– And Comes Out Stronger – Like the rest of America, the residents of Big Bear were glued to their television sets as a madman went on a rampage throughout Southern California. The difference, of course, is that this drama suddenly began unfolding in our own backyard. When I first heard that Christopher Dorner’s pick-up truck was sighted in the hills between Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, I was sure it was a hoax. This sort of thing doesn’t happen in Big Bear - we’re safe up here. We feel insulated from this sort … [Read more...]
Protecting Your Real Estate Investment – Frozen Pipes
February 5, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Big Bear... was hit with a cold snap earlier in January and the ever present problem of frozen pipes reared its ugly head throughout the valley. I made the rookie mistake of leaving my hoses attached to the outdoor faucets and woke up to frozen pipes. Fortunately, the problem was isolated to a small area of my home, but I learned from my plumber that over 40 homes in my neighborhood had been affected. Water, as we learned in school, expands when frozen. That's a problem because inside the pipes, there is no room … [Read more...]
Big Bear Facts!
January 22, 2013 by 3 Comments
There are several misconceptions the Big Bear area can't seem to get rid of. Logic and hearsay don't always come together. Until I visited Big Bear my first time, I had a few of these preconceived notions. Do any of these sound familiar? * Big Bear doesn't have electricity. I was asked this question, while the TV was blaring in the background. * Big Bear doesn't have running water. That has to be a fact because... * Big Bear's residents all live in little 1-room log cabins in the deep, dark forest. * … [Read more...]
Big Bear Healthcare Services
January 19, 2013 by Leave a Comment
For a relatively small community, Big Bear is fortunate to have excellent health care services. This includes a top rated hospital (4 out of 5 stars), private practice doctors and dentists, ambulance services, chiropractors, optometrists, and two large chain pharmacies. Big Bear also has two excellent veterinary clinics to care for our pets and the occasional injured wild animal. The “Bear Valley Community Healthcare District” encompasses our local hospital with emergency services, acute care, radiology, … [Read more...]
Picture Ops!
January 13, 2013 by Leave a Comment
The Big Bear Lake Area is a Photographer's Dream Here are some general locations you can visit for great outdoor photo shoots. Grab 3 friends with cameras and plan some spontaneous, winning snaps! If you're getting up for sunrise pictures, you'll want to go beyond the 2 lake crossings, though sometimes, these are the best places. Sunrises over water, are best seen from Stanfield Cutoff looking east over Baker Pond. Another good place is the west end of the airport, at Division. Pull in and park at the northwest … [Read more...]
7 Things to Do Outdoors During Big Bear’s Winter
January 7, 2013 by Leave a Comment
We moved to Big Bear back in the mid-90’s because of all of the outdoor activities. We love to ski the mountain or depending on the snow pack and the temperatures, we’ll hike the East valley. 1. The East valley is also home to Baldwin Lake Stables. You can go for a group ride or a private ride on the forest trails in Baldwin Lake. Be sure to call and make reservations in advance. 2. Snow Tubing at Alpine Slide - We purchased a half day ticket last year for us and the kids. It is enough to tire everyone out. We … [Read more...]
Snowshoe Big Bear
January 3, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Goldsmiths, Bear Valley Bikes, TC Ride Shop, and North Shore Trading Company, in Fawnskin; are some of the places you can rent or purchase snowshoes. If you haven't gotten into the deeper snow, you are missing a great opportunity to get in to Great Nature. With a 12,00 year history, many of us have an image of Eskimos walking on top of the snow with giant wood and leather tennis rackets tied to their feet. This is no longer the case. Modern technology has refined the shape and size of snowshoes. Made of … [Read more...]
Tips for Winter Driving in Big Bear
December 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Before coming "Up the Mountain" for some slope time at Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, please be sure you and your car understand the conditions you may encounter. Here are a few tips you may not have thought of when driving in the mountains. Before you leave, check your tire pressure. Balance the pressure in all 4 tires and check the spare. Don't over inflate! You are more likely to slip and slide. We really do have, "Twisty Mountain Roads", just like it says in the brochures. Throw a can of flat fixer under the … [Read more...]
Creating Defensible Space – Big Bear Real Estate
December 2, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers will help protect you against fires originating inside the home, but the best way to protect your Big Bear property from a forest fire or a nearby structure fire is by creating defensible space. Defensible space creates a separation between structures and trees and shrubs. By removing congested trees and shrubs, fire cannot easily jump from one plant or tree to another and eventually to your home. The following is an overview of local Big Bear clearance … [Read more...]
Winter Fun – Big Bear Real Estate
November 23, 2012 by Leave a Comment
As soon as the first prediction of snow is forecast, the excitement builds across the Valley. Many of us choose to live in Big Bear because of the variety of recreational opportunities. Both Bear Mountain and Snow Summit lead the industry in snowmaking. That means plenty of snow, even when the afternoon temperatures hit 60 degrees. Bear Mountain caters to snowboarders. There is free public internet access everywhere. We recommend you start at Red Bull Plaza. The Park at Bear Mountain is devoted to free-style … [Read more...]
