Skiing into wonderland

By Jeanine Cardullo, On-Line Forty-Niner

Thursday, November 12, 1998

Welcome to Southern California, which is home to Disneyland, Hollywood and some of the best skiing.

With the help of the snowboard invasion and a storm last year known as El Nino, local skiing and snowboarding have taken on epic proportions.

Local ski resorts, in turn, have begun a competition of one-upmanship, resulting in lower lift ticket prices, an increase in high-speed quads, terrain parks and first-timer packages.

The resorts have stepped up to the '90s by offering the latest in rental equipment.

Trite as it sounds, there truly will be something for everyone this season, from parabolic skis with the hourglass-cut, to carving boards with click-in hard boots.

If all else fails, there are always the outside decks, opposite sex and drink specials.

The traditional beginning of the local ski season has occured on Thanksgiving weekend.

Although the turkey is still alive, El Nino's little sister has made an appearance. Rumored throughout the ski-bum community, La Nina heralds a dry, cold season, which is perfect for snowmaking conditions in the local mountains.

Although the season has not officially begun, it is the right time for a rundown on what is going on in the mountains.

Located in the San Bernadino Mountains, four resorts exist for Southern California's skiing and riding pleasure.

The facts: Snow Summit, located approximately 2.5 hours from Long Beach, is the only resort to limit the sale of lift tickets in an effort to keep down crowds and lines.

Summit also offers night skiing on designated evenings.

New this year is "Ego Trip," which has been designated as an additional terrain park.

Bear Mountain, also located about 2.5 hours from Long Beach, boasts the highest peak in the locals, topping off at 8,805 feet above sea level.

No night skiing is available. New this year is the high-speed quad, "Access Express," which provides rapid transport to riders interested in hitting the double black diamond.

Also offered only at Bear is the United States Adaptive Recreational Center, which provides excellent ski and board lessons to those who are mentally or physically challenged.

Snow Valley Mountain Sports Park, located approximately 20 minutes before Bear and Summit, touts itself as the "Mountain of Youth" and is the only resort to offer use of "The Lot Skatepark." Admission is free with the price of a valid lift ticket.

New this year is the expansion of the already notorious terrain parks and half pipes.

Mountain High is the only resort accessible within 75 minutes of Los Angeles with no mountain driving required. Winner of the "Best Southern California Terrain Park" by Travel Watch last year, the resort has cut new gladed areas for freeriders.

Mountain High also offers night skiing seven nights a week.