Why Big Bear is a Winter Must-See

Over the long weekend I had the opportunity to drive up to Big Bear Lake and spend a few days there with some friends. We rented a cabin, played mafia and spent time enjoying the incredible view. Being up in the mountains is an entirely different setting compared to the hustle and bustle of downtown L.A., and at times it felt like I was on a different planet — no skyscrapers, no sirens every 30 seconds and no Wi-Fi. The peace of being in the mountains in a cabin overlooking a frozen lake was a refreshing way to relax after a crazy first week back at school. Have I convinced you to make the trip yet? Here are a few more reasons why you should drive up to experience the SoCal snow:

1. Snow: Believe it or not, I know a few people who have never seen real snow before. I myself, up until this past weekend, had not seen it for more than five years. It was, to put it frankly, quite magical. The rainy weather down in L.A. means plenty of snow in the peaks, and it was my first time stepping in snow that went up to my knees.
   

   Arim Han | Daily Trojan

2. Getaway: Big Bear, at a two-hour drive, is just far enough away that you can feel a disconnect from home, yet close enough for it to be a viable destination. Being up in the cold will make it seem as if L.A. couldn’t be further away, and sometimes a change of scenery can help maintain sanity during a busy semester.

Things to do:

• Snowboard/ski: If you’ve never tried a snow sport before, this season is prime time. With the freshest snow the mountains have seen in years, the slopes couldn’t be more perfect for learning how to snowboard or ski.

• Tube/Sled: If both snowboarding and skiing aren’t for you, tubing or sledding is just as fun and easier on the wallet. Imagine sitting in a rubber inner tube and sliding down a hill while holding hands with your friends on the way down.
• Stargaze: Being up thousands of feet above sea level will make for some fantastic skies. Make an excursion to see the stars in the woods, or plan a few hikes to watch the sun rise and set. The early mornings and chilly nights are all worth it when you catch that spectacular view.

Tips and Tricks for a Stress Free Trip:

• Rent Resourcefully: If you have the car space to fit snowboards and skis, consider renting gear from a local vendor as opposed to at the ski resort. You’ll save money, and you’re supporting the local businesses there by buying from them. In addition to renting locally, purchasing bulk lift tickets in advance from stores like Costco is a much more economical way to plan your weekend. These two tricks alone will save you up to $50.
• Prepare: Make sure to check for icy conditions ahead of time, and to plan for weather change. It’s also smart to carry snow chains, as you never know if or when you’ll need them. Another tip is to save maps, addresses and necessary directions to your phone in the event you lose connection (which is not uncommon in the mountains).
• Charge up: Did you know your phone battery will drain faster in colder weather? Consider packing a portable charger for your devices when up in the mountains. The last thing you want is to be looking for your snowboarding buddy on the mountain only to find that your phone’s dead (I learned this the hard way last weekend).
• Hydrate: This shouldn’t be considered a suggestion, but a mandate. Altitude contributes to faster dehydration and can result in fatigue, nosebleeds and sickness. Make sure to drink plenty of water and restore your body with electrolyte heavy fluids such as sports drinks. Staying hydrated on your mountain excursion will give you the energy you need to have the most fun.

I hope that by the end of this I will have convinced you to take a weekend up in the mountains. It’s an eye-opening experience that will prove to you that beautiful nature is in our backyard.