Snow Dusts Inland Empire Mountains, Winter Sports Eyed

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — Monday's blustery weather brought some mountain-top white to the San Bernardino National Forest ahead of winter ski and snowboarding season.

The snowfall has resort operators gearing up for tourism season.

Snow Valley Mountain Resort in Running Springs is continuing its summer operations through October 31, but winter kickoff is set to begin Wednesday, Nov. 24, weather permitting. This year marks the 84th winter season for the ski operator.

Over the last four years, Snow Valley has invested $8 million in improvements, including a six-person high-speed chairlift, expanded snowmaking, increased access to Slide Peak, expanded snow play/sledding lanes, and drinking and dining options. There's also a new 100-foot moving carpet for beginner skiers and snowboarders to learn the sports.

"Snow Valley's new moving carpet makes learning easier and more fun," Snow Valley Vice President and General Manager Kevin A. Somes said. "Aspiring skiers and snowboarders now comfortably move up the hill like magic. So, they look forward to their next ride and are likely to stick with the sport. Mixing with experienced skiers and snowboarders on traditional lifts and runs can be very intimidating for new participants.”

Other new features include online equipment rental reservations, touchless ticketing (snow-valley.com), and new season pass partners (IndySkiPass.com). For more information, see http://www.snow-valley.com.

Three other San Bernardino National Forests ski operators are getting set for winter. In the Big Bear Lake Recreation Area, Big Bear Bear Mountain Ski Resort and Snow Summit Ski Resort are readying. In the Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area where Snow Valley Mountain Resort is based, there's also Rim Nordic Ski Area.