ALPINE PEDAL PATH An asphalt path along Big Bear

HISTORY

Big Bear Through the Years From the Gold Rush to snow resorts, Big Bear boasts a storied past.

PRE-1840: THE NATIVES The first known inhabitants of Big Bear were the Yuhaviat (meaning “people of the pines”), who have lived in the Big Bear region for thousands of years. 1845

THE PIONEERS

In pursuit of outlaws who had been raiding ranches in Riverside, Benjamin Wilson led a posse into the mountains. Once they reached the top of the mountain range, Wilson and his team found a valley swarming with grizzly bears, inspiring the moniker of Big Bear Valley. In 1860, a bear hunter named William Holcomb found gold in the backcountry after tracking a bear’s trail to a creek filled with flakes of gold. News of the discovery spread, and Southern California’s largest gold rush was on.

GOLD IS FOUND IN BIG BEAR

In 1855, early settlers in Big Bear Valley discovered gold. A few years later, the first recorded mining operation began at Starvation Flats, near what is now the intersection of Division and Big Bear Boulevards.

1855 –1859 1888–1911

THE BEGINNING OF A RESORT TOWN

As a sign of the times to come, the Valley’s first resort lodging, the Bear Valley Hotel, opened its doors. New roads increased access to the Valley as well; in 1908, the first roundtrip through the mountains by automobile was completed in 13 hours and 17 minutes — a breakneck pace at

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1860–1879: THE GOLD RUSH the time.

BIG BEAR LAKE IS BORN

To supply citrus farms in Redlands with water, Frank Brown began construction on a dam across the Valley, creating a reservoir that became Big Bear Lake.

SAN BERNADINO COUNTY MUSEUM (2); SHUTTERSTOCK.COM (2) SAN BERNADINO COUNTY MUSEUM; SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; BIG BEAR VISITOR BUREAU

1911–1925: HOLLYWOOD DISCOVERS BIG BEAR

With its scenic vistas of majestic mountains and tranquil forests, Big Bear Valley became an attractive backlot for the burgeoning film industry in nearby Los Angeles, driving a surge of tourism to the area.

HOLLYWOOD’S NATURAL BACKLOT

Since its founding, Big Bear Valley has been no stranger to the silver screen. The region was featured in classics such as Heidi (starring Shirley Temple) and Gone with the Wind, and the Valley became a favorite destination for movie stars looking to escape the glitz and glam of Hollywood.

Today, Big Bear Valley continues to serve as a scenic backdrop for hit films and TV shows, including Grey’s Anatomy and The Bachelorette. Catch sights of locations from some of your favorite movies and shows, or discover a production in action — and if you’re lucky, you just might spot a famous face or two.

1928–1949:

THE (WINTER) FUN BEGINS

The first winter facilities were constructed in 1928, when a ski jump competition was held just west of Big Bear Village. In 1938, a toboggan run and sling lift were developed behind the Village. The 1930s and ’40s saw an explosion in tourism as people flocked to the area to ski, and the first ski resort was built in 1949.

1958–1961: SNOW DAY!

Hoping to extend the winter season, nearby Rebel Ridge Ski Area began experimenting with snowmaking technology. In 1961, Snow Summit was the first Big Bear resort to use the new advancements, churning up snow created from Big Bear Lake’s water supply.

X-TREME SPORTS

In the late 1980s, snowboarding exploded on the winter scene, and Big Bear’s ski resorts became early adopters of the new sport. Snow Summit and Bear Mountain would serve as training grounds for some of snowboarding’s biggest stars, including Olympic gold medalist Shaun White. Fittingly, Big Bear would host the first ever Winter X Games in 1997.

1988 –1997

1998: BIG BEAR DISCOVERY CENTER

Co-managed by the Southern California Mountains Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service, the center operated as a steward for the San Bernardino National Forest. Today, it services more than 190,000 annual visitors looking to explore this pristine landscape.

2002

SNOWY PARADISE

Snow Summit acquired Bear Mountain and became Big Bear Mountain Resorts, creating an unparalleled mountain experience for skiers and snowboarders.

2014 — 2018 MOVING ON UP In 2014, Mammoth Mountain Resorts purchased Big Bear Mountain Resorts, consolidating the four major ski resorts in the area; three years later, Mammoth Mountain Resorts was acquired as part of what would become Alterra Mountain Company, a resort company boasting 15 destinations across the U.S. The annual IKON pass gives adventurers access to all 15 destinations, including 23 ski resorts.

THE HOT LIST

New in Town

EATS If you’re feeling peckish after your high-octane adventures on the mountains, stop by Country Kitchen for some good, downhome eats. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant offers classics like savory biscuits and gravy, fingerlickin’ good BBQ ribs, and the giant Big Bad Bacon Burger — two beef patties topped with a four-cheese blend, bacon, and a zesty bar- becue sauce. For drinks with a view, visit The Pines

Tavern on the

Lake, where you can take in a view of scenic Big Bear Lake from the cozy lounge or lakeside terrace while snacking on scrumptious pub fare (the aged tritip “tid bits” are a must-try) paired with a glass of wine or a delicious handcrafted cocktail.

Check out Big Bear Lake’s coolest new spots to eat, drink, and enjoy the outdoors. BY CASEY CANTRELL

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Opposite: Spend the day with the family at Big Bear Alpine Zoo; 1: See the bears up close at the zoo; 2: The new ropes course at Big Bear Snowplay/Speedway; 3: Visit the new Big Bear Visitor Center.

HIDDEN AWAY in the beautiful San Bernardino Moun- tains, Southern California’s premier outdoors destination is keeping it fresh with new eateries and attractions.

Observe wildlife like never before at the new and improved Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Scheduled to open later this year, the state-of-the-art wildlife rehabilitation facility will house more than 150 native animals, including black bears, grizzlies, bald eagles, and timber wolves.

Spread your wings on the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain’s latest attraction, the Soaring Eagle. Fly through the air at nearly 30 mph on a two-person zipline, and be sure to check out photos of your exhilarating ride

at alpineslidebigbear.com. Coming later this summer, a new roller coaster will take you on a thrill ride through the skies and underground.

Embrace your inner American Ninja Warrior at the Big Bear Ropes Course. Located at Big Bear Snowplay/ Speedway, the 6,400-square-foot obstacle course features a variety of ropes and suspension bridges for a heart-pumping aerial adventure. Challenge yourself on 37 different obstacles over two separate levels.

Stop by the brand new Big Bear Visitor Center, where our local experts will help you make the most of your trip to the mountains. •

1: COURTESY OF BIG BEAR ALPINE ZOO; 2: COURTESY OF BIG BEAR SNOWPLAY/SPEEDWAY; 3: BIG BEAR VISITORS BUREAU BIG BEAR VISITORS BUREAU

Pet Friendly

Make memories for your pets, too! Find a new home for Fido at Barrel 33, which offers doghouses made from recycled wine barrels, while bird lovers will have plenty to crow about at Chirp Nature Center, where the sky is truly the limit. Peruse an array of birdbaths, feeders, houses, bird-watching accessories, and plenty of avianthemed gifts.

Treat Yourself!

In The Village, there are plenty of reasons to splurge. Rock your world with Earth Elements’ selection of high-quality jewelry, gemstones, bath bombs and salts, candles, and more. For the wine aficionado, stop by the charming Barrel 33 and sip on local and imported wines as you browse the handcrafted wine barrel furniture.

For a taste of something truly magical, visit the old country–style Mountain Witch Tea Company. The homey store features a delicious assortment of treats that will satisfy the whole family, from a huge variety of handcrafted teas to savory beef jerky to wildflower honey and old-fashioned candy.

THE VILLAGE

Shopping Break

Discover a treasure trove of local finds in The Village at Big Bear.

BY CASEY CANTRELL

Grab a souvenir fridge magnet at Brown Bear Gift Shop!

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FROM THE LAKE, The Village at Big Bear Lake is home to a unique medley of shops offering something for everyone.

KIDS OF ALL AGES No matter where you look, there’s plenty of fun to be found for kids as well as the young at heart.

Get the party rolling at The Bowling Barn, a state-of-the-art, 16-lane bowling alley located in the heart of The Village. After a round of bowling, keep the fun going in the Barn’s modern arcade and laser maze. Or put your deductive skills to the test at Mountain Room Escapes as you and your team race against the clock in a thrilling adventure of wits and ingenuity.

VILLAGE FEAST From traditional American dining to authentic ethnic eats, deliciousness abounds in Big Bear.

Warm up on a chilly day with a spicy curry at Himalayan Restaurant. Explore an aromatic mix of Indian and Nepalese dishes such as chicken or lamb masala, paneer tikka masala, and vegetable thali. For more Asian cuisine, stop by Royal Thai Bistro for fragrant bites of stir fry, Thai noodles, curries, and more.

FROM LEFT: SHUTTERSTOCK; GIANNA CHRISTINA PHOTO GIANNA CHRISTINA PHOTO

Sample brews and BBQ at The Bone Yard Bar & Grill. With more than 40 beers on tap, the brewery is sure to quench your thirst.

Can’t decide what to eat? Santana & Mavericks will make it easy for everyone to order exactly what they with a menu that features American, Asian, French, Italian, and Mexican cuisine.

SOUVENIR SHOWDOWN Bring a piece of Big Bear home with you at one of the many gift shops located in the Village.

Bear Essentials, Shirt Shanty, and Brown Bear Gift Shop offer a wide variety of memorable souvenirs, such as handmade wood carvings, stuffed toys and animals, illustrated postcards, books, clothing and accessories, and other keepsakes. Or pay a visit to the friendly folks at the Big Bear Visitor Center for everything you’ll need to make your trip spectacular — including unique mementos at the center’s gift shop. •

1: Take a stroll through the quaint Village; 2: Find a treasure to take home at Brown Bear Gift Shop; 3: Visit Chirp Nature Center for all your bird-related needs.

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Mike Sannes Real Estate Team Looking to buy in Big Bear? With more than 30 years combined experience, their local expertise and extensive knowledge of Big Bear’s unique vacation-home market takes the guesswork out of your search. Contact them today to experience the difference.

909.435.5155 realestate-bigbear.com LIC#01445693

CHIRP NATURE CENTER Connecting people to nature — Chirp Nature Center provides carefully curated wild bird supplies, guides, gifts, and much more for forest adventures. Conveniently located in The Village.

888.412.4477 chirpforbirds.com

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