Take a look out your window. See that? See all those people walking around, enjoying the 70+ degree temperatures?
Now, consider for a moment that there are people right now, not very far from here, dealing with snow. In their yards. Front and back. Snow, lots of it.
And you and your kids can be there in just over two hours, to learn to ski and snowboard, or watch others learn to ski and snowboard. (See what I did there?)
Snow Valley Mountain Resort, in Running Springs, near Big Bear, has been teaching first-time skiers for over 80 years.
Winter 2019-2020 is the resort’s 82nd season, and the Children’s Learning Center, for beginners-only, ages 4-12, focuses on traditional skiing and riding experiences with small class sizes, paying close attention to developing and improving skills.
Children’s Learning Center participants can choose a full-day program with lunch (9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) or a half-day without lunch (9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
Half-day adventure rates begin at $89 and include a lesson and lift ticket. Rental equipment may be added to each program for just $20. Snow Valley has a “5th Time Free Program” that allows students to take their 5th lesson at no charge. Check-in begins a half hour prior to the start of all lessons. All lesson schedules and pricing are at https://snow-valley.com/children-lessons/
Children ages 4-6, participate in the unique Adventurers program, where smaller groups are tailored to the child’s ability and provide more individual attention. In order to ensure they succeed and fully enjoy their first winter resort experience, children 5 & under must take ski lessons first, before learning to snowboard. Children ages 7-12 participate in the Explorers program, where classes are offered for skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels. Private Lessons for ages 4 & up and Group Lessons for ages 13 & up are also offered in our Learning Center.
All these programs include a full mountain access child lift ticket. Parents/guardians are encouraged to ski and/or snowboard with their children after the lesson, if time permits.
Children can play in the Snow Valley Forest, accessed by two easy-to-load moving carpets, technically called conveyor lifts. The “moving carpets” allow newbies to become comfortable on the snow before they board a regular chairlift, and mix with experienced skiers and snowboarders.
“Snow Valley’s new moving carpets make learning easier and more fun,” says Snow Valley Vice President and General Manager, Kevin A. Somes. “Aspiring skiers and snowboarders comfortably move up the hill like magic. So, they look forward to their next ride and are likely to stick with the sport. Mixing with experienced skiers and snowboarders on traditional lifts and runs can be very intimidating for new participants.”
Skiing not your jam? Maybe you would rather sled?
Snow Valley Mountain Resort’s Snow Play area is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is home to So Cal’s only lift-served sledding Fridays through Sundays and holiday periods. Other days sledders walk up the hill. Sleds are always included, as are thrilling downhill sled rides. Accessories such as snow boots, gloves and waterproof pants available in the Sport Shop.
Snow Valley is one of the largest resorts in the San Bernardino National Forest, with 1,041 feet of vertical drop, a summit of 7,841 feet and base at 6,800 feet -all spread across 240 acres of skiable terrain.
Snow Valley Resort, 35100 State Highway 18, Running Springs,CA. 93832. (909) 867-2751. www.snow-valley.com.
