Dare to Go Bear: The Ultimate LA Escape Is Big Bear

If you’re from Southern California, you’ve certainly heard of Big Bear Lake.

If you’ve only lived here for the last five years, you probably have never been. You see, Big Bear Lake is a ski resort town where Los Angelenos hit the slopes in winter, then mountain bike and fish to relax in the summer.

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But the recent six-year drought has practically stopped tourism to this lovely mountain retreat. There’s been barely any snow over the past half decade — well, until recently. Big Bear has seen some incredible snow storms duering the past two months, and it has revitalized the town. It’s weird to hear your friends say “We are going skiing at Big Bear” … I haven’t heard those words in six years.

So I ventured out to take a look at one of my favorite towns in LA and it’s completely gorgeous again. The lake’s water levels are rising, the mountains are covered beautifully in snow and the ski resorts are packed once more as they were during its glory days.

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Let’s make this much clear: Big Bear is no Utah or Colorado resort. Just the same, it has abundant merits of its own. Big Bear Lake offers many outdoor activities — biking, paddle boarding, or just cooling off at the local swim beach. The Lake may look small, but it actually spans seven miles and offers much more in sheer serenity. Many friends cast out a line year round and try their luck at fishing. So remember: What Big Bear lacks in size, it makes up for in big charm.

Enjoy new highlights of travel photographer Edwin Santiago’s journeys each week.

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Last modified: August 12, 2019