Written By: Reagan Metzger, Staff Writer
SNOW: The culture of snowboarding and skiing as well as the California water supply has been affected by this year’s lack of snow at Big Bear Resort in Southern California.
As the seasons change every year, most southern California residents leave days at the beach behind to spend time in the San Bernardino mountains; more specifically, at Big Bear Resort. This resort houses three very popular ski areas known as Snow Valley, Snow Summit, and Bear Mountain. All of these areas opened from 1930-1950 and were only recently acquired by a parent company in 2017. They still operate autonomously, but reside under the name “Big Bear Resort” because they are all within a fifteen mile radius and thirty minute drive. The culture of snowboarding and skiing has changed drastically over the years as the sports have grown in relevance. What is this culture and why is it changing?
Skiing has been around since some of the earliest years on Earth because it was a highly efficient way to navigate snow. However, snowboarding was not invented until 1965. Referred to as “snurfing” or “snow surfing,” snowboarding attracted crowds like no other, developing a unique culture in both tradition and style. The 70’s ushered in jeans and puffer jackets, followed by the bright neon hues of the 80’s that most rider’s routinely sported and still do today! Color spilled over into the 90’s and 2000’s with introductions to sunglasses, goggles, and baggier clothing in general. Snow gear and clothing is an investment within itself and can truly differentiate beginners from those with experience. One’s fashion and style definitely relates to their overall involvement which is why it is so important. Groups of enthused skiers and boarders often have “pray for snow” parties before snow even begins to fall. These blow outs are made possible by the young snowboarding community that take the time of year very seriously. Despite the widespread adoration that these sports receive, it is overall losing popularity as the years progress. These numbers are compared to peak numbers from the 2000s with many citing that the lifestyle now “lacks” in image. The “rebelliousness” that snowboarding once attracted, no longer remarks the sport, but it has instead found its popularity within local Californians.
Big Bear welcomes over three million visitors a year who come to enjoy the town, scenery, and iconic trails. Visitor, Kathy Palmer, attests that she “practically grew up coming for vacation each winter” and that “it has been made a staple for [her] family even thirty years later.” In 2021, the city accumulated around 437 million dollars spent by seasonal guests. It’s no question that the city is highly attractive to crowds of all kinds, but rather about how this year has looked different from others.
The California Department of Water Resources has stated that this year is “one of the driest winters for California mountains ever and the changes are scary.” Lack of storms from the Sierra Mountains has led to all time low recordings for snow levels with Big Bear mountain only at a 65% average compared to the 108% average from February 2024. Not only has this affected snowboarders and skiers, but it has also raised concerns about water storage in Southern California. Considered as the “frozen reservoir,” snowpack from these mountains supplies 30% of California’s water needs. Snow season will also likely come to a slow end compared to last year’s 2024 season that went til April! Many specialists are fearful of how visible the effects of climate change are really becoming and adjustments will need to be made to ensure water resources in the near future.
The Socal community and millions across the United States migrate to the mountains each winter to make memories and importantly, have fun. There are high hopes for the snow plow in following seasons for the sake of the snowboarder’s skiers, and above all, the California water supply.