Central California

[Shred Baron]

Since we are on the subject, I thought I would put up some stoke from Ostrander from last year.

[~mikey b]

From thepinetree.net

Bear Valley, CA...

This season at Bear Valley Resorts fifth graders ski free every weekend compliments of a weekend season ski pass valued at $199. The promotion leads a fun-filled winter focused on teaching the next generation of skiers and snowboarders at the Central Sierra resort including an expanded ski and snowboard school and new learning center, additional categories for ski and snowboard teams, and a growing list of events for families of all ages to enjoy. “What better way to embrace and celebrate youth skiing than with a free season pass,” said Jim Gentling, General Manager at Bear Valley Resorts, “Bear Valley remains a diamond in the rough amidst an increasingly packed landscape of California ski resorts and we recognize that learning to ski or snowboard can be a life changing experience for many. For that reason, we place a very high premium on ensuring our guests have the ultimate mountain experience when they hit the slopes of Bear Valley.”

This season, visitors to Bear Valley will enjoy a remodeled first floor at the historic Bear Valley Lodge, which offers 42 rooms and three restaurants on site, free shuttle service to slopes and “ski in” access to Bear Valley Village. Red Dog Lodge (formerly Base Camp Lodge) has also undergone a complete renovation. The lodge is a group services hotel that can accommodate 50-80 guests in European style accommodations with 14 guest rooms and separate men’s and women’s showers and restrooms on each floor. Both lodging properties are owned and operated by Bear Valley Resorts and the restaurants are managed by Head Chef and Hospitality Manager, Henry Chaperont.

Bear Valley Resorts 2013-14 Winter Season Offerings Include:

FIFTH GRADE FREE WEEKEND SEASON PASS: Fifth graders ski free every weekend beginning January 4, 2014, offering 28 days of pure mountain fun. This pass gives access to all lifts every weekend for skiing and snowboarding. All 5th grade students maintaining a “C” average or better are eligible to apply, with documentation required and some restrictions (Applications will be accepted beginning Nov 9, 2013. Visit www.bearvalley.com for details.

FREE LIFT TICKETS FOR SUPER SENIORS AND MILITARY: Bear Valley continues to support military families with a free lift ticket to all active military personnel every Sunday and a $25 ticket any other day, including holidays. New this year, Bear Valley announces the extension of the same benefit to military spouses that carry a valid military ID. Bear Valley is also extending free day lift tickets to adult skiers 75 years old and above (does not apply to super senior season passes).

CUB CLUB SKI & SNOWB0ARD SCHOOL (4 -12 yrs): Having doubled in size, the learning center now offers a larger indoor facility able to service over 150 youth skiers and snowboarders each day. The new facility is equipped to serve hot lunches and drinks, glove and boot warmers and dryers to ensure the young skiers and riders have a warm and inviting environment to check-in, get suited up and prepared for a fun day on the snow. Full day and half-day options are available and sessions start at 9:30 am and 12:30 pm daily.

SKI AND BOARD SCHOOL OFFERS “LESSONS ON DEMAND” FOR BEGINNERS (13 yrs +): The ski and snowboard school now offers a new and innovative “Station Based” learning approach designed to give beginners the opportunity to learn at their own pace. Stations will begin every 30 minutes allowing skiers and snowboarders to start a station whenever they are ready. They can stay as long as needed or skip to the next skill set. This approach provides a relaxed environment for every skier and snowboarder to learn at a pace that best fits them personally. Available on weekends and holidays, the station-based training is recommended for first timers or those that have been away for a long time and want to hone their skiing or snowboarding skills.

TEAM PROGRAMS EXPANDED TO INCLUDE 4 - 5 YEAR OLDS & BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURE:
To further support ski and board families, Bear Valley has expanded their Team Program offerings to include Kodiak Kids, a skiing development program for children four to five years of age that are at an advanced beginner level or higher and ready to join the team with a season long coach and teammates. Kodiak Kids meet every other weekend mirroring the adult ski team schedule allowing parents who are ski enthusiasts the opportunity to get a few hours in while their kids are safe and learning new skills in a team environment.

“We worked hard during the off season to add new programs, teams and online reservation systems to the Bear Valley roster for the upcoming winter season," said Aaron Johnson, Guest Services Manager. “By providing a variety of clubs, teams, learning opportunities and online reservations, we are able to help cultivate a love of snow sports in young skiers and riders, creating a whole new generation of passionate snow enthusiasts.”

Along with existing All Mountain, Race and Freestyle teams, Bear Valley Resorts’ ski and snowboard team offerings have also expanded further to include an All Mountain Plus Team, designed for advanced skiers and boarders who want to further their education in avalanche awareness, side country expertise and ski cat adventure. The teams are available for ages six through 18, and are fun, educational, and designed for strong beginners through advanced skiers and snowboarders to sharpen their skills in a variety of conditions and terrain.

LIFTS & PASSES
Season Passes are on sale now with prices starting as low as $39 for kids five years old and younger, while adults enjoy an unlimited season pass for $499. This year, all Super Seniors (75+) will ski free at Bear Valley. Daily unrestricted lift tickets can be purchased at local resellers including REI, Sports Chalet, Mel Cottons, Sunrise Mountain sports and many other sport and ski shops. For a full list of resellers, or for more information about Bear Valley Resorts season pass, ski and snowboard teams, a complete list of upcoming events and more please visit www.bearvalley.com

2013-14 PASS & LIFT TICKET PRICES

SEASON PASSES
Adult Restricted $299
Adult Unlimited $499
Youth (14-22) $399
Child (6-13) $199
Kinder (5-) $39
Senior (65-74) $199
Super Senior (75+) $39


Lift Tickets (Regular)
Adult All Day $64
Adult Half Day $54
Teen (13-19) $49
Child (6-12) $19
Kinder (5-) $5
Senior (65-74) $25
Super Senior (75+) $FREE


Lift Tickets (Holiday)
Adult All Day $69
Adult Half Day $59
Teen (13-19) $52
Child (6-12) $22
Kinder (5-) $5
Senior (65-74) $30
Super Senior (75+) $FREE



OPENING DAY
The Resort is scheduled to open Saturday, November 30, 2013 with the “First Annual Bear Valley Turkey Trot” to be held at the ski area. Registration for the event starts at 9:30am. Season pass office, food and beverage and retail services will be open. Bear Valley Village continues the celebration throughout the holiday weekend with a variety of “Winterfest” activities including a backcountry film festival, wine tasting, bon fire and more. Full details on holiday weekend events available at www.bearvalley.com. List access will be available on opening day, however skiing and snowboarding will be allowed based on natural snow and conditions permitting. The resort will continue every weekend in December, conditions permitting through December 15. The resort plans to open daily beginning December 20, 2013.

About Bear Valley Mountain & Bear Valley Village
Bear Valley Mountain and Village is the premier family mountain sports and lodging destination in the Central Sierra. Located between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe on National Scenic Byway Highway 4, and surrounded by two of California's largest federally designated wilderness areas, outdoor activities in Bear Valley are abundant. Bear Valley Resorts is known for its warm, welcoming staff, affordable ticket prices, a variety of terrain, and a commitment to providing the ultimate mountain experience. The ski and board area offers 1,680 acres of varied terrain, more than 70 trails, two terrain parks featuring more than 18 features, and 1,900 vertical feet. Bear Valley averages over 30 feet of annual snowfall per year. Bear Valley Village is home to a variety of services, shops, restaurants and a wide range of accommodations. Winters provide skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Hiking, fishing, cycling, rock climbing, kayaking, camping and a variety of cultural events make for a perfect summer of activities. More information is available at www.bearvalley.com.

[~mikey b]

also

They tell me the BV Telemark Festival will be re-branded as a free heel event, including tele and AT demos, a rando race, etc. Details to follow.

and

I'm going to be teaching AIARE Level 1 courses for Mountain Adventure Seminars in Bear Valley this winter. I might be able to hook you up with a Maggot discount, especially if you get a group together.

[randomwalker]

Question: we're going to be full time Dodge Ridgers this year after being up there a lot last year. Anyone have beta on cheap places for a family of four to sleep? Looking for something sub market rate for cabin-ish stuff for a single family. We live on the peninsula so we'll be heading over Friday night, etc.

[~mikey b]

Bear Valley is hosting a Winter Preview at Black Bear Inn in Arnold Thursday night. They've invited locals to come hear about what's up for the coming season. A great idea, considering all the uncertainty over the last couple seasons. Apps and local wines will be served. Adults only! No kid friendly events planned.

http://www.bearvalley.com/bear-blog/winter-preview/



also, Dodge Ridge wants to know: What will you do this winter?




look for young Owen, Krystal Kartwright, Holy Mazurkiewicz and me



music by our good friends The Little Fuller Band

[Viva]

Question: we're going to be full time Dodge Ridgers this year after being up there a lot last year. Anyone have beta on cheap places for a family of four to sleep? Looking for something sub market rate for cabin-ish stuff for a single family. We live on the peninsula so we'll be heading over Friday night, etc.

Check for weekend rentals in Twain Harte. Lot's of vacation homes there. About 30-40 minutes from Dodge Ridge.

[~mikey b]

yeah some friends of mine have a rental in Twain Harte - I'll ask about rates and stuff

[randomwalker]

Thank you!

[~mikey b]

Dodge Ridge 25% off sale for Season Pass holders Nov 11 - Dec 1


Dodge Ridge is thankful for our Season Pass Holders, and to show our appreciation, Season Pass Holders can take advantage of the Sport Shop Thanksgiving Sale Early!

November 11 through December 1, Dodge Ridge Season Pass Holders get 25% off of Boots, Bindings, Skis, Outerwear & Logowear in the Dodge Ridge Sport Shop.

might be worth buying a pass for some folks...

[~mikey b]

Looking for a pro ski patroller or two. EMT or OEC required. Strong skiing or snowboarding skills if you want to be on the hill. Also room for a base area 1st Aid person if you don't ski or ride. Lots of patient contacts.

PM me if interested.

[~mikey b]

Bear Valley says they'll try to be open Nov 30 & Dec 1

Projected Opening Day – Saturday, Nov 30th.

Lift Access for Skiing and Snowboarding Nov. 30 & Dec 1

We are counting on Mother Nature to kick into high gear in the next couple of weeks, and if the snow comes….we will be ready. Guests that are ready too should plan to head up to Bear Valley to ski or snowboard, conditions permitting. Lift access to be available on opening day, for skiing and snowboarding based on natural snow and conditions permitting. Interested guests should check the company website, social media sites or call the resort for up to date information. If conditions allow and opening occurs on Thanksgiving weekend, lift access for skiing and snowboarding will continue every weekend in December, conditions permitting through December 15. Daily operations would begin December 20, 2013.



edit - the rental house I mentioned above is rented long-term - sorry

[~mikey b]

Flying Rim Fire, Yosemite, Sonora Pass Sunday.

[salomonskiier12]

I'm located on the Central Coast, Santa Maria area... Just moved here from the east coast, and I'm having snow and mtn withdrawls. Went to mammoth a few weeks ago, but that is a hell of a drive to do every weekend. Any ideas on skiing in this area (both backcountry/resort), and anyone in this area interested in meeting up/carpooling to the hill?

[~mikey b]

Can you guys see this?

[LightRanger]

Yeah. The Captain.

[~mikey b]

Excellent! We went flying today. Owen steered the plane most of the flight. 2 cushions and his car booster seat helped him see over the panel, and he figured out how to keep the plane on the GPS course using the display.

[~mikey b]

Half Dome


Hetch Hetchy

[~mikey b]

Cherry Lake and Lake Elanore


Duckwall Mountain


Rim Fire

[~mikey b]

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[~mikey b]

Looks like we might get a bit out of this next system....

Official invite: Winter Solstice party at my house Sat. Dec. 21. Keg of SN Celebration.

[~mikey b]

China Peak opening

China Peak finally will open this weekend to skiers and snowboarders after light snowfall and freezing temperatures blanketed one of the Huntington Lake resort's runs. On Tuesday, the resort received three to six inches of snowfall.

China Peak is scheduled to open 9 a.m. Saturday with chairs 6 and 4 serving Sundown Ridge to Lower Tollhouse run for intermediate and higher-level skiers and riders.

The run is about 1-mile long and covers nearly 1,000 vertical feet. For beginners and first-time skiers, the resort will have terrain features and two moving carpets in the base area.

But with this weekend's forecast showing more snow possibly on Friday and Saturday, "it would change all of this in a heartbeat," owner Tim Cohee said.

Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Hanford, with another half-foot of snow forecast to fall between Friday and Saturday.

That means more runs may be open in time for the resort's opening weekend and more fun for skiers and riders, but no guarantees can be made, Cohee said.

Regardless, the winter weather will allow snowmaking to continue on the open run before machines are moved to the top of the mountain for the popular Kaiser Run. Cohee hopes that section will be open for guests by Dec. 14.

The Jack Pieroni Demo Day sponsored by Herb Bauer Sporting Goods also is set for Saturday. The demo day is free with a lift ticket or season pass and allows guests to test the latest in skis and snowboards from top manufacturers. A photo ID is required to test equipment.

Starting Monday, the resort will be issuing free lift tickets through Friday for donations of new or slightly used coats or new and unwrapped toys. The donations will be given to Fresno's Coats for Kids and Toys for Tots charities. One lift ticket will be issued per person per day per donation.

Lift ticket prices will be reduced to reflect the limited operations: All Lift -- adult $25, junior/senior $20, child $10. Rentals -- adult (13 and up) $25, child $20. Moving carpet ticket $15. Learn to Ski/Ride package (13+) $50.

In Yosemite, Badger Pass Ski Area is scheduled to open Dec. 13.

[~mikey b]

Bear Valley people, please join me in offering this laurel, and hearty handshake to your new Ski Patrol Director, Mattly Trent.



You are in good hands folks.

Thanks for everything Zoot!

[~mikey b]

4" @ 3500'

[~mikey b]

...... .....

[~mikey b]

FKNA!



Bear Valley opening this weekend!

Thanks to the weekend winter storm that brought us nearly 2 feet of snow, Bear Valley Mountain will open Saturday & Sunday December 14 & 15 for skiing and snowboarding. The ski area will be closed Monday-Thursday (Dec 16-19) and re-opening December 20th for the 2013/14 season with daily operations.

Here is what’s happening for the weekend of Dec 14 & 15th:
TICKET PRICES:

Adults & Teens (13-64) – $39
Child (6-12) $19
Senior (65-74) – $25
Super Senior (75+) – Free
Kinder (5 and under) $5 or free to passholder

TRAILS, LIFTS & SERVICES:

Mountain operations is projecting we will have Kuma & Cub Chair open – 9am-4pm

Terrain:

Access to both beginner and intermediate trails, groomed and skier/rider packed

Services:

Season Pass, Tickets and Rentals/Snowsports sales – open 8:30-4:15pm
Food & Beverage – Hungry Bear Café, open 8am – 4:15pm
Monte Wolfe Saloon – Open 10:30am
Reba Sports retail store – open 8:30-4pm
Lessons – available AM & PM
First Aid/Patrol – open
Main Office – open 8am – 4:30pm
Snow sports Teams – Meeting and skiing/riding opening weekend.
Shuttle Bus to BV Village – NOT RUNNING OPENING WEEKEND
Preferred Parking/Ski Check – NOT OPEN




Krystal Kartwright and young Owen and I will be there one or both days this weekend