As the temperatures climb into the upper 80s this week and into the 90’s over Labor Day weekend, relief is only about an hour away.
Snow Valley Mountain Resort, in Running Springs in the San Bernardino Mountains, has a weekend full of fun in the cooler, clear mountain air, from scenic view rides in a six-person chairlift that safely accommodates the whole posse, to downhill mountain biking.
Yes, that’s downhill biking. A ski lift will get you and your bike to the top of the mountain for that epic ride down. The lift-served, downhill mountain biking chairs carry four mountain bike riders per chair.
Snow Valley offers over seven miles of trails for all levels of mountain bikers. From a meandering beginner trail to more challenging intermediate trails to pro-style black diamond terrain.
“At Snow Valley, our goal is to provide fun, affordable and healthy activities. We hope you’ll join us this summer and enjoy the mountain,” says Snow Valley Resort Vice President & General Manager Kevin Somes.
The scenic view chairlift ride allows a family or group to enjoy the ride together as they travel 4,636 feet, or well over three-quarters of a mile, with views of the 11,503-foot peak of Mount San Gorgonio, or Old Greyback, the highest peak in Southern California. Sharp-eyed riders might also spot bald eagles, peregrine falcons or bighorn sheep in among the mixed conifer forests, pinyon juniper stands, oak woodlands and chaparral that cover the terrain of the San Bernardino National Forest.
Want to take it a little slower? There’s hiking, too. Via the Scenic View Chairlift Rides, self-guided hikers will access a three-quarter mile loop meandering through the San Bernardino National Forest, spotting a variety of flora and fauna along the adventure hike.
All activities offer panoramic views of the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains, Big Bear Lake, the high desert and even the Pacific Ocean on clear days. You can find a downloadable trail map here.
And when you’re finally done with a day of up and down and back and across, there’s a free family movie Friday night at 8, in a tranquil setting surrounded by pines, under a sky full of stars.
The movie is “Trolls: World Tour,” but does that matter? You’re in the sky on a mountaintop.
While some seating will be available, bringing some chairs is recommended, along with some sweaters and blankets, as the evening temps drop.
A regular food menu is available until 6 p.m., with food and drink specials until 8:15 p.m.
Leave that food you bought at Trader Joe’s in the car, and you’re gonna need to leave Cool Ranch Dorito and Miss Skittle at home for the evening, since pets won’t be allowed.
The scenic view chairlift rides, along with the ski-lift-assisted, downhill mountain biking and hiking begin Friday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. There is also a Twilight Special from 4 to 7 p.m., with discounted lift tickets.
On Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day Monday, everything starts up again from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Snow Valley Mountain Resort is at 35100 State Highway 18, Running Springs, CA, 92382, in the San Bernardino Mountains. snow-valley.
