Big Bear Today January 2019

Volume 30, No. 7 January 2019 

www.bigbeartodaymag.com 

Real Winter at Resorts, 

Tubing Areas! 

• Skynyrd Survivor Artimus Pyle Rocks Cave 

• UFOs Down to Earth at Alien Snowfest 

• Discovery Center Snowshoeing, Trails Day 

• Resort Shorts: What's Up at Summit, Bear

Page 2—January 2019 

From the Publisher 

Surviving Skynyrd 

plane crash just part 

of Artimus Pyle story 

ust the look in the pilot’s eyes was 

enough to tell Artimus Pyle that the 

plane carrying him and the rest of Jthe band Lynyrd Skynyrd was going down. 

Pyle had been going back and forth 

between the cabin and cockpit, sitting in 

the navigator jump seat. “You better go 

back and strap yourself in,” the pilot said, 

some of the last words he would ever utter. 

“So I did the stewardess thing, telling 

everyone to buckle their seat belts and grab 

a pillow or something to brace for impact,” 

Pyle said in a 75-minute phone interview. 

Artimus was sitting in the first seat 

on the aisle over the left wing when the 

Convair CV-240 crashed after running out 

of fuel near Gillsburg, Mississippi. “I had 

to push jagged metal away to unbuckle my 

seat belt,” Pyle, the band’s drummer, said. 

“I could see the ground below me but to 

get there I had to force my legs through 

the metal and make a hole to get out.” 

He helped one trapped person out and 

made a tourniquet for another. Then he set 

off for help. “I thought I had serious internal 

injuries,” Pyle said, what turned out 

to be “only” torn chest cartilage. “I just 

wanted to get someplace and lead help 

back while I was still able.” 

When he approached a nearby farmhouse 

the occupant’s first response was to 

shoot him. “He shot me in the left shoulder, 

he winged me,” Pyle recalled. “I 

yelled `plane crash!’ with what I thought 

was my last breath.” 

Instead 41-plus years after the tragic 

1977 crash that killed six, including 

bandmates Ronnie Van Zant plus Steve 

and Cassie Gaines, Pyle is still making 

music. He brings the Artimus Pyle Band 

(aka APB) to The Cave January 20 for a 

night of Lynyrd Skynyrd music from one 

who lived it, treating each song, every 

note, as a tribute to his friend Van Zant. 

He notes on APB’s website, “If it wasn’t 

for Ronnie, no one would know my 

name.” 

That might be a stretch because Pyle 

was already known for his double bass 

drumming after joining Lynyrd Skynyrd 

for its third album, Nuthin’ Fancy a big 

part of the band’s distinctive sound. But 

his point is made nonetheless, and he and 

APB stay true to the music that made him 

famous. And keeps him busy! 

“I dropped three albums in one day,” 

he said of 2018 releases that included 

“Walking in a Winter Wonderland” for 

William Shatner’s Christmas album. “I put 

down a monster drum track on it,” Pyle 

said. “When (Shatner) heard it he sent 

back in all caps `I Love it!’ ” 

What’s more, summer 2019 may also 

be hopping with the expected release of 

the film “Street Survivors: The True Story 

of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash” based 

on Pyle’s recollections of the tragedy. “It 

focuses on the day before, day of and day 

after the crash,” the Rock and Roll Hall of 

Famer, inducted in 2006, said. “I wrote a 

22 hour screenplay. It’s a live action film 

with actors and actresses about one specific 

event. I didn’t negotiate a single dollar 

for myself.” 

An appeals court only ruled late last 

year that the project could move forward, 

after Van Zant’s widow and current 

Skynyrd members sued to prevent its release. 

Which is also part of Pyle’s story: 

he helped make the music and the money, 

but cashing in on it has been a lifetime 

challenge since the plane crash. 

Yet it’s aptly titled because he’s a real 

Street Survivor, as the Skynyrd song title 

the movie is based on suggests. Heck, 

1977 isn’t the only plane crash Pyle, a pilot 

himself, has survived! There’s been two 

others, and ironically his Dad passed in 

one too. Artimus has survived several car 

and motorcycle crashes—one left his leg 

broken in 20 different places. Like a cat, 

he seems to have multiple lives. 

All of which you might expect from 

Skynyrd’s “Wild Man” as he was dubbed 

by Van Zant after jumping out into the audience 

in 1977 to break up a fight. He’s 

endured legal problems, drug and alcohol 

abuse and more, yet at age 70 “I’ve never 

had my life flash before my eyes,” he said. 

“I’m drumming as good as ever, 

maybe better,” Pyle said. “I still play like 

I’m 30. I’m strong. You can’t half-ass this 

stuff, especially `Freebird.’ ” 

There’s been some version of APB 

around for 30 years, but Pyle said this is 

the best. “The band is all Southern gentlemen,” 

he said. “We’re going on eight years 

together. There are Lynyrd Skynyrd copy 

bands and covers in every city in 

America—I’ve played with some of 

them—but this is the best. We’re not a 

dress-up or try to look-like band. 

“Saturday Night Special” was Pyle’s 

first song with the band and for years his 

favorite. “But over the years with the loss 

of the plane crash, greed of people surrounding 

the band, every song has become 

special,” Pyle said. “We play these songs 

better than anyone in the world. They’ll 

be yelling for `Freebird’ on Mars!” 

Have a good one. 

Marcus 

ON THE COVER: Winter is back after a year’s absence at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, 

each of which is already almost 100% open and the season’s just started! 

Volume 30, Number 7 January 2019 

4 

6 

8 

9 

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... 

Big Bear Today 

It’s a Real Winter at Resorts, Tubing Areas 

Old Man Winter is making up for skipping us last year with a 

terrific start to the season at Snow Summit and Bear 

Mountain, which are each almost 100% open as 2019 

arrives. Natural snow and awesome snowmaking weather has 

also benefitted tubing hills at Big Bear Snow Play and Alpine 

Slide. Read all about it, including Resort Shorts on page 7. 

Zoo Plans its Move, Old One Still Great 

Big Bear Alpine Zoo is plotting its next move—literally—as 

one of only two high elevation parks in the country gets 

ready to move to new digs. Curator Bob Cisneros explains 

how you move a zoo, but don’t forget the old one is still open 

with winter’s take on wildlife. 

English Beat, War, Artimus Pyle at Cave 

Big names at The Cave in January, starting with The English 

Beat. Then there’s War with iconic hits and former Lynyrd 

Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle (story this page) and his tight 

band. Plus awesome tributes to Pink Floyd, Rage Against the 

Machine, Groove Kitty dance party and more. 

Alien Snowfest Down to Earth UFO Fun 

Some of the biggest names in UFOlogy are back for two days 

of out-of-this-world discussions and events featuring some of 

the biggest personalities. Like George Noory, renowned UFO 

expert Stanton Friedman, Nick Pope and many more. Don’t 

forget to beam in for Saturday’s Alien Breakfast too! 

Winter Horseback Rides, Petting Zoo 

Explore pristine Big Bear backcountry on horseback during 

guided tours out of Baldwin Lake Stables. Snow makes for 

the ultimate silence and adds an extra dimension to these 

popular rides with horses for all ability levels. There’s even 

hand-led pony rides for little buckaroos and petting zoo! 

Drummer Artimus Pyle keeps Lynyrd 

Skynyrd legacy alive; stories pages 2 and 

8. 

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: 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 2019 Big Bear Today

Big Bear Today January 2019—Page 3


Winter is on at Summit, Bear Mtn. 

Natural, snowmaking make up for last year’s absence 

S 

ome natural snow and a lot—we 

mean, a lot—of snowmaking has 

allowed favorite runs at Snow 

Summit and Bear Mountain to open for the 

first time in two years. 

December snow was nice, including 

the Christmas storm, but it was the wind 

event that followed that really got the resorts 

going. The Southland’s largest 

snowmaking systems with virtually unlimited 

water went to work nonstop with incredible 

production. With several days of 

around-the-clock production the Big Bear 

resorts were able to open runs skiers and 

snowboarders never saw last year. 

At Snow Summit Chair 6 serving The 

Wall and Off Chute cranked up for the first 

time since 2018. Then it was Chair 10 with 

blue square favorites like Perfect Pitches. 

Finally Tommi’s and Jo’s plus Olympic, 

as steep as any groomed run in the region. 

Turn up the music in Summit’s famed 

bowl, there’s skiers and snowboarders 

again! 

Same story at Bear Mountain. Silver 

Mountain opened last year with just Exhibition 

but popular Rip Cord never did business, 

nor did Showtime. Both are now open 

along with Outlaw and Grizzly, two others 

active for the first time in two seasons 

Even the standard halfpipe! 

The capper though is famed 

Geronimo on Bear Peak, with the highest, 

longest run in the region—one run with 

1,200 feet of vertical, more than some ski 

resorts. When Bear Peak triple chair started 

Adventure Academies are kid havens 

Bear Mountain debuted its new Adventure 

Academy in December, joining 

Snow Summit in offering the ultimate kids 

destination and hangout. 

It’s a one-stop shop for family rentals, 

lift tickets and state-of-the-art learning 

center, 6,000 square feet of nirvana for 

children ages 4-12 and even their parents. 

The new facility is actually larger than 

Snow Summit’s, and both are designed to 

get families out on the snow faster. Mom 

and Dad can watch from the new viewing 

deck in front of Adventure Academy and 

cheer on their youngsters during their lesson, 

or head out to the slopes themselves. 

Kids get their own separate 5 acre beginner 

area to learn on serviced by moving 

carpets. There’s various types of lesson 

to cater to each child’s needs and renting 

equipment is a snap with kids fitted 

for ski or snowboard boots on a new stepthrough 

ramp. Plus the unique Riechman 

Equipment Rack system allows for faster 

full-service rentals. 

From start to finish youngsters love 

Adventure Academy, where they’re as- 

turning it meant that all four of the resort’s 

peaks were finally open, a momentous occasion 

indeed. Good news too for weekend 

reggae parties hosted by Rasta George 

at Geronimo’s Outpost at the top of Access 

Express high-speed quad. 

Baby New Year is starting out a lot 

better than 2018, at least as far as the resorts 

are concerned. Both are already almost 

fully open as the year begins including 

all the signature favorites. Plus reported 

base depths at Summit and Bear are 24-40 

at press time, better than a year ago by a 

long shot. 

Natural snow has helped but mostly 

credit goes to snowmaking systems that 

have received over $12 million in upgrades 

in recent years, ranging from dozens of fan 

guns at both places to power plant upgrades 

at Snow Summit. Including this past offseason. 

Really though, it’s not the guns that 

set the Big Bear resorts apart but the ammo. 

Snow Summit and Bear Mountain have a 

virtually endless water supply in Big Bear 

Lake, drawing hundreds of millions of gallons 

for snowmaking each year, while others 

rely on limited supplies of reservoir and 

well water. 

When conditions are just average prosigned 

their own cubbie to store shoes, 

jackets and gift bags and Biggie & Friends 

storybooks to color while they wait for 

their lesson. Burton Riglet Mats depict 

snowboard symbols in a fun game kids 

play by rolling dice, bending and grabbing 

at the corresponding number to simulate 

various moves on the snow. Every kid is 

awarded their own official Adventure 

Academy badge awarded at the end of the 

day. 

The new building is also home to the 

new Flat Bottom Dough serving artisan 

wood fired pizza baked at 700°. Each pie 

is 10” and handmade with fresh dough. 

There’s also chicken wings, flat bottom 

knots and salads. 

Bear’s Academy also features the 

brand-new Shred, Shaken & Stirred, where 

parents can enjoy Starbucks Coffee and 

custom espresso drinks, hot cocoa, snack 

and other refreshments. There’s also draft 

beer and wine plus full cocktail selection. 

Make reservations in advance at 

BigBearMountainResorts.com and save 

20% midweek. Call (844) Go-2-BEAR. 


duction runs about 2,000-3,000 gallons of 

water per minute turned into snow. During 

optimum conditions, when temperatures 

and humidity are both low (i.e. Santa 

Ana wind events), snowmaking can skyrocket 

to 6,000 gpm or more, enough to 

fill a swimming pool in five minutes. 

Both were busy turning the lake into 

snow during the holidays, opening new 

runs daily. And all the snow allowed Bear 

to debut its new Adventure Academy (story 

this page). 

Plus the parks are really starting to 

take shape. Nearly 100 features are spread 

between the two resorts including a variety 

of rails and jumps. As conditions allow 

look for Bear’s competition-quality 

Superpipe above the base area to open in 

full view of those enjoying food and drink 

on the 13,000 sq. ft. deck. 

If all that isn’t enough, there’s always 

Snow Summit’s popular night sessions on 

Fridays, Saturdays and holidays from 3- 

8:30 p.m. Lay down turns after dark on 

Summit Run, Miracle Mile and Westridge, 

which gets a fresh groom after the day session 

to ensure optimal conditions. 

Contact the resorts at (844) GO-2- 

BEAR or bigbearmountainresorts.com. 

Cover and inside photos courtesy Big Bear Mountain Resorts—Lee Stockwell 

Days plowing through powder or soaring into clear blue skies are equally fun at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, each nearly 100% open as 2019 arrives

Big Bear Today January 2019—Page 5 

Tons of snow, long runs at BBSP 

Rebel Ridge, one of Big Bear’s early 

ski areas, was too small to compete with 

bigger areas but it did leave one significant 

contribution to winter recreation: 

Snowmaking. 

The ski area was the first in Big Bear 

to make its own white stuff and indeed was 

among the first in the country to do so. 

Putting snow down in an otherwise tough 

year convinced Snow Summit founder 

Tommi Tyndall that installing snowmaking 

was the only way his resort could survive 

and today Summit and also Bear Mountain 

have some of the most sophisticated 

systems in the world. In a way, Rebel Ridge 

shaped the future of Big Bear skiing. 

That tradition continues today as Big 

Bear Snow Play pumps out tons of snow 

on the former Rebel Ridge location. Several 

ski resort quality Lenko fan guns along 

with natural snow have already built snow 

depths a dozen feet or more and they’ll 

continue to do so as conditions allow. By 

the time spring arrives it’s likely there will 

be snow piled three stories high at the tubing 

area, enough to last into April, maybe 

till Easter. 

With a vertical rise of a few hundred 

feet, Rebel Ridge was never big enough to 

compete as a ski area, but it’s oversized for 

a tubing hill allowing guests to really get 

moving. Families sliding on camouflagecolored 

tubes really pick up speed with 

each trip down lasting what feels like a 

lifetime, instead of ending in the blink of an 

eye. 

No wonder Big Bear Snow Play has 

been a generational favorite with families, 

and now kids who got their first taste of 

snow on its long runs are bringing their 

kids to play in the white stuff. Best part is 

that no one has to walk up for their turn 

down; two Magic Carpet uphill lifts on 

busy days let families just step on and step 

off, eliminating the tiring uphill grind. One 

carpet is even covered for guest comfort! 

In terms of snowmaking per square 

foot of terrain, Big Bear Snow Play has 

more snow gun firepower than any resort 

around. All that snow is groomed nightly 

to afford guests the best possible conditions, 

smooth corduroy that’s a blast to 

slide on. As the white stuff piles up Big 

Bear Snow Play crafts whoop-di-doos, 

berms and other features that add to traditional 

downhill sliding. 

Longest tubing runs in SoCal at Big Bear Snow Play 

where folks ride solo... 

Glow tubing under the stars at Big 

Bear Snow Play has become wildly popular 

since it was introduced a few years ago 

and the lights are even brighter after more 

lighting was added in the off-season. Glow 

Tubing sessions are held every Friday and 

Saturday plus holiday periods from 5-9 

p.m. and are super popular. All runs are 

groomed again after the day session and 

as the temperatures drop the snow gets 

faster. Bundle up and get ready for the tubing 

experience of a lifetime. 

The runs already looked like a cosmic 

rainbow during night inner tubing sessions 

after 11 RGB strobes that change sequences 

from color to color and LED lights 

were installed. Now the lighting is downright 

Technicolor; even the Magic Carpet 

is lit up with over 1,500 different LED 

multi-color fluorescent lights! 

When it’s time for a winter warmup, 

head inside the toasty warm base lodge 

with family priced snack bar, restrooms and 

video games. Plus there’s outdoor tables 

where parents can sit and watch the action, 

even bringing their own food if they like. 

Inner tubing is offered daily from 10 

a.m.-4 p.m. at Big Bear Snow Play. All sessions 

are priced at $35 which includes tube 

rental and lift ticket and guests are free to 

come and go as they want. 

The area’s Badge Days honoring military, 

fire, police, EMT and other emergency 

personnel with 2-for-1 lifts tickets has been 

expanded for 2019 to include Monday 

through Thursday, nonholiday. 

Big Bear Snow Play is at 42825 Big 

Bear Blvd. Call (909) 585-0075. 

...or link up to form trains of two or three or even many more! 

FREE 

Bowling! 

With this ad buy 2 games per person at 

regular price and your 3rd game is FREE! 

(Not valid when on wait list) 

Sports Bar, Arcade, Pizza, Burgers, More! 

GLOW BOWLING NIGHTLY! 

New Lazer Maze Attraction! 

The BOWLING BARN 

40625 BIG BEAR BLVD. • 878-BOWL (2695) 

THERE’S ALWAYS A PARTY AT THE BOWLING BARN! BBT—35 

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 

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


New zoo coming, old one still fun 


Big Bear Alpine Zoo is one of only 

two high elevation parks in the 

country. It’s also one of only two 

zoos in California home to grizzly bears, 

the state symbol. 

And in late spring or early summer 

2019, Big Bear Alpine Zoo will join another 

rare list: it will move to a new location, 

something most zoos never do. 

“Last time a zoo moved like this,” 

Bob Cisneros, curator at Big Bear Alpine 

Zoo who is going to experience it 

firsthand,joked, “it rained 40 days and 40 

nights. It usually only happens in some 

kind of cataclysmic event.” 

It’s going to happen in Big Bear. The 

zoo won’t move far, only a mile or so down 

Clubview Dr. from its current location 

across from Bear Mountain, but even so it 

figures to be a daunting task, transporting 

150+ animals that range from grizzly bears 

weighing several hundred pounds to tiny 

San Bernardino flying squirrels and everything 

in between. 

How do you move a zoo? Sounds like 

the start of a potential joke, with the gag 

line being something like “carefully.” Yet 

it’s no laughing matter, because BBAZ 

will undertake what few zoos ever attempt, 

transporting residents and their furniture 

in a long-awaited relocation that’s taken 

two decades and several starts and stops 

to come to fruition. 

Heavy snow two winters ago slowed 

the project and Hurricane Harvey in Houston 

last year delayed some material ship- 

ments, but work continues to progress with 

the end in sight. The $8.5 million project 

is tantalizingly close to being done. 

The zoo was set to get the keys in late 

December, Cisneros, who came to BBAZ 

three years ago after working 21 years at 

San Diego Zoo, said. The completion date 

doesn’t include landscaping which the zoo 

is doing on its own and with winter here, 

realistically the move will happen sometime 

in May or perhaps early June 2019. 

“We have over 200 shrubs and trees 

to plant,” Cisneros said. The zoo’s tree 

campaign seeks donations to purchase 

larger trees that are more mature—some 

40-50 have been purchased at $500 per, 

which entitles the buyer to a sponsorship 

plate under their tree. 

“All exhibits will need to be set up 

with furniture and hydroseed spread 

throughout,” Cisneros said. “That won’t 

happen in winter.” 

As the new zoo is completed it’s obvious 

this is going to be one nice facility. 

At 6.5 acres it’s almost three times the current 

zoo’s size and will feature five marquee 

exhibits showcasing the zoo’s three 

grizzly bears, timber wolf packs, mountain 

lions, black bears and snow leopards. 

All areas will encourage animals to exhibit 

natural behaviors, like the grizzly enclosure, 

which will have a stream and pit allowing 

the bears to forage for food. 

Most enclosures at the new zoo are 

three times bigger than current exhibits. 

Plus PGAV, the same company that built 

Zoo animals like the wolves 

(above) and bobcats (right) love 

the recent snow! 

the famed George Aquarium 

among other projects, designed 

multiuse enclosures that make 

the habitat live even larger. 

That’s because “creeps” 

have been designed into exhibits 

that allow animals to literally 

encroach on their neighbor’s 

space. Take the foxes for instance. 

They’ll be able to wander 

into the badger exhibit during 

lockdown and vice-versa. 

Wolves can spread out into the 

grizzly exhibit when the bears 

are away. 

Building the zoo has been 

a challenge, but the task won’t 

be done till the animals are in it. 

“Every single animal presents challenges 

when you move the zoo,” Cisneros said. 

“First phase will be the large animals, the 

bears, big cats and wolves. We should 

complete that in a week.” 

Obviously you don’t just put a leash 

on them and take a stroll down the street. 

“We’ll begin with anaesthesia,” Cisneros 

said. “This is where our Evidence Based 

Management plan works; we know the 

cocktail for anathesia for each animal.” 

Play all day for $25 on Jan. 24 Slide Day 

Enjoy a full day of winter play— 

including lunch!— for twenty five bucks 

when Alpine Slide hosts its annual winter 

KOLA-FM "Slide Day" on Thursday, 

January 24 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

For $24.99, guests receive an all-day 

pass for inner tubing on the area's snowplay 

hill, which includes tube rental, use of the 

Magic Carpet uphill ride, and sliding on 

four downhill runs and the famous, twisting 

“Snake.” Guests also get two rides on 

the one-of-a-kind Alpine Slide, an Olympic 

bobsled-like experience full of banked 

turns and long straightaways, plus a turn 

on the Putt `N Around Go-Karts and 18- 

hole miniature golf course (weather permitting). 

When hunger strikes after all 

that fun, Slide Day guests also get a hot 

dog, chips and Coca-Cola for lunch. 

Combined the full day of fun in the 

Dr. Mark Greenberg from UC San 

Diego, whom Cisnros has known for 

years, has a cabin in Big Bear and will help 

make the animals sleepy. Current vet Dr. 

Brian Loudis is on board too. “And we’re 

hoping other exotic veternarians can help.” 

The zoo’s seven wolves won’t be put 

to sleep. Instead the plan is to use a Y- 

pole in a trick that looks like it’s straight 

out of Crocodile Dundee. It plays off the 

Continued on page 12 

Big Bear sun costs well over $40, so 

parents and youngsters save serious 

money—all day snow play lift ticket is 

normally $35 itself. Thanks to the area’s 

aggressive snowmaking with Lenko fan 

guns plus the naturalsnow conditions are 

excellent. Getting to the top of all the 

snow is easy, thanks to the Alpine Slide’s 

Magic Carpet, covered for guest comfort. 

KOLA-FM radio will be on hand for 

an on-air remote broadcast on Alpine 

Slide's expanded sundeck. Enjoy the recently 

remodeled heated lodge, with spacious 

windows to soak in the views plus 

video games and family-priced snack bar. 

Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain is on 

Big Bear Blvd. 1/4 mile west of the Village. 

Call (909) 866-4626.


A 

RESORT SHORTS 

What's Happening at Snow Summit & Bear Mountain 

Ski racing, USASA events How to save a buck or 2 

on tap at Summit, Bear at Snow Summit, Bear 

See exciting ski racing close up—including 

Snow Summit’s powerhouse youth 

race team—plus snowboard action during 

January events at Snow Summit and Bear 

Mountain. 

Snow Summit has long fielded a powerhouse 

ski race team, one that annually 

competes with success against teams from 

much larger resorts. Now the resort has 

freeestyle and snowboard teams too, reflecting 

its place as the Southland’s leading 

ski area. 

Snow Summit hosts South Series races 

against other Southern California regional 

teams for ages 12 and under with giant slalom 

on Jan. 12-13. The action is fast-paced 

with dual gate competition that’s fun and 

free to watch. Slalom is on Feb. 2-3. 

For more fast times on the slopes, 

don’t miss the five-event Goldsmith’s 

Boardhouse race series events (formerly 

the Alpine series) down Snow Summit’s 

Widowmaker race course. The series continues 

with events #2 and #3 on Jan. 19-20 

and #4 and #5 on Feb. 9-10. Races feature 

pro-format head-to-head dual slalom action 

(no pro bump). 

United States Amateur Snowboard 

Association (USASA) events also continue 

in January including slopestyle at 10 a.m. 

on Jan. 13 at Bear followed by Rail Jam 

#2 on Jan. 27 from 4-5 p.m. Other events 

include boardercross next month on February 

10 and halfpipe on Feb. 24. 

Events are open to all boarders and 

freeskiers—there’s different age and skill 

classifications to choose from—and there 

are several reasons for every rider to get 

involved. First, the $100 membership fee 

entitles riders to enter all events at serious 

discounts that include lift ticket, race fees, 

T-shirt and more. Then there’s the apresevent 

parties, which are legendary, with so 

much swag and giveaways it’s hard not to 

win something.Events are held at over 120 

resorts in the country. Visit www.usasa.org. 

Reggae Parties with DJ 

Rasta George at Geronimo’s 

Come to Da Party, Man! Geronimo’s 

Outpost, the on-mountain retreat at the base 

of Bear Mountain’s highest peak and top 

of Access Express, is, the site for Snow 

Splash reggae parties starring DJ Rasta 

George Saturdays and Sundays beginning 

at noon once the season gets rolling. 

Enjoy full bar and revitalized food 

menu along with nonstop reggae music 

from Bob Marley to Sean Paul with 

George, now in his 14th year at the Outpost, 

along with wife Margie. Find your 

beach in the snow while taking in views of 

top skiers and snowboarders as they descend 

down Bear Peak high above the 

beach party Geronimo’s. 

Access Express chair services Southern 

California’s largest beginner area, so 

it’s Geronimo’s is accessible to everyone. 

Stop by, weather permitting, for a little fun 

in the sun! 

A 

Everyone loves to save money and the 

Big Bear resorts have a few discounts out 

there for the 2018-19 winter season. 

Those who have purchased the new 

Ikon Pass or Ikon Base Pass have already 

scored big. Unlimited access to Snow Summit 

and Bear Mountain is only the beginning 

with either Ikon. There’s access to 

Mammoth and June along with Alpine 

Meadows/Squaw Valley in Califorina and 

over 30 other resorts around the country 

and world. One pass unlocks Deer Valley, 

Steamboat Springs, Alberta’s Big 3, Copper 

Mountain and many more. 

Alas, Ikons are no longer available but 

Big Bear passes are, midweek to anytime 

and it looks to be a great season so get 

yours now. In the meantime there’s other 

ways to keep money in your pocket... 

* Plan ahead! Purchase your tickets 

at least 72 hours in advance either online 

or at (844) GO2-BEAR and save 20% off 

the price at the window. For holidays, book 

14 days out to save. 

* Uniform Days save badge-carrying 

personnel big bucks. Active military, police, 

fire and emergency workers ski or ride 

for just $42 on January 9-10, February 6-7 

and March 6-7. 

*Celebrate your birthday on the slopes 

and the Big Bear resorts will give you a 

free lift ticket for a gift! Must be on your 

actual birthday; present valid ID on your 

day and ski or ride both resorts for free. 

* Reserve Saturday rental equipment 

in advance and get a free Friday night lift 

ticket! Pick up Saturday’s gear after 5 p.m. 

Friday and shred that night for free. 

*Snow Summit and Bear Mountain 

honor active duty military members and 

their families with discounts all season 

long. Present an active duty military ID at 

the window and get 25% off lift tickets, 

rentals and lessons. Or purchase in advance 

from MWR/ITT offices; for a list of participating 

bases (909) 866-5766 ext. 126. 

Movies in the Meadow 

Jan. 5, 19 at Summit 

Apres ski or board in Snow Summit’s 

Meadow courtyard with free outdoor movies 

under the stars, so popular they’ve been 

expanded for the 2018-19 season. 

The series continues January 5 with 

“Ratatouille” and on Jan. 19 “The Croods” 

will be shown after dark on the huge inflatable 

30 foot movie screen. 

Subsequent movies include “School 

of Rock” on February 16, “Tubo” on 

March 2, “Pirates of the Caribbean (Curse 

of the Black Pearl)” on March 16, and 

“Hop” on April 20. 

There’s built-in fire pit plus two portable 

ones, heat lamps and tables with limited 

seating or bring your own folding 

chairs and blankets. The Bighorn 

Smokehouse is open for barbecue favorites 

like beef brisket smoked 14 hours and 

pulled pork smoked 12, sausage links, 

burgers, chicken and sides. 

Standard 

Motel Rooms 

$65 

with Fireplace 

& Queen Bed 

Non-Holiday / Midweek 

Weekends Slightly Higher 

Subject to change without notice. 

CLOSE TO VILLAGE, 

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 

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English Beat, War, Pyle at Cave 

War with iconic hits “Why Can’t 

We Be Friends” and “Low 

Rider.” Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer 

Artimus Pyle and his band. Awesome 

tribute to Pink Floyd. 

Wait, there’s more. The English Beat 

and top tributes to Guns N Roses and Rage 

Against the Machine. Reel Big Fish. 2019 

truly starts with a bang at The Cave Big 

Bear, the intimate concert venue that brings 

top acts to the mountain with dance floor 

just feet from the stage and full cocktail 

service that includes craft beers from Big 

Bear Lake Brewing Co. 

GUNS N ROSES tribute band Hollywood 

Roses brings its top shelf show to 

The Cave January 4. For nearly a decade 

Hollywood Roses has presented unquestionably 

the top Guns N Roses experience 

that even the original band has compared 

to its own shows. Lead singer Colby Veil 

is spot on as Axl Rose, both sounding and 

even looking like the GNR star and Robo 

Hymon on guitar mirrors the work of Slash. 

How good are they? Veil was handpicked 

by GNR original drummer Steven 

Adler to lead his band for the 20th anniversary 

of Appetite for Destruction tour at 

venues across the country and South 

"Fly, Drive or Walk to the Barnstorm Restaurant" 

Breakfast • Lunch 

Dinner 

18 

Airport Terminal 

X 

Valley Blvd. 

W. Big Bear Blvd. 

International Menu 

The Best Homemade Food in Big Bear 

Open Daily from 7 am to 3 pm 

Dinner: Fri., Sat. & Sun. from 5 to 9 pm 

live Entertainment & Weekly Specials! 

10% OFF* 

for BB Locals 

(beer & wine 

not Included) 

Big Tree Dr. 

Duke Michaels & 

Peggy Baldwin 

play at the Barnstorm 

(909) 585-9339 

America. The band’s nearly 400,000 likes 

on Facebook speaks volumes and renditions 

of “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Welcome 

to the Jungle” and “Knockin’ on Heaven’s 

Door” among others are tight. Tickets are 

$15-$25. 

THE ENGLISH BEAT returns to 

The Cave Jan. 5. “The Clown” is legendary 

and The Beat still pounds with covers 

of the Staple Singers classic “I’ll Take You 

There.” “Mirror in the Bathroom,” “Can’t 

Get Used to Losing You,” “Hands Off, 

She’s Mine” and many more hits have 

made the touring band a favorite with fans 

by blending multiple styles, like ska, pop, 

soul, reggae and punk. 

Original singer Dave Wakeling still 

belts out the hits including a couple from 

his days with General Public. The English 

Beat’s hit “Save it For Later” was covered 

by both Pete Townshend and Pearl Jam. 

Tickets $25-$35. 

REEL BIG FISH brings its “Life 

Sucks...Let’s Dance” tour to The Cave Jan. 

11 in support of the just-released album of 

the same name. The ska band from Orange 

County is best known for its 1997 hit “Sell 

Out” and has endured many lineup changes 

though lead singer Aaron Barrett remains. 

The band’s 

second album 

“Turn the Radio 

Off” was certified 

gold and hits like 

“She Has a Girlfriend 

Now,” and 

“Where Have 

You Been?” and 

“Everything 

Sucks” are still in 

demand. Plus the 

new album has 14 

originals so Reel 

Big Fish has 

plenty of material 

to draw from. 

Tickets $25. 

January 5, 12, 19 

Art 

Harriman 

January 26 

Hot Lunch Specials from $8.99 

Monday thru Friday, except Thursday 

*non-Holiday prices 

• Fine Selections 

of Beer and Wine 

• Authentic 

German 

Specialties 

Live Music 

Saturday 

Night 

For Your Dining Pleasure 

The Barnstorm Restaurant — Inside the Airport Terminal 

501 W. Valley Blvd. • Big Bear City • CA 92314 

January at The Cave: clockwise 

from top Artimus Pyle 

Band, War, Which One’s 

Pink tribute to Floyd 

WAR brings a slew of anthem 

hits on Jan. 12. Besides 

the aforementioned nuggets 

War is known for “The Cisco 

Kid,” “Summer,” “The World 

is a Ghetto” and many more, 

spawned from an era in the late 

1960’s when war was a fourletter 

word courtesy of Vietnam. 

Instead armed with guitars 

and lyrics, War battled racism, 

street crime and hunger 

with music that transcends generations 

and is just as pertinent 

today as it was yesterday. 

Eric Burdon won’t be at 

The Cave but Lonnie Jordan, 

another founding member of 

the band and frontman, will. 

War’s music remains in demand, reflected 

by 150-plus gigs each year ranging from 

huge venues to intimate clubs like The 

Cave. Amazingly War has been nominated 

but not inducted into the Rock and Roll 

Hall of Fame, an honor long overdue. Tickets 

start at $60. 

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is another group still waiting to be inducted 

in the Hall and Renegades of Rage presents 

its tribute to the band Jan. 19. Playing 

the nation’s top venues and festivals 

since 2010 Renegades of Rage delivers the 

full on raw power and ferocity of RATM’s 

live show along with flawless attention to 


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Alien Snowfest down to Earth fun 

Renowned speakers like national radio 

host George Noory and nuclear physicist 

Stanton Friedman bring the world of 

UFOs down to Earth during two days of 

otherworldly adventure January 25-26. 

Alien Snowfest lands at the Convention 

Center at Big Bear Lake after a threeyear 

absence with some of the biggest 

names in UFOology discussing alien 

sightings, abductions, secret space programs 

and more. Friedman, author of 

countless books and is the original civilian 

investigator on the Roswell Incident, 

has said that this will be one of his last 

appearances and interviews 

Friedman is well known from appearances 

on History Channel programs and 

Big Bear Today, publisher of this magazine, 

interviewed him in 2016 which can 

be read at BigBearTodayMag.com. He has 

provided written testimony to Congressional 

Hearings, twice appeared at the 

United Nations, and lectured at over 600 

colleges and 100 professional groups in all 

50 states, 10 Canadian provinces and 18 

countries. 

Having published more than 90 UFO 

papers and appearing on countless radio 

and television programs including Larry 

King, Friedman has been called the “Godfather” 

of UFOlogy and is one of the most 

recognized figures—never at a loss for 

words either “Top Secret/MAJIC,” his controversial 

book about the Majestic 12 

group, has gone through six printings with 

an expanded edition published in 2005. 

Noory hosts the nationally syndicated 

program “Coast to Coast AM” and it’s 

ironic he’ll be in Big Bear too because 

Friedman was his first interview starting 

out in radio on a Detroit station. Now he’ll 

be conducting one of Friedman’s last interviews 

at Snowfest. Noory is heard by 

millions of listeners on hundreds of stations 

in the United States, Canada, Mexico 

and Guam. 

Bowl under black lights at the Barn 

After dark the lights come on at the 

Bowling Barn—the black lights, that is. 

Plus laser lights and music videos, too. 

Glow Bowling is a highlight at the 

Barn.with an experience that’s downright 

surreal as neon balls glow brightly illuminated 

by the black lights, and players step 

out of the shadows to roll down 16 lanes 

of excitement. 

Most of the house bowling balls glow 

under the lights, in dazzling orange, blue, 

green and red. By day these balls look completely 

normal, but once the black lights 

kick on they glow to life. Filling the racks 

in all the incandescent colors of 

the rainbow, they add a 

psychedlic touch to bowling to be 

sure. The Bowling Barn has highpowered 

speakers and amps to 

kick up the sound system a few 

decibels and really get the party 

going. There’s also aser lights, 

dancing and spinning on the lanes 

and above the pins, while a center 

screen plays music videos. 

The house lights are down 

and black lights up for just open 

play so the emphasis is on fun, 

not competition, but state-of-theart 

scoreboards keep track not only of pin 

tallies but also running player handicaps 

and even the speed of their rolls. Free bowling 

with the coupon on page 5—three 

games for the price of two! 

Enjoy full cocktails in Alley Oops 

Sports Bar with pool and all the games on 

big screen high resolution TVs plus there’s 

great food including pizza, burgers and 

more. Check out Bowling Barn’s new 

Lazer Maze attraction along with tons of 

arcade games. 

Bowling Barn is at 40625 Big Bear 

Blvd. (enter on Bonanza). Call 878-BOWL. 

(L-R) George Noory and Stanton Friedman, two of the big names in UFOlogy 

He was recruited to guest host the 

show by Art Bell and took over hosting 

duties of the phenomenally successful 

overnight program in 2003 following 

Bell’s retirement. He captivates listeners 

with discussions of paranormal phenomena, 

time travel, alien abductions, conspiracies 

and other unexplained topics. 

“I’ve wanted to cover stories that the 

mainstream media never touch—the unusual, 

paranormal and things like that,” 

Noory said. He is joined by his show’s producer 

Tom Danheiser. 

The conference is star-laden to be sure, 

featuring participants who have reported 

for television and radio programs on the 

History Channel, CNN, Discovery and others 

about Area 51, unexplained sightings 

and more. Nick Pope worked for the UK 

Ministry of Defense investigating UFOs 

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 

and other mysteries officially, for the British 

government, leading the media to call 

him the real Fox Mulder. He’s worked as 

consultant or spokesperson on numerous 

alien-theme movies, video games and television 

shows including Ancient Aliens and 

Tucker Carlson Tonight. 

From “Ancient Aliens” attendees will 

recognize Mike Bara. Other participants 

include Steven Cates “Dr. Sky,” Nick 

Redfern. Steve Murillo, Tom Danheiser 

Rosemary Ellen Guiley and Alex Mistretta, 

who opens Snowfest Friday at noon. 

All-inclusive weekend passes are 

priced at $129 early bird or $179 regular 

and include all events, even Alien Breakfast 

and Noory’s evening interview with 

Friedman on Saturday. 

Visit www.aliensnowfest.com or call 

(909) 585-3000. 

• Waverunners • Jet Skis 

• Sea Doos! • Kayaks, SUP 

• Wakeboard/Water Ski Rides 

• Poontoon Boats 

and Fishing Boats! 

HORSEBACK RIDING 

Baldwin Lake Stables 

Open Year Round•Rates by the Hour 

1, 2, 3 & 4 Hour Rides•Reservations Suggested 

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! 

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 

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 

Also Available 

Lakeside RV Park 

with 

Full Hookups! 

Remodeled Bathrooms and Store 

www.800BigBear.com


Outdoor fun on Winter Trails Day 

Discover the beauty of the outdoors 

for free when Southern California Mountains 

Foundation and REI Rancho 

Cucamonga again host Winter Trails Day 

on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Big Bear 

Discovery Center. 

Burn holiday calories and explore 

beautiful Big Bear backcountry on snowshoes 

and cross-country skis during the 7th 

annual event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Equipment 

and instruction is included followed 

by 45 minute tours take beginners into the 

woods to discover great aerobic exercise 

amidst snowy winter solitude. 

Guides from Bear Valley Trails Association 

and Sierra Club Big Bear Group 

lead longer hikes for experienced 

snowshoers who have their own gear. Discovery 

Center youth volunteers host a 

Uniform Days at resorts 

Snow Summit and Bear Mountain 

continue to show gratitude to all military, 

emergency and medical personnel by offering 

discount lift tickets during popular 

“Uniform Day” promotions. 

Police, fire, EMT and active military 

need only flash their badges or proper ID 

at either Snow Summit or Bear Mountain 

windows to purchase an all-day lift ticket 

for just $42 plus 2% TBID charge during 

Uniform Days on January 9-10, February 

6-7 and March 6-7, 2019. Remember these 

are two-mountain passes for the discounted 

price of one and there’s a free shuttle running 

between the resorts every half hour! 

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snowman building contest with prizes and 

opporunity drawings, cocoa and snacks. 

It’s all free so sign up for an outing every 

half hour from 10 a.m. till 1:30 p.m. 

“Strap on a pair of lightweight 

aluminum snowshoes and you’ll quickly 

see why snowshoeing has become one of 

the fastest-growing winter sports,” said 

Stacy Gorin of Mountains Foundation. “If 

you can walk, you can snowshoe. People 

are using snowshoes for a variety of 

activities — everything from hiking into 

pristine wilderness and aerobic 

conditioning to pure recreation with family 

and friends. We’re using snowshoes for 

discovery and adventure.” 

Two feet of fresh snow greeted the 

1,500 participants two years ago, from as 

far away as New England and Texas. Last 

year was bone-dry but 2019 is off to a good 

start. Aside from frolicking in the snow 

there’s also indoor relaxation with hot 

beverages and children’s activities like 

Story Time and recycled nature crafts. 

Call (909) 866-3437. 

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Enjoy free snowshoe tours, winter activities and more at Winter Trails Day 

Artimus Pyle, Pink Floyd tribute... 

Continued from page 8 

detail with hard-hitting drums, powerful 

bass and guitar solos plus political yells. 

The set list spans all four studio albums 

with hits like “Bulls on Parade,” 

“Killing in the Name.” “Guerilla Radio,” 

“Know Your Enemy” and “Bullet in the 

Head.” Plus deeper cuts like “Fist Full of 

Steel” and “Tire Me.” Tickets $15-$25. 

ARTIMUS PYLE (story page 2) 

brings his talented band for a night of 

Lynyrd Skynyrd music Jan. 20. Pyle was 

drummer for Skynyrd starting with the 

band’s third album and his band plays all 

the legendary band’s hits: “Freebird,” 

“Sweet Home Alabama,” “Saturday Night 

Special,” “What’s Your Name,” “Simple 

Man,” Gimme Three Steps,” the list goes 

on and on. 

“It’s hard to know what songs to do in 

an 80 minute show,” Pyle said. “We can 

be out six days and do six different sets.” 

He’s joined by a tight band. Guitars 

Scott Raines and Jerry Lyda spent time in 

Nashville learning from late Skynyrd guitarist 

Ed King, “who showed them exactly 

how to play every song,” Pyle said. Bass 

Dave Fowler plays with Dolly Parton, 

Lorrie Morgan and more. Singer Brad 

Durden has a slew of credits. $25-$45. 

PINK FLOYD TRIBUTE on Jan. 26 

is presented by Which One’s Pink, one of 

AXS-TV’s “World’s Greatest Tribute 

Bands.” Watch the band’s videos on You 

Tube and it’s easy to see why as they replicate 

Pink Floyd classics like “Another 

Brick in the Wall,” “Wish You Were Here,” 

“Money” and “Comfortably Numb.” 

The band has been together since 1997 

and strives to play Floyd songs note-fornote, 

a real task that takes nine performers 

to pull off. The sound is nearly album like 

with all the favorites including “Breathe” 

and “Time.” The Cave’s special effects— 

state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, 

lasers, fog machines, even “snow” periodically 

falling—really add to the show. Tickets 

start at $20. 

All shows start at 7:30 p.m. 

The Cave; 40789 Village Dr. (909) 

878-0204 or thecavebigbear.com. 





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18


Tallies, talks, snow treks on tap freezes over 

Make tracks—and memories—at Big 

Bear Discovery Center in January, where 

bald eagles come to life and the great outdoors 

unfolds. 

Thanks to recent snowstorms guests 

will be making tracks during popular 

Guided Snowshoe Eco-Tours. Venture 

out into the forest each weekend with naturalists 

who lead treks into Big Bear 

backcountry in search of signs of wildlife 

while enjoying winter recreation at the 

same time. It’s amazing how quiet the 

woods are when they’re blanketed by 

snow, which acts like a sound 

absorber...hear each step break through a 

thin layer of crust amidst the peace and 

tranquility of the woods. 

Learn how to snowshoe properly; if 

you can walk, you can snowshoe! Snowshoe 

tours are from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 

p.m. each Saturday and Sunday from 9 

a.m.-noon weekends till March 3, snow 

conditions permitting. Cost is $30, $20 

ages 8-16, which includes snowshoe rental, 

poles, light snack and water. Advance reservations 

required; reserve your spot at 

Head out on snowshoes to explore Big 

Bear backcountry on guided tours 

Now 

Re-Opened! 

www.snowshoebigbear.eventbrite.com. 

Discovery Center’s popular Animal 

Tracking returns on Jan. 12 and 26. Learn 

about and see tracks of local animals from 

large predators like coyotes, back bears 

and cougars to smaller mammals such as 

raccoons, chipmunks and bobcats. Participants 

also make their own casts of popular 

animal tracks. 

Cost is $5 for the 30 minute programs, 

which run continuously from 11 a.m.-1 

p.m. Subsequent programs are on February 

9 and 16 plus March 9 and 23. 

Make more tracks at the Nature Discovery 

Zone, where there’s hands-on activities 

and unstructured play areas just for 

youngsters. Nine interactive stations encourage 

outdoor exploration plus there’s 

an adjacent half-mile interpretive loop. 

Bald Eagles winter in Big Bear each 

year and Discovery Center is a great place 

to learn about America’s national symbol. 

This is the 40th year Forest Service is 

monitoring the local population during 

monthly bald eagle counts, including Jan. 

12, as participants are directed to favored 

eagle hangouts. Participants spotted just 

three juveniles during the season’s first 

count in December, numbers that continue 

to decline from highs several years ago 

even as populations nationwide recover. 

Standing two to three feet tall, juvenile 

birds are distinguished by brownspeckled 

heads and tail. They don’t develop 

their signature snowy white crowns 

and tail till they become adults, about age 

four or five. While Big Bear winters seem 

harsh to some, for eagles they are relatively 

mild compared to that in their summer 

habitats of Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, 

even Canada and Alaska. As northern waters 

freeze over ice entombs fish and ducks 

fly south, so the two favorite foods for bald 

eagles become unavailable. 

Wintering here makes perfect sense: 

Big Bear is along the Pacific Migratory 

Flyaway, a bird freeway, which brings lots 

of ducks and coots. Plus the lake rarely 

Your Wild Bird & Squirrel Headquarters 

Bald eagle counts, celebrations 

and viewing tips 

at Discovery Center 

so fish are 

available. As 

an incentive, 

intelligencechallenged 

coots freeze 

right into the 

water overnight, 

making 

for easy 

e a g l e 

pickin’s locals 

term 

“cootsicles.” 

What’s 

believed to 

be the first 

bald eagle 

ever hatched 

in Big Bear 

in 2012 in turn laid her own eggs last February. 

Two eggs were spotted in a 

Fawnskin nest and both successfully 

hatched. Sadly one of the birds subsequently 

died but the other, Stormy, survived 

despite the nest being literally blown 

out of the trees by high winds. Now the 

juvenile eagle can often be spotted soaring 

over the lake. 

No reservations or experience is necessary. 

Meet at Discovery Center at 8 a.m. 

for the counts and dress warmly and bring 

binoculars if you have them. Call (909) 

382-2832 for details and a message is left 

by 6:30 a.m. morning of the count if it has 

to be cancelled for weather. Other counts 

are February 9 and the March 9 finale. Discovery 

Center often has a spotting scope 

.com 

New! Night Glow Tubing! 

Fridays, Saturdays, Holidays 5-9 pm 

focused on birds across the lake. 

Bald Eagle Celebrations follow each 

count at 11 a.m. at the Discovery Center 

and feature a bird from Big Bear Alpine 

Zoo. Seeing an eagle from just feet away 

helps visitors really appreciate the piercing 

eyes and razor-sharp talons! Forest Service 

biologist Robin Eliason presents fascinating 

facts and slideshow on Big Bear 

bald eagles and admission is free. 

Every Saturday at 1 and 2 p.m. and 

Sundays at 11 a.m. and noon, there’s free 

Nature Walks led by naturalists around 

Discovery Center’s forested grounds. Each 

30-minute adventure presents local flora 

and fauna and is fun for the whole family. 

Call Big Bear Discovery Center at 

(909) 382-2790. 

Bird Info Here! 

Birdwalks, Too 

• Fine Oregon Pine Furnishings 

• Seed 

• Suet 

• Nuts 

• Gift Items 

• Feeders 

• Nectar 

(909) 281-4548 • 42656 Moonridge Rd. 

Big Bear Lake, California 

(Across from the New Zoo, On the Way to Bear Mountain) 

COVERED 

MAGIC CARPET 

RIDE UPHILL! 

SNOW 

Coming 

Soon! 

Heated Base Lodge • Snack Bar • Family Fun! 

Winter Hours – Daily 10am – 4pm


Sky-high rides on new Soaring Eagle 

There’s a new eagle in Big Bear, not 

bald but soaring through the skies still, and 

you get to come along for the ride. 

Soaring Eagle at Alpine Slide is the 

latest unique attraction at a recreation area 

already famous for its signature bobsled 

ride plus inner tubing in winter and water 

slide in summer. The Soaring Eagle attraction 

is a zipline-like experience with a 

couple notable differences. Riders sit instead 

of lie down and ride up to the top 

tower backwards. 

Guests don’t have to apply any brake 

or use any skill set, since it’s an amusement 

park ride rather than zipline, so 

they’re just along for the ride. And what a 

Zoo move... 

Continued from page 6 

heirarchy of wolves as the pole bearer assumes 

dominance over the animal. Otherwise 

the choices are a dart gun or netting, 

“both dangerous with the opportunity that 

it will not go well for the netter or the 

wolf,” Cisneros said. 

The Y-pole looks something like a divining 

rode with the fork a few inches 

apart. “We get the wolf in a corner then 

the pole becomes an external part of me,” 

Cisneros said. “I bring it close to the mouth 

and it’ll snap, even bite at the Y. You have 

to be cool, calm and can’t jerk back. Then 

I’ll rub the snout, behind the ear. 

“Finally it submits and we cover its 

eyes and head with a hood,” he said. “You 

wouldn’t think it would work but it works 

remarkably well.” All with no mace or 

sidearm for protection, just the Y-pole. 

The zoo’s Dar Larizadeh has been in 

with Cisneros during the process. “Was I 

scared? No,” he said. “It’s exciting, calm 

excitement.” 

Next up for the move after the big 

animals are the coyotes and wolves. Then 

the raptors, like resident bald eagles, 

hawlks and owls. 

In the meantime Big Bear Alpine Zoo 

remains a terrific family outing and 

Cisneros expects little or no down time 

during the move. Daily animal enrichment 

programs are held four times daily when 

guests meet a resident up close. 

The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m.-4 

p.m. Admission is $12, $6 ages 3-10/60 

and over, under three free. 

The zoo is at 43285 Goldmine Dr. 

across from Bear Mountain. Call (909) 

584-1299. 

ride it is! Between the two towers riders 

soar 500 feet—close to two football 

fields!—and reach speeds up to 26 mph, 

with a vertical drop of about 125 feet. 

It’s the first ride of its kind in California 

with the nearest other one just installed 

atop the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas. There’s 

no bulky shoulder harness to wear so guests 

feel, well, as free as birds while they fly. 

Which they first do backwards! 

Double seat belts secure up to two riders 

and they shoot to the top tower facing the 

ground, almost as fast as when they’re coming 

down, in an experience that’s as exhilarating 

as the descent. 

Get ready for high-speed thrills coming 

down as Soaring Eagle tickles tree tops. 

Riders hit top speed as they approach the 

bottom and the attraction automatically 

brings them to a stop in dramatic fashion. 

At $12 per ride Soaring Eagle is priced 

less than other similar attractions. Riders 

can go solo or with a companion to share 

the experience with, unlike ziplines. Guests 

must be at least 42” tall and those between 

42-48” must ride with an adult. Photo and 

video of the experience can also be purchased. 

Soaring Eagle may have no guest interaction, 

but Alpine Slide bobsleds are 

quite the opposite. Guests unleash their inner 

Olympian while navigating sleds they 

control down two quarter-mile long tracks 

with banked turns and long straightaways. 

It’s an experience straight out of the Olympics, 

as riders lean into and out of each turn, 

all the while controlling their speed by 


Sky-high thrills on new 

Soaring Eagle at 

Alpine Slide 

working the brake handle. 

More thrills are found on Alpine 

Slide’s inner tubing hill. The area’s powerful 

Lenko fan guns produce volumes of 

snow in building base depths that reach 

dozens of feet high, and already the white 

stuff is really piling up. Getting to the top 

of all that snow, which is groomed nightly 

so guests slide on perfect corduroy each 

morning, is easy thanks to the covered 

Magic Carpet uphill lift. Just step on and 

step off...no tiring uphill walk! 

Inner tubing is offered at Alpine Slide 

daily from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with night tubing 

sessions 5-9 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays 

and holiday periods including nightly till 

January 5. Tickets for all inner tubing sessions 

include lift and tube rental and are 

$35, children 36-42 inches $20. 

Alpine Slide is 1/4 mile west of the 

Village. Call (909) 866-4626. 

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 

WIN STUFF for the 2010 / 11 season @ 

www.facebook.com/snowforecast.comom


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 $20.95! 

NIGHTLY DINNER SPECIALS 

WED—PRIME RIB $17.95 

THURS—NEW YORK STEAK $17.95 

FRIDAY—HOMEMADE POT PIES $14.25 

OR SURF & TURF $18.95 

SAT—ALL-U-CAN-EAT BEEF RIBS 

$20.95...POT PIES $14.25 IF AVAILABLE 

SUN-HOLIDAYS—PRIME RIB $18.95 

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 

January 

4 

Hollywood Roses tribute to Guns 

N Roses at The Cave at 7:30 

p.m. $15-$25. 878-0204. 

5 

Movies in the Meadow at Snow 

Summit base area courtyard 5 

p.m., “Ratatouille” Free. 866- 

5766. 

5 

The English Beat in concert at 

The Cave at 7:30 p.m. $25- 

$35. 878-0204. 

9-10 

Uniform Days at Snow Summit 

and Bear Mountain feature $42 

(plus TBID) lift tickets for badgecarrying 

personnel. 866-5766. 

11 

Reel Big Fish “Life Sucks...Let’s 

Dance” tour at The Cave 7:30 

p.m. Tickets $25. 878-0204. 

12 

Bald Eagle Count, the second of 

the season held by the Forest 

Service, 8-10 a.m. Meet at Discovery 

Center. 866-3437. 

12 

Bald Eagle Celebration 11 a.m. 

at Discovery Center with biologist 

Robin Eliason, free. Animal 

Tracking 11 a.m.-1 p.m., $5; 

Snowshoe Tours Sat. 9 a.m.- 

noon and 1-4 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.- 

noon. $30, $20 ages 8-16. 866- 

3437. 

12 

Winter Trails Day at Discovery 

Center 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; free 

snowshoeing, more. 866-3437. 

12 

War in concert 7:30 p.m. at The 

Cave. $60-$95. 878-0204. 

13 

USASA Slopestyle #1 and #2 is 

at Bear Mountain. 866-5766. 

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 


Pine Knot 

Marina 

Marina 

Meadow Park 

Town Trail 

12-13 

U10-14 South Series slalom race 

at Snow Summit, free spectating. 

866-5766. 

19 

Renegades of Rage tribute to 

Rage Against the Machine at 

The Cave at 7:30 p.m. $15- 

$25. 878-0204. 

19 

Movies in the Meadow at Snow 

Summit base area courtyard 5 

p.m., “The Croods” Free. 866- 

5766. 

19-20 

Goldsmiths Boardhouse Series 

Races #2 and #3 at Snow Summit. 

866-5766. 

20 

Artimus Pyle, original Lynyrd 

Skynyrd drummer, in concert 

7:30 p.m. at The Cave. Tickets 

$25-$45. 878-0204. 

24 

KOLA-FM Slide Day at Alpine 

Slide; all-day snowplay pass, 

two Alpine Slide rides, lunch 

and more for $24.99. 866- 

4626. 

25 

Groove Kitty dance party 7:30 

p.m. at The Cave with hits from 

80’s to today. Tickets $10. 878- 

0204. 

25-26 

Alien Snowfest 2 at the Convention 

Center with George 

Noory, Stanton Friedman, others 

plus Alien Breakfast, more. 

$129 both days. 585-3000. 

26 

Animal Tracking at Discovery 

Center 11 a.m.-1 p.m., $5. 866- 

3437. Snowshoe Tours Sat. 9 

a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., Sun. 9 

a.m.-noon. $30, $20 ages 8-16 

866-3437. 

Walk 

Board 

January 2019—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 

26 

Which One’s Pink? tribute to 

Pink Floyd at The Cave 7:30 

p.m. $20-$30. 878-0204. 

27 

USASA Rail Jam #2 is at Bear 

Mountain. 866-5766. 

February 

2 

Beatles vs. Stones A Musical 

Showdown at The Cave 7:30 

p.m. $20-$40. 878-0204. 

2-3 

U10-14 South Series giant slalom 

race at Snow Summit, free 

spectating. 866-5766. 

2-3 

Bear Bowl 2019 at Bear Mountain 

with teams of 4 competing 

Saturday, big game party Sunday 

in Methods. 866-5766. 

9 

Bald Eagle Count, the third of 

the season held by the Forest 

Service, 8-10 a.m. Meet at Discovery 

Center. 866-3437. 

9 

Bald Eagle Celebration 11 a.m. 

at Discovery Center with biologist 

Robin Eliason, free. Animal 

Tracking 11 a.m.-1 p.m., $5; 

Snowshoe Tours Sat. 9 a.m.- 

noon and 1-4 p.m.,, Sun. 9 

a.m.-noon. $30, $20 ages 8- 

16. 866-3437. 

9-10 

Goldsmiths Boardhouse Series 

Races #4 and #5 at Snow Summit. 

866-5766. 

10 

USASA Boardercross is at Bear 

Mountain. 866-5766. 

23 

Orleans in concert at The Cave 

at 7:30 p.m. $25-$35. 878- 

0204. Free. 866-4970. 

To Victorville, Barstow 

& Las Vegas 

Museum 


Alpine Zoo 

To Angelus Oaks 

and Redlands 

E 

V 

E 

N 

T 

C 

A 

L 

E 

N 

D 

A 

R


Recreation 

Guide 

NEW 

WEBSITE 

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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. Big Bear Blvd., 1/4 mile west of the 

Village. 866-4626. 

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. 

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 

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. 

Gold Rush Mining Adv. 

The adventures are real and so are the 

treasures! Pan for gemstones and fossils 

millions of years old in the working sluice 

with water wheel, crack geodes to reveal 

prescious stones within, find real pearls in 

oysters and unearth dinosaur bones and 

poop. Emporium with mining and dinosaur 

theme gifts plus old fashioned fudge, 

candy, sarsaparilla and more. 50016 Big 

Bear Blvd. (909) 866-5678. 





& Snowplayers 



All Available On-line: www.BigBearTodayMag.com 


Recreation • Dining • Nightlife • And More 

Road Conditions: (800) 427-ROAD quickmap.dot.ca.gov 

Big bucks are on the line during Friday night bingo games at the Elks Lodge. Call 

(909) 866-3557. 

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. The helicopter 

seats up to four, pilot plus three passengers, 

and tours start at $35 per person based on 

two passengers. (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 a very 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, 

Moonridge Coffee Co. 

Big Bear's 

Best Coffee House! 

(909) 281-4546 

Open 7 Days! • 7 am-6 pm 

Free Wireless Internet! TVs Too! 

Finest Coffee & 

Freshest Beans 

Direct from 

Sisters, Oregon 

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. 


New Owners! New Management! 

• Espresso • Lattes • Cappuccinos 

• Teas 

• Hot and cold specialty drinks 

• Pastries • Baked fresh daily 

• Sandwiches 

• Homemade ham & cheese croissants 

Fine brew served in relaxed mountain lodge setting 

Best Grinders and Espresso Machines on the hill! 

42646 Moonridge Rd. 

next to Wild Wings by Bear Mtn.'s lower lot


Soaring Eagle 

Zip 500' downhill on the new Soaring 

Eagle attraction at Alpine Slide, only one 

of its kind in California. Reach speeds up to 

26 mph during the dramatic downhill 

descent—only after riding backwards to 

the top! Up to two can ride at one time. 

Open daily. On the boulevard 1/4 mile 

west of the Village. (909) 866-4626. 

Zoo 

Grizzly and black bears, bobcats, coyotes, 

mountain lions, deer, eagles, and other 

animals are at Big Bear Alpine Zoo, many 

of which are native to the San Bernardino 

Mtns. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays, 10- 

5 Saturday and Sunday with daily animal 

presentations at noon and weekend 3 p.m. 

“feeding frenzy” tours. Moonridge Rd. to 

Clubview, veer right to Bear Mountain, 

and turn left to the zoo. $12 adults, $9 ages 

over 60 and children 3-10, under two free. 

(909) 584-1299. 

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 

gold country. The last remaining signs of 

this historic chapter in Big Bear history are 

featured in a driving tour through what is 

known as Holcomb Valley. Totaling 11.6 

miles over a dirt road, the tour offers stops 

at Two Gun Bill’s Saloon, Hangman’s 

Tree, Pigmy Cabin, Metzger Mine, and 

more. Free maps available at the Big Bear 

Discovery Center on the North Shore— 

call 866-3437. Allow three hours for the 

drive. 

Horseback Riding 

Baldwin Lake Stable is open year-round 

for horseback riding. Rates are by the hour, 

offering one, two, three and four-hour rides 

with longer rides heading along the famous 

Pacific Crest Trail plus sunset rides. A 

variety of spectacular mountain trails with 

horses for all riding abilities. For little 

buckeroos there’s hand-led pony rides and 

petting zoo. Reservations suggested for all 

rides. Big Bear Blvd. east to stop sign at 

Hwy. 38, go through intersection, veer left 

on Shay Rd. to 46475 Pioneertown Rd., 

Big Bear City. (909) 585-6482. 

Miniature Golf/Go Karts 

Putt ‘N Around, located at the Alpine Slide 

at Magic Mountain, features a landscaped 

18-hole miniature golf course complete 

with water hazards and breaking greens. 

Then there’s an oval-shaped go-kart track 

with high-banked turns, which nine Can 

Am racers—including four two-seaters— 

with Honda 5.5 horsepowers engines and 

an array of safety features zip around. 

Open till 9 p.m. daily. 866-4626. 

Snow Playing 

Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, which 

has snowmaking to ensure snow, offers 

great inner tubing, and there’s a Magic 

Carpet to take riders to the top, too. $35 

buys an all-day (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) pass in the 

winter wonderland, which includes tube 

rental and Magic Carpet use. Night tubing 

(5-9 p.m.) each Friday and Saturday plus 

holiday periods for $30. The area also has 

the Southland’s only Alpine Slide and a 

great outdoor deck, plus the Putt ‘N Around 

go-karts and miniature golf course. 1/4 

mile west of the Village on Big Bear Blvd. 

866-4626. 

Big Bear Snow Play has Southen 

California’s longest tubing runs. Two 

Magic Carpet lifts mean guests never have 

to walk back to the top and snowmaking 

lets the area build features to enhance the 

experience. Heated base lodge and paved 

parking. Next.to Motel 6 on the bouleard 1 

mile east of the supermarkets.Sessions daily 

10 a.m.-4 p.m. $35 all day pass includes 

tube rental. Glow Tubing sessions Fridays, 

Saturdays, holiday periods 5-9 p.m., $30 

includes tube rental. (909) 585-0075. 

Snowshoeing 

No lift lines—nor lift tickets to buy— 

makes snowshoeing one of the fastestgrowing 

winter sports. A great way to 

escape the crowds and enjoy the serenity of 

Big Bear’s endless hiking trails covered by 

winter’s snow. Get maps, directions etc. 

from the shop below or Discovery Center. 

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 Duke 

Michaels and Peggy Baldwin Jan. 5, 12 and 19, Art Harriman Jan. 26. 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— Craft microbrew beers, food in a cozy 

atmosphere. Wear your gear, 75¢ off your beer. 40260 Big Bear Blvd. 866-BEER. 

NOTTINGHAMS— 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. 

THELODGE AT BIG BEAR LAKE—Fridays and Saturdays see singer Nikki Sparks 

in Stillwells lounge 5-8 p.m. followed by Johnny Jukebox 8-10. 30650 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 4 p.m. Wednesdays for country dancing with 

DJ Evan, Fridays and Saturdays with live bands. Jan. 4: Southbound, Jan. 5: Street 

Music Band. Great grub and drinks, family-friendly. Convention Center, Big Bear 

Blvd. at Division. (909) 585-3000. 

Big Bear City 

BARNSTORM RESTAURANT— 

Comfortable dining at the airport. Open 

daily for breakfast and lunch, dinner 

Thursday through Sunday with nightly 

specials and Saturday night entertainment. 

German food a specialty plus steaks, 

seafood, chicken, burgers. Ground floor at 

the airport. (909) 585-9339. 

THELMA’S TWIN PINES-Homestyle 

cooking at awesome prices make this a 

NEW 

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Guide 




family dining favorite. Daily breakfast, 

lunch and dinner specials. All-you-can-eat 

beef ribs $19.95 on Saturday nights, and 

homemade pot pies are big favorites. Open 

daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner. 337 W. 

Big Bear Blvd. Call 585-7005. 

Big Bear Lake 

BIG BEAR LAKE BREWING CO.— 

Craft micros brewed on premises and 

gourmet pub grub and appe-teasers at this 

new brewery in the Village. Full bars 

upstairs and down with lakeviews and all 

sports all the time on big screens. 40827 

Stone Rd. (909) 878-0283. 

CAPTAIN’S ANCHORAGE—Historic 

and rustic, this restaurant, built in 1947 as 

the Sportsman’s Tavern and once owned 

by Andy Devine, is a Big Bear favorite 

with specialties like prime rib, Alaskan 

King Crab legs, seafood, and steaks. Allyou-can-eat 

homemade soup and salad bar, 

romantic seating, and cocktails in the Andy 

Devine Room. Open for dinner daily from 

4:30 p.m. Moonridge Rd., just off Big 

Bear Blvd. (909) 866-3997. 

DYNASTY—Authentic Szechuan cuisine 

with an array of specialty dishes. Mongolian 

BBQ too and great cocktails. 40989 Big 

Bear Blvd. 866-7887. 

OLD COUNTRY INN-Family-style home 

cooking at this local’s favorite with 

breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Steaks, 

German and Italian specialties and much 

more with great weekday specials. 41126 

Big Bear Blvd., east of Pine Knot. Call 

866-5600. 

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THE BACK PAGE 

Winter horseback rides, petting zoo at BLS 

igh in the hills above East Big Bear 

Valley, the views are expansive and 

neverending, especially when Hyou’re sitting high in the saddle. 

Horseback riding is a great way to explore 

Big Bear backcountry, especially in 

winter. 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 through snow on 

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 

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 Snow 

Summit and 

Bear Mountain. 

A l s o 

popular are 

summer sunset 

rides, 

which lead to 

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. 

Winter is a great time to experience 

horseback riding, with snow-covered trails 

under clear blue skies and 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 temperament, 

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 


Experience snow-covered trails on horseback rides at Baldwin Lake Stables 

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 and getting their hands on 

pigs, goats, sheep, bunnies, chickens, emus 

and llamas. 

Baldwin Lake Stables is designed after 

an old western town which makes for 

great photos and selfies. Advance reservations 

recommended. All guides work for 

tips so be sure to take care of yours. 

Baldwin Lake Stables is at 46475 

Pioneertown Rd. in Big Bear City. Call 

(909) 585-6482. 


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! 

Covered Magic Carpet Uphill Lift 

Your Alpine Slide experience begins with a scenic chairlift ride above beautiful 

Big Bear Lake. You control the speed as your toboggan plummets back down 

the mountain creating a thrill you’ll want to relive again and again! 

• Go-Karts & Miniature Golf 

• Video Games & Snack Bar 

Soaring Eagle Attraction 

NEW!! 

www.AlpineSlideBigBear.com 

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 

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Big Bear Today January 2019

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