Spring Skiing Deals at Big Bear Lake, CA

Wildflowers are popping up everywhere but with snow still blanketing the slopes of Big Bear Lake spring skiing is in high gear. Just two hours from Los Angeles, Big Bear is a magnet for skiers and riders who enjoy carving up the slopes under a cloudless blue sky in spring. My son, his friend and I drove up on a Friday night, leaving behind city lights for starlit nights in the San Bernardino Forest. We stopped by Resort Town Rentals in Big Bear to pick up a key and map to our cabin in the Moonridge neighborhood, closest to Bear Mountain and Snow Summit resorts.

The next morning at Snow Summit, we opted to rent high performance K2 skis (which were in pristine condition) and spent a blissful weekend skiing. Despite warm, sunny weather, most  runs were open and it was thrilling to ski without bundling up. We saw a couple shirtless guys, and girls in tank tops, but most people (like us) wore T-shirts or light jackets.

The hours melted away as we skied among wonderfully scented pine trees with scenic views of the sparkling blue lake. With short lift lines (thanks to express chairs), we got in countless runs, skiing until the lifts closed (and our legs ached).

Where to sleep

Big Bear accommodations include cabins, hotels, inns and condos. For families, it’s convenient to rent a cabin or house.

The cabin we rented (Jamie’s Retreat) through Resort Town Rentals had three bedrooms, one bath, a full kitchen and deck.

View the rental homes and rates at www.resorttownrentals.com.

Spring skiing specials

* With the Spring Break special, students get $20 off midweek lift tickets when they show their school IDs.

* With the Half-Day Getaway, ski or ride all morning and turn your lift ticket in by 1 p.m. to receive up to a $15 voucher to put towards your next lift ticket.

* The Kids Ski Free and Lodging Package enables ages 12 and younger to ski free with each purchase of a discounted midweek adult lift ticket. Check the website for participating lodging.

* The Midweek Lift and Lodging Packages start at $69 per person, per night, with double occupancy. Weekend Lift and Lodging Packages are from $89 per person, per night, with double occupancy and require a minimum of two nights lodging and two days of lift tickets.

Win prizes!

Kids have a chance to win prizes, including a snowboard, fishing trip, boat rentals and a free trip to Big Bear, by participating in the KIDS. GET OUTDOORS. WIN. campaign. Each time kids finish an outdoor activity, they can get a passport booklet stamped at various locations in Big Bear. Adventure stamp passports are available at the Big Bear Visitor Center, 630 Bartlett Road in Big Bear Lake or participating local businesses.

For more information about activities, lodging, specials and the Kids. Get Outdoors. Win. campaign, visit www.BigBear.com or call 800-424-4232.