-2
p.m. with bird watching, kids
activities. Build a Birdhouse 10
a.m.-noon. $6/kit. 866-3437.
12
Surf Guitar Legend Dick Dale in
concert 7:30 p.m. at The Cave.
Tickets $35-$55. 878-0204.
18-20
Spring Fishing Festival at Pine
Knot Marina. starts noon Friday.
bigbearfishingassociation.com
19-20
Spartan Races SoCal Beast &
Sprint Series sees elite athletes
competing at Snow Summit,
base area activities. Spectating
$20. 866-5766.
26-27
“Grill and Chill” KCBS State BBQ
Championships at Bartlett Parking
Lot 11 a.m.-6 p.m. with live
music, craft beer, vendors, kids
fun. Free. (800) 4-BIG BEAR
27
Antique Car Club Show and pinewood
derby at Big Bear Snow
Play (42825 Big Bear Blvd.) 7
a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 584-4333.
To Victorville, Barstow
& Las Vegas
Museum
Big Bear
Alpine Zoo
To Angelus Oaks
and Redlands
E
V
E
N
T
C
A
L
E
N
D
A
R

Page 14—April 2018
Recreation
Guide
Action Tours
Zip through the trees on nine ziplines.
Segway along Village streets, discovering
Big Bear history at the same time on a most
unique tour and ride. Learn tree rope climbing
skills like rappelling from certified
instructors or seasonally snowshoe through
the forest. Action Tours has year-round
guided mountain adventure for all ability
levels! (909) 866-0390 or (909) 866-0830.
Alpine Slide
Shoot down a tobogan-style ride at Magic
Mountain, as a hand lever allows you to
control the speed. After an exhilerating
run, ride the chairlift back to the top for
more fun. $6/ride, 5-ride books $25. There’s
also a snowplay area with Magic Carpet
uphill ride, plus miniature golf, Go-Karts,
family-priced snack bar, video games. Open
daily through April 8, then weekends till
June. Big Bear Blvd., 1/4 mile west of the
Village. 866-4626.
Big Bear Speedway
Soki Kart racing returns weekends starting
April 21 with timed heats and authentic
track experience. Reach speeds up to 30
mph while negotiating hairpin turns and
straightaways on the Grand Prix-style
course. Double Karts allow younger riders
to go to. $20 on first visit includes license
valid one year, head sock and race ($25
All Just A CLICK Away!
Monthly!
THE ALMANAC
double Kart). Base lodge with snack bar.
At Big Bear Snow Play next to Motel 6.
(909) 585-0075.
Bike Rentals
Bear Valley Bikes across from Alpine
Slide has a variety of bike rentals. Front
suspension $10/hour, $30/4 hours, $40/all
day. Full suspension $20/hour, $50/4 hours,
$70/all day. Full suspension demo $25/
hour, $60/4 hours, $85/all day. 40298 Big
Bear Blvd. Call (909) 866-8000.
Goldsmiths Pedego Electric Bike Shop
has a variety of electric bike rentals, 42071
Big Bear Blvd. (909) 866-2728.
Bingo
The Elks Lodge hosts stirring Bingo games
each Friday night at 7 p.m. All are welcome
ages 18 and over. 40611 Big Bear Blvd.
west of the Village, across from Lakeview.
(909) 866-3557.
Boat Rentals
Sailboats, pontoon boats, speed and fishing
boats plus paddleboards and canoes are
available for rental from the lake’s marinas.
Big Bear Marina (866-3218),
Holloway’s Marina (866-5706), North
Shore Landing (878-4FUN) Pine
KnotMarina (478-2500), Captain John’s
Marina (866-6478).
Bowling
The Bowling Barn offers new lanes with
automated scoring for bowling enjoyment.
Also arcade games and full-service cocktail
lounge with pool. Glow Bowling after
dark with black lights, sounds. Bowl 3
games for the price of 2 with coupon in this
SEEK ... and Ye Shall Find!!
Monthly Events & Activities
Stories and Special Insight into
Ongoing Events taking place Monthly
Most up-to-date source for Big Bear
Summer!
Lake Activities
Boating • Fishing • Hiking
Biking & Special Events
Fall!
All Things Oktoberfest!
Join the Two Month long Celebration
with all the insider information.
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Winter!
Essential Information about the
#1 Ski Resorts in Southern California
for All Skiers, Snowboarders
& Snowplayers
Your Best Source for activities and happenings
in the Big Bear Lake Area
Use the Search Feature on our website to learn
about previous events, discover exciting new ones,
and general Big Bear information!
• Lodging • Attractions
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Big Bear Today
Recreation • Dining • Nightlife • And More
Road Conditions: (800) 427-ROAD quickmap.dot.ca.gov
Sodi Kart racing returns weekends starting April 21 at Big Bear Speedway, where
there might still also be snow play! Call (909) 585-0075
issue. Open daily. 40625 Big Bear Blvd.
(enter on Bonanza).(909) 878-BOWL.
Discovery Center
The Discovery Center on the north shore,
two miles west of Stanfield Cutoff, is a
breathtaking facility overlooking the lake
and offering informational galleries, self
and naturalist guided tours, Adventure
passes and wilderness permits, and recreation
programs. Open daily (closed Tuesdays
and Wednesdays). (909) 866-3437.
Fishing
Catch some fun with Big Bear Charter
Fishing on a 22' fully loaded, super comfortable
boat with afriendly, expert guide
Aaron Armstrong. Open or private charters
for individuals or groups of all ages.
All gear provided—rods, reels, bait, lures,
drinks and snacks. Bass fishing too aboard
a Ranger Comanche. At Holloway’s Marina;
(909) 866-2240.
Cantrell Guide Service at Pine Knot Landing
is the lake’s longest running guide
service since 1991. Troll for trout around
the lake’s 23 miles of shoreline aboard 24'
pontoon boat with 18 ‘ roof and enclosure
to protect against cold and wind. Professional
licensed guides John Cantrell and
Cliff Fowler (“Fowler’s Fish Tales”) have
80 years experience. (909) 585-4017.
Helicopter Tours
See Big Bear from above during new aerial
tours by Helicopter Big Bear. See the lake,
ski resorts, desert and surrounding mountains
aboard a climate-controlled Robinson
R44 helicopter with longtime pilot Roy
Harding at the controls, departing daily out
of Big Bear Airport. The helicopter seats
up to four, pilot plus three passengers, and
tours start at $35 per person based on two
passengers. Group rates and discounts available.
(909) 585-1200.
Hiking
There’s dozens of trails and natural areas to
enjoy the rugged beauty of the San
Bernardino National Forest. From easy
strolls along the lake to stenuous climbs
into the mountains, there are trails for all
abilities, including families, within a short
drive of Big Bear. For information on all
trails in the Valley and the required
Adventure Pass, visit the Discovery Center
on North Shore Dr., about two miles west
of Stanfield Cutoff. 866-3437.
Alpine Pedal Path is an easy 3.5 mile
(each way) paved trek following the lake
on the north shore. Popular with hikers,
bikers, skaters, strollers and wheelchairs
as it passes Carol Morrison East Boat
Launch, Discovery Center, Serrano
campground, Solar Observatory and more.
Castle Rock Trail is a short but strenuous
hike, that ends with a panoramic view of
Big Bear Lake. Legend has it that a beautiful
Indian maiden, jilted by her lover, took her
life by leaping from this towering 100 ft.
monolith. It’s reached after a mostly uphill,
.8 mile walk past a stream and featuring
beautiful views. Located on Hwy. 18
between Boulder Bay and the dam; park on
the lake side of the road.
Cougar Crest Trail is moderate two-mile
(each way) hike. As it winds above the
lake’s north shore, it offers up great views
of water and the surrounding mountains.
Trailhead is on North Shore Dr. about two
miles west of Stanfield Cutoff, .6 mile
from the Discovery Center where you can
park without an Adventure Pass.
Woodland Interpretive Trail is a short,
scenic family stroll with minimal elevation
gain, located on the north shore near Cougar
Crest. Free trail maps (available at the
trailhead or Discovery Center) identify
markers along the route noting local
vegetation, wildlife areas, etc.
Pacific Crest Trail comes through Big
Bear from Onyx Summit through the East
Valley to Hwy. 18 and then past Holcomb
Valley Rd. and Cougar Crest through
Holcomb Valley before continuing its 2,638
mile journey from Mexico to Canada. Call
the Discovery Center to find out where to
catch this famous international trail.
Pine Knot Trail from Aspen Glen picnic
area climbs the southern ridge above Alpine
Slide three miles (each way) to Skyline Dr.
2N10, through lush meadow and stands of
white fir and Jeffrey Pine. Continue another
1/4 mile to Grand View Point for spectacular
180-degree vistas.
Holcomb Valley
At one time, Big Bear Valley was thriving
Continued on page 15

Big Bear Today April 2018—Page 15
gold country. The last remaining signs of Snow Playing
mountain lions, deer, eagles, and other sports all the time on big screens. 40827
this historic chapter in Big Bear history are
animals are at Big Bear Alpine Zoo, many Stone Rd. (909) 878-0283.
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, which
featured in a driving tour through what is
of which are native to the San Bernardino
has snowmaking to ensure snow, offers
BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN BREWERY—
known as Holcomb Valley. 11.6 miles over
Mtns. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays, 10-
great inner tubing, and there’s a Magic
Fresh microbrewed beer served with hot
a dirt road, the tour offers stops at Two Gun
5 Saturday and Sunday with daily animal
Carpet to take riders to the top, too. $35
and cold sandwiches, soups, salads and
Bill’s Saloon, Hangman’s Tree, Pigmy
presentations at noon and weekend 3 p.m.
buys an all-day (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) pass in the
appetizers in a cozy atmosphere. Weekend
Cabin, Metzger Mine, and more. Free maps
“feeding frenzy” tours. Moonridge Rd. to
winter wonderland, which includes tube
live entertainment. 40260 Big Bear Blvd.
available at the Big Bear Discovery Center
Clubview, veer right to Bear Mountain,
rental and Magic Carpet use. Last Night
just west of Alpine Slide. 866-BEER.
on the North Shore—call 866-3437. Allow
and turn left to the zoo. $12 adults, $9 ages
tubing (5-9 p.m.) sessions March 30-31,
CAPTAIN’S ANCHORAGE—Historic
three hours for the drive.
over 60 and children 3-10, under two free.
$30. The area also has the Southland’s only
and rustic, this restaurant, built in 1947 as
(909) 584-1299.
Horseback Riding Alpine Slide and a great outdoor deck, plus
the Sportsman’s Tavern and once owned
the Putt ‘N Around go-karts and miniature
by Andy Devine, is a Big Bear favorite
Baldwin Lake Stable is open year-round
golf course. 1/4 mile west of the Village on
for horseback riding. Rates are by the hour,
Dining
with specialties like prime rib, Alaskan
Big Bear Blvd. 866-4626.
King Crab legs, seafood, and steaks. Allyou-can-eat
homemade soup and salad bar,
offering one, two, three and four-hour rides
Big Bear Snow Play has Southen
with longer rides heading along the famous
California’s longest tubing runs. Two Guide
romantic seating, and cocktails in the Andy
Pacific Crest Trail plus sunset rides. A
Magic Carpet lifts mean guests never have
Devine Room. Open for dinner daily from
variety of spectacular mountain trails with
to walk back to the top and snowmaking Big Bear City
4:30 p.m. Moonridge Rd., just off Big
horses for all riding abilities. For little
lets the area build features to enhance the
buckeroos there’s hand-led pony rides and
BARNSTORM RESTAURANT— Bear Blvd. (909) 866-3997.
experience. Heated base lodge and paved
petting zoo. Reservations suggested for all
Comfortable dining at the airport. Open DYNASTY—Authentic Szechuan cuisine
parking. Next.to Motel 6 on the bouleard 1
rides. Big Bear Blvd. east to stop sign at
daily for breakfast and lunch, dinner with an array of specialty dishes. Mongolian
mile east of the supermarkets.Sessions daily
Hwy. 38, go through intersection, veer left
Thursday through Sunday with nightly BBQ too and great cocktails. 40989 Big
10 a.m.-4 p.m. $35 all day pass includes
on Shay Rd. to 46475 Pioneertown Rd.,
specials and Saturday night entertainment. Bear Blvd. 866-7887.
tube rental. Last Glow Tubing sessions 5-
Big Bear City. (909) 585-6482.
German food a specialty plus steaks, OLD COUNTRY INN-Family-style home
9 p.m. March 30-31, $30 includes tube seafood, chicken, burgers. Ground floor at cooking at this local’s favorite with
Laser Tag
rental. (909) 585-0075.
the airport. (909) 585-9339.
breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Steaks,
Head to Big Bear Funplex for indoor laser
Forget Your Snowplay Pants/Jacket?
German and Italian specialties and much
tag, arcade, rides and much more. Pizza
Goldsmith’s Boardhouse has them for
THELMA’S TWIN PINES-Homestyle more with great weekday specials. 41126
and snack bar, pool tables. 40679 Big Bear
rent along with helmets, wrist guards, other cooking at awesome prices make this a Big Bear Blvd., east of Pine Knot. Call
Blvd. 866-3866.
gear. 42071 Big Bear Blvd. 866-2728. family dining favorite. Daily breakfast, 866-5600.
lunch and dinner specials. All-you-can-eat
Miniature Golf/Go Karts
Snowshoeing
STILLWELLS—In Northwoods Resort,
beef ribs $19.95 on Saturday nights, and
No lift lines—nor lift tickets to buy—
open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with
Putt ‘N Around, located at the Alpine Slide
homemade pot pies are big favorites. Open
makes snowshoeing one of the fastestgrowing
winter sports. A great way to
fresh seafood and pasta dishes, gourmet
at Magic Mountain, features a landscaped
daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner. 337 W. steaks, homemade soups and scrumptious
18-hole miniature golf course complete
escape the crowds and enjoy the serenity of Big Bear Blvd. Call 585-7005.
desserts. Sunday champagne brunch. 40650
with water hazards and breaking greens.
Big Bear’s endless hiking trails covered by
Village Dr. (909) 866-3121.
Then there’s an oval-shaped go-kart track
Big Bear Lake
winter’s snow. Get maps, directions etc.
with high-banked turns, which nine Can
from the shop below or Discovery Center.
BIG BEAR LAKE BREWING CO.—
Am racers—including four two-seaters—
Goldsmith’s Boardhouse has Atlas
Craft micros brewed on premises and Click Us Up!
with Honda 5.5 horsepowers engines and
snowshoes for $15/day. 42071 Big Bear gourmet pub grub and appe-teasers at this
an array of safety features zip around.
Blvd. 866-2728.
new brewery in the Village. Full bars bigbeartodaymag.com
Open till 9 p.m. daily. 866-4626.
upstairs and down with lakeviews and all
Zoo
Grizzly and black bears, bobcats, coyotes,
After Dark...
Big Bear’s Nightlife & Entertainment Guide
ALLEY OOPS SPORTS BAR—Family Karaoke each Saturday night at 8 p.m. Glow
Bowling at 8:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Sat. and Sun.
Watch the big game on big screen TVs, open to all ages. Happy Hour Monday-
Friday 5:30-7 p.m. with 50¢ off all bar drinks (except draft), $1 hot dogs. Bowl
3 games for the price of 2 with coupon in this issue. Inside the Bowling Barn at
40625 Big Bear Blvd. Call 878-BOWL.
AV NIGHTCLUB—DJ every night at 9 p.m. Happy hour daily till 6 p.m. with $1
beers. 664 Pine Knot. (909) 866-7377.
BARNSTORM RESTAURANT—Live music Saturdays during dinner with popular
entertainer Art Harriman. 501 W. Valley Blvd. at the airport. (909) 585-9339.
BEST WESTERN CHATEAU—Enjoy Silver Moon in the Tiffany Lounge Saturdays
from 7-10 p.m. 42200 Moonridge Rd. (909) 866-6666.
BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN BREWERY— Live music daily. Craft microbrew beers, food
in a cozy atmosphere. Wear your gear, 75¢ off your beer. 40260 Big Bear Blvd.
866-BEER.
NOTTINGHAMS—Magic J presents tableside magic Friday and Saturday. 40797
Big Bear Blvd. near Bartlett. 866-4644.
THE CAVE BIG BEAR—Your favorite artists up close and personal! See national
performers, top tribute bands and more in Big Bear’s hot new intimate concert
venue. Good food and full cocktail service including craft beers from Big Bear Lake
Brewing Co. (909) 878-0204.
THE LODGE AT BIG BEAR LAKE—Singer Nikki Sparks entertains Fridays and
Saturdays 5-8 p.m. in the lounge and lobby. 40650 Village Dr. (909) 866-3121
THE PINES LAKEFRONT—Pianist Mike Cross and Bass Mark Cade live Thursdays
5:30-8:30 p.m., Sundays 4-7 p.m. 350 Alden Rd. (909) 866--5400.
WYATT’S CAFE & SALOON—Open at 4 p.m. Wednesdays for country dancing
with DJ Evan, Fridays and Saturdays with live music. March 30: Revelator with
Terry McRaven, March 31 Street Music Band; April 6 Working Poets, April 7
country dancing; April 13 Southern Spirit, April 14 Revelator; April 20 Street
Music, April 21 country dancing; April 27 Born Country, April 28 South of Santa
Fe. Great grub and drinks, family-friendly. Convention Center, Big Bear Blvd. at
Division. (909) 585-3000.

Page 16—April 2018
THE BACK PAGE
Redlands Classic a summer preview
Bicycle racks are replacing ski carriers
this month as cycling season gets
rolling and it really cranks up when
the prestigious Redlands Bicycle Classic
again holds its Big Bear Time Trial
Wednesday, May 2.
Top male and female cyclists will be
tested at Big Bear’s 6,800 ft. elevation as
they roll just feet from the lake with views
of snowcapped peaks in the distance during
spectator-friendly out-and-back racing.
The course rolls west along the lake’s north
shore from Carol Morrison east boat launch
to Fawnskin and back, a distance of 7.8
miles as riders compete against the clock,
testing their high altitude training.
The 34th annual Redlands Classic is
the longest continuously running stage race
in American bike racing and represents the
traditional start of the competitive cycling
season, attracting some 25,000 spectators
annually. Since its beginning in 1985 the
race has featured future Olympics stars as
well as Tour de France and world championship
riders, including cyclists like Alexi
Grewal, Alison Dunlap, Kristin Armstrong,
Scott Moninger, Roland Green and others.
Big Bear Time Trial gets underway at
10:30 a.m. with the 4.3 mile PossAbilities
para-cycle time trial followed by time trials
for women and men. The event returns
for its mountain stage after a couple year
hiatus with all-American field of 150-200
professional cyclists. Spectating is free
with Alpine Pedal Path affording great
viewing along with the start/finish and
Fawnskin Triangle.
The five-stage Classic continues next
day with May 3 road race in Yucaipa. On
May 4 it is the Highland circuit race before
the next day’s Redlands criterium on
May 5. Redlands Classic concludes with
Sunset road race May 6. A combined purse
of $40,000 is at stake split evenly between
men and women riders.
Big Bear Cycling Association and
Open Air Big Bear are helping present the
event. For information visit
www.redlandsclassic.com.
The Redlands Classic course showcases
some of the spectacular lakeside
riding highlighted during the annual Tour
de Big Bear and HC Gran Fondo on August
4, which continues to grow. Last
year’s event was a sellout for the eighth
consecutive year with a record 2,100 riders
on 25, 50, 70, 107 and 125 mile treks
at 7,000 feet and higher. All routes go
around the lake with some climbing to
8,443 ft. Onyx Summit, and beyond.
Crafts & Cranks at Snow Summit
kicks off the weeklong Cycling Festival
preceding Tour de Big Bear on July 28-
29. There’s serious mountain biking in the
park and racing that includes California
Enduro Series events plus Snow Summit
downhill series final. Plus craft beer festival,
live music and even carnival rides.
Redlands Bicycle Classic follows the lake’s scenic north shore
In turn the new SPNDX Stampede
closes the Cycling Festival on Aug. 5.
Bring a mountain bike along and if there’s
any juice left after Tour de Big Bear hit
the dirt for the event’s first gravel ride. Fire
roads and singletrack through the trees
await fat tire riders on a challenging 44
mile course.
Stampede begins at 10 a.m. in the Big
Bear Lake Village with drinks and goodies
during post-event festivities. The ride
is limited to 200 participants and looks to
fill early. Register at spndxstampede.com.
Snow Summit Adventure Park opens
Memorial Day weekend for downhill
mountain biking with several top-to-bottom
runs including latest addition Going
Green, a low intermediate descent from the
top that’s a blast. Plus the resort put in blue
square Upper Turtle that joined with a
lower trail for more top-to-bottom riding.
Big Bear Today
Adventure Park has taken the mountain
bike community by storm since it
opened several years ago with professional
design by Gravity Logic. The only liftserved
downhill mountain bike park in
Southern California offers freshly-cut
berms, snakes and jumps plus non-dirt features
like bridges, paver-lined turns and
drops, long straights and switchbacks.
There are also spurs that tie into Skyline
Trail, new worldclass singletrack cut
by Bear Valley Trails Foundation at the top
of the mountain alongside 2N10 that has
long offered terrific cross-country riding.
From there an entire network of trails and
Forest Service roads unfold of terrific
cross-country riding. In addition there’s an
introductory loop at the base area that’s free
to ride for novices plus there’s climbing
wall and other activities.
tourdebigbear.com
FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 •
• 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN!
Snow Play Area!
Magic Carpet
Uphill Lift
CARPET COVERED
for your Comfort!
Children FREE! (2-6 & under 48”, with an adult 18 and over)
Your Alpine Slide experience begins with
a scenic chairlift ride above the beautiful
Big Bear Lake. Then, with you controlling
the speed, your toboggan plummets back
down the mountain creating a thrill you’ll
want to relive again and again!
Winter is Great
at Alpine Slide!
Parents!... Sun On Our Spacious Deck While The Kids Play!
FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626
FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! •