December 2021 Big Bear Today Magazine

Volume 33, No. 6 December 2021
www.bigbeartodaymag.com
The Mountain’s Monthly Lifestyle Magazine
Inner Tubing
Fun at
Big Bear
Snow Play!
• Nutcracker, Grinch Star in Moonridge Dance Show
• See Santa in Village, Slide with Him at Tubing Hills
• Christkindl Market, Christmas Boutiques, Services
• Ring in 2022 with Torchlight Parade, Doo Wah Riders

Page 2—December 2021
From the Publisher
Jesus’ birth to Sinter
Klaas, Christmas
through the years
Beautiful lights, twinkling or steady.
Joyful music, rejoicing in praise.
Decorated tree, family gatherings
and feasts.
Truly Christmas is a special occasion,
the one time of year people seem to come
together and unite in good cheer. Everyone
has an extra spring in their step,
twinkle in their eyes, smile on their face,
that is if its not covered up by a mask.
Strangers greet each other on sidewalks
when the rest of the year they’ll walk right
past without a word.
Today the holiday season is celebrated
for the better part of two months, from
Halloween till New Year’s Day. Which is
probably a good thing, because no one is
entirely certain why Christmas is celebrated
on December 25 to begin with.
Certainly the Bible doesn’t reveal the
date of Jesus Christ’s birth. In fact, it
doesn’t even talk about celebrating His
birth at all, and for the first two or so centuries
after his crucifixion, His followers
didn’t. Epiphany on January 6, marking the
arrival of the wise men after Christ’s birth,
was considered more significant, along
with Easter celebrating his resurrection.
The Bible does offer a few clues as to
the season of Jesus’ birth, and they point
to spring, not winter. Shepherds tending
their flock in the fields, for instance, points
to a spring birth, since they usually weren’t
outdoors in cold, rainy months like December.
Similarly, the Bible mentions Mary and
Joseph going to Bethlehem for the Roman
census, which wasn’t taken in winter when
conditions made travel difficult.
It’s not just the date of Christ’s birth
that’s difficult to determine. Even the year
is a mystery. Two dating systems were
around at that time, Julius Caesar’s new
Julian calendar and another that began with
the year Rome was established in 753 BC.
Dionysius Exeguus, a monk with math
skills, came up with the idea of AD 500
years later and dated events backward,
placing the birth of Jesus at AD. 1. Biblical
scholars often use the year 2 or 3 BC.
Some say the Dec. 25 observance began
in 221 AD by Sextus Julius Africanus.
He determined the date based on his calculations
from the world’s creation, which
he placed at 5499 BC. Clement of Alexandria,
a Christian teacher in Egypt around
200 AD, proposed several dates but Dec.
25 wasn’t one of them.
It wasn’t until 336 AD that a Roman
calendar mentions Christ was born on Dec.
25 in Bethlehem, Judea. It’s thought that
the date is sandwiched around a Roman
pagan festival celebrating the feast of
Saturnalia and winter solstice, both of
which featured merriment and gift-giving.
Others think it unlikely Christian cel-
ebrations would borrow from pagan rituals,
especially in early years when followers
of Jesus were being persecuted. Though
that would change when Constantine converted
to Christianity and it became the
official religion of the Empire when be
became emperor.
By contrast other Christmas traditions
have much more recent origins. The Christmas
tree, for instance, got its start in Germany
in the 16th century, though people
had decorated with evergreens during dark
winter months back in Egyptian days.
Christians began bringing decorated trees
into their homes; Protestant reformer Martin
Luther is believed to have added the
first lights to the tree, wiring candles to
branches.
When Germans began immigrating to
America in the 18th century they brought
their traditions with them. To say the tree
was not well received at first is an understatement.
New England puritans saw it as
a pagan symbol, to the point Oliver
Cromwell preached against not just trees
but Christmas carols and cards as well.
Then in 1846 popular Queen Victoria
was sketched standing around a Christmas
tree with German prince Albert. East Coast
society took notice, and suddenly evergreens
were popular everywhere.
Santa Claus as we know him, is a relatively
new addition to the season, though
his beginnings date to the 3rd century. A
monk named St. Nicholas, born around 280
AD in modern day Turkey, was known for
piety and kindness, including giving away
all his inherited wealth to the poor. Which
led him to become the most popular saint
in Europe, especially in Holland where he
became known as Sinter Klaas.
Like the Germans, the Dutch brought
their traditions with them to America. Soon
today’s name was adopted and when stores
began creating separate holiday advertising
sections, images of Santa Claus began
to appear. After thousands of children lined
up at a Philadelphia store to see a lifesize
Santa display in 1841, retailers brought out
“real” Kris Kringles for visits with kids.
In Big Bear, Christmas means snow.
An unexpected Dec. 24 inch was enough
to brighten spirits last year. Here’s hoping.
Have a Merry one.
Marcus
ON THE COVER: The slow start to winter hasn’t deterred Big Bear Snow Play, where there’s
already lots of snow and more coming thanks to extensive snowmaking. Happy Holidays!
Volume 33, Number 6 December 2021
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6
8
9
16
Publisher
Marcus G. Dietz
Associate Publisher
Sandra L. Dietz
Publishing Consultant
Bret Colson
Technical Consultant
Charles Dietz
Photography/Distribution
Steve Dietz
John Daskam
Mark Gauger
In This Issue...
Big Bear Today
New Lodge, Ropes, Same Great Tubing
Big Bear Snow Play was once a ski area and has the longest
inner tubing runs in Southern California. Families are finding
enough snow to slide on despite the slow start to winter
thanks to extensive snowmaking that’s allowed for inner
tubing since before Halloween. Glow tubing, new expanded
lodge and year-round ropes course are other highlights.
Alpine Zoo Open with Creature Comforts
After two decades Big Bear Alpine Zoo’s long-awaited move
happened and the new park is full of creature comforts. The
animals have more room and new furniture—grizzly and black
bears have their own pools!—while guests enjoy a state-ofthe-art
facility that begins with firepit in front and kid
playground inside.
Nutcracker, Grinch Star in Studio’s Show
Moonridge Studio of Dance returns to the stage three nights
only for its annual holiday production, this time featuring
excerpts from its usual Nutcracker production plus some
special touches...like the Grinch doing tap! A don’t miss...
Ring in 2022 at Wyatt’s with Family Bash
Wyatt’s rings in 2022 with its annual New Year’s Eve familyfriendly
bash featuring the famed Doo Wah Riders. Bring the
gang for great grub, games, balloon drop and champagne toast
at midnight, and there’s free rides home if you have a little too
much fun. Snow Summit torchlight parade is back too!
Glow Bowling, Laser Maze at the Barn
When the black lights glow the party is on at the Bowling
Barn, where sanitized screens ensure guests have privacy
while they social distance. Laser Maze brings out the inner
action star in all of us and there’s tons of video games, full bar
and great food. The place to be after dark, on the Back Page.
It’ll be a white Christmas at the resorts
and tubing hills; keep doing snow dances
DEPARTMENTS
2
3
13
14
From the Publisher
Potpourri
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. E-Mail: bigbeartoday@verizon.net. Member, Visit Big
Bear 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 2021 Big Bear Today

Big Bear Today December 2021—Page 3
POTPOURRI
Ride in style to resorts, Village, restaurants, more!
See the sights with
free trolley rides
See the sights and sites of Big Bear
with free rides aboard the Mountain Transit
trolley.
Popular visitor destinations like the ski
resorts, Big Bear Village, restaurants, supermarkets
and more are serviced by the
trolley. Visit shopping, restaurants, lodges,
Big Bear Alpine Zoo and more as the trolley
rolls through each area every 30 minutes
so the wait is never long. Leave the
car behind and let Mountain Transit do the
driving!
The new service is offered 15 hours
each day throughout Big Bear Valley. Previously
the trolley ran only on weekends
but now the service is available daily. The
trolley runs from Boulder Bay to Big Bear
Airport, first time it has been serviced by
public transportation.
For schedules visit Mountain Transit’s
website and check out maps for the Red,
Gold and Blue Lines. Then just hop on the
trolley and ride for free! Also download
the free phone app which shows where trolleys
are in real time.
The free trolley service is a cooperative
effort among Mountain Transit, the
City of Big Bear Lake, Big Bear Airport,
San Bernardino County (Supervisor Dawn
Rowe), Big Bear Mountain Resorts, and
Visit Big Bear. It’s intended to make it
easier for residents and visitors to get
around Big Bear Valley and reduce traffic
congestion with a fun old-time ride.
Visit MountainTransit.org for details.
Three routes to choose from mean a free trolley ride is near by
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
• 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!
Hayride, Santa photos, animal encounters, more!
Animal Sanctuary sets
Christmas Festival
Join Grateful Heart Animal Sanctuary
in Big Bear City for its Christmas Festival
Fundraiser raising funds to feed and provide
care for its rescues on December 18-
19 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
The sanctuary grounds will be festive
with decorations and holiday music. Go for
a hayride around the property to see all the
animal rescues and enjoy making holiday
crafts. Of course Santa and Mrs. Claus will
be on hand for visits and photos.
For eats there’s hot dogs, cotton candy,
popcorn, hot chocolate and hot apple cider.
A great way to get into the holiday
spirit by helping animal rescues!
Meet the sanctuary’s many goats, pigs
Big Bear is getting a new lakefront
park after the City’s recent acquisition of
prime 19-acre property from Bear Valley
Mutual Water Co..Just don’t expect it to
open anytime soon,
The City approved a long-term agreement
to lease approximately 19 acres of
land for the future development of a new
lakefront park and other improvements
near The Pines Restaurant and Tavern.
Plans call for developing at least 10 acres
and dogs and take photos with the critters.
Along with horses, burros, bunnies, chickens,
roosters, ducks and steer. The rescue
animals all have forever homes at the nonprofit,
volunteer-run facility; learn their
unique individual stories!
The $20 ticket price is all inclusive and
includes offsite parking, admission for one,
three food tickets and one drink ticket, hayride
and more. Three and under are free.
Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied
by a parent to participate in our
animal encounter area.
Ticket sales end three days prior to the
event so book in advance by calling (909)
979-9333, or visit BigBear.com. No tickets
are available at the door and the event
takes place regardless of weather so dress
appropriately.
10 acre park part of plans for 19 acre property
New lakeside park on
horizon after City deal
of the property as a new park for residents
and visitors to enjoy, with links to nearby
Veterans Park Rotary Park and The Village.
The restaurant and tavern will continue
to operate and will now lease their
facilities from the City instead of Bear
Valley Mutual. A six-month due diligence
period begins with the agreement as the
City will discuss concerns with current tenants
and review potential environmental
impacts.
Assuming no significant concerns
arise, the City will assume control of the
property in May or June 2022. Future
projects will likely rely on grant funding.
Enough Pause. Fast Forward to fun
with Big Bear Today!
Time to Push Play!
Packed with all the ways to get out and just have FUN,
from the lake to the trails.
Social Distance on a bike, take a hike, drop a line,
make time for nine (holes, that is).
Keep your distance, and your sanity, with Big Bear Today!
And when you can't
PICK US UP,
then CLICK US UP
for online adventure!
Also Available
Lakeside RV Park
with
Full Hookups!
Remodeled Bathrooms and Store
www.800BigBear.com
The Mountain’s Monthly Lifestyle Magazine
www.BigBearTodayMag.com

Page 4—December 2021
Snow, Glow, Ropes at BBSP
Winter is on at Big Bear Snow Play after snowmaking
leads to early opening, new ropes course, lodge too
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B
ig Bear Snow Play has been able to
make its own winter, good thing too
since Mother Nature so far hasn’t
cooperated.
In fact families were sliding down
snow-covered runs a full two weeks before
Halloween. Despite unseasonably
warm temperatures last month there was
still plenty of snow for inner tubing over
Thanksgiving, the only winter fun south
of Mammoth. All thanks to several ski areaquality
fan snow guns lining the slopes,
ensuring winter when there isn’t any.
Big Bear Snow Play has plenty to be
excited about, with new expanded base
lodge that features snack bar with 3,000
sq. ft. of seating, serving goodies like
burgers and pizza. First construction delays
and then Covid delayed showing off
the new space, but now the facilities are
up and running.
Just part of an enlarged, renovated
base lodge that more than doubled in size
and is now two stories featuring a 6,700
sq. ft. observation deck that serves up great
views of snow play action. The project literally
required the roof to be raised!
The deck is amazing too with radiant
heat that helps melt snow and ice and wraps
around the entire building. Indoors the new
snack bar offers 3,000 sq. ft. of seating with
goodies like burgers and pizza added to the
menu.
At one time the old Rebel Ridge ski
area, Big Bear Snow Play sports by far the
longest inner tubing runs in the region. By
making snow at every opportunity, Big
Bear Snow Play routinely builds depths of
30 feet or more—three stories high—allowing
daily tubing sessions through Easter
from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
So much product allows Big Bear
Snow Play to create its own signature snow
features in addition to traditional downhill
runs. Features like whoop-di-doos, bumps
and berms that really add to the tubing experience
are built as the season continues.
Nightly grooming means tubers enjoy perfect
surface conditions each morning with
corduroy snow.
Getting to the top of all the snow
would be a real chore if not for two Magic
Carpet uphill lifts. Just step on and step
off! No uphill climb to tucker parents and
kids out so they
save energy for
downhill fun and
get all the runs
they can handle.
For a special
treat try after dark
Glow Tubing sessions
at Big Bear
Snow Play, 5-9
p.m. Fridays, Saturdays
and holiday
periods including
every
evening from December
17-January
8, 2022 (excluding
Dec. 24-
25). The slopes
already looked
like a Christmas
Big Bear Today
Big Bear Snow Play Glow Tubing night sessions are in a whole new light
tree for night tubing when 11 RGB strobes
that change sequences from color to color
and 1,500 LED lights were installed and
then even more lighting was put in two
years. Now the slopes are a virtual kaleidoscope
of colors with all the shades of
the rainbow reflecting off snow.
Enhancing the experience even more
are colored inner tubes instead of traditional
black tires. Red, white and blue camo
tubes—the area went to colorful inner
tubes instead of the traditional black tirelook
several years ago—really light up after
dark, especially when the black light
comes around. Even the Magic Carpet lift,
enclosed for guest comfort, is lit up.
All tubing sessions at Big Bear Snow
Play are $40, children $25, which includes
tube rental and Magic Carpet lift ticket.
The 6,400 sq. ft. Big Bear Ropes
Course adjacent to the lodge is open yearround,
weather permitting with 37 challenging
elements including suspension
bridges, ropes, spinning log, curved bars
and more. The state-of-the-art ropes
course, only one in Big Bear, is two stories
high with an engaging mix of obstacles
and challenges that bring out your inner
Ninja warrior.
Unlike Ninjas, guests are wearing
five-point, full-body safety harnesses that
are tethered into the structure, so there’s
zero chance of falling as they navigate obstacles
like spinning log or a variety of rope
challenges. The advanced safety system
is unique. A slider “puck” attached to the
safety harness that can only be inserted or
removed by a certified operator is locked
into a continuous belay track system that
follows participants through every station.
There’s curved bars that adventurers
must wind their way around and swinging
steps. Along with a variety of suspension
bridges, some with wide-open gaps and
others dangling ropes to grasp onto. Even
an 80-foot descent on the Sky Rail zipline
with automatic braking. Sessions are $12.
All users must be at least 42” tall and
under 48” must be accompanied by an
adult. Maximum weight 300 lbs.
Big Bear Snow Play/ Ropes Course is
at 42825 Big Bear Blvd. (909) 585-0075.
Tube with Santa at Snow Play, Alpine Slide
Colorful camouflage tubes make great selfies and videos at Big Bear Snow Play
Santa Claus can guide a team of flying
reindeer through the night sky. He
doesn’t have any trouble riding an inner
tube either.
Which he’ll again be doing at Big
Bear Snow Play on Saturday, December
18. He’ll be around all day from 10 a.m.-
4 p.m. taking tube rides with youngsters
with parents take photos with their own
cameras. Be quick or Saint Nick just
might blow by in the blink of an eye!
Santa will also have candy canes for
little ones plus his patented “reindeer
food” of mixed oats and glitter. “Sprinkle
it on the lawn Christmas Eve and the reindeer
will smell the oats and see the glitter,”
says Big Bear Snow Play’s Kim
Voigt. Call (909) 585-0075.
Next day he heads across town to Alpine
Slide for more tubing on Dec. 19,
and maybe a turn on the new Mineshaft
Coaster. Call (909) 866-4626.

Big Bear Today December 2021—Page 5
Visit Village for Santa, Shopping
See Santa and Mrs. Claus in their Village house through Dec. 19
Youngsters can tell Santa what they
want for Christmas when jolly St. Nick
makes the rounds during several appearances
in Big Bear before his big night out.
Every Saturday and Sunday through
December 19, Santa and Mrs. Claus are in
their little house at the corner of the Village
“L”, complete with mood-setting fireplace,
for photos and Christmas wishes and
candy canes for the little ones from 10 a.m.-
4 p.m.
The bright lights of the season make
for festive outings and the 60-plus unique
stores in the newly-remodeled Village,
decked out for the holidays with decorations
and caroling groups, create a unique
shopping experience so different from
malls, outlets and the internet. Be sure to
see the towering decorated tree on the corner
of Pine Knot and Village Drives next
to Santa’s House and don’t miss the chance
to warm by gas fire pits in front of
Amangela’s and Copper Q plus The Cave.
Old-fashioned lamp posts with snow
piled against them create a family atmosphere.
The twinkling Village holiday
lights strung on posts, trees and signs are
breathtaking at night. Don’t miss seven
carved bears and other woodland critters
in a variety of poses scattered throughout
the Village perfect for photo ops, some
large enough to sit on.
Also see Santa at Big Bear Snow Play
on Dec. 18 and at Alpine Slide one day
later on Dec. 19.
Brad `Man of 9,000 songs’
Rare indeed is the listener who can
stump Brad Riesau from Silver Moon with
a song request. That’s because he estimates
that he’s played over 9,000 tunes since
coming to Big Bear in 2006!
But even he was a little surprised when
a group from out of town came up to request
Burl Ives. From the depths of Brad’s
playlist came “Wayfaring Stranger” and
“Mr. Froggie Went A-Courtin.”
“Nailed it,” he said with a chuckle.
Maybe he’ll do “Holly Jolly Christmas”
this month as well!
Rock, blues, country, standards,
reggae, even songs from the Civil War are
part of his playlist, gleaned from working
and playing in the music industry for decades
in a variety of capacities. With longtime
Big Bear bass player Hank Kalvin the
duo forms popular Silver Moon. Regularly
sitting in with Brad the last few years has
been Emmy nominated engineer Rusty
Smith and 8-string picker Randy Boswell.
Brad plays his wide variety of music
to Stillwells restaurant every Saturday from
6-9 p.m. He’s also at Big Bear Mountain
Brewery on Red Ant Hill near Alpine Slide
from 5-8 p.m. Thursdays Dec. 2, 16 and
30 plus Friday Dec.. 12 5-8 p.m. and Sunday,
Dec. 19 from 2-6 p.m., so there’s
plenty of opportunities to hear Brad this
month and see if you can stump him.
Photo courtesy Danny Enger
The brightly lit Village makes holiday shopping special, with or without snow

Page 6—December 2021
Creature comforts for all at new zoo
Courtyard-style entrance with paved
brick and gas fireplace. Expanded
gift shop and interior displays.
Even exterior landscaping lining the street
up Clubview.
Most importantly, expanded living
space for residents and terrific amenities
for visitors.
After two decades of starts and stops,
location changes and seemingly endless
delays, Big Bear Alpine Zoo has proven
worth the wait since finally opening at its
new location November 2020. Nearly 100
animals were moved from the old location
across from Bear Mountain to a state-ofthe-art
facility in lower Moonridge.
There’s a lot to like at the new zoo, as
animals enjoy more room and guests are
closer than ever for viewing. A pathway
Est. 1947 by Andy Devine
as the Sportsmans Tavern
Open Nightly 4:30 p.m.
Lunch Weekends
11:30 am-3 pm
"Still haunted by our Ghost George"
circles the 5.6 developed acre facility that’s
more than double the previous size. Animal
enclosures are typically on the inside of
the loop, with black bears the first residents
guests encounter after arriving,
Talk about close-up viewing! The
bears like to doze in the sun next to the
enclosure’s glass wall, putting them just
millimeters away from viewers awed by
inches-long claws and massive feet.
“The bears love the glass panel,” said
Bill Hoffman, Big Bear Alpine Zoo’s new
curator who took over about the same time
as the move. “They’ll sleep right up against
it. You cannot get closer to a bear than this.”
The bears even have their own private
rock-lined swimming pool that quickly
became a favorite when the zoo opened.
Even three-legged Hucklebeary, missing
his right front
limb, got in on the
fun after the entry
slope was
modified to
accommodate
him. Other black
bears Zuni and
Holly also got to
splash in the
water, though the
pools are now
drained for
winter.
At the other
end of the park,
well-publicized
Fine Dining in a Rustic Stone & Log Retreatt
Fine Steaks • Seafood • Prime Rib • Lobster
Enjoy Great Food
Welcome Back!
in a Historic Setting
Outdoor Dining
on Our New Patio!
Open Christmas Eve & Day
New Year’s Eve & Day!
Molekule Air Purifiers
for Safety of Customers & Staff
www.CaptainsAnchorage.com
Rare Photos, Memorabilia,
and More!
Advance Reservations
Highly Recommended
Grizzly bears are at home in snow at the new zoo
grizzly bears enjoy their own pools and
even flowing stream. Mama Tutu and
offspring Ayla and Harley, who arrived in
Big Bear two decades ago after raiding one
campground too many in Yellowstone,
were the first animals moved.
Now their larger enclosure sees them
lounging in a mulch-filled dig pit that they
love to roll around in, along with culverts
and posts. Big Bear Alpine Zoo is still one
of only two parks in California where the
state’s symbol, the grizzly, can be seen.
Moving one-eyed Himalayan snow
leopard sisters Asha and Shanti was
another challenge. Before the move exams
under sedation showed both cats have
suffered significant deterioration in their
remaining eyes so while they had
memorized every inch of their old home,
no one knew how they’d fare in a new one.
For a few days after they were
relocated the snow leopards barely stuck
their heads outside. Fears were that they
wouldn’t be able to take advantage of the
special 15-foot structure build just for
them. After a couple weeks they were
spotted on top of it and have since been
exploring their surroundings.
Big Bear Alpine Zoo’s five resident
gray wolves also have room to roam with
double enclosure that allows them to trot
back and forth. Before the move the wolves
had formed distinct packs but relocating
to a new home meant they can all be kept
together again.
Two mountain lions who have lived
at the zoo since they were kittens are now
becoming senior citizens with a touch of
Big Bear Today
arthritis. So their new home features ramps
they can climb and a sleeping area in back.
Raccoons, bobcats, fallow and mule
deer, bald and golden eagles and many
more have adapted to their new digs.
Snowy owl exhibit is another favorite.
Reptile room and nocturnal animal
buildings are still to open.
For popular animal presentations by
staff there’s a new stage and benches.
Brand new picnic area and kid’s
playground with equipment donated by the
Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo are
other amenities, even a climbing wall!
There’s also a donor wall with recognition
of those whose contributions have helped
make a bigger better zoo a reality.
To continue its behind-the-scenes
work—vast majority of animals that arrive
are returned to the wild during rescue and
rehabilitation efforts—the new zoo has
expanded medical and rehab facilities plus
food preparation room. In all the property
sits on about 10 acres with the eastern end
left as empty space for flood mitigation.
Guests will also find a new parking
lot at the zoo on the property’s east side
next to Rathbun Creek. There’s a path and
bridge leading to the new welcome center.
Plans were drawn by renowned firm PGAV
Designers, same company that created the
famous Georgia Aquarium.
The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m.-4
p.m. Admission is $15, $10 ages 3-10/60
and over, under three free.
The zoo is at 747 Clubview Dr. at
Moonridge Rd. Call (909) 584-1299.
Endanged Himalayan snow leopards Asha and Shanti enjoy snow when it falls

Big Bear Today December 2021—Page 7
Cocoa, carols, bird gifts at Chirp
Holiday caroling and cocoa, naturethemed
gift ideas and more are found at
Chirp Nature Center in December.
The month begins with an afternoon
of singalong carols led by Big Bear’s own
Mountain Marvelettes in Chirp’s new
lakeview backyard events center on Dec.
5. Throughout the month there’s unique
holiday shopping at Chirp with everything
birders and nature enthusiasts need, ranging
from feed and feeders to optics, books,
giftables and much more.
Join the Mountain Marvelettes, professional
award-winning performers, for
caroling and cocoa from 5-6 p.m. on Sunday,
Dec. 5. Jessica Brasher, Kylar
Carmody, Jodi Cline and Tori Waner have
sung across Big Bear Valley for over a decade,
entertaining with youthful charm and
old-fashioned classics. The girls have performed
from Carnegie Hall and Community
Arts Theater Society (CATS) productions
to most recently the annual Christmas
Tree Lighting in the Village.
The evening begins at 5 p.m. with hot
cocoa and the chance to shop Chirps carefully-curated
selection of nature-themed
gifts with free gift wrapping. Singalong
with the Mountain Marvelettes at 5:30 and
embrace the season with bright and cheery
holiday traditions the whole family will
enjoy.
Chirp’s new “nest” at 578 Bonanza
near the Bowling Barn is open daily from
10 a.m.-6 p.m. and carries everything
birding enthusiasts need, whether they’re
beginners or veterans. Including expanded
“Feeder Forest” with varieties of seed
mountain birds love. Turn your backyard
into a wild bird sanctuary!
Certainly wild birds can use the help,
especially in winter. An estimated three
billion birds have been lost in North
America since 1970, according to an eyepopping
report in the journal Science,
which represents a decrease of some 30%
of the bird populations in the United States
and Canada, in just five decades.
Motel Rooms
$85
Dark eyed Junco, one of Big Bear’s wintering species
Standard
with Fireplace
& Queen Bed
Non-Holiday / Midweek
Weekends Slightly Higher
Subject to change without notice.
Researchers point to changing ecosystems,
habitat loss, toxic pesticides and urbanization
as possible causes. Plus recent
wildfires, both locally from the El Dorado
Fire plus many others around the western
states, have decimated bird habitat even
more. Regardless, we should all want to
give birds a helping hand—er, wing.
It’s a misconception that all birds fly
south for the winter. For some, like the bald
eagles, this is south! Some species do seek
warmer southern climates but others, like
the dark eyed Junco, stick around in Big
Bear.
During winter they can often be seen
circling birdfeeders, particularly after
snowstorms. Juncos enjoy mostly seeds
and can often be spotted hopping along the
ground in search of food.
They’re just one example of the many
species who can use a helping wing to get
through winter. Indeed studies have shown
that feeding birds during the cold months
greatly increases their chances of survival.
Putting birdfeeders out gives our winged
friends additional sustenance especially
when the ground is covered with snow.
And if you already have one out, consider
a second or third feeder—the more that are
out, the more birds you’ll feed.
“People are worried about what the
decline in bird populations means,” said
Randall Putz of Chirp Nature Center in the
Village. “Birds are the canary in the coal
mine so to speak—as birds go, we go.
People are recognizing that we need to pay
attention and support birds.
“Feeding and providing housing for
birds is the least we can do,” he added. “Estimates
are that almost half of all households
feed birds.”
Birds need extra fuel in winter for
long-lasting energy to create body warmth.
Suet is a great choice since it’s made with
animal fat, ideal for when insects and other
food sources are scarce. Nyjer seed, peanut
butter, peanuts, safflower seeds and
cracked corn are all good selections. California
scrub jays, prominent in Big Bear,
are candidates for such a menu but observe
what birds visit your feeder and put seed
out accordingly.
To protect feed from the elements,
tube and all-weather feeders are popular,
enclosed to keep seed dry. Shelter is important
as well and Chirp has a variety of
birdhouses available. Some mount on windows
to allow for up close viewing from
inside the house. Others have a cage built
around them to let only song birds in and
keep pigeons and squirrels out. Still others
are bear-proof.
Water is also important, even in winter.
“Bird bathes are just as important as
feeders since they need the water in our
dry climate,” Putz said. “It’s true that
they’ll eat snow for water but that lowers
their body temperature so they have to expend
energy to warm again. Look for
heated baths that won’t ice over.”
To see birds up close, test premium
bird watching optics at Chirp. Also discover
bird houses, feeders and baths, or
browse a growing selection of educational
books and guides.
Chirp Nature Center is at 578 Bonanza
Trail. Call (888) 412-4477.
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Page 8—December 2021
Nutcracker, Grinch key Studio’s show
There’s selections from the holiday
classic Nutcracker Ballet and tap
by none other than the Grinch. Plus
hip hop, jazz offerings and more.
Indeed Moonridge School of Dance
presents a variety show with a bit of everything
during three productions of its
“Winter Showcase 2021” at the Performing
Arts Center December 10-12. Complications
from Covid prevent the studio from
presenting a full-fledged version of Nutcracker
Ballet but aficionados of the
Tchaikovsky classic will still enjoy many
of the show’s classics plus extra surprises
as well.
Not the least of which is Brian Adams,
an accomplished performer with roles in
Resort Uniform Days
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 Snow Summit or Bear
Mountain windows to purchase an allday
lift ticket for $59 plus 2% TBID
charge during Uniform Days on January
5-6, February 2-3 and March 2-3, 2022.
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.
Year-Round
Christmas Room!
Community Arts Theater Society (CATS)
and Big Bear Theater Project productions
(and a three-time Jeopardy champion to
boot!) He’ll reprise his role as
Drosselmeyer in one of several Nutcracker
dances that will be performed but the real
highlight figures to be when he performs
as the Grinch.
He’ll dance to “You’re a Mean One,
Mr. Grinch” complete with full costume
that includes prosthetic nose and green
makeup. Perfect for photos with youngsters
after the show, which Adams and other performers
will pose for in the lobby.
“He’s a four-star performer,” said
Moonridge School of Dance’s Maria
Knisley, who choreographs the production.
“He’s been a steady performer at the studio
for years and brings a wealth of talent
to the production.”
Monica Garcia is another veteran performer
who danced professionally back
east. She’ll present the beauty and grace
of the Sugar Plum Fairy in one of the riveting
Nutcracker segments. There are at
least five or six dances from the
Nutcracker’s second act alone, including
the popular Russian, Chinese and Spanish
ballets. “The Waltz of the Flowers” is another
highlight that will be performed.
Also dancing is Marlene Cain, longtime
chair of the Big Bear Chamber of
Commerce Board of Directors who will
perform with Adams in the Grinch scene
along with others. She danced in college
and has performed professionally. Other
Our rooms are
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Christmas
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Village Faire
40794 Village Dr.
(909) 866-8220
Above the Leather Depot in Big Bear Village
adult performers include Valerie Bianchi,
Jaime Gerson Margo Penardi, Tiffany
Santillian, Evelyn Bruner and Jeanine
Hammer. Kristyn Watson is a ballet and
tap teacher who will also dance.
Much of the 33-member cast are
youngsters adding youthful exuberance
and energy to the production as dancing
flowers and ginger snaps.
Knisley has choreographed high
school productions since 2010, starting
with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat,” and studied ballet since she
was age 4. She’s studied and performed
with companies like Ballet Pacifica, Royal
Winnipeg Ballet of Canada, Santa Rosa
Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and more.
She’s owned the studio, which has
operated continuously since 1981, for eight
years and Covid made operations especially
difficult. How do you teach dance
virtually? Yet Knisley persevered and this
Big Bear Today
Brian Adams as the Grinch and Jeanine Hammer star in Winter Showcase 2021
is the studio’s first major show in two years.
“We hope to bring back the full-length
Nutcracker Ballet next year,” she said. “My
heartfelt thanks go to the community for
being so dedicated and loyal.”
The costumes are lavish as are the sets,
both courtesy of CATS, which donated
them to the studio after the company’s final
performance. At the conclusion of each
performance, the Grinch, Sugar Plum Fairy
and other dancers will be available for photos
in the lobby and refreshments will be
served.
Shows are at 7 p.m. with 2:30 p.m.
Sunday matinee on Dec. 12. Tickets are
$22, seniors/students $20.
Call (909) 866-4970 or 866-2244.
Click Us Up!
BigBearTodayMag.com
Moonridge Studio of Dance stars bring the magic of the holidays to life

Big Bear Today December 2021—Page 9
Ring in 2022 with family party, torchlight
Where will you be when the ball
drops in Times Square to ring
in 2022? Sing Auld Lang Syne
during several happenings, from familyfriendly
at Wyatt’s with the Doo Wah Riders
to “haunted” Captains Anchorage..
Tradition continues with Snow
Summit’s long-running Torchlight Parade
celebrating the New Year on December
31 at 7 p.m. Some 250 torch (they’re
actually flares but who cares)-bearing skiers
and snowboarders slowly descend
down Log Chute in a serpentining sea of
light best seen from the lake’s north
shore—try East Boat Launch and Woodland
Trail lots.
Snow Summit celebrates after the parade
with winter carnival-theme New
Year’s Eve party in the base area with stillto-be-determined
activities and entertainment.
Visit snowsummit.com for details.
Wyatt’s Grill and Saloon at the Convention
Center hosts its family-friendly
New Year’s bash that welcomes kids as
well as adults. Big Bear’s only family celebration
features indoor bounce house, arts
and crafts projects for ages 3-12, and arcade
games plus headline entertainment
with the nationally renowned Doo Wah
Riders.
For over 35 years the Doo Wah Riders
have played “high energy country with
a Cajun twist” around the country, appearing
in concert with Garth Brooks, George
Strait, Alabama, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw,
Brooks and Dunn, Willie Nelson among
others. The list also includes Waylon
Jennings, Dolly Parton, Lone Star, Randy
Travis and the Oak Ridge Boys and ranges
from John Denver to Joan Jett.
The Doo Wah Riders recorded with
Bryon Berline on his Grammy-nominated
CD “Fiddle and a Song” and the band appeared
in the movie “Basic Instinct,” playing
their original song “Glowing in the
Ashes.” The band has been featured entertainment
at The Grammys, Academy of
Country Awards and plays regularly at
Disneyland. A medley of classic western
songs is a Doo Wah Riders staple.
The special New Year’s menu features
a variety of affordable entrees, appetizers,
desserts and special kid meals. DJ Evan
spins country and Top 40 tunes and there’s
free country dance lessons. Midnight sees
complimentary champagne toast and balloon
drop plus plenty of party favors to
ring in 2022. Children’s activities continue
till 11 p.m.
Doors open at 5 p.m. with dancing
starting at 7 and Doo Wah Riders taking
the stage at 8. Wyatt’s is offering complimentary
door-to-door take home service
beginning at 9 p.m.
Wyatt’s, known as one of Big Bear’s
best dining values with hearty portions at
wallet-friendly prices, is at the Convention
Center (42900 Big Bear Blvd. at Division).
Open Wednesdays with DJ and free country
dance lessons led by Bayley, with live
bands Fridays and Saturdays. Entertainment
highlights include Street Music Band
Wyatt’s hosts a family-friendly New Year’s starring the renowned Doo Wah Riders
(see page 10). Call (909) 585-3000.
Captains Anchorage is open New
Year’s Eve and Day with its famous regular
menu featuring luscious cuts of prime
rib, steaks, fresh seafood, chicken offerings
and more. Ring in the New Year with
resident ghost George for a thrilling start
to 2022.
In addition Captains Anchorage will
be open Christmas Eve and Day when a
traditional prime rib dinner may be just the
ticket for a holiday feast.
A Big Bear tradition since 1947, the
restaurant’s log warmth is welcoming with
hand-hewn wooden beams, massive fivehinge
doors, and ceiling-high native stone
fireplaces. Once owned by the late Andy
Devine, there’s an impressive collection of
actor’s photos to enjoy. (909) 866-3997. Snow Summit’s torchlight parade

Page 10—December 2021
Christmas Faire, Street Music at Wyatt’s
Enjoy a true German holiday tradition
under the pine trees when Big Bear
Christkindlmarkt returns to the Convention
Center for two days, December 18-19.
Styled after a German Christmas
Faire, the event celebrates the season with
live entertainment by German band Die
Sauerkrauts plus DJ, carolers, vendors and
contests for all ages. There’s the Wishing
Tree, free holiday arts and crafts for the
youngsters, visits with St. Nicholas and the
Christkind (Christmas Angel), plus German
holiday treats including gluhwein,
German pancakes, and German pretzels.
Considered L.A.’s premier polka party
band, Die Sauerkrauts members have skills
that range far beyond Bavarian music,
members playing with orchestras, symphonies,
even Santa Clarita Philharmonic.
Christkindl Market is held both indoors
and out, where the pines and crisp
winter Big Bear skies add an Old World
touch to the occasion. Wyatt’s Grill & Saloon
will be open both days during show
hours with its tasty Western menu and libations
including seasonal beverages.
Kids activities include scavenger hunt,
ornament arts and crafts, find the Elf on
the Shelf and Christmas Wish Tree lighting
ceremony. The Faire, which debuted
in 2020 despite the pandemic and was a
rousing success, is from 2-9 p.m. Saturday,
noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $9,
seniors $7, children ages 3-13 $6.
Wyatt’s Grill & Saloon is open
Wednesdays plus Fridays and Saturdays
throughout December. Enjoy great western
grub including half-pound burgers,
savory smoked tri tip, famous wings and
full bar including nice selection of beers
on tap and specialty seasonal cocktails. Big
Bear’s largest restaurant, Wyatt’s has
plenty of room for guests even during busy
holiday periods.
The December entertainment schedule
sees the return of Wyatt’s Wednesdays
with DJ Evan and free country dance lessons
with Bayley. Live bands play Fridays
and Saturdays including local favorites
Street Music Band on Dec. 3-4 and 11.
The group features members of favorite
Big Bear bands like the Catz in the Hats
and Skeleton Key, with four lead singers.
The original song “I Want to Live Like
Jimmy Buffet” became a chart-topping hit
and CD release Bartlett Street received
plenty of airplay and has a cool cover design,
playing off Abby Road. At Wyatt’s
Street Music leans toward country but often
reverts to rock and roll and mixes in
holiday music as well.
Wyatt’s annual Christmas party is on
Dec. 22 and all are invited. Enjoy white
elephant gift exchange, holiday treats and
libations, and carolers.
Cowboy Church under the pine trees
is held at Wyatt’s each Saturday at 1 p.m.
Enjoy an inspiring nondenominational service
with message by Pastor Eric.
Wyatt’s at the Convention Center is on
the boulevard at Division 1-1/2 miles east
of the supermarkets. Call (909) 585-3000.
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Street Music Band, Chritkindl Market and more at Wyatt’s in December
Discovery Center open outdoors
Big Bear Discovery Center is open
again, albeit with just outdoor activities and
services but still plenty to do.
Inside the facility remains closed tafter
a major remodel and the shutdown. But
outside there’s Nature Discovery Trail to
hike and naturalist guided treks on weekends,
information booths with Adventure
Passes and permits, activities for kids and
things to see, like a replica bald eagle nest.
Nature Discovery Trail is an easy
half-mile loop the whole family will enjoy.
Fairly level with minimal elevation
gain, the trail winds through the forest with
several signposts noting mountain flora
like pinyon pine, service berry, Indian
paintbrush, Kennedy’s buckwheat and
more. There’s benches to take a break and
views that include the ski resorts and San
Gorgonio Wilderness in the distance, even
peek-a-boo vistas of Big Bear Lake.
Saturdays at 1 and 2 p.m. and Sundays
at 11 a.m. and noon see free Nature
Walks along Nature Discovery Trail led
by naturalists who describe in detail what
visitors are seeing. These 30-minute adventures
are non-strenuous and fun for the
whole family.
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, and now there’s
new areas to explore.
Nine interactive areas encourage outdoor
exploration and even children older
than the recommended age group enjoy the
activities. The zone lets kids climb and
crawl, build and dig, gather and enjoy art,
plus there’s Pollinator Pathway, Messy
Materials and Music and Movement.
Discovery Center is also a great place
to catch Cougar Crest Trail; park there
and no Adventure Pass is required unlike
at the nearby trailhead. The short half-mile
connector path is a nice forest walk more
enjoyable than the beginning of Cougar
Crest anyway. Just be sure to return to your
car before gates close at 5 p.m.
Discovery Center is open Thursday-
Monday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Discovery Center (909) 382-2790
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18

Big Bear Today December 2021—Page 11
History, gifts meet at Village Faire
Carved bears or stuffed ones, cloth
purses, cozy animal print throws, yearround
Christmas room, incense and tasty
jerky. All in a historic Big Bear setting that
may or may not have its own ghost.
Fill your holiday shopping lists at Village
Faire, open 365 days a year including
Christmas Day, where there’s literally thousands
of gifts ranging from sports logo
items to hundreds of crosses and walls of
winter attire. No supply chain shortages
here, only endless gift ideas, from stuffed
bears and critters galore to amazing 3D
wall art that literally pops out of the frames.
The walls at the top of the stairs may
tell tales—the building used to house Big
Bear’s first hotel, the historic Navajo built
in 1920, kept busy by gold miners and ladies
of the night—but today the real story
is on the shelves, with goods from artisans
around town, the country, even the world.
Sixteen theme rooms present a wide
range of gift ideas, from bears and princess
dolls, signs and home goods to gourmet
foods and Oriental treasures and much
more, many items handmade. Why there’s
an entire Princess Room at Village Faire,
with dolls and dresses and tea party sets
and wallets. The Pottery Room features
handmade clay plates and pots along with
soap pumps and dreamcatchers.
For sports fans there’s not one but two
rooms filled with memorabilia like playing
cards, team coffee cups and shot
glasses, signs and more. There’s a
stadium’s worth of football team selections
The sign’s price is equally welcomg at
$10.99 and Santa is always in season at
the Village Faire
to choose from whether you root for the
Rams or Chargers and all the other teams
too. Unique are team totem poles not found
anywhere else, topped with bronco, steelworker
or ram’s head as the case may be.
Plus team helmet banks for 20 bucks.
Baseball season is well represented
with plenty of Angels and Dodgers, Giants
and Yankees stuff to choose from, like
team coosies and lamps. Steins and
stemware, signs and clocks, blankets and
more, even Dodgers premium earphones
or Titans, Patriots, 49ers and other noise
isolating ones for $9.98, the shelves are
filled with sports. USC and UCLA too.
Snow is guaranteed at Village Faire,
the indoor variety for $5.98—just add water.
It lasts for weeks, feels like the real
thing minus the cold, and assures a white
Christmas. Great for decorating too.
Three-dimensional art has to be seen
to be believed. Images of a wolf actually
appear to step out of the frame. Put your
hand into the image and watch it meld in!
Puppy and sports images available too.
Hand drawn and unique Big Bear T-
shirts cost just $11.95 and there’s a cool
“Welcome to Our Den” sign for $10.99 that
enhances any cabin. As do intricately designed
bear lamps. Discover infant wear
like Big Bear onesies and tanks tops for
just $9.95 in the Baby Room.
Village Faire has a little something of
everything: Classic metal signs with everything
from cars and cowboys to superheroes
and Route 66. Take home agate arrowheads
for less than a buck or discover
mood rings, just $2.99.
There’s walls of winter stuff too, with
tons of gloves, hats, mittens and scarves
in all colors. Village Faire also has awardwinning
Jeff’s Famous Jerky, seen on
Forbes.com and Men’s Health magazine.
Made from real steak it’s tender and moist,
not the dry leather sometimes passed as
jerky, in intense flavors like jalapeno and
cranberry jalapeno. Bacon and chicken
jerky in assorted flavors too.
Foodies will also appreciate Big Bear
Lake Wild Huckleberry jam and Salmonberry
honey. Plus there’s “Bear Poop,” nut
surrounded by caramel and chocolate but
Full Hot & Cold Deli
Groceries • Firewood & Propane • Spirits • Lotto
Try Our Famous
Rotisserie Chicken
& Kabobs!
We cut the highest
Quality Meats
Daily
a real conversation starter..
Village Faire is at 40794 Village Dr.
above Leather Depot. (909) 866-8220.
Closing Christmas Eve at 8 p.m. • Closed Christmas Day
Award
Winners:
1st
Liquor
2nd
Groceries
2017
Chamber of
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Excellence
in Business!
Fully-Cooked Delicious Heat & Serve Meals Like Tri-Tip,
Smoked Pork Loin, Enchiladas & More! • Fresh Produce Too!
(909) 585-2641 • Open 7 Days
Community Market
100 E. Big Bear Blvd. (at Greenway) • Big Bear City
1 mile east of The Convention Center

Page 12—December 2021
New coaster, old favorites at Slide
New coaster that’s the only one of its
kind in California. Longtime favorite Alpine
Slide and high-flying Soaring Eagle.
Plus family-favorite snow play area.
There’s a plethora of ways to play at
Alpine Slide, which in the past couple
years has introduced one-of-a-kind rides
to go along with its traditional standbys.
The hard part is choosing which adventure
to explore first!
Mineshaft Coaster is the attraction
drawing all the attention after opening in
2020. No wonder: riders on carts they control
encounter three complete 360° corkscrew
turns, steep descents, two 100-foot
tunnels, dips and drops galore, all during a
mile-long gravity-fueled adventure that can
reach speeds of up to 27 mph at multiple
points during the ride.
Two up tracks on a motorized
bullwheel pulley system provide the uphill
lift, including a long one out of a cool new
start house built at the bottom. The real fun
is on two downhill tracks, as carts cross
three 200-foot bridges, shoot through S-
turns and catch a few whoop-di-doos. It’s
a roughly nine minute ride, faster drivers
can get closer to seven minutes..
Guests are secured by multipoint
safety belts at the start house. Rider in back
controls the cart’s braking mechanism and
is required to keep at least 80 feet from the
sled in front. But Mineshaft Coaster
features “Smart Cart” technology with a
computer controlled, fail-safe magnetic
braking system that gently applies brakes
Bear Valley Center for
Spiritual Enrichment
579 Knickerbocker Rd., Big Bear Lake
(Bridges Presbyterian Fellowship)
Sundays 11:45 a.m.
(909) 866-8081
Bear Valley Church
Big Bear
41960 Big Bear Blvd.,Big Bear Lake
Sundays 10 a.m.
(909) 866-3951
www.BVCBigbear.org\
Believers Chapel
42180 Moonridge Rd., Big Bear Lake
Sundays 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday Bible Study 6 p.m.
(909) 866-2552
Foursquare Church
at Big Bear Airport
501 Valley Blvd., Big Bear City
Saturday Worship 6:30 p.m.
Sundays 10 a.m.
Wednesday Bible Study 6:30 p.m.
(909) 856-6259
www.bigbearfoursquare.com
Bridges Presbyterian
Fellowship
579 Knickerbocker Rd.
if a cart approaches too close to another.
Plus each ride is equipped with speed
governor and centrifugal brake to control
top speed.
Each cart features specially designed,
lockable seat belts and shoulder restraints
to assure rider comfort at all times. Plus
carts have energy absorbing front and rear
buffers. Mineshaft Coaster tickets are $20
per person, children $10. The ride is open
seven days a week, all year long.
Alpine Slide makes its own snow
when conditions allow to offer family
inner tubing. The area’s ski resort quality
Lenko snowguns blanket the slopes in just
a couple good nights, providing winter
even when storms don’t arrive.
There’s an enclosed 210-foot long
Magic Carpet uphill lift to take guests and
their tubes to the top of all the snow—just
step on and step off! Nightly grooming just
like at the ski resorts ensures smooth tubing
on perfect corduroy snow.
Tubing under the stars was introduced
at Alpine Slide years ago and has become
wildly popular. Guests love sliding on
snow that gets another fresh groom after
the day session. There’s new glow lighting
and the snow gets faster and faster as
the evening progresses.
Tubing is daily from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
with night sessions Fridays, Saturdays and
holidays 5-9 p.m., including every evening
from December 17-January 8, 2022 (excluding
Dec. 24-25) Sessions are $40, $25
small child, and include tube rental.
Church Directory
Big Bear Lake
Sundays 10 a.m.
(909) 866-5683
www.bigbearpresbyterian.org
Calvary Chapel Big Bear
1001 Holden Ave. Big Bear City
Sundays 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday Bible Study 6 p.m.
(909) 866-9328
Christian Faith Center
39853 Crocus Dr. Big Bear Lake
Sundays 10 a.m., also on
Facebook Live
(909) 273-9234
www.cfcbigbear.com
Church of Christ
41035 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake
Sunday Worship 10 a.m.
Wednesday Bible Study 6 p.m.
(909) 866-2828
Community Church
Big Bear
40946 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake
Sunday Worship 8:45, 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday Dinner/Study 6 p.m.
(909) 866-7523
First Church of Christ
Scientist
550 Squirrel Ln., Big Bear Lake
Sunday Services/School 10 a.m.
www.cschurchbigbearlake.org
Seventh Day
Adventist Church
349 E. North Shore Dr., Big Bear
City
Saturday Worship 11 a.m., lunch
follows
(909) 585-2275
www.BigBearSeventhDayAdventisChurch.org
Sheperd in the Pines
Lutheran Church
42450 North Shore. Dr., Big Bear
Lake
Sunday Worship 10 a.m.
(909) 547-0934
www.SITPBigbear.org
Spirit of Peace
Lutheran Church
42324 North Shore Dr.
Big Bear City
(St. Columbas Episcopal Church)
Sunday Service 10 a.m.
(909) 866-7239
Big Bear Today
A mile of drops, dips and turns await riders on Mineshaft Coaster
Soaring Eagle is a zipline-like experience
with a couple notable differences.
Riders sit instead of lie down and ride up
to the top tower backwards. Plus 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.
What a 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 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.
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, an experience that’s as exhilarating
as the descent. Soaring Eagle
costs $12 per rider.
Unleash your inner Olympian while
navigating sleds you control down two
quarter-mile long cement tracks on the famous
Alpine Slide, only one west of Utah..
The sleds sport ball-bearing wheels and
teflon runners so snow and ice aren’t necessary,
but otherwise the ride is the same
as drivers whip through turns and down
long straightaways.
Each sled carries one or two guests—
typically parent with a young child. Far
from an amusement park attraction where
there’s little or no guest interaction, Alpine
Slide is an experience that’s different every
time down, since riders control their
own speed. Bobsled rides cost $9 each, $40
for five-ride book.
Alpine Slide is at 800 Wildrose Ln.
Call (909) 866-4626, open daily.
St. Columba’s
Episcopal Church
42324 North Shore Dr., Big Bear
City
Sunday Services/Communion 10
a.m.
(909) 866-7239 * (951) 809-5232
www.stcolumbas.bigbear.com
St. Joseph’s Catholic
Community Church
42242 North Shore Dr., Big Bear
Lake
Monday-Friday Mass 8 a.m.
Saturday Reconciliation 4 p.m.,
Mass 5:30
Sunday Mass 8 and 11 a.m.,
Spanish 1 p.m.
(909) 866-3030
Summit Christian
Fellowship
41965 Garstin Dr., Big Bear Lake
Sunday Worship 10 a.m.
Wednesday Bible Study 6:30 p.m.
(909) 878-HOPE (4673)
SummitChristianFellowship.com
The Journey Church
800 Greenspot (Hwy. 38)
Big Bear City
Sunday Service 9:30 a.m.
(909) 585-4428
TheJourneyChurchBigBear.com

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!
NIGHTLY DINNER SPECIALS
WED—PRIME RIB
THURS—CLOSED
FRIDAY—HOMEMADE POT PIES
OR SURF & TURF
SAT—ALL-U-CAN-EAT BEEF RIBS
CHICKEN POT PIES IF AVAILABLE
SUN-HOLIDAYS—PRIME RIB
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
Marina
CAPT. JOHN’S GROUT BAY
West Boat Ramp
MARINA WINDY POINT
W E
North Shore
Landing
Castle Rock
Trail
Holcomb
Valley
BOULDER
BAY
1989 25 YEARS 2014
The Mountain’s Monthly Lifestyle Magazine
Hit the Village for Santa visits,
beautiful lights and more
Must dial area code (909) with all
number unless otherwise noted
December
3
All Mountain Strings Concert 7
p.m. at Performing Arts Center
features three youth ensembles.
$15, 18 and under $10. 866-
4970.
4
Christmas Boutique 9 a.m.-4
p.m. at PTL Plus Bookstore &
Ministry (40880 Pedder Rd.);
unique art, homemade soaps,
Christmas decor, free refreshments.
366-0531.
4
Winter Voice Recital by Diane
Sloan Kubeja Studio 2 p.m. at
the PAC with holiday, classical,
pop, Broadway songs. Free.
866-4970.
5
`A Christmas Spectacular’ by
Diane Sloan Kubeja Studio 2
p.m. at the PAC with caroling,
Carnegie Kids, Unaccompanied
Minors, Mountain Marvelettes.
$10, under 18 $5. 866-4970.
5
Holiday Caroling and Hot Cocoa
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
at Chirp Nature Center (578
Bonanza Trail) 5-6 p.m. Free.
(888) 412-4477.
7
Family Craft Night 4-5 p.m. at
the library (41930 Garstin Dr.);
build a gingerbread house, kits
provided. 866-5571.
10-12
`A Winter Showcase ’ with
excerpts from The Nutcracker
Ballet, Grinch and more by
Moonridge School of Dance at
the PAC 7 p.m., 2:30 Sunday
matinee. $22, senior/student
$20. 866-4970.
18-19
Santa Claus Visits Big Bear
Snow Play for tubing and photos
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday,
Sunday at Alpine Slide. 585-
0075,866-4626.
18-19
Big Bear Christkindlmarkt Christmas
Faire at Wyatt’s at the
Convention Center with live
music, carolers, vendors, German
treats 2-9 p.m. Sat., noon-
6 p.m. Sun. $9, $7 senior, $6
ages 3-13, 585-3000.
24
Please call in advance for the
current status of all services
Christmas Eve Service 3 and 5
p.m. at First Baptist Church
(41960 Big Bear Blvd., 866-
3951); St. Joseph’s Catholic
5:30 and midnight (42242
North Shore, 866-3030);
United Methodist 7 p.m. (1001
Holden, 585-4089); Community
Church 6 p.m. (40946 Big
Bear Blvd., 866-7523); St.
Columba’s Episcopal 7 p.m.
(42324 North Shore Dr., 866-
7239; Shepherd in the Pines
Lutheran midnight (42450 North
Shore Dr., 866-8718); Calvary
Chapel 4 and 6 p.m. (713
Stocker, 866-9328; Presbyterian
Church (579 Knickerbocker,
Walk
Board
866-5683).
December 2021—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
25
Please call in advance for the
current status of all services
Christmas Day Mass at 8 a.m.
in English, 11 a.m. bilingual at
Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church
(42242 North Shore Dr., 866-
3030) Services at United Methodist
Church 10 a.m. (1001
Holden, 585-4089).
31
New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade
at Snow Summit at 7 p.m.,
followed by free party in the
base area with DJ. 866-5766.
31
Wyatt’s Family New Year’s Eve
Party 5 p.m. at the Convention
Center with live music by Doo
Wah Riders, family activities.
585-3000.
January
2-3
U10-14 South Series giant slalom
race at Snow Summit, free
spectating. 866-5766
5-6
Uniform Days at Snow Summit
and Bear Mountain; $59 lift tickets
for badge-carrying personnel.
866-5766.
8
Ikon Early-Ups at Snow Summit
8 a.m.; chair 1 opens 30 minutes
early for all Ikon pass holders.
866-5766.
21
KOLA-FM Slide Day at Alpine
Slide; all-day snowplay pass,
two Alpine Slide rides, Soaring
Eagle flight, lunch and more for
$29.99. 866-4626.
29-30
U10-14 South Series slalom race
at Snow Summit, free spectating.
866-5766
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—December 2021
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. (909) 866-0390.
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. $9/ride, 5-ride books $40. Also
a snowplay area with Magic Carpet uphill
ride, plus miniature golf, Go-Karts, Soaring
Eagle, family-priced snack bar, video
games. Open daily. Big Bear Blvd., 1/4
mile west of the Village. (909) 866-4626.
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.
THE ALMANAC
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. Open daily.
40625 Big Bear Blvd. (enter on Bonanza).(909)
878-BOWL.
Discovery Center
Discovery Center on the north shore, two
miles west of Stanfield Cutoff, open outdoors
with information, self and naturalist
guided tours, Adventure passes and wilderness
permits. 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
Big Bear Today
Recreation • Dining • Nightlife • And More
Road Conditions: (800) 427-ROAD quickmap.dot.ca.gov
See a replica of a bald eagle nest, take a hike, and more at Discovery Center
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.
Helicopter Tours
See Big Bear from above during aerial
tours by Helicopter Big Bear. The lake, ski
resorts, desert and surrounding mountains
can be viewed aboard a climate-controlled
Robinson R44 helicopter , 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. (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. (909) 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, 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.
Continued on page 15
Enough Pause. Fast Forward to fun with Big Bear Today!
Time to Push Play!
Packed with all the ways to get out and just have FUN,
from the lake to the trails.
Keep your distance, and your sanity, with Big Bear Today!
And when you can't
PICK US UP,
then CLICK US UP
for online adventure!
The Mountain’s Monthly Lifestyle Magazine
www.BigBearTodayMag.com

Big Bear Today December 2021—Page 15
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.
Other Popular Big Bear Hikes: Champion
Lodgepole Trail (.3 mile, easy), Bluff Mesa
Trail (.4 mile, easy), Camp Creek National
Recreation Trail (3.6 miles, difficult),
Sugarloaf Trail ( 10 miles, strenuous),
Gray’s Peak (7 miles, moderate), and
Siberia Creek Trail (7 miles, difficult). For
information on other trails, call or visit
theDiscovery Center on the North Shore at
866-3437.
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 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.
Mineshaft Coaster
First ride of its kind in California! Ride
carts you control on a mile-long track with
steep drops and climbs, 360-degree
corkscrew turns, two mining tunnels and
more. Up to two can ride at one time. Open
daily at Alpine Slide, on the boulevard 1/4
mile west of the Village. (909) 866-4626.
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 daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and
there’s a Magic Carpet to take riders to the
top. Night tubing (5-9 p.m.) Fridays and
Saturdays plus holidays. All sessions $35
which includes tube rental and lift. 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. $40, small child $25. (909)
866-4626.
After Dark...
Big Bear’s Nightlife & Entertainment Guide
ALLEY OOPS SPORTS BAR—Full cocktail service in Alley Oops Sports Bar at the
Bowling Barn. Watch the big game on big screen TVs, pool tables, good food,
40625 Big Bear Blvd. (909) 878-BOWL.
BIG BEAR BAR & GRILL—Live music weekends and midweek karaoke, horseshoe
pit, great food and drinks. 42164 Moonridge Rd. (909) 878-0802
BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN BREWERY— Craft microbrew beers, food in a cozy
atmosphere. Live music weekends including Brad Riesau from Silver Moon 5-8
p.m Dec. 2, 10, 16, 30 and 2-6 p.m. Dec. 19. 40260 Big Bear Blvd. 866-BEER.
THE BONE YARD—Over 40 beers on tap plus large selection of wines and spirits.
560 Pine Knot Ave. (909) 878-0401.
NOTTINGHAMS TAVERN— Dayton Borders Thursdays on the patio from 6-8 p.m.
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.
THE LODGE AT BIG BEAR LAKE—Brad Riesau from Silver Moon at Stillwells 6-9
p.m.every Saturday. 40650 Village Dr. (909) 866-3121.
THE PINES LAKEFRONT/TAVERN—Live music on the outdoor patio Saturdays
with Duke Michaels and Peggy Baldwin 1-4 p.m. Mike Cross on the piano Fridays,
joined by top bass players on Saturdays. 350 Alden Rd. (909) 878--0506.
WYATT’S CAFE & SALOON—Wednesdays see country dancing. Open Fridays and
Saturdays with live bands including Street Music Band Dec. 3-4 and 11. Cowboy
Church Saturdays at noon.Wyatt’s is at Convention Center, Big Bear Blvd. at
Division. (909) 585-3000.
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 boulevard
one mile east of the supermarkets.Sessions
daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. plus Glow Tubing
sessions Fridays, Saturdays, holiday
periods 5-9 p.m. All sessions $40, small
child $25, which 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.
Goldsmith’s Boardhouse has Atlas
snowshoes for $15/day. 42071 Big Bear
Blvd. 866-2728.
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
The new Big Bear Alpine Zoo at Moonridge
opens November 5! Grizzly and black bears,
bobcats, coyotes, mountain lions, , eagles,
and other animals now have a new state-ofthe-art
home with creatures comforts for
both animals residents and guests. Open 10
a.m.-4 p.m. with animal presentations and
special programing. 747 Clubview off
Moonridge Rd. $15 adults, $10 ages over
60 and children 3-12, two and under free.
(909) 584-1299.
Dining
Guide
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
family dining favorite. Daily breakfast,
lunch and dinner specials. All-you-can-eat
beef ribs 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 MOUNTAIN BREWERY—
Fresh microbrewed beer served with hot
and cold sandwiches, soups, salads and
appetizers in a cozy atmosphere. Weekend
live entertainment. 40260 Big Bear Blvd.
just west of Alpine Slide. 866-BEER.
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.
Romantic seating, and cocktails in the Andy
Devine Room. Open for dinner daily from
4:30 p.m. Moonridge Rd., lunch weekends,
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.
STILLWELLS—In Northwoods Resort,
open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with
fresh seafood and pasta dishes, gourmet
steaks, homemade soups and scrumptious
desserts. Sunday champagne brunch. 40650
Village Dr. (909) 866-3121.

Page 16—December 2021
THE BACK PAGE
Glow Bowling, Laser Maze at Barn
Hot fun, cool games are found at the
Bowling Barn, with good times on
the lanes plus Laser Maze, great
food and drink, videos and more.
Sixteen sanitized lanes separated by
plastic welding screens ensure bowlers social
distance safely while having a great
time. “The screens give the feeling that you
are in your own little space down there,”
said Bowling Barn’s Bill Ross. “There’s
only a handful of alleys in the country using
them and I’ve personally only seen one
other with them.”
When the house lights go down and
black lights kick up for Glow Bowling, the
experience gets surreal as the screen barriers
are something else to reflect light off.
Laser Maze is like limbo with lights for one or two players
Even neon bowling balls, sanitized of
course, illuminate with fluorescent color
under the black lights in dazzling orange,
blue, green and red hues.
The Bowling Barn has high-powered
speakers and amps to kick up the sound
system a few decibels and really get the
party going. There’s laser lights, dancing
and spinning on the lanes and above the
pins, while center screen drops down to
play music videos, flanked by two more
screens on each side.
State-of-the-art scorekeeping on video
screens above each lane tallies not just pin
total, spares and strikes but also running
player handicaps and even the speed of
their rolls. Easy to see why Glow Bowling
is so popular,
held after 2 p.m.
on Saturday and
Sunday, after 5
p.m. on Tuesday
and Friday, and
after 8:30 p.m.
other days.
For more social
distance fun
head to the Laser
Maze for challenge
that’s
straight out of an
action movie.
Enter the Arena
and try to break
Screens separate guests at the Bowling Barn, which lights up for Glow Bowling
into the vault on the other side of the room
by avoiding countless crisscrossing beams
of light, accented by fog to make them
stand out. Crawl, jump, slide, roll, whatever
it takes to cross the obstacle course of
light. Hurry...the clock is ticking!
Break a beam and the penalty isn’t
death like in the movies, just time added
to your score. Once across hold your hand
on the master key, money and red hand
scanner to complete the mission. Takes true
Ninja skills and while the game is easy to
learn, it’s impossible to master with four
different skill levels to choose from.
Beam Buster in contrast sees players
trying to bust each laser beam before time
runs out. Both games are fun for the whole
family with top scores posted outside the
arena. Even record your experience on
Big Bear Today
video for just a buck.! Each game is $3 for
single player or $6 for two.
Alley Oops Sports Bar is open with
reduced seating and full cocktail service
including specialty drinks, microbrews and
domestics on tap.. Bowling Barn has great
grab and go food too like barbecue chicken
pizza, street tacos, chicken wraps, flaming
hot onion rings and carne asada fries.
There’s a myriad of video and action
games at Bowling Barn, like Hoop Fever,
pool tables, air hockey and many more. Including
old favorites like Alpine Skier and
Dance Revolution and today’s latest machines.
Bowling Barn is at 40625 Big Bear
Blvd. (enter on Bonanza). Call 878-BOWL.