Conditions Report
Report from February 21 & 22
After Bear Valley Mountain Resort, California, logged more than 100 inches of snow in just four days, I knew we were staring at something special. The kind of storm cycle you talk about years later.
Following a three-day resort closure due to treacherous snow and road conditions, operations resumed, and what waited on the other side was nothing short of historic. A sincere thank you to the teams who kept everyone safe during the storm cycle.
Saturday: Bluebird Powder and Empty Lift Lines
Saturday marked the reopening, and conditions were absolutely unreal. A true bluebird powder day with virtually non-existent lift lines, one of the most underrated advantages of riding at Bear Valley
The snow had compacted slightly across the mountain, which, considering it had been neck deep just days before, was ideal. It allowed for fast, fluid riding without the fear of getting bogged down in bottomless snow… Trust me I was still in there past my chest. Early morning laps went straight to the backside, Spyglass, BlueJay Way, and West World.
The backside of Bear Valley offers longer runs and an abundance of tree riding, making it the perfect warm-up zone before heading to the main attraction:
Grizzly Bowl, California’s only true 180-degree bowl. When Grizzly Bowl opens, Bear Valley transforms.
What is often described as a smaller Sierra resort at the end of Highway 4 suddenly becomes one of the most compelling ski and snowboard experiences in the country and maybe the world… although my riding experiences have only been in the US. Exploration becomes endless.
You can venture into Snow Valley, drop higher and ride West Ridge for playful chutes and natural cliff features, or simply traverse until something catches your eye.
I lapped Grizz roughly 20 times throughout the day. The runs are long and sometimes grueling on the legs—there’s about 1,200 vertical feet as you go down, but those Grizz runs are something you savor, and it normally takes 10-15 minutes to go down! My cheeks actually hurt from smiling.
It was, without question, one of the best riding days I’ve ever had.
Sunday: Exploration Mode
I managed to leave some fuel in the aging 23-year-old tank for Sunday.
This day was all about exploration, a bit of hiking, a bit of scouting, and a commitment to finding untouched snow.
The run of the day was Bad Boy, located on the northeast side of the Bowl.
Dropping in requires a bit of strategy. If you point it immediately, you’ll funnel back into Snow Valley. But if you ride the saddle, hold the ridge, and drop behind it, you enter terrain that can remain untouched long after a storm cycle.
My friend Nate, self-proclaimed “King of the Mountain”, and I took our time breaking down all of the options and laughing like little kids in a candy shop as the pristine snow gracefully touched our boards.
Nate and I explored the vast landscape all day, we truly earned our turns let me tell you.
How many resorts can you go to on the second day of 100″ untouched and a bluebird day and see little to nobody? You truly feel like it is you and the mountain all day long! Bear Valley absolutely delivered through this storm, and I have a lifetime of memories from this weekend.
SNOW CONDITIONS
empty lift lines? Make it more obvious that you’re paid to write this! Longest lines I’ve ever seen at Bear. Great day though