January 2022 Big Bear Today Magazine

Volume 33, No. 7 January 2022
www.bigbeartodaymag.com
Olympic-Style
Ride at
Alpine Slide!
• Stay Off Big Bear Lake Ice!
• Grizzlies, Snow Leopard Get Dental Work, Pedicures
• Guided Snowshoe Eco-Tours are Back!
• Snow-Many Ways to Enjoy the White Stuff

Page 2—January 2022
From the Publisher
All signs point
to staying off
Big Bear Lake ice
Stay off lake ice. There’s signs all
around Big Bear Lake with the message,
dozens and dozens of them in
all shapes and sizes, from Boulder Bay to
Baker Pond and everywhere in between,
stapled to telephone poles and mounted
onto posts.
Some signs are 4x8 feet, practically
billboards. Others are electronic. The message
is the same on all of them, threatening
a hefty $500 fine for those who violate
San Bernardino County Code 52.0502.
Yet every winter there are those who
can’t resist the urge to venture out onto frozen
Big Bear Lake, intrigued by ice that
often has cracked, thawed and refrozen repeatedly
thanks to the warm days and cold
nights that make Big Bear such a popular
winter destination. Indeed the first cold
snap of the season had barely arrived last
month before social media was alive with
posts showing folks ignoring the message
Big Bear Municipal Water District diligently
tries to get out every winter.
You see people in Boulder Bay especially,
but at other spots around the lake
too, gingerly stepping out onto the ice just
to see if...what? If it will hold their weight?
What if it doesn’t?
A more somber consequence than just
a ticket that costs money awaits those who
insist on walking on lake ice: doing so can
cost much more, like your life. Which very
nearly happened to one family two years
ago, after they walked right past and defied
one of the many signs by stepping out
onto ice near Stanfield Cutoff.
The lake bottom slopes away rather
quickly at the east end of the lake, the result
of major dredging work several years
ago, so water gets deep right away. The
man and his wife plus daughter had only
gotten 20 feet from the shore or so when
the ice gave way and all three plunged into
lake water that was only 34 degrees at the
surface, a couple degrees less underwater,
several days after the incident.
“There must have been some cracking
or some noise,” MWD general manager
Mike Stephenson said. “We estimate
they were in six feet of water at that time.”
At those temperatures the body
doesn’t last long as hypothermia sets in,
losing the ability to function in only a
couple minutes with death in as few as 15.
“We’ve all jumped into a cold pool and
sucked our breath in,” Stephenson said.
“We can all relate to that experience. In
bitter cold temperatures shock sets in.
“We estimate that they were only in
the water for a minute or so before someone
on the shoreline reported it,”
Stephenson added. “They were lucky the
Sheriff (Citizen Patrol) was around the corner.
They were in the water about seven
minutes and probably would have been unconscious
in ten.”
As it happened help was on scene in
moments and from the shoreline rescuers
were able to toss a rope out to the family.
It took several attempts and about three
precious minutes for all three to be pulled
to shoreline. Lucky Citizen Patrol was
nearby, lucky they were only a rope’s throw
from the shoreline when they plunged in,
lucky there was only three of them and not
the dozens that have been reported out on
the ice at one time. Otherwise they’d have
gone home from Big Bear in body bags.
“In another couple minutes they
wouldn’t have been able to grab the rope,”
Stephenson said. “Your grip gets so weak.
The deputy told them to wrap the rope
around their arms. The family was treated
on scene for hypothermia and also abrasions—ice
cuts you too.”
To be clear most people heed the signs,
but social media has documented those
who don’t the past several years. And really
the number of those doing such a headscratching
dumb act seems to be going
down. A decade ago we’d see two or three
hundred out on the ice on a busy day, now
it’s down to dozens.
“I feel like we’re getting the word
out,” Stephenson said. “You can’t enter the
Valley without driving by a 4 x 8 sign. A
lot of these people are knowingly breaking
the law. I’ll pull up and they run off
the ice. It’s no different than if they were
parking in a No Parking zone.” Except, of
course, you’re not likely to die in a No
Parking zone.
Yes, the family was issued a citation
with a court appearance but five hundred
bucks seems like a slap in the wrist, no
worse than a speeding ticket. “And that’s
if the judge doesn’t reduce it as they often
do,” Stephenson said.
With last month’s storms and many
consecutive days of freezing nights, ice figures
to be a real problem as 2022 arrives.
Lower lake levels mean less ice but if folks
wander far enough they’ll find it.
At press time there was ice off
Stanfield Cutoff and Boulder Bay among
other locations around the lake too. Stay
off it. The ticket, or worse, isn’t worth it.
Have a good one.
Marcus
ON THE COVER: The Olympics are coming in February but you can get a taste of the games
now on the Alpine Slide! Snow Play, Mineshaft Coaster, Soaring Eagle too!
Volume 33, Number 7 January 2022
4
5
6
8
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
Satisfy Inner Olympian at Alpine Slide
Lean into banked turns, tuck through straightaways, and
experience some of the same gravitational forces Olympians
do on the Alpine Slide bobsleds, which never need snow and
always deliver Go Pro-worthy moments. Then take a flight on
the Soaring Eagle and slide on the family favorite inner tubing
hill. Plus the new Mineshaft Coaster! All at Alpine Slide...
Beat the Beaten Path on Snowshoe Tours
Discover the beauty of the forest with Discovery Center
volunteer naturalists as guided Snowshoe Eco-Tours return
Saturdays. Learn the basics of romping through powder and
then explore Towne Trail to learn how animals adapt to winter,
a bit of Big Bear history and more. Meet at the Knickerbocker
Parking Lot and reservations are a must.
Root Canals, Pedicures Bear-able at Zoo
You don’t just tell a grizzly bear to open wide when it needs a
root canal. Instead it takes a team effort, in this case volunteer
specialists who visited Big Bear Alpine Zoo to perform
extractions, pedicures and more on residents. Thousands of
dollars in services and equipment were donated in the process.
Endless Ribs, Enormous Pot Pies
Ribs are never-ending at Thelma’s on Saturday nights and
enormous chicken pot pies only seem that way. Comfort food
is on at Big Bear’s family restaurant where there’s awesome
breakfasts, two fireplaces and amazing apple dumplings.
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 pony rides
for little buckaroos and petting zoo! On The Back Page...
January is Learn to Ski or Snowboard at
the resorts. See page 7
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 2022 Big Bear Today

Big Bear Today January 2022—Page 3
POTPOURRI
Ride to Village, zoo, restaurants, more, all for free!
Free trolley rides
best way to resorts
Best way to get to the ski resorts this
season is aboard the new Mountain Transit
free trolley service, running daily to
Snow Summit and Bear Mountain along
with other popular destinations.
Forget about finding a place to park
or having to pay to start your ski or
snowboard day. Just hop on the trolley
from locations throughout Big Bear Valley
and leave the driving and negotiating
traffic to Mountain Transit. Catch the trolley
at the supermarkets, Big Bear Village,
in front of lodging properties and elsewhere.
No matter where you’re staying
you’re close to a free ride to the resorts!
Plus you’ll be dropped off right in
front of the ticket windows at Snow Summit
and Bear Mountain, just steps from the
fun. At the end of the day return on the
trolley for free as well.
Not going to the resorts? Popular visitor
destinations like the Village, restaurants,
grocery stores and more are serviced
by the free ride. Go shopping, visit restaurants,
lodges, Big Bear Alpine Zoo and
more as the trolley rolls through each area
every 30 minutes, so the wait is never long.
It’s the environmental and budget-friendly
way to do Big Bear.
The new service is offered 15 hours
each day throughout Big Bear Valley, from
6:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. 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
the latter has been serviced by public transportation.
For schedules see ad on page 9 or 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!
Also Available
Lakeside RV Park
with
Full Hookups!
Remodeled Bathrooms and Store
www.800BigBear.com
Enough Pause. Fast Forward to fun
with Big Bear Today!
Snow play, Alpine Slide rides, even lunch for $49.99!
Play all day for $50
on Winter Slide Day
Enjoy a full day of winter play—even
lunch—for just thirty bucks as Alpine Slide
hosts its annual winter KOLA-FM Slide
Day on Thursday, January 20 from 10
a.m.-4 p.m.
For $49.99, guests receive an all-day
pass for inner tubing on the area's snowplay
hill, which includes tube rental and use of
the Magic Carpet uphill lift. 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.
Then head for a thrilling flight on the
Soaring Eagle, over a football field in length
during a 500 ft. thrilling descent that reaches
speeds up to 26 mph. There’s turns on the
Putt `N Around Go-Karts with tire-lined
track and banked turn plus round on 18-
hole miniature golf course (weather permitting)
to enjoy. When hunger strikes
after all that fun, the Slide Day deal even
includes hot dog, chips and Coca-Cola for
lunch.
Combined the full day of fun in the
Big Bear sun would cost upwards of a
hundred bucks, so parents and youngsters
are saving serious money—an all day snow
play lift ticket is normally $40 itself. Thanks
to the area’s aggressive snowmaking with
Lenko fan guns plus last month’s
naturalsnow conditions are excellent. Getting
to the top of all the snow is easy,
courtesy of 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. Warm up in the recently
remodeled heated base lodge, with
spacious windows to soak in the views plus
selection of video games and family-priced
eats from the snack bar.
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain is on
Big Bear Blvd. 1/4 mile west of the Village.
Call (909) 866-4626.
Click Us Up!
bigbeartodaymag.com
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!
The Mountain’s Monthly Lifestyle Magazine
www.BigBearTodayMag.com

Page 4—January 2022
Alpine Slide satisfies inner Olympian
Unique ride serves up a bobsled-type slide!
Big Bear Today
Lean into the banked turns and get almost
perpendicular to the ground.
Go into a tuck through the straightaways
to reduce wind resistance. Guide the
sled over undulations as snow-covered—
or not—slopes blur by.
A preview of next month’s from the
Winter Olympic Games perhaps? Actually
these visuals play out every day at Alpine
Slide, home of the only authentic bobsled
ride of its kind in Southern California.
While most of us will get no closer to
experiencing the thrills of Olympic
bobsledding, luge or skeleton than we will
to flying in outer space, Alpine Slide brings
much of the excitement and gravitational
forces of the sport down to Earth as part of
a ride that never needs snow and always
delivers thrills galore. Riders control how
fast—or slow—they go down the track in
the most unique ride around.
Unleash your inner Olympian while
navigating sleds you control down two
quarter-mile long cement tracks. 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.
It’s a ride so real bobsledders could
train at Alpine Slide and lets everyday folks
get a taste of the Games’ exciting event.
Each sled carries one or two riders—
typically parent with a young child. Pulling
the control handle toward you applies
brake and slows the sled down; pushing
forward releases it and allows the sled to
roll freely. Far from an amusement park
attraction where there’s little or no guest
interaction, Alpine Slide offers an experience
that’s different every time down, since
riders control their own speed.
Skill is the main factor in determining
what kind of experience guests have: when
to brake and when to go faster, how to lean
into and out of each turn and more. Watching
experienced drivers negotiate the track
really brings home images of the Olympics,
especially as they shoot through
banked turns at high speed.
Each trip down starts with a scenic ride
up the chairlift, where there’s stunning
views of Big Bear Lake along the way.
Don’t let the lake views distract on the way
down though, for this is a real ride where
each driver controls their own destiny and
while some streak, many crawl.
The Olympics were the furthest thing
from the mind of seven-year-old Ellie
Thomson during a recent visit. The San
Diego resident was visiting Alpine Slide
with father Ramon as part of a YMCA Adventure
Guide weekend and the pair got
all the adventure they could handle.
“You start slow then whoop! whoop!
you press forward and go faster,” Ellie said.
“Yeah I’m excited! Lean forward into the
turns to go faster.” Even five-year-old
friend Frida Colas, also from San Diego,
got in on the fun. She rode with dad Alex
but he let her control the sled, much to his
daughter’s delight.
“Mine couldn’t go that fast till we did
the bumps (track undulations),” she said.
“Then we went really fast!”
While similar tracks are found worldwide
and at a couple dozen locations in
the country, mostly at prominent ski resorts,
the closest other one is in Park City,
Utah. Each ride serves up the ultimate Go
Pro moment as drivers with cameras
donned shoot through the turns. Some try
to video with cellphones or selfie sticks in
hand but that’s a difficult task that leads to
more distracted driving. Bobsled rides cost
$9 each, or $40 for a five-ride book.
There’s more Go Pro moments on Alpine
Slide’s inner tubing hill, a family favorite
for years. Alpine Slide’s ski resort
quality Lenko snowguns have made an
amazing amount of snow despite the challenging
winter with depths of 15 feet or
more already.
The enclosed 210-foot long Magic
Carpet uphill lift to take guests and their
tubes to the top of all that snow—just step
on and step off, no uphill climb to tucker
parents and kids out means they save all
their energy for downhill fun and get all
Even non-Olympians enjoy bobsled-like rides at Alpine Slide
the rides they can handle.
Nightly grooming just like at the ski
resorts ensures smooth tubing on perfect
corduroy seach morning with a nice run
out at the bottom built forr the end of the
ride. Sessions are daily from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
and cost $40, $25 small child, which includes
tube rental and lift ticket.
Tubing under the stars during night
sessions was introduced at Alpine Slide
several years ago
and has become
wildly popular.
Guests love sliding
on snow that
gets another fresh
grooming after the
day session ends
and the slopes are
lit up. Snow gets
faster and faster as
the evening
progresses. Night
sessions are Fridays,
Saturdays
and holiday periods
that include
nightly through
January 8 plus
Jan. 16 from 5-9 p.m.
The latest unique attraction at Alpine
Slide is the new Mineshaft Coaster which
opened summer 2020. Negotiate carts you
control up and down a mile-long track
filled with corkscrews, long descents and
more, reaching speeds up to 27 mph in the
process. Along with the Soaring Eagle.
Alpine Slide is at 800 Wildrose Ln.
Call (909) 866-4626.
Soar like an eagle!
Control your speed on the new Mineshaft Coaster as well (left) or slide out of control down snow-covered slopes aboard inner tubes, camera in hand (right)

Big Bear Today January 2022—Page 5
Center sets snowshoes, nature walks
For the first time in nearly two years,
guided snowshoe tours are again being
offered by Big Bear Discovery Center.
What’s more, December’s steady onslaught
of storms should make for awesome
snowshoe conditions. Even as Big
Bear’s recreation destination remains
closed indoors, first for renovations and
then Covid, it’s again offering winter programs
for visitors to enjoy, and Guided
Snowshoe EcoTours are at the top of the
list, though they’re held at an off-site location.
Meet at the corner of Pennsylvania
and Knickerbocker in Big Bear Village for
these popular treks that explore nearby
Towne Trail in search of signs of winter
wildlife. Participants enjoy a taste of winter
recreation as they venture into the
woods during these guided two-hour treks.
Participants learn proper snowshoeing
techniques and safety skills before heading
out with an experienced naturalist.
Equipment is provided including trekking
poles and Mountain Safety Research
(MSR) Denali snowshoes.
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. History of Big
Bear Valley and the San Bernardino National
Forest is presented and their unique
ecosystems. Outings can be up to three
miles though distance can be adjusted for
each tour, with two hours of snowshoeing.
Snowshoe tours are confirmed for
January 8 and 15, and are expected to be
held Saturdays through March 26 conditions
permitting, said Discovery Center’s
Wendy Craig. Cost is $30, $20 ages 8-12,
and includes snowshoe and pole rental,
snack and water. Wear warm clothing layers
and waterproof boots or shoes. Visit
MountainsFoundation.org for required advance
reservations.
Discovery Center’s north shore location
has outdoor activities as well. There’s
Nature Discovery Trail to hike and things
to see, like a replica bald eagle nest. Weekends
see naturalist guided walks, information
booths with Adventure Passes and permits,
and activities for kids.
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 guided
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
Discovery Center guided snowshoe treks are back starting January 8!
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.
In addition Discovery Center hosts
Story Time for kids and Pinecone
Birdfeeders are making a comeback as
well. Visit mountainsfoundation.org for the
latest information and schedule.
Discovery Center is also the place to
learn about Big Bear’s amazing bald eagle
population. In particular birds Jackie and
Shadow have produced clutches of eggs
in recent years though the eaglets have either
not survived or failed to hatch. Perhaps
they’ll try again this month? Visit
FriendsofBigBearValley.org to find out.
Discovery Center is open Thursday-
Monday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Discovery Center (909) 382-2790

Page 6—January 2022
Grizzlies get root canals, pedicures
Big Bear Today
What do you do when a big cat
cracks a canine? Or a grizzly
bear needs a pedicure to go
along with dental work?
Obviously you don’t just tell them to
open their mouths wide and an ordinary
nail salon won’t do. It takes a team effort
to take care of these problems and this is
one time the doctor does make house calls.
As demonstrated several weeks ago at
Big Bear Alpine Zoo during a November
weekend dubbed “Bearmageddon.” A team
of exotic dentistry personnel led by the
zoo’s Vet of Record Dr. Brian Loudis spent
three days giving three grizzly bears and
one Himalayan snow leopard full medical
exams, nail trims and major dental work
that included extractions, root canals and
deep cleaning.
All animals had to be anesthetized,
Zoo 2022 calendars
Celebrate the residents of Big Bear
Alpine Zoo all year long with 2022 calendars,
now available.
The photos are winning entries from
the zoo’s 2021 photo contest. There is also
information about the back story of each
animal photographed, telling how they arrived
at the facility and interesting facts.
Calendars are produced by the Friends
of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. An $18 minimum
donation is requested and calendars
can be picked up or mailed. Visit the
website friendsofthebigbearalpinezoo..org
or call (909) 878-4200.
with vital signs monitored constantly, just
as if they were in the hospital. Oxygen saturation,
heart rate, temperature and more
were checked and all patients made it
through their procedures with flying colors.
“When we moved the grizzlies (in November
2020) we noted that their teeth
needed attention,” said BBAZ curator Bill
Hoffman. “They needed root canals and
extractions. In the wild an infected tooth
can be fatal.”
The grizzlies that arrived in Big Bear
to much fanfare over two decades ago after
raiding one too many campgrounds in
Yellowstone are senior citizens now. Mama
Tutu is believe to be at least 36, Hoffman
said, and her cubs Ayla and Harley are
around 27.
“Their teeth are worn,” he said.
“They’re old, for grizzly bears.
“You perform a root canal on a grizzly
the exact same way you do on a human,”
Hoffman added. “You remove the
root around the outside of the tooth, and
go around till the tooth is loose enough to
extract. Watching these experts work was
like watching a top athlete or genius perform.
We were super happy.”
The procedures were done right in animal
enclosures, on plywood platform beds
lined with hay that made great operating
tables. Padded with quilts and blankets
donated by DOVES, the areas were sanitized
prior to the procedures to ensure they
were super clean.
It takes a team volunteering their time to perform dental work on grizzly bears
The bears were asleep for about twoand-a-half
hours while the dental work was
performed. Intravenous fluids ensured they
stayed hydrated. Then it was time to reverse
the anesthesia.
“They woke up disoriented just like
people do from anesthesia,” Hoffman said.
No doubt a little grumpy too, which is why
oxygen tubes were removed through small
openings in the fence, so no one had to be
in the enclosure when they came to.
While the bears were asleep, staff took
the opportunity to trim their toenails. Mama
had huge three-and-a-half inch daggers!
(pictured below) “Grizzlies are diggers,
they use nails to claw around trunks to find
roots and small animals,” Hoffman said.
“They’ll also use nails to catch salmon, or
their teeth.”
The snow leopard had a cracked canine—keepers
found it lying in the cat’s
enclosure. “We decided to remove the root
to prevent future problems,” Hoffman said.
“When snow leopards lose a tooth
they actually overlap the opposing canine
up into the gumline,” he added. “We
rounded off some of the teeth as well.
“People take dental work on animals
for granted but when you see the logistics
it’s quite extensive,” Hoffman said. “It
would have cost $5,000 to $10,000 for each
procedure if the vets had charged us so we
would have looked at $20,000 to $40,000
bills.”
Instead the vets and staff donated their
time. Plus upwards of $10,000 in dental
equipment, items like drills, suction, polishers
and more.
Which surely will come into use during
future procedures. Black bears are getting
up in years, nearly 30 in fact, and also
need dental work. And while mountain lions
don’t have any known problems, one
of the big cats previously had a root canal
and titanium crown on one of its canines.
Friends of Big Bear Alpine Zoo helped
make Bearmageddon possible by providing
hotel rooms for the team.
The bears and snow leopards are
among the most popular residents at Big
Bear Alpine Zoo, still one of only two
places in California where the state’s symbol,
the grizzly, can be seen. Their enclosure
features a mulch-filled dig pit that they
love to roll around in where they can employ
their digging skills, along with culverts
and posts. Plus a seasonal flowing
stream and pool, drained for winter but the
bears have a blast in both during summer.
Continued on page 8
Grizzly dagger-like claws before the pedicure (left) and after (right)

Big Bear Today January 2022—Page 7
January time to learn at BBMR
January is learn to ski and snowboard
month, and while the season was late arriving,
December storms and tons of
snowmaking have the season off and running.
Both resorts have expansive beginner
areas and lesson programs designed to introduce
newbies to sports they can enjoy
their entire lives. Bear Mountain for instance
has the largest beginner area in
Southern California, with lots of elbow
room for those just getting their ski and
board legs under them. Snow Summit’s
beginner area is also ample and when sliders
are ready to take the next step there’s
Summit Run, a lengthy low-level run from
the top of the mountain that introduces beginners
to all that’s good in winter.
Adults can book lesson packages that
include equipment and discount lift ticket
starting at $159, $131 if you don’t need
equipment rental. Book equipment rentals
at least seven days in advance and save
20%, while passholders save 10-15% off
group lessons
Both resorts have built new Adventure
Academies in the past few years, special
places for youngsters. Adventure
Academy is a one-stop shop for family
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.
rentals, lift tickets and state-of-the-art
learning centers, 6,000 square feet of nirvana
for children ages 4-12 and even their
parents. Bear’s is actually a little bigger
than that, and both are designed to get families
out on the new faster.
Mom and Dad can watch from the
viewing decks at each Adventure Academy
location and cheer on their youngsters during
their lesson since they get passes into
the base area, or head out to the slopes
themselves. Kids get their own separate
five acre beginner area to learn on serviced
by moving carpets.
There’s various types of lessons that
cater to each child’s needs and renting
equipment is a snap with kids fitted for ski
or snowboard boots on a new step-through
ramp. Plus the unique Riechman Equipment
Rack system allows for faster fullservice
rentals.
Both newbies and veterans will spot
changes in the mountain experience, even
skipping ticket windows if they choose.
Purchase tickets in advance to save money
and time by printing your ticket at one of
10 pickup boxes at each base area. Scan
the barcode on your confirmation email
and be on your way in a jiffy.
Snow Summit and Bear Mountain also
have introduced RFID passes and gates so
gone are the days of sticky tickets and wire
loops. Mammoth and other resorts have
had RFID technology for years, with guests
scanned as they go through gates. Save
your pass too; future days can be reloaded.
All parking is paid on Fridays through
Sundays during peak winter months even
at remote lots like Brownie and Garstin.
Parking can be purchased online in advance
or from on-site attendants. Remote
parking is free for BBMR and Ikon
passholders. The workaround is to take the
free Mountain Transit trolley from anywhere
in the Valley and be dropped off up
front with no long parking lot walk.
Night sessions at Snow Summit have
Bear Mountain’s famous deck is open to all again after last season’s Covid protocols,
a great place to chill or warm after a day on the slopes
become very popular. No need to pay for
parking if you arrive after 2 p.m. nor worry
about getting a lift ticket. Sessions scheduled
from 3-8:30 p.m. nightly through Jan.
8 plus Jan. 14-16, 21-22 and 28-29.
Open terrain at night typically includes
the beginner area plus Summit Run and
Miracle Mile top-to-bottom including
variations like Steilhang, Hogback and
Summit Connector. In addition Westridge’s
famous terrain park is also open with jibs
and jumps—in fact it gets a fresh groom
prior to night session so guests enjoy the
freshest terrain since first chair.
There’s some 20 different food and
beverage venues between Snow Summit
Standard
Motel Rooms
$85
with Fireplace
& Queen Bed
Non-Holiday / Midweek
Weekends Slightly Higher
Subject to change without notice.
and Bear Mountain, some outdoors and
others in, ranging from world-famous
Laybacks Bar on the deck at Bear Mountain
to Bighorn Smokehouse’s tasty barbecue
at Summit. Other favorites include
Hawks 52, Slopeside Speakeasy and Hog
on the Rocks at Summit and Bear’s BBQ
in the Park. Download the new BBMR app
and you can order in advance to skip the
lines.
Guests continue to enjoy the free
shuttle running between Snow Summit and
Bear Mountain every half-hour with their
tickets and passes valid at both resorts.
Visit bigbearmountainresort.com for
tickets and information.
CLOSE TO VILLAGE,
LAKE, DINNING
CLOSE to SLOPES!
Deluxe
Spa Rooms
$145
with Cozy
Fireplace
(800) 255-4378
local (909) 866-2166
41121 Big Bear Blvd. • Big Bear Lake, CA
www.BlackForestLodge.com

Page 8—January 2022
Ribs, pot pie, killer breakfast
For over three decades Thelma’s has been home to
Big Bear’s best comfort food...and bakery too!
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
T○ hick, meaty beef ribs, all-you-caneat
on Saturday nights. Footballsized
chicken pot pies that only
seem like they’re endless.
Wait, there’s more. Fresh ground coffee,
Thelma’s own blend, and oranges machine
squeezed right before your eyes for
the tastiest juice. Homemade soups including
Friday clam chowder that’s to-die-for.
All served around two cozy fireplaces in a
quaint, homestyle family environment.
Thelma’s restaurant and bakery in Big
Bear City has been a favorite with visitors
and locals for decades now. Interestingly,
Thelma’s only did breakfast and lunch
when owners Mark and Elaine Henderson
took over in 1988. They’ve since built it
into a dinner house too by offering a nice
selection of evening entrees like steaks and
seafood plus specialty items. Adding a nice
selection of beers by the bottle and on tap
plus wine hasn’t hurt either.
Chicken pot pie is one of those specialties,
available in limited numbers Fridays
and Saturdays. Each large casserole
is overflowing with golden, flaky puff
pastry bursting at the seams with tender
bird, veggies like peas, carrots and celery,
all in cream sauce. It takes a big appetite
indeed to polish off one of these delights,
but I was up to the task on a previous visit.
“We make just 18 pot pies each night,
and it’s not enough,” said Ronna
Year-Round
Christmas Room!
VanOostendorp. “We always sell out, especially
since coronavirus. People want
their comfort food.”
Saturday night all-you-can-eat beef
ribs are another Thelma’s tradition. Pick a
bone with Thelma’s and see how many
meaty ribs smothered in house barbecue
sauce you can handle. A guy next to me
stopped after just the initial three ribs that
are served but another guest across the way,
along with his wife, were each on their
second plate of bones when we left and
might still be there eating for all I know.
Then there’s Thelma’s famous chicken
fried steak, regular or Paul Bunyan-sized
that’s three-quarters-of-a-pound, each
smothered with homemade gravy. Prime
rib is another favorite, one of the specials
on Thursdays and Sundays, thick and savory.
Barbecue chicken is still another.
Thelma’s is one of Big Bear’s most
popular morning breakfast spots for good
reason. There’s a dozen three-egg omelettes
to choose from, Denver, Popeye
stuffed with spinach, and Polish featuring
sausage are highlights. Light, fluffy pancakes
and waffles are signature items, one
reason Thelma’s has been voted Big Bear’s
best breakfast. Try the chocolate chip or
pecan cinnamon roll French toast, both as
decadent as they sound, and homemade
biscuits and gravy are a must.
From a wide variety of benedicts and
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
Chicken pot pie
(above) and savory
desserts—including
amazing pies and
apple dumplings—
at Thelma’s
florentine to the
popular Hobo with
three eggs and four
ounces of Polish sausage
mixed with onions
and home fries,
Thelma’s has mastered
the morning
meal. Head south of
the border for
huevos rancheros,
chorizo and machaca.
Lunch meanwhile features favorites
like a wide variety of burgers such as the
Big Bleu, my personal favorite. Along with
tasty pitas starring tuna, turkey or chicken,
a wide range of sandwiches like the
Brawny beef and French dip, salads and
much more.
Thelma’s has its own bakery too with
delicious creations baked by
VanOostendorp. Her specialty: famous
football-sized apple dumplings. She starts
with a whole cored and peeled Granny
Smith apple with cinnamon and sugar inside,
then it’s wrapped in homemade croissant
dough and “baked with love,” she said.
Each is served warm with vanilla ice
Continued from page 6
Black bears have their own rock-lined
pool plus glass walls around their home
that they love to lean against and soak up
rays. Which lets visitors get just inches
away from the bruins, albeit separated by
thick glass, allowing for great views of
inches-long claws and massive feet.
Folks love to look at snow leopard sisters
Asha and Shanti, but unfortunately the
cats can’t look back . Both cats have suffered
significant deterioration in their remaining
eyes after previously losing sight
in their other eyes due to rare cancer that
strikes snow leopards. Now the animals are
basically blind but have gotten used to their
new homes, taking advantage of special
15-foot structure built just for them.
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
Big Bear Today
cream, caramel sauce and whipped cream
and is every bit as luscious as it sounds.
Better than apple pie a la mode it’s also
bigger, a virtual meal in itself.
Thelma’s also bakes 50 or more fresh
pies a week, displayed in the glass case
guests walk right past on entering, cream
ones like chocolate, lemon and banana
among others. Specialty pies include the
three-layer peanut butter banana chocolate
with Oreo cookie crust. Fruit pies include
apple, peach, blueberry, strawberry rhubarb,
cherry and fruits of the forest.
—by Marcus Dietz
Thelma’s is at 337 W. Big Bear Blvd.
in Big Bear City. Call (909) 585-7005.
Dental work for zoo grizzlies...
to a new home a year-plus ago meant they
can all be kept together again.
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. The
5.6 acre zoo is full of creature comforts
for humans too, with new stage and
benches for animal presentations, picnic
area and kid’s playground with equipment
also donated by the Friends of BBAZ, even
a climbing wall.
Guests 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 past outdoor fireplace to the new
welcome center and well-stocked gift shop.
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.

Big Bear Today January 2022—Page 9
Fill in patterns for bucks at Elks bingo
Animal Sanctuary tours
Learn the stories of rescued critters
during one-hour tours of Grateful Heart
Animal Sanctuary in Big Bear City.
Horses, burros, chickens, ducks, roosters,
bunnies, goats, pigs, dogs, cats, even
a steer have found forever homes at the
nonprofit, volunteer-run facility. Enjoy upclose
personal interactions with goats and
pigs while touring the property and learning
the stories of how they ended up at
Grateful Heart Animal Sanctuary, a 100%
volunteer run facility.
Many of the farm animals have been
abused, abandoned, neglected, have special
needs or are otherwise at risk. Tours
are a fun and educational experience where
questions are always welcomed.
Tours are set for January 15, 22 and
29 plus February 5, 19 and 26 along with
March 5 and 12. Admission is $10, $5 under
18, with proceeds going to feed and
care for the animals including veterinary
care, supplies and equipment.
Tours take place regardless of weather
so dress appropriately. Ticket sales end two
days prior to each tour so book in advance
by calling (909) 979-9333, or visit
BigBear.com
There’s no slot machines in Big Bear,
but there are pull tabs. With nice cash
payouts too, at the only entertainment spot
in town registered as a casino with the state.
For who-knows-how-long the Elks
Lodge has hosted bingo every Friday from
7-10 p.m. open to the public. At the Elks
Lodge, everyone’s a winner; the games are
cheap and fun, there’s free coffee and water
plus super cheap snacks, and the pots
can be hefty. Players vie for $30 pots in
regular games, $60-$80 specials, $300 pull
tab game at intermission, and powerball
pot up to $500 at press time and growing,
which pays on a bingo that wins on the
preselected number, usually the date.
Sometimes winning patterns are a traditional
straight line but more often can be
downright complex, forming pyramids,
starbursts, bow ties, railroad tracks and
other designs. Different cards are used each
week so the game is never stale. Each Friday
there’s 15 games plus specials.
Some players may have sets of four
cards for each game so for the 15 games
they’ll keep track 60 cards or more. The
starting setup is $23 which assures players
a full night of play.
The games are all programed into the
computer at the Elks Lodge and tickets are
numbered, so all the caller has to do is read
off the number and the computer electronically
confirms victory. Two boards with
adjacent television screens display the
numbers, with bingos shown so all can see
the winning pattern.
As each number is drawn anticipation
in the room builds. A hush takes over, as if
players sense that even uttering a few
words can jinx it and cause someone to yell
“Bingo!” Sometimes it’s a false alarm and
the rest of the players have renewed hope
while on other occasions there’s multiple
bingos with split pots.
Players must bingo on the last number
called or it’s not good. Game programs
detailing the evening’s patterns are free
plus the desired pattern is displayed on the
number board.
“We usually have a mix of locals,
many of whom are regulars, along with
visitors looking for something fun to do
while they’re in Big Bear,” game caller
Mike Brode said one evening. “In winter
we might have 30-40 players, more in summer
when the days are longer.”
Proceeds benefit many Elks charities
like high school scholarships, food baskets
at Thanksgiving and Christmas for the
needy, sports team sponsorships, utility bill
assistance for those in need and many more
programs. “Elks Lodge has been here 70
years and given over $1.1 million locally,”
Continued on page 10
You’ll be all smiles too at Elks Lodge Bingo each Friday night, plus great food
at the new Cookshak

Page 10—January 2022
Strings to present Chamber music
Recognized photographers Trisha
Dale Green and Owen Phairis present the
challenges they face capturing images of
local bald eagle and other wonders of the
area Thursday, January 13 at Big Bear Valley
Historical Society’s monthly meeting.
The pair have teamed to capture stunning
close up images of bald eagles, both
nesting and in flight. Some of those images
are featured in a 2022 calendar produced
by Green and Phairis, available at
Big Bear locations including Lodge Podge
in Big Bear City, and others have been included
in this magazine.
Their efforts aren’t limited to eagles
either. Green has photographed scenic locations
throughout these mountains including
along the Santa Ana River and other
wildlife including deer. Phairis meanwhile
is a historian and pilot, and has an amazing
collection of planetarium projectors,
scientific instruments, and memorabilia.
Both Green and Phairis have generously
donated many artifacts and photos
to the museum and some of their photography
are featured in its gift store. They’ll
discuss the equipment they use for their
Join talented MountainTop Strings for
an “Afternoon of Chamber Music” Sunday,
January 9 at 3 p.m.
The young musicians directed by cellist
and music educator Sharon Rizzo will
present a wide range of music at the Historic
Chapel at Community Church Big
Bear (40946 Big Bear Blvd.) Classical
music from Mozart, Bach, Telemann,
Vivaldi and others will be included in an
eclectic mix that also includes jazz numbers,
folk and more.
Pair talk eagle, scenic photos at meeting
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.
photographs and the patience required to
get such stunning images.
The 7 p.m. meeting, free and open to
the public, is held at Bridges Presbyterian
Fellowship at 579 Knickerbocker in Big
Bear Village. Opportunity drawing and refreshments
including delicious desserts are
other highlights.
Elks B-I-N-G-O!...
Continued from page 9
said exalted ruler Mike Anderson. Friday
bingo at the Elks Lodge has been been a
tradition for over four decades.
For grub there’s the new Cookshak at
the Elks Lodge, upscale eating at friendly
prices. Pulled pork, corned beef brisket,
French dip, an array of sandwiches and
one-third pound burgers, and more dot the
menu..Available to-go or delivery from Big
Bear Takeout as well.
All in all a great way to spend a Friday
night, and a lucky few get a taste of
Vegas.
Elks Lodge is at 40611 Village Dr.
across from Lakeview Dr. (909) 866-3557.
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
Formed in 2011 by director Rizzo
along with pianist Barbara King,
MountainTop Strings is a 25-member orchestra
featuring Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead
musicians ages 13-17. A nonprofit
organization under the Lighthouse Project
of Big Bear, the very talented group have
performed locally at The Cave, Music in
the Mountains at Discovery Center, and
throughout Southern California including
at the Redlands Bowl.
In addition to having been invited to
play at Carnegie Hall on several occasions
and even overseas. MountainTop Strings
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
Enjoy an Afternoon of Chamber Music with MountainTop Strings on Jan. 9
has performed throughout Italy and Austria
in such places as the Duomo in Orvieto,
the Pantheon in Rome, The Schönbrunn
Palace Chapel in Vienna, the St.
Andraekirche in Salzburg, and the Palazzo
Ducale in Genoa, among many others.
Indeed the group will be traveling to
Italy for ChamberFest 2022 June 27-July
14. The January event is a fundraiser for
the group with attendees encouraged to donate
what they can afford. Future concerts
are on tap as well.
Visit mountaintopstrings.org or call
(909) 866-7523.
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 January 2022—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.
If Santa didn’’t fill your wish list, find
it at Village Faire, 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 gifts, 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 smack in the middle
of the Village 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 welcoming at
$10.99 and bears tell the story at the Village
Faire
to choose from whether you root for the
Rams or Chargers and 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
a real conversation starter..
Village Faire is at 40794 Village Dr.
above Leather Depot. (909) 866-8220.

Page 12—January 2022
Long tubing runs, ropes course at BBSP
Winter was slow in arriving but when
it did show up, it came in a blizzard.
Significant December snow storms
followed by great snowmaking conditions
allowed Big Bear Snow Play to pile white
stuff up in a hurry. Ski area-quality fan
snow guns put the icing on the slopes after
the holiday storms, taking full advantage
of cold, dry weather to build snow depths
measuring in the many feet deep, and will
continue to pile up product to ensure there’s
inner tubing through Easter and beyond.
All of which is making for an exciting
2022 at Big Bear Snow Play, where
there’s new expanded base lodge featuring
snack bar with 3,000 sq. ft. of seating.
Serving goodies like burgers and pizza, the
indoor space is just part of an enlarged,
renovated base lodge that more than
doubled in size and sports two stories featuring
a 6,700 sq. ft. observation deck,
serving up great views of snow play action.
The wraparound deck is amazing with
radiant heat that helps melt snow and ice,
spanning the entire building.
At one time the Rebel Ridge ski area,
longtime family favorite 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 offers
tubing whether storms arrive or not,
with daily sessions from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
So much product enables Big Bear
Snow Play to create signature snow features
in addition to traditional downhill
sliding. 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 through
January 8. The slopes already looked like
a Christmas 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. 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.
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
Big Bear Today
with automatic braking. Sessions are $12.
Big Bear Snow Play/ Ropes Course is
at 42825 Big Bear Blvd. (909) 585-0075.
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!
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"
Happy 2022!
Molekule Air Purifiers
for Safety of Customers & Staff
www.CaptainsAnchorage.com
Rare Photos, Memorabilia,
and More!
Advance Reservations
Highly Recommended
Full Hot & Cold Deli
Groceries • Firewood & Propane • Spirits • Lotto
Try Our Famous
Rotisserie Chicken
& Kabobs!
We cut the highest
Quality Meats
Daily
Award
Winners:
1st
Liquor
2nd
Groceries
2017
Chamber of
Commerce
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

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—CLOSED
THURS—PRIME RIB
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
Snoshoe Eco-Tours are back,
Saturdays through March 26
Must dial area code (909) with all
number unless otherwise noted
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.
8
Snowshoe Eco-Tour Saturday
9 a.m.-noon, $30, ages 8-12
$20, meet at 707 Knickerbocker,
reservations required.
866-3437.
9
An Afternoon of Chamber Music
with MountainTop Strings 3
p.m at Historic Chapel at Community
Church (40946 Big Bear
Blvd.); classical, jazz, folk, more.
Donations welcome. 866-7523.
13
Historical Society Meeting 7
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
p.m. at Presbyterian Church
(579 Knickerbocker); speakers
Owen Phairis, Trisha Dale Green
present bald eagle photography.
Free, refreshments, drawing.
15
Snowshoe Eco-Tour Saturday
9 a.m.-noon, $30, ages 8-12
$20, meet at 707 Knickerbocker,
reservations required.
866-3437.
15
Grateful Heart Animal Sanctuary
Tour noon-2 p.m. visit rescued
horses, goats, ducks,
more. $10, under 18 $5. Ticket
sales end two days prior to
tours. (909) 979-9333 or
bigbear.com.
20
KOLA-FM Slide Day at Alpine
Slide; all-day snowplay pass,
two Alpine Slide rides, Soaring
Eagle flight, lunch and more for
$24.99. 866-4626.
22
Snowshoe Eco-Tour Saturday
9 a.m.-noon, $30, ages 8-12
$20, meet at 707
Knickerbocker, reservations required.
866-3437.
29
Snowshoe Eco-Tour Saturday
9 a.m.-noon, $30, ages 8-12
$20, meet at 707
Knickerbocker, reservations required.
866-3437.
29-30
U10-14 South Series slalom race
at Snow Summit, free spectating.
866-5766.
February
2-3
Uniform Days at Snow Summit
and Bear Mountain; $59 lift tickets
for badge-carrying personnel.
866-5766.
Walk
Board
January 2022—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
5
Ikon Early-Ups at Snow Summit
8 a.m.; chair 1 opens 30 minutes
early for all Ikon pass holders.
866-5766.
26-27
U10-14 South Series slalom race
at Snow Summit, free spectating.
866-5766.
March
2-3
Uniform Days at Snow Summit
and Bear Mountain; $59 lift tickets
for badge-carrying personnel.
866-5766.
7
Big Bear Polar Plunge at
Veteran’s Park as entrants jump
in the lake at noon. Family fun
area with climbing wall, displays,
live and silent auctions,
more. $50. www.sosc.org/
bigbearplunge.
12
USARC Ski-A-Thon at Bear
Mountain; $150 donation ($500
teams of four) for lift ticket, line
cutting, lunch, apres ski party
and goodie bag. 584-0269.
Have fun and support adaptive
skiers at March 12 Ski-A-Thon
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—January 2022
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
Beat the cold with hot glow bowling with sounds and videos are the Bowling Barn,
plus Laser Maze, great food, full bar, video games and more. (909) 878-BOWL
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 January 2022—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
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.
COOKSHAK—At the Elks Lodge.
Gourmet sandwiches, burgers, fish and
chips, more. Wednesday-Sunday 11 a.m.-
6 p.m. (909) 878-0137.
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.
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 Jan. 11, 14, 18, 20, 25, 28. 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. Cowboy Church Saturdays at noon.Wyatt’s is at
Convention Center, Big Bear Blvd. at Division. (909) 585-3000.
18

Page 16—January 2022
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.
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 has over 30
years of offering horseback adventure in
Big Bear 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 available
for those who want to learn more about
Big Bear’s fascinating history, including
Big Bear Today
Experience snow-covered trails on horseback rides at Baldwin Lake Stables
upclose looks at unique landmarks in the
area including the famed Eye of God.
There’s even hand-led pony rides
around the corral for younger buckaroos
that cost just $10. Children especially love
to spend time in the adjacent petting zoo,
mingling with 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.
bigbeartodaymag.com