Snow Summit Ski Area - #SnowSummitSkiArea

Socal - San Bernardino County - Big Bear Lake NickNames: #SnowSummitSkiArea

Drive up Hwy 18 to the city of Big Bear Lake. When you get to the town look for signs to Snow Summit Ski Area. Turn right on Summit Bl. Team Big Bear Bike Shop, at the foot of the lift has all the information you need and want.

106 Review(s)4 Photo(s)Login

• Trail UpdateFall Line & Big Bear Rides.-Went on 7-21-11 Great riding very fast with lots of interesting log jumps and rolls. Some nice technical stuff too. Place was nearly empty $25.00 and well worth every penny. Takes a few runs to get your bearings because there are almost no trail signs.
  
  jimzoli a 51 year old Downhiller riding a Trek Session 7 from Fontana

  Posted:07/22/2011

• Trail UpdateDickies And Falline Are Gr8!-First time riding summit. The trails that I had the most fun on were fall line and dickies. Lower and upper fall line is very steep and technical in some areas. There are a few drops and log hits on the trail. One of them is just plain crazy. Its a log jump that lands in to a berm. The dickies trail is on the west side of the mtn and is rather short but very fun with multiple snaking berms in and out of the trees. There is a log there that you can try to ride up and then off.

  The only bad things about summit is that they were giving me some grief over my front tire. I ride a 2.7 in the front and a 2.3 in the rear. But they still let me in. Also some lady yelled at me for bunny hopping up a curb at the base. Also someone, either the forest service or summit, needs to step up and make this place better by having more signs. The same lady that yelled at me told me that a lot of them had been stolen???
  49erfan13 a 26 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Iron Horse Warrior Sport from Calimesa

  Posted:08/08/2010

• Trail UpdateWorth The $20 Admission!-We did four runs in a Tuesday on June 30th and practically had it to ourselves. I flatted twice from all the rocks on 1E01, which is a major inconvenience...because I was having too much fun!

  We rode:

  1. 2N10 - Upper/Lower Falline Trail
  2. 1E01 - Pineknot Trail 2x
  3. 2N08 - Cabin 89 Trail

  Watch the loose sand in spots. Too bad the Sky Chair is open for only seven weeks/year. Next time- I'm going tubeless!

  
  Zachariah a 45 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Cannondale F2000SL XC Hardtail

  Posted:07/01/2009

• Trail UpdateSnow Summit-Just rode this weekend with a group of six from chaingangmtb.com (check it out) and it was a little powdery. Ate alot of dust but had an awesome and fast time. Make sure to bring sunglasses or clear glasses to keep the dry dirt out of the eye balls. Still could use some trail signs, but it's easy enough to figure out.
  rock4x4 a 24 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a cake 2 dlx from valencia, CA

  Posted:08/05/2007

• Trail UpdateSnow Summit 2N10 2N08-I rode the summit for the first time over the 4th. What a awesome ride. If you have the time go for it. We missed the turn out for the Towne trail at the bottom and ended up on some street by a school. They need a big sign at the bottom so you don't miss. Its a lot of down hill riding at the end which was a lot of fun. I also took a sixteen mile ride around the lake which was very nice. Not a hard ride at all. very relaxing
  duckfanforlife96 a 31 year old Downhiller riding a Raleigh from agoura hill ca

  Posted:07/16/2007

• Trail Updatewas in summit last wknd. the woman at the booth is a lil
  lax'd about the tire size, 2.5 will pass, but you cannot have a 7"-up fork, the person who puts your bike on the lift checks the stanchions. but if youre in shape you can ride the fireroads up, no biggie.
  Mongoose a 67 year old

  Posted:07/09/2007

• Trail UpdateChecking For 2.5 Tires Or Smalle-Post #100-
  Glad to hear the riding and ladies are great. What do you mean by "checking for 2.5 or smaller". Do they size discriminate? Planning on going up tomorrow July 7 and ride old fashioned steel hard.
  estylee a 32 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Jericho Payback from LBC

  Posted:07/06/2007

• Trail UpdateSnow Summit-Awesome! Went last weekend. Still just $20 for the day lift ticket. They are checking for 2.50 tires and smaller! (they have a testing fork now) There are more single tracks this year than last. Probably about 8 single and a few fireroads that bring you down. Many jumps this year. It'll be dusty from the dry weather but worth it. There were about 20 hot and very fit ladies on the runs, I don't know where they came from? (they were pedaling uphill) some trail pics @ www.chaingangmtb.com
  rock4x4 a 26 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a 2005 cake 2 dlx from Valencia

  Posted:07/03/2007

• Trail UpdateAll Day Pass-We decided to ride Summit during the day on the 4th of July. We had a great time taking the lift up about 6 times. I would recommend "Upper and Lower Fallines". Each was exciting and challenging. We also did one run that began after the first upper falline trail right behind a park bench before entering lower falline. On that trail there was a stump jump someone built. That was cool. I would also highly recommend the 1eo1 trail. That is a must. The only downside to 1eo1 is that it led you back onto the Big Bear Blvd and it was a little of a ride back to the lift but that should not stop you!! Fun time!
  ICPAYDIRT a 33 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Santa Cruz Superlight from dmadison@san.rr.com

  Posted:07/06/2006

• Trail UpdateSnow Summit Ski Areqa-DID THE AREA ON SAT. OF THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND. VERY FEW PEOPLE OUT DUE THE COLD WEATHER. STARTED OUT ON TOWN TRAIL, THEY HAVE BUULDOZED THE TRAIL AND ITS VERY SOFT. RODE 2NO8 UP TO 2N17 BOTH IN GREAT SHAPE, UP 2N10 TO PLANTATION, UP PLANTATION TO 2N10, PLANTATION HAS A RIVER RUNNING THROUGH IT. BETTER TO CLIMB THAN GO DOWN. UP THE 5B'S TO SPEEDOS AND DOWN PIRATES, ALL IN GREAT SHAPE TO THE FERN TRAIL SINGLE TRACK, VERY WASHED OUT. OVERALL NICE 17 MI. LOOP GOOD CONDITIONS
  OLDMTNBIKER a 54 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a SUGAR RACE

  Posted:05/30/2006

• Trail UpdateCamp Site 52-If you want a noce 15 mile loop that takes you to the top of Grout Bay you should hit up the North Side of the lake. Take the fire road upr from the fire station to the camp ground and look for camp site 52. and there is a trail head there that ROCKS. And if you want a beer afterwards, just come by my cabin on the corner of N shore and Bruin Trail and help your self, I am trying to get rid of my damn beer collection.

  Rip N' Tear

  Loud Stroud
  LoudStroud a 31 year old riding a Rocky Mountain Element from Studio City / Fawn Skin

  Posted:05/27/2006

• Trail UpdateSingletrack-Are you talking about the Pineknot/grandview and cabin 89 side or the other side.

  Posted:05/25/2006

• Trail UpdateSnow Summit-I went just went this weekend and all the single track on the right side of the mtn. has been buldozed for lumber roads. The left side where the DD races take place is still in great shape. $20 lift ticket. DON"T GO DOWN THE RIGHT SIDE! I think it's still worth it if you stick to the left or do the 5 bitches. 5-21-06
  rock4x4 a 25 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Cake 2 Dlx 2005 from Valencia, CA

  Posted:05/24/2006

• Trail UpdateSWEET!!!-Rode up here with a few friends on 11/13. Great weather, great trails(2n08-Grandview Point-2n10-2n10e and back to the parking lot), great views. Fun, fun, fun--even at altitude and hungover. Definitly hitting this again after the snow season.
  Johnny Dirt a 38 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Trek Liquid 55 from Costa Mesa

  Posted:11/22/2005

• Trail UpdateHave A Got Swar-Me downhill. I write me words real good. Down steep yea. Lot fun. Grammar me friend. I never ride cause me pissed. Me know why I pissed not really. They forbid me but I know not what for. Bye. Got Swar.

  Posted:09/08/2005

• Trail UpdateF Big Bear Ski Areas....-For me, they forbid one they forbid all. I will never ride Snow Summit for Biking or Snowboarding. May God curse that foresaken town.
  T.K. Castle a 98 year old riding a black something, something

  Posted:09/07/2005

• Trail UpdateSs Lives On-snow summit is still great, 2n10,2n08,1e01 and many more bad ass tecno down hill single track!!
  chris a 22 year old Downhiller riding a haro x6 from hemet ca URL: chris

  Posted:09/06/2005

• Trail UpdateTrails within the Snow Summit Ski Runs are closed to bikes, you have to ride the trails outside of the Snow Summit area.

  it is possible to climb up to the top but I like to save the time and enrgy but going up on the lifts, you'll have more enrgy for the downhills trails.

  it's only $ 20 for an all-day pass on the lifts
  Epic Mtn Biker a 32 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a '04 Specialized Epic Marathon from Ontario, Ca

  Posted:07/06/2005

• Trail UpdateSS Downhill Runs Open?-So the trails like Log Chute/Westridge/Summit trail are still open?

  Posted:07/06/2005

• Trail UpdateQuestion-Is it possible to ride these trails uphill without the lift?
  a 46 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a specialized hardtail

  Posted:07/06/2005

• Trail UpdateI was up there today and rode:

  Plantation, Cabin 89, Pine Knot, Upper and Lower Fall line (pirates of the carribean)Trails. rode the lift 3 times and totalled 28.5 miles of fun

  All trails were in excellent condition, a few puddle crossings on Plantation.

  Like Ebasil stated, it was extremely dead up there, no MTB traffic whatsoever.

  BTW, Senor Hog's , has great food, it's just east of Summit Blvd. on Hwy 18
  Epic Mtn Biker a 32 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a '04 Specialized Epic Marathon from Ontario, CA

  Posted:07/05/2005

• Trail UpdateTrails Very Good, Very Empty-We rode "Snow Summit" and the south shore trails on the 4th of July weekend. In two words: "ghost town".

  --The trails are in excellent shape, but some of the "features" on the trails/courses within Snow Summit have been obstructed or blocked off. The pile of rocks for DH riders to blast over that's directly under the lift, very near the top, is still open, but the one downhill from that is blocked off, for example.

  --2N10, 2N08, 2N17, 2N11 are all in very good shape, having been bladed fairly recently, except for the lower section of 2N08 near Towne Trail. On that lower section, the perennial ruts and rocks are still there.

  --The lower half of Pine Knot Trail is seriously rutted.

  --Plantation Trail is sweet.

  --Siberia Creek is a little rutted, the bridge is missing a plank on the uphill side and the rocky section is...rockier.

  The Team Big Bear shop at the foot of the lift is closed and gone, the food at the base and top of the hill is back to bins of drinks and cold sandwiches (flashback to 1991) and the *brand-freakin-new shop* at the base of the hill at Big Bear Blvd must be extremely alarmed. On Saturday, there were 6-10 cars in the lot at noon, and on Sunday there were THREE at 9am and eleven at 2pm. Half the riders we saw had KICKSTANDS, heh heh!! It's like having the trails to yourself, and they're in outstanding shape. The "DH-ey" trails on the face/within Snow Summit look unused. They are open, but have grass/weeds growing in them.
  EBasil a Weekend Warrior riding a Huffy with an alloy kickstand, ti bolts.

  Posted:07/05/2005

• Trail UpdateHey Anonymous Poster B!tch...-"All you can do is bash others thoughts. There is not one orginal thought of your own. Do the people you talk to about this subject exist outside of your mind as well. Both the other posters are correct. You down hillers are not the brightest people in the world. Have fun playing with the giggles on your fat ass stomach you skilless idiot."

  Where'd you get your GED? Also, next time I visit your drive-thru, please remember to give me my fries.
  
  2w4s

  Posted:06/24/2005

• Trail UpdateYou Are The Only Idiot Here-All you can do is bash others thoughts. There is not one orginal thought of your own. Do the people you talk to about this subject exist outside of your mind as well. Both the other posters are correct. You down hillers are not the brightest people in the world. Have fun playing with the giggles on your fat ass stomach you skilless idiot.

  Posted:06/24/2005

• Trail Update"Shut the Hell UP - If all yoy wussys would get get out and ride up a hill like you should be then we would not have to read all of your stupid posts. Lifts were made for skiers, not bikers. Work that McDonalds off your fat bodies by riding up then ride down. Then you don't have to go to a cheesy ski resort to ride down your little hills."

  You are an idiot. If you can't understand the fun of lift assisted riding then you have bigger problems than having to read these posts.

  "Like the gentleman below said, both team big bear and SS management would remind lift riders (loudly) that wristbands would get cut off for riding those illegal trails that the local pros built...
  from a 38 year old Downhiller from Northridge back from retirement now forced to ride XC up big hills without stopping until I get to the top on an Intense M1 with one chainring because snow summit is closed for DH bikes."

  I've spoken with very many people on this subject. No one has ever heard SS make that announcement. You, too, are an idiot. and a self-hater. forced into retirement? Does that mean you're the idiot that tried to sue Snow Summit?

  
  2W4S

  Posted:06/24/2005

• Trail UpdateLike the gentleman below said, both team big bear and SS management would remind lift riders (loudly) that wristbands would get cut off for riding those illegal trails that the local pros built...

  from a 38 year old Downhiller from Northridge back from retirement now forced to ride XC up big hills without stopping until I get to the top on an Intense M1 with one chainring because snow summit is closed for DH bikes.

  Posted:06/24/2005

• Trail UpdateHa Ha, Thats so true most (MOST NOT ALL) DH guys are fat slobs that cant climb a mile without passing out.

  Posted:06/23/2005

• Trail UpdateShut The Hell UP-If all yoy wussys would get get out and ride up a hill like you should be then we would not have to read all of your stupid posts. Lifts were made for skiers, not bikers. Work that McDonalds off your fat bodies by riding up then ride down. Then you don't have to go to a cheesy ski resort to ride down your little hills.

  Posted:06/23/2005

• Trail UpdateNo, I didnt get my info from the lift operators. I called team big bear to get the new rules and spoke to 2 different people one male and one female and got the basically the same answer. I guess both of them dont matter or not privy to the inside info??? Maybe they were instructed to give the same response, I dont know but just the answer I got. I also read an article from velonews that said it was from the people that sued, which backsup your reason. Whatever the real reason is the fact remains its different at SS.

  I have personally seen 3 riders have their wrist bands cut off when they got back to the bottom. I asked what was that about and the guy said loudly so all in line could hear that it was because of they were riding on illegal trails. Which is pretty similar to the previous post(12-22-2004) from the ex-racer (forced into retirement!) a 38 year old Downhiller riding a intense M1 from northridge, CA
  said.

  Hanzo

  Posted:06/23/2005

• Trail UpdateActually, if you speak to the people that matter, Team Big Bear, they'll tell you that the lawsuits are what prompted the closures. I've been riding Summit for 5 years, I've never once been told about illegal trail riding. If you're getting your info from the lift ops, you may want to think about your sources, I doubt they are privy to inside info.
  2W4S

  Posted:06/23/2005

• Trail UpdateUpdate-For both your information. Some people are still having fun up there. Check it out.

  http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=104256&highlight=snow+summit

  From what I heard from an employee at SS it was the illegal trails. The several people that sued was just "icing on the cake". I guess they make enough money from the ski season.

  Hanzo

  Posted:06/22/2005

• Trail UpdateGet Your Facts Straight-Are you illiterate? I said there were 2 reasons and if multiple people sue, then its monetary which is the same as $$$$. And if you bother to check the facts and call SS they will tell you it was the illegal trails as well as money. What a dumbass!

  Posted:06/22/2005

• Trail UpdateNo Mo' Big Bear-no stupid, illegal trails weren't the problem-$$$$ was-
  pnczur

  Posted:06/21/2005

• Trail UpdateSS Update-It wasnt 1 person that sued. There were several that sued. The main reason SS closed was due to the illegal trails.

  Posted:06/20/2005

• Trail UpdateWho?-Who was the person that sued S.S.
  What a whiny puss.

  Posted:06/20/2005

• Trail UpdateTrail Conditions-Snow Summit is dead! I was up there with two friends on 12-May and there was almost no one else in sight and no waits for the lift. While the trails outside the resort are open, everything else is closed. Boring!

  Because the remaining trails accessed from the lifts are essentially cross country routes, I highly recommend Santa Ana River Trail for a day of riding in the area (certainly one of the best in Southern CA).
  Walt Devine a 47 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Ellsworth ID, Santa Cruz VF-Free from San Diego

  Posted:06/18/2005

• Trail UpdateAny word on the trail conditions near/around Snow summit? Muddy? Snow higher up? With the amateur cup coming this weekend I'm hoping someone has some 411 on how things are drying out. Team big bear mentioned re-routing one of the xc courses due to possible snow patches so I am curious as to how things are shaping up for the weekend and the race.

  
  Shleppy a 34 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a hoopty XL (deeeelux)

  Posted:05/16/2005

• Trail UpdateSnow Summit Did Warn Riders!!-I have raced at SS since 1992, DH racing since 95, and many times I've heard the chairlift operators warn riders that their wristbands will be taken away if they were caught riding illegal trails.
  ex-racer (forced into retirement!) a 38 year old Downhiller riding a intense M1 from northridge, CA

  Posted:12/22/2004

• Trail UpdateA Sad Day Is Upon Us-All the off-site illegal trails can not be just blamed on the DHers. The xc guys ride the same unmarked trails. I tried to make as many trips up there each summer to ride. I went about 7 or 8 times this year and the thing is about SS saying they tried to control the amount of "illegal" trails around their land shocks me. I have never seen a closed sign, or a fence blocking a trail, or a do not enter sign on any trail. I have talked to the operators on the lifts and have never been told that certain trails are "off limits." If they had maps, or at least gave people a heads up on these "illegal trails" maybe there wouldnt be so many. Sure you have those (dh and xc) people that will go out anyway and make new ones, nut i dont believe there would be as many. I think SS messed up by not informing people of what is going on with the illegal trail systems in there forset.
  Jon a 27 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Giant from Upland

  Posted:12/22/2004

• Trail UpdateIts Very Simple!-The first thing I learned about mtn.biking was the adage "Leave no Trace" or "leave only tread marks, take only pictures" I was appalled last time I was at the Summit area. I have not run more than one or 2 trails on SS property. I find the stuff off mtn to be way more interesting.

  But as I rode my typical loops (Plantation / 1E01 / Falline) noticed about 4x the amount of "new" trails. Most of them were very DH specific... DH is a drawing factor to mtn.riding no doubt. DH riding should be available, but the attitude of some of the DH (and some but not many XC types) is that they are owed something and should be allowed to make trails anytime anywhere. The only thing I can think is they did not hear or dont care to listen to the "leave no trace" ideal!

  If there is nothing but trails running everywhere it makes it confusing and frustrating to new people trying to follow the trail... never mind the BLM is not very fond of new trails ...with some work thry can get bikes banned (has happened many times before).

  If you really love to ride, assuming DH people do love the sport too, and they spend just as much or more on those big hit bikes as any XC'er, why do they have this mentality that its OK to make new trails? There are legal ways to get new trails made... but that takes planning, and time. IF YOU LOVE TO RIDE OUTDOORS TREAT IT LIKE YOU ARE A VISITOR NOT LIKE YOU OWN IT!

  And for DH people suing?!?!?!?! Isn't that why you are a DHer and not XCer the "rush", that comes from the danger aspect of the sport? If you want that rush take the responsibility for yourself and if you are hurt or worse in a crash, thats just part of YOUR CHOSEN path. Nobody MADE you point your bike downhill and pushed you?

  Many people are attracted to the sport for the DH aspect... then grew to love everything about the sport... uphill too, different kind of rush. But we (mtn bikers DH/XC/FR whatever) all share the same trails and there are many of us now. We are still not organized like we should be (that and many think "someone else will take care of it").

  No one person can take care of it... we all need to do something and keep LAWYERS out of it!! RESPECT YOURSELF, RESPECT THE LAND, and DONT BLAME OTHERS IF YOU GO DOWN>>> THATS WHY WE ARE OUT THERE... if we dont do something we'll all be riding those stupid paved bike paths on OC... I'd rather ride in the woods myself!
  -Peace
  
  Ride rating: Beginner
  Ride distance: 1million miles Elevation change: never enough
  Singletrack=100%
  Mtnbikerman a 29 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Giant NRS / ORC Elite / MCM from Long Beach

  Posted:12/14/2004

• Trail UpdateIts Very Simple!-The first thing I learned about mtn.biking was the adage "Leave no Trace" or "leave only tread marks, take only pictures" I was appalled last time I was at the Summit area.

  I do not run more than one or 2 trails on SS property. I find the stuff off mtn to be way more interesting. But as I rode my typical loops (Plantation / 1E01 / Falline) noticed about 4x the amount of "new" trails, this happened in only 2 years... been riding up here for 10+. Most of the new trails were very DH specific... DH is a drawing factor to mtn.riding no doubt.

  DH riding should be available, but the attitude of some of the DH (and some but not many XC types) is that they are owed something and should be allowed to make trails anytime anywhere. The only thing I can think is they did not hear or dont care to listen to the "leave no trace" ideal! If there are nothing but trails running everywhere it makes it confusing and frustrating to new people trying to follow the trail... never mind the BLM is not very found of new trails and with some work can get bikes banned (has happened many times before).

  So really if you love to ride, assuming DH people do love the sport too, and they spend just as much or more on those big hit bikes as any XC'er. How do they have this mentality that its OK to make new trails? There are legal ways to get new trails made... but that takes planning, and time.

  IF YOU LOVE TO RIDE OUTDOORS TREAT IT LIKE YOU ARE A VISITOR NOT LIKE YOU OWN IT! And for DH people suing?!?!?!?! Isn't that why you are a DHer and not XCer ...the "rush"? That comes from he danger aspect of the sport. If you want that rush take the responsibility for yourself and if you are hurt or worse in a crash, thats just part of YOUR CHOSEN path. Nobody MADE you point your bike downhill and pushed you?

  Many people are attracted to the sport for the DH aspect... then grew to love everything about the sport... uphill too. Different kind of rush, but we all share the same trails and there are many of us (mtn.bikers DH/XC/FR whatever) now, but still not organized like we should be (that and many think "someone else will take care of it").

  No one person can take care of it... we all need to do something and keep LAWYERS out of it!! RESPECT YOURSELF, RESPECT THE LAND, and DONT BLAME OTHERS IF YOU GO DOWN>>> THATS WHY WE ARE OUT THERE... if we dont do something we'll all be riding those stupid paved bike paths on OC... I'd rather ride in the woods myself!
  -Peace
  Ride rating: Beginner
  Ride distance: 1millionmiles Elevation change: not enough
  Singletrack=100%
  Mtnbikerman a 29 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Giant NRS / ORC Elite / MCM from Long Beach

  Posted:12/14/2004

• Trail UpdateConsider it done, call the day. Office in Santa Ana or even midway if needed.

  You know how to find me.
  GC riding a A big wheel from Anaslime Hills

  Posted:12/11/2004

• Trail UpdatePast Due-At least six Beers
  JamR a 49 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a A few bikes from Capo

  Posted:12/11/2004

• Trail UpdateWe're due for a beer or five, aren't we?

  I am a part time resident of BBV and can give you an idea of the issues.

  Office?
  GC

  Posted:12/11/2004

• Trail UpdateAgreed-But unfortunately too many entities are jumping on the bandwagon and citing non-sanctioned trails as a main reason for these issues.

  Also most outsiders reading the Snow Summit text could be left with a bad impression of bikers. I think if Snow Summit did mislead bikers by allowing them to race on non-sanctioned trails, then they have culpability here.

  Nonetheless, I still believe the most prudent policy for any biker or hiker is to know for certain what's legal and what's not legal to hike or ride; and if in doubt, stay off until you know for sure.

  It's been so many years since I raced up there that I cannot speak with authority regarding the trails at Snow Summit, but we need to make sure we are looked at as a positive recreational user group that is welcomed in these areas.
  
  JamR a 49 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a A few bikes from Capo

  Posted:12/11/2004

• Trail UpdateAdam, the issue was money and lawsuits, not trails. The mentioning of it in the article was a red herring to defer blame from TBB and SS onto the riders themselves (which is partly the case being that they got attorneys).

  Don't think for a second it has anything to do with anything BUT money when you are facing one and possibly two multi million dollar suits in the near future and your rider (policy) carries something short of that.
  GC

  Posted:12/11/2004

• Trail UpdateTrails-I don't know about the Snow Summit trails, but in general it's almost impossible for any land manager to sufficiently keep up with all the non-sanctioned trails. Signs and fences can only go so far, and too often get ignored or vandalized.

  In OC (at least in the County parks), the general rule is that if the trail is not on the park map, and does not have a trailhead sign; it's not a sanctioned trail and should not be used. This is typical for many areas and is the best general rule to follow.

  There needs to be some education and common sense on trail issues. Signs are not the ultimate solution.

  It's everyone’s responsibility to check with the area to find out about the trail system. Is there a current map of the sanctioned Snow Summit trail system? If there is, then anyone on non-mapped trails is in the wrong. If there are no sanctioned trail maps, then Snow Summit would be at fault for sending mixed messages.

  The best policy is simply to be sure that the trail you are using is a legal mapped trail.

  Everything does not need to have a sign. My bank does not have a "do not rob" sign on the front door, but most people understand it's not legal to rob a bank.

  The best thing we can do as bikers is to work towards making sure we have adequate access to trail systems that can test the skills of all levels of riders. But this needs to be done legally through the system.

  Does anyone have a trail map for Snow Summit, and have they cross compared the map with the trails that are in questions that supposedly got DH biking eliminated from the area?

  Just Curious
  
  JamR a 49 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a A few bikes from Capo

  Posted:12/11/2004

• Trail UpdateMr "Semi Pro",-Did you even read the article? It came from several different sources that riders were using unmarked trails and going off the course. So who's the idiot? I guess all the people who run the resort and the USFS are idiots because they care about what is happening to the land they let mountain bikers use. If it was a general problem w/ all mountain bikers they would have closed the area to all classes of bikes not just one. I know that not all DH riders are all about tearing up the trails but given your attitude I'll bet you are one of the reasons you can't ride at Snow Summit anymore. Just because you don't get caught or because there are no signs marking trail illegal does not make it right.
  Mrkcy a 27 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Giant-Iguana from Temple City

  Posted:12/11/2004

• Trail Updatemrkcy, you are an idiot. If you don't know what you're talking about, don't talk. Snow Summit used to run races down the illegal trails, they allowed riding on the illegal trails and they never tried to discourage people from riding "off-mountain" trails.

  Also, your "disfiguring" comment? yeah, that one foot wide trail that used to be a hiking trail sure is hideous.
  
  Snow Summit Semi-Pro DH racer

  Posted:12/11/2004

• Trail UpdateGood Job Downhillers!-Congrats to all the boneheads w/ lack of concern to the land and rules of the trail. I'm not saying that the article was 100% accurate, more like 99%. You can see trail destruction anywhere these downhill rigs ride. It's not enough to have an entire resort of trails on a mountain side, you guys still have to go off and make "new trails." Too bad because there are a lot of good downhill riders that are going to have to pay for this along with all the idiots that got the trails shut down. I am sure there will be more to come.
  Mrkcy a 27 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Giant-Iguana from Temple City

  Posted:12/09/2004

• Trail UpdateMtn bikers can thank themselves and Larry H. Parker for this, no one else.

  Posted:12/09/2004

• Trail UpdateSo Long-we are the problem. bikers crash and sue. bikers race, crash and sue. that is what started this whole mess. the illegal trails wer a huge problem to be delt with but the real issue was sue happy bikers.

  Posted:12/09/2004

• Trail UpdateNo You Can't Generalize, But...-...aren't quite a few bad apples spoiling the whole bunch? In the past you had cross-country riders abusing the land with illegal trails and off trail excursions, now there's even more damage and the percentages show cross country riding is miniscule compared to the "hucksters" showing up in droves doing more tricks and even less riding. Younger riders, too. Good chance they're even less aware of land issues or even care for that matter. The mountain bike press promotes some of this with the extreme photos.

  Posted:12/08/2004

• Trail UpdateGeneralizing-The last two sentences are a little over-the-top.

  
  "As for enforcement of the new rule, Snow Summit's Kun said it would probably be a matter of bike weight restrictions, say no bikes over 35 pounds, though a final decision had not yet been made."

  "Frankly we considered stopping [bike riding at the resort] all together," said Kun. "But we decided that we were willing to accept the exposure that came with allowing cross-country riding. We haven't had any serious accidents involving cross-country people and we don't think they're the ones building the illegal trails."
  
  JamR a 49 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a A few bikes from Capo

  Posted:12/08/2004

• Trail UpdateDownhilling Eliminated At Summit-From Velonews:

  Gravity racing (and riding) to be banned at Big Bear
  By Jason Sumner
  VeloNews associate editor
  This report filed December 7, 2004
  One of America's most renowned mountain-bike racing venues has pulled the plug on downhilling. Snow Summit Resort in Big Bear Lake, California will no longer allow downhill bikes on its chairlifts during the summer riding season, and this means no more downhill racing either.

  
  Click image to enlarge
  by Tom Moran (file photo)

  
  According to Dick Kun, president of the resort, the change in policy stemmed primarily from the amount of liability exposure his resort was facing by allowing downhillers to ride on the mountain two hours drive from Los Angeles.

  "Even with the insurance that NORBA and Team Big Bear carried it wasn't enough to protect us," explained Kun, referring to USA Cycling's national cycling body and the outfit that has run the Big Bear NCS races and many others during the last 15 years. "We just don't get enough in return to defray the exposure."

  Kun added that, "there's one on-going claim stemming from an accident that happened a couple years ago that put things over the top." He would not elaborate on the case.

  Two years ago, at the NORBA national series event, a female Japanese downhiller died from injuries sustained during a practice run.

  Kun also pointed to the number of illegal trails being built on the mountain, which he said could be almost exclusively pinned on the downhill/freeride set.

  "Guys were just riding everywhere in the woods," said Kun. "The Forest Service was really pissed off with what was going on and it probably wasn't long before they shut it down anyway."

  A statement on the Team Big Bear Web site read, "Various methods have been used to inhibit the development and use of these trails including, signage, fencing and ticket revocation, but these attempts have proved futile."

  As for the NORBA national series race that's scheduled for Big Bear May 14-15, 2005, the event will go on, just without the downhill or dual slalom.

  "We'll have the cross-country and maybe the Super D," said Team Big Bear's Tom Spiegel. "But there will be no gravity events, no downhill, no dual slalom. It's all about the danger factor. It's unfortunate, but that's the way it goes."

  As for enforcement of the new rule, Snow Summit's Kun said it would probably be a matter of bike weight restrictions, say no bikes over 35 pounds, though a final decision had not yet been made.

  "Frankly we considered stopping [bike riding at the resort] all together," said Kun. "But we decided that we were willing to accept the exposure that came with allowing cross-country riding. We haven't had any serious accidents involving cross-country people and we don't think they're the ones building the illegal trails."

  URL: Article is here

  Posted:12/08/2004

• Trail UpdateCome On. This Is Easy-Read again. You will clearly see.

  Hello. I am the future of your country. Get out while you can.

  Posted:09/30/2004

• Trail UpdateWHAT THE HILL DID HE SAY?-PLEASE TRANSLATE!!!!!
  I have teenagers and I still don't understand what the hell he said.

  Posted:09/29/2004

• Trail UpdateGreat Potential-went to snow summit for the first time and loved it but had an okay day that coulda been better. snow summit is the sh*t. great runs , fast lift, all you can handle sections. my bike was totally up to the task and so was I, but tires weren't. they could'nt grip for sh*t and just basically was not trying to crash. my brakes also were tripping, had to make way to many stops so i could'nt flow the trails. took my friend that really dose'nt ride and he did great. his rented bike had much better tires suited for the terrain. cool place that i coulda tackled alot better with the right equipment. will go back with the right tires and bomb that place till i knock myself out!!
  Ride rating: Advanced
  Ride distance: pretty short runs Elevation change: going down
  Singletrack=10% Dirt Road=10%
  pncZur a 27 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a 2000 specialized fsr dh elite- 5 from big bad Lost Angels

  Posted:09/29/2004

• Trail UpdatePerfect Conditions....-My bud and I headed up Sunday afternoon and got up early Monday to ride. Since it had rained pretty good on Friday up there, the trails were in awesome condition....practically no dust, nice and packed and only a couple small muddy spots. It was a bit more crowded than expected for a Monday, but never really came across anyone on the trails. Seems like there were more singletrack forks than I remember from last year. Saw an older man get hurt and had an ambulance 4X up to the top to treat him. Looked like he just had an arm/shoulder injury. My bud ate dirt about 6 times, think he was pushing his Warp a bit too far. I managed to come away without a fall....barely. Looks like we picked the perfect weekend to go up there.
  RDC a 29 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a '03 Foes FXR, '03 BigHit Expert from Westminster

  Posted:08/18/2004

• Trail UpdateI Was The Guy-that was running down the mountain.We were doing the Xterra course and got a little lost.We also got lost on the bike trail and found some really good downhill action.A couple of guys followed us but turned around and went back.We made it down without a single dab.Technical,but really fun.
  Pain Freak

  Posted:07/26/2004

• Trail UpdateCruised up to Big Bear last Thursday and my buddy and I shared the mountain with about 4-5 other serious riders. It wasn't too hot, the trails weren't too loose (well, maybe some of the corners), and aside from smashing my big ring on one of the stadium jump landings, it was a great day. More people should ride here during the week. On second thought, scratch that...I like it to be a ghost town when I choose to ride during the week.;-)
  
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: So Many miles Elevation change: So Much
  Singletrack=Most% Dirt Road=a bit %
  Mike the wannabe DHer a 30 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a KHS FR1500...soon to be a real DH rig, though from The flats

  Posted:07/25/2004

• Trail UpdateUnbelievable!-I had a really good time going down the various trails at snow summit. It got a little crowded on the Sunday I went, with all the DH racers, but very ridable with a full suspension bike and a little bit of cajones..lol..
  uscplayer a Cross-Country Rider

  Posted:07/12/2004

• Trail UpdateGreat Condition!-As long as you bring a paddle tire
  MtnbikeMike a 19 year old Racer riding a Diesel/Fuel/R-650 from La Verne

  Posted:06/02/2004

• Trail UpdateGreat Condition-the trails are in awsome condition. perfect time to head up.log chute is a blast, summit trail is in good condition but they need to make some real jumps instead of there bump with no landing, westridge/cruiser are in great condition. there is a new "harded section added into the bottom half of westridge. it is a blast. all offsite trails are in great condition too. go ride.
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: depends Elevation change: ?
  Singletrack=90-100%
  chris a 17 year old Downhiller riding a giant from moreno valley

  Posted:06/01/2004

• Trail UpdateEasy Way To The Top-If you are looking for a climable trail that goes to the top of miracle mile sky run Don't go into the main entrance of Snow Summit. Just the the Right of the Main entrance there's a driveway and if you go up there and look right behind the apartments there is a doable trail that leads up to the top of the Ski Lifts. Actually coming back down on that trail was more fun and lasted longer than the straight downhill trails. Up near the top when you can see the Eastern side of the mountains go through the gate and climb up and to the right to reach the ski lifts. I went right and downhills some ways and then came back up to the lifts from the northern side of the Ski Lifts.
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 12 miles Elevation change: 1100
  Singletrack=2% Dirt Road=98%

  Posted:09/14/2003

• Trail UpdateAwesome Conditions-Rode here Thurdsday and was impressed by the recent rainfall that left super tacky conditions. The outbounds trails were awesome as usual. I even noticed some technical sections that were worked on. Its been a month since I rode up here and damn; my legs are freaking sore. Oh yeah DH4ever@yahoo.com kicked some arse riding only a front brake - props to ya!
  OlbaiD a 26 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Stinky from THC Heights

  Posted:08/22/2003

• Trail UpdateMainly For DH'ers But...-When you get to SS you notice immediately the number of DH rigs. The trails at SS is really suited for DH rigs. Some of the stuff is intense. Apparently if you are looking for a XC experience you can go immediately Right on the trails (watch out for folks coming down) and then climb up over 1000 ft in approximately 8 miles. The description of the trail is at http://www.socamtbr.com/trails/skyline/skyline.htm
  Ride rating: Advanced
  Ride distance: 15 miles Elevation change: 1100 URL: XC at snow summit

  Posted:08/19/2003

• Trail UpdateAwsome-rode here today (8-9) and the trails were in pretty good condition. log chute was the only trail i was disapointed in. i was here 2 or 3 weeks ago and it was perfect and now it is so soft all the way down. summit trail was in good shape. cruiser was a blast like always. upper fall line was fun, but when you hit the fire road crossing in the middle there are a cupple tree's blocking the trail so you have to go down the road for a little while and there is a single track on the left by a bench and it is sweet. there is a tree stump you can jump. the trail is fun it has it's sections in it but not that bad. this place is a blast
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  chris a 17 year old Downhiller riding a giant from moreno valley

  Posted:08/09/2003

• Trail UpdateFirst Time At SS...-My bud and I headed out to Snow Summit yesterday for the first time. We got there about noon, so we only had to pay $15 instead of the $20. We got in about 6 runs. First time down we tried log chute which basically sucked. After that we switched off from the Cruiser and Summit trails, both of those offered plenty of jumps and technical stuff to keep you focused practically the whole way down. Lower Westridge is closed, so we didn't get to try that one. Aside from the hard core a**hole downhillers who cut you off and don't stop for anyone, it was a ton of fun! Some parts of the trails were really sandy and deep, but we had about a 15 minute down poor that helped out a lot. Overall it was pretty cool, I'd like to try and go on a Monday next time when it would be less busy. We didn't try the 210 trail up top at all, is this trail doable for a downhill bike at all? Can anyone suggest any other trails that don't require much climbing?
  Ride rating: Advanced
  RDC a 28 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Foes FXR, Big Hit Expert

  Posted:07/28/2003

• Trail UpdateTraining-Really just wanted to check out the conditions because most of this trail will be in the 12 hours at the Summit race next weekend 08-02-03.Conditions are pretty good for this time of year and with all the downhillers using part of this trail its in realitively good shape.I missed my turn off a couple of times and got some extra credit here and there,but it looks like it's going to be a lot of fun and pain out there next week.I hope it's hot.No real problems except theres more and more trees falling because of the bark beetle.A few of these have fallen across the trail and riders/people have just made a new path around them.The difficulty level of the trail seems even easier then when they had the races there a couple of months ago.Came down Fern trail to Falline (which is one of the funnest trails around here) and got in behind some downhillers.I followed them for a ways and then passed them.This is a nice xc trail and I really thought they'd have more fun over at the Summit.I'm thinking they were inexperienced as they were just to easy to catch and pass.I highly reccomend this trail to everyone.Mildly technical unless you do it at high speed then it will test your skills.A good ride and don't bother paying for the lift as I did it twice and didn't even feeled worked.
  Ride rating: Novice
  Ride distance: 14miles Elevation change: 1200to1800
  Singletrack=50% Dirt Road=50%
  Pain Freak a Cross-Country Rider riding a Renrut 02 from Fontana

  Posted:07/27/2003

• Trail UpdateTrails Are Good, And Open-

  All the trails on the face of Snow Summit, and in the USFS areas around it, are open this year. It's very dry, again, but the sand isn't too bad and the trails are in good shape. Of course, 2N10 is graded annually, and it's fine.

  If you want to do the Grandview Loop, everything there is good, and the Pine Knot Trail was in great shape. Some joker pulled off the "bike" stickers on the trail signs, but it is open to bikes. Just be careful on the lower section, heading into town --popular with horsemen and rental steeds.

  Even better than the mere Grandview Loop is the ride out to Champion Lodgepole (the first pitch past Grandview Points will make the Five Bitches seem like the mere warm-up they are) and then back across the lower side of the hill to Summit. Bring tires good in sand and take a lot of water with you.
  EBasil riding a Manitou HT from San Diego

  Posted:06/11/2003

• Trail UpdateSo What's The Trail Like?-You 2 need to get a room.
  Has anyone been up to Bear this year? There is a group
  of us planning a trip in 2 weeks and was just wondering
  about the good off site trails. Mainly if the forestry
  has closed down any areas since last year.
  

  Posted:06/11/2003

• Trail UpdateTesty Little Twerp Needs To Ride-Too much Smack Talkin' and not enough attention to the freakin' DATES of the most recent messages on this "trail", bro!

  Not that you could contemplate pedaling up the hill, or even being anywhere to see if others were, but hoe exactly to you think the majority of "XC" riders get to the top of the mountain to do the "XC loops"? If you think we're riding up 2N10 from Bear Mountain in large groups...well, then keep thinking that, and ignore all the XC bikes on the lifts.

  Go ride, and if you can't get to Big Bear, then head over to Juanita's, order an lb of carnitas and chill the heck out. Don't make me sic all the fit and trim cross country riders on your flabby, gravity-dependent butt. Oh yeah, and I'll do it, too.
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 25 miles Elevation change: 1835'
  Singletrack=17% Dirt Road=50% Truck Trail=23%
  Tinker Juarez's training partner riding a Manitou HT from San Diego

  Posted:06/10/2003

• Trail UpdateSS-Ok first off, to all the negative nellys...
  If you don't like it then don't go there. I have nothing against XCer's but why would you bother buying a lift ticket in the first place. Isn't the point to ride up things so that you can feel all gooey inside about your wonderful accomplishments. The fact is that DHer's have an addiction to adrennaline that can only be satisfied by going downhill fast. So quit harshing on people who prefer to save their energy for the decent. The reason why people choose to ride lifts is because riding up would kill most of the energy it takes to go fast and take the hits fast. Not too mention it takes longer to ride up. I for one have no problem paying for the energy savings the lift provides. I'm an ex-BoarderX competitor and find the rush of DH to equal if not excell that of snowboarding. Plus having a resort allows people to get their fix without shuttling, and it is becoming very clear how much XCer's hate people who shuttle.
  Watch the Sh!t talking cause we'll only take so much abuse, DHer's tend to beable to GIVE and recieve bruises really well.
  I'll admit that when it comes to resort riding SS is not the best. Sqaw, Northstar and Mammoth all have it beat. However it is the only place in S. California. So either appreciate it or don't just quit b!tching about it.
  smack a 30 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Kona Stinky Deelux from Encinitas, CA

  Posted:06/10/2003

• Trail Update2N10-Rode from Clubview through 2N10, down Mills Creek, to base of Snow Summit through a single tract that comes off of 2N08. It was little chilly in the morning but warmed up later and no snow. Great view and great condition. Maybe next time I will try 1E01, before the snow comes...
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 18miles Elevation change:
  Turtleman a 39 year old Die-hard Enthusiast from Weir Canyon

  Posted:11/25/2002

• Trail Update2002 End Of Season-Summit trail has been closed and the snowmaking machines moved in. While Cruiser/Westridge & Logchute were open today, better call ahead before making the drive.
  a Weekend Warrior

  Posted:11/03/2002

• Trail UpdateExtremely Soft & Sandy-Rode the trails around Snow Summit on Sat.8-3-02 and was very disappointed to find the trails very loose and sandy. They need some rain big time. I did enjoy, however, nothing kills speed like soft dirt.

  I for one will not be back until they get rain, which means see ya next year Summit.
  Richard a 36 year old from SoCal

  Posted:08/05/2002

• Trail UpdateSnow Summit Ski Area-Thought it might be time for a little update on the Snow Summit area.

  Rode there 7-20-02 – 7-21-02. Extremely powdery (and I don’t mean snow!) conditions on nearly all of the trails. Due to the lack of rain and the extremely low humidity, the soil has deteriorated into a fine powder. Now this is nothing new for this area and soil type. However, you usually don’t see it quite this bad until the end of the riding season.

  Don’t get me wrong, we had a blast! Quite a fun mix of riders / bikes up there too. Everything from people riding Huffys with tennis shoes to guys riding things that I’m sure at one time had four stroke engines.

  Seems to be some changes made to the single track / double track run just to the right (east) of the lift. Westridge trail??? Some extra technical spots along this route. A few rocky sections through the trees and a spot or two with extra large baby heads and consecutive 12” – 16” drops.

  Weather conditions were good – slightly hot.

  We’ll be back up there for the weekend again in 2 weeks!
  
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 0 - 50 Elevation change: +/- 1000
  Singletrack=60% Dirt Road=40%
  Roll Da Bones a 34 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Ventana El Salt & Yeti ARC from Culver City

  Posted:07/23/2002

• Trail UpdateGrandview Loop-I went on Tuesday, October 2, 2001. The lift is closed on weekdays now-this began a few weeks ago. The lift was closed and I rode up the steep roads under the lift and walked it up a bit. It took about half an hour to get up. Then I rode down.. it was a blast! It is some of the best country around in Southern Cal. and it looks as beautiful as a National Park. I enjoyed taking my time and taking lots of pictures along the way. It really is lovely area: wide views, huge trees and rock formations.. ferns, moss and cool shady forest. Really great. Also great Big Bear Lake views and San Gorgonio Wilderness views. Wonderful siteseeing. It was well worth hauling the bike up. The ride down-mostly down is nearly 10 miles and it really great road/trail.
  Ride rating: Novice
  Ride distance: 9+ miles Elevation change: 1200'
  Singletrack=20% Paved Path=5% Truck Trail=75%
  Robert a 37 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Gary Fisher Hoo-Koo-E-Koo from Altadena, CA

  Posted:10/04/2001

• Trail UpdatePine Knot Correction-Hey Dave,
  You are right about passing on the Summit downhill courses and riding the surrounding singletracks. It is the the better way to go. But you should be advised that Pine Knot trail is actually 1EO1 not 2N08. The 2N08 trail is a fireroad that parallels 1E01 at the top then 2N08 breaks east. The Pine Knot Trail or 1E01 starts off of 2N10 across from the GrandView Point turn off and just before 2N08. This windy Single track is fun. Stop by The Snow Summit Bike Shop for a free map.
  Richy Rich a 35 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Old DiamondBack held together w/rubberbands from Moorpark, CA

  Posted:08/02/2001

• Trail UpdatePineknot And Coyote Rd-Screw the "downhill" courses at Summit. Ride the lift up, take 2N10 (Grandview loop) to the corner of 2N08 and 2N10. There is a single track at the intersection that is fun. Not too technical but long, windy and fun. Take the road back to Summit, ride it again. Again take 2N10 to the top of the hill, at 2N15y hang a right. It may start out as fire road but becomes single track shortly. There are a few tech sections, a few rock gardens, a couple of cool rocky-loose downhill sections and a fun ride. There are plenty more single tracks that shoot off in different directions for the explorer. The two trails coupled equates to about 19 miles.
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 24.4 Elevation change: too much
  Dave a 31 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Trek SLR from OC

  Posted:08/02/2001

• Trail UpdateBig Bear-Rode there today with Sonny,Ferman,and crash dummy Tommy,
  Weather was great as always there. Hey there was no race today!!!! trails were all open and almost no one there!!!
  it was almost like we had the place to are selfs!!
  Trail conditions were great wait a few more week and they will be all chewed up!!!!!!
  This is not a place for the family to ride unless there all downhillers!!
  if you don't have full suspenion don't go unless your a pain freak!!!
  Tommy cleared the jump and cleared his head and a new tatoo from the rear disc on the leg.
  Then he flated and boom!!! lands on the ribs!!
  Then he tries to hug a tree but the tree did not like him!!!
  Thats ok Tommy we still love you!!!!!
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Singletrack=80% Dirt Road=20%
  MR BONK a 39 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Trek vrx400 from Rancho cucamonga

  Posted:06/24/2001

• Trail UpdateCruiser-Rode Snow Summit on 9-2-00. Have to agree with the last post about Cruiser. It is by far the best trail there. Really varied, fast and more than a little dangerous, which is good. The bottom section with tight turns through the trees while dropping off is very challenging and FUN! There were a bunch of downhill teams there that day. They would ride up on your ass and basically try to push you off the trail, but for the most part they seemed like normal thrill-happy Americans. We did Cruiser 3 times in a row and found it better and faster each time. When you think about a trail run a lot after you ride it, which I have done with this one, you know it is a good one!
  MikekiM

  Posted:09/07/2000

• Trail UpdateSnow Plummet--This place is all about getting your riddym on, and working on body position. I was up with Dusty, Canadian Bacon, and the Sisters Leonard yesterday for the first time. The weather was ridiculously beautiful... and I have the sunburn to prove it. Driving to the parking lot, I felt the internal struggle of good vs. evil... do I become a DH tool, spit out the $15, and take the lift, or do I turn it into a XC day (the total elevation gain is only 1200')? The answer: both.

  I asked the dude selling tickets if (a) I could ride the mountain w/o a lift ticket, and (b) what the easiest way to get to the top was. He said (a) yes, and (b) take Log Chute. (b) was some of the worst advice of all time. I challenge anyone who fancies themselves a good climber to try this mother. It is a joke. I hike-a-biked it to the top, and barreled down Upper/Lower Fall line.

  Depending on who you ask (everyone else in the group or me), Fall Line was either bad-ass, or weak, respectively. There are way better, more technical trails in my backyard (cookies, Josepho Drop, Suicide to name but a few). I was feeling good at this point about not shelling out the $15 for the ticket.

  Back at the bottom, I rode towne trail to 2N08, left on 2N08 to 2N10, which is a piece of cake, but a little boring, and wound up on top again. This time I dropped Cruiser/Westridge, and had a great time. This is one fun trail. Tight, rutted, loose, rocky winding ST through the trees, a few drop-offs on a rooted-out section, a few good size jumps and some doubles, and a few open descents that are insanely fast. I was considering buying a ticket after riding this trail.

  Dusty and Co. shipped out after our meeting time, and I managed to get ahold of a partially used lift ticket from them. CB and I went and dropped Cruiser a few more times, and decided to do Fall Line again, to see if I rode the right trail the first time. My opinion is... still weak.

  So, after finally riding the Summit, I have to say... save your drive time and money, and ride closer to home (if you live anywhere other than the San Bernardino Mtns). The trails around get much mo better than this.

  Be the ball.
  
  El Santo

  Posted:09/05/2000

• Trail UpdateI agree,S.A.R.T is way better,and it's free..
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Singletrack=100%
  Pikk a 32 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Speialized comp. from Highland, Ca.

  Posted:08/22/2000

• Trail UpdateVery Disappointed!!-I was up in Big Bear this weekend with my family and went to Snow Summit for my very first time. I've got to tell you I was very disappointed. The weather was incredibly beautiful. I would say that was the highlight for me. I took the chair up and did Grand View Loop with the 1E01 singletrack. The singletrack was okay. Weather was beautiful. The trail conditions were so incredibly loose and sandy. I felt like I was at the beach. Also rode upper and lower fallline much better, but still not what I was hoping for. I ride a hardtail and I would probably say Snow Summit is set up for mega travel downhill racing bikes.

  I haven't given up on the place completely. Next time I won't go by myself (someone had to watch the kids). And I will go with someone who knows the area better than my novice knowledge could take me. Second to last, I think next time I will ride either John Bull trail or the infamous SART.

  Lastly, the best thing about Big Bear, besides the weather, the hiking, the boating, biking is the................the ALPINE SLIDES!!!!

  If you have never ridden the slides before, don't leave the area without trying it at least once. Later, TEP.
  TEP

  Posted:08/21/2000

• Trail UpdateSnow Summit Ski Area-Went up to summit last weekend, the downhill trails are supperior to last years. All the trails now have lots of jumps, way more technical sections. You don't get bored after a couple of runs. Falline is also in great shape. The trails are so fun I managed to get a one way ticket to the ER with a concusion and broken collar bone.
  Mark Fagan a 37 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a FSR ELITE from TUJUNGA

  Posted:07/27/2000

• Trail UpdateTrail Conditions-Rode Summit on Tuesday (7/11). The trails and fireroads are very, very soft. Lots of spots have the consistency of talcum. Being aware of the conditions and droping the PSI in both tires will help alot. Weather was verrrry good. UPN channel 13 was up there filming....if it made the news, I missed it. Remember to share the trails. Lots of hikers (including families with little children) like to enjoy this ara. Let's not get ourselves banned.
  PS: The veggie burgers at the Inn are tasss-teee!
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 25 miles Elevation change: ???
  Singletrack=40% Dirt Road=55% Truck Trail=5%
  Jimm a Cross-Country Rider from SGV

  Posted:07/14/2000

• Trail UpdateSnow Summit-Fun but that's probably cuz I haven't been there since last season. Runs were a little more sandy than my prior trips but all in all not so bad. Cost is now $20 for the all day pass. Weather was beautiful.
  Ride rating: Advanced
  CNookster a 31 year old riding a Specialized FSR from Orange County

  Posted:07/07/2000

• Trail UpdateGrandview Loop-Starts at the top of the lift and proceeds west on 2N10; returns to the base of Snow Summit via 2N08 and Towne Trail. This is great for novice riders; it's mostly downhill fire roads with some minor ascents. Anyone who is not totally out of shape should be able to complete this loop w/o problems. Be sure to take the 1/4 singletrack to Grandview Summit. It's definitely worth it.
  Ride rating: Novice
  Ride distance: 9 miles Elevation change: Mostly Downhill
  Singletrack=10% Dirt Road=90%
  Ghetto Ridah a 25 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a K2 3000 from Glendale, CA URL: Snow Summit Ski Area

  Posted:06/05/2000

• Trail UpdateSnow Summit-I had a GREAT time during my last 31 mile ride! Plenty of fast open fireroads and FUN singletrack; including, but not limited to several v-e-r-y steep technical routes. No, it ain't all technical; but, it is without a doubt FUN....and for me FUN is the key. Must be an age thing -- cuz, I have no desire to flame other riders or trails. I just want to ride safe and have a good time doing it. Those who complain about the lack of technical riding obviously missed the nice trails off 2N10 West and East. There are at least two per side that could be considered advanced-intermediate to expert. If it's such a rotten place, who do so many people ride this area year after year --- not to mention the races. At least two mags call it the "Downhill Capital of the US". The only complaint I had was the intermittent trail closures due to mowing (yep, mowing!). I was able to ride 100% of the legal trails before heading home. No matter what you paid...no matter how far you drove -- you have NO RIGHT to poach! Grow-up, be respectful and consider the next rider. Poaching does one thing and one thing only: Make it easier for those with the power to CLOSE trails.
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 15 miles Elevation change:
  Singletrack=40% Dirt Road=40% Truck Trail=20%
  Jimbeau a 44 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a '99 Mantra Comp from SoCal

  Posted:11/04/1999

• Trail UpdateRebuttal-common sense wouldve told me to avoid ANY ski area in so cal. they cant deliver in the winter time so why would i expect them to deliver to us mtb's in the off season. AVOID GOING TO THESE PLACES. i used to feel ripped off in the winter so at least they are consistant! ride on
  tom a 33 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a m-60 from redondo

  Posted:10/19/1999

• Trail UpdateSS Rebuttal-Why would anyone bother getting up in the morning to go riding when they could stay in bed with their girlfriend/wife? The answer is VARIETY. But I think you missed the point here, Tom. My comments weren't intended to trash cross country riding in favor of downhill. Most of us do both, right? The point was that if a business (Snow Summit) is going to advertise a product (All trails Open)and then not deliver, then they deserve the complaints. The fact that I could have ridden someplace else is irrelevant.
  BIGLAR a 39 year old Weekend Warrior riding a GT LTS-1 from BREA

  Posted:10/19/1999

• Trail UpdateSnow Summit-why would anyone ride a chairlift to the top of a mountain to ride down. the big bear area is FULL of all kinds of trails, and you dont have to pay to ride them. get of your but, er a chairlift and ride ,isnt that the point; riding-exercise. check the sana ana river trail, check holcomb valley, deere creek, deep creek, just PLEASE stop complaining that snow summit ripped you off, I DONT/WONT EVEN SKI THERE IN THE WINTER> i save my cash and make 2-3 long trips to MAMMOTH. the people that live in mammoth are alot friendlier than the white trash the run big bear lake. point is , there are sooooooo many trails around l a and you picked snow summit? why are you complaining with that choice of riding area? there are fireroads and trails all over the big bear are.......just look
  tom okeefe a 33 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a m-60 from redondo bch E-mail: stopitg316@aol

  Posted:10/19/1999

• Trail UpdateSnow Summit Bait & Switch-If you are interested in riding the Snow Summit downhill trails this is what you need to do: First, check the Snow Summit homepage's daily trail update and count the number of trails that they say are open. Next, take this number and divide by four. Oh, and also make the assumtion that the trails that are open are in crappy condition. I had checked the trail status every day last week to make sure they were all going to be open. After driving two hours Saturday morning to get up the mountain we discovered that the only trails open were Cruiser and Log Chute. What are people going to do, turn around and go home? After half the day riding these two trails we said screw it and rode around the "Trail Closed" signs and found that there were no reasons why the trails should have been closed. They were in much better shape than the open runs. It seems that he snow season is close enough at hand that Summit is saying "Screw you" to the mountain bikers. Little do they realize that bikers are keeping them out of chapter 11 during those lousy ski seasons.
  Ride rating: Advanced
  BIGLAR a 39 year old Weekend Warrior riding a GT LTS-1 from BREA, CA

  Posted:10/18/1999

• Trail UpdateSummit Shytehole-considering the prices they charge, and how crappy the trail conditions are, the place isnt worth a squirt of piss.....now its twice the price for half the trails, form the time its 1st opened to bikes...Either lower your prices or fix up and make new trails or you wont last another summer guys.....
  try and remember its not the bikers' fault when you lose profits cuz of bad winters!!!
  WORD TO THE WISE: BUILD RAD TRAILS AND THEY WILL COME!

  Until then----go ride grout bay/grays peak and cougar crest or the rim nordic......FREE maps in town
  KingDHDog a 31 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Freeride MonsterTruck from Palm Desert

  Posted:08/31/1999

• Trail UpdateSnow Summit-I rode on 8/28 & 8/29. We rode the Grandview Loop and the Plantation Trail. Both were in great condition and a lot of fun. The weather was perfect for riding. There
  were very few people on either trail. The singletrack off Plantation is a lot of fun and I agree that Towne
  Trail is a nice change of pace.
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 9 miles/13.5 mi Elevation change:
  Singletrack=25% Dirt Road=75%
  Longboard 1998 a 38 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Schwinn Carbon from Yorba Linda

  Posted:08/30/1999

• Trail UpdateSnow Summit-Rode last Tuesday (8/24). Due to ongoing trail and lift maint. all the downhill courses were closed. A slight disappointment. Even considering the closures and weather (rain, thunderstorms, hail, lighnting -- which caused the shut down of the lift), we had a great time! The trails are in very "fun" condition. Towne Trail is still a kick. When you ride Summit, don't limit your experience to bombing the downhills only. There are plenty of miles of nice singletrack and awesome views. Be aware: The fire roads are great for beginners/curisers; some of the singletrack can be on the techcnical side; the downhill courses range from beginner to "pro" -- be careful! Know your route! If you're unfamiliar with the area, ASK!!! Ya better hurry -- daily lift operation ceases on September 13th.
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 15 Elevation change: 500
  Singletrack=605% Dirt Road=25% Truck Trail=15%
  Jimbeau a 44 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a '99 Mantra Comp URL: http://www.snowsummit.com/biking.html

  Posted:08/30/1999

• Trail UpdateSnow Summit-Snow Summit will be open on May 8th for weekends only until June 12th. Opening weekend should be perfect weather wise. The following weekend is the Season Opener for the NORBA Nationals. This looks to be another perfect summer in Big Bear.Come on up and stop by the Newly remodeled Team Big Bear Sport Shop, for a free guide to all the local trails.

  Posted:05/06/1999

• Trail UpdateSnowboarding-Hey...this 98-99 season is a great season for snowboarding and is a great freestyle park..about the same as last year's, but watch out for the begginers on the course...they are learning like I was last year but give them some slack. The Wise men jump is as good as ever so have some fun at Snow Summit. But they raised the darn lift tickets 6 bucks this year...they are now $32.
  Happy Boarding!
  Kyle Rutherford a 15 year old Weekend Warrior

  Posted:12/23/1998

• Trail UpdateSnow Summit-Snow Summit is closed for the season for mountain biking. I called 11-4-98 and was told they had 2" of snow last week and 10-31-98 was the last day of the season for mountain biking. It is a great place to ride so put it on your calendars for 1999.
  fellow mountain biking enthusiast a 36 year old from South Orange County

  Posted:11/05/1998

• Trail UpdateThis was the fourth time I went to Snow Summit this season. Many of the downhill runs were noticably softer and rutted in the switchbacks but the ride was still great.
  On the lift, near the top, the wind was blowing so I felt the cold right through my riding armor.
  The lines were, as ususal, very short. A friend and myself got in 7 great runs with time to spare.
  A word of warning: Watch out for ignorant beginners on the downhill portions. I know we all were beginners at one point but even then, we knew better than to stand in a group, blocking the entire trail, around a blind corner and not pay attention.
  a 29 year old Downhiller from Orange County, CA

  Posted:10/05/1998

• Trail UpdateGT_Maniac-Rode Snow Summit (for the first time) on Saturday (9/19). There is terrain available for all skill levels -- from 'driveways' to steeeeep, rough, boulder stren downhills. It was GREAT!!! Very tough downhill runs and incredible cross-country! The views are awesome and most of the trails are in good shape. You could ride all day without hitting the same patch of dirt twice. The single-tracks are technical (very technical at times) but fully rideable. The downhills are a different story. If you're a beginner, be VERY careful and make sure your bike (especially your brakes) is in top condition.
  Singletrack=40% Dirt Road=60%
  Jimbeau a 43 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a GT-RTS from Covina, California

  Posted:09/21/1998

• Trail UpdateSnow Summit-Went up to Summit for the first time on Friday. The riding was great. The downhill is alot of fun, I wish they rented body armor. As for the nine mile loop it is ok but doesn't get fun until the end of the run where the single track starts. I talked to the guy in the bike shop and he showed me the course they used for the Amature Cup a few days ago. I ran out of time to ride it but plan to do next time. I does require you to clime up to 2N10 rather than use the lift. As I see it you need to earn your downhill first then use the lifts the rest of the day. By the way if you have recently purcased a bike, I think a GT, you get a free season pass, just bring in the reciept.
  OAF a 27 year old Cross-Country Rider from So Cal

  Posted:07/07/1998

• Trail UpdateA buddy and myself drove up this past holiday weekend and all but one of the trails are open (the name eludes me at the moment). The ride was outstanding. We're planning on going back next week.
  All-day lift tickets are $19 and one-time-use tickets are $7; Half-day tickets are available.
  The conditions were perfect-sunny, clear, & dry but not hot. The longest wait I had for the lift was about 2 minutes.
  I was surprised to see the amount of beginners there. I don't think they knew what they were in for. Not to say that all the trails are difficult but I wouldn't classify any of them as easy.
  a Cross-Country Rider from Huntington Beach, CA

  Posted:07/06/1998

• Trail UpdateSnow Summit Ski Lift-Finding the trail is not a problem at all. The ski lift takes you up the mountain and that's where the fun starts. Once you're off the lift and handed your bike, you can go to the left where the "High Speed" down hill specialists go (I'm not one and don't plan on it). To the left of the lift is the trail which leads to a moderate down hill and scenic cross country trail. I believe it was 2N10. This is a good trail for most skill levels. I thought I was over my head a few times on the down hills toward the end of the trail. It connects with 2N08 which becomes single track for approximately 2-3 miles while leading back to Snow Summit and Team Big Bear. In closing, I had a great time riding in the mountains and took plenty of pictures. (When they are developed I'll send one or two.)
  Singletrack=15% Dirt Road=20% Truck Trail=65%
  Brian a 36 year old Weekend Warrior riding a '96 Specialized Ground Control from Irvine, Ca.

  Posted:08/04/1997