As wet weather doused the Westside last weekend, the same winter storm delivered plenty of fresh snow to Big Bear – making for the perfect weekend getaway before beach weather arrives.

Earlier this week, Bear Mountain general manager Brent Tregaskis said he was thrilled about the snow this late in the season – estimates range from 16-20 inches in the past week.

“It’s amazing – it’s actually the best conditions we’ve had all year, and here we are in early March,” Tregaskis said. “It’s been quite an interesting year, but now it’s as good as it’s ever been.”

He added the snow would lead to a longer season for skiers and snowboarders.

“We thought there was a pretty good chance that we would be closed by the middle of March, but now we’re looking at the middle of April,” he said.

Playing in the snow is one of the greatest ways to bond families together and creates memories that last a lifetime.

Bear Mountain and Snow Summit consistently have the best snow conditions in Southern California. Located just over 100 miles away from the Westside, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain have 26 lifts operating with access to 40 runs, offering riders and skiers of all levels over 150 jibs and snow features.

A single lift ticket provides access to both Snow Summit and Bear Mountain which are located just two miles apart, and connected via a free inter-resort express shuttle service.

Each resort offers a variety of diverse terrain providing skiers and snowboarders with a combined 438 developed acres.

No matter what age you are or what your skiing or snowboarding experience is, there are plenty of instructors on hand that are available at reasonable prices to get you to the first or next level of skiing or snowboarding in a fun and laid back atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the recent snow came just in time to add an extra nip to Big Bear Lake for the brave men, women, and children who will plunge into the chilly water to raise funds to benefit Special Olympics athletes this weekend.

The water temperatures are expected to be approximately 40 degrees or cooler for the 4th Annual Polar Plunge this Saturday, March 7, at noon.

“The snow came at the most opportune time,” said Special Olympics Southern California Regional Director Abbey Leffler. “It definitely adds an extra element to one of our coldest plunge locations in Southern California.”

Funds are raised to help support year-round sports training programs and athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the Inland Empire Region of Special Olympics Southern California.

Proceeds from the event give people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, accomplishments, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Individuals who take the Polar Plunge challenge are asked to raise at least $50 through pledges from family, friends, and co-workers.

For more information about the Polar Plunge, visit www.sosc.org/bigbearplunge or call 951.703.6502.

For all there is to see and do in beautiful Big Bear Lake, make lodging reservations or request a free Visitors Guide, log on to www.bigbear.com or call 800.424.4232.

Live Like A Local When Visiting Big Bear

Want to live like a local while visiting Bear Big for a weekend? Look no further than Big Bear Cool Cabins that invites visitors to stay in the beautiful mountains of Southern California.

With more than 400 properties, ranging from single-room cabins to entire lodges, Big Bear Cool Cabins has the perfect lodging for a weekend adventure.

Westside Today was recently hosted at “Merry Beary” – a three bedroom, two bathroom upgraded log cabin with an open floor plan.

This cabin has a river rock wood burning fireplace, pool table, large flat panel TVs, DVD players, high speed internet, washer/dryer, and a full kitchen with granite counter tops, stove/oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, blender, toaster, coffee maker, dishes, pots/pans, and more.

The cabin also includes granite countertops in both bathrooms, and central heating. It is located in a prestigious neighborhood, centrally located, in the Fox Farm/Moonridge area on a nice wooded lot. There is a large front deck with forest views and patio furniture. There is also a pen back deck with a gas barbecue and ski slope views.

For more information on listings or to make a reservation, visit www.bigbearcoolcabins.com.