What’s new at Bear Mountain-Snow Summit this winter season

Southern California’s Big Bear Mountain Resorts has added new base area activities and a kids center and renovated a sports bar to attract more skiers and snowboarders to its slopes, halfpipes and terrain parks this winter.

The resort, which consists of the combined Snow Summit and Bear Mountain areas, is entering its second full season of operation under Mammoth Resorts’ ownership.

It’s about 100 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the San Bernardino National Forest above Big Bear Lake.

Here’s a rundown on what’s new:

--The Summit Kids Center, a 3,000-square-foot learning center at Snow Summit, will offer a one-stop-shop for children’s rentals, tickets and sports school registration. The increased efficiency should mean families can spend less time in lines and more time enjoying the snow.

--To beef up its base area feature and offer another option for off-slope entertainment, Big Bear Mountain Resorts installed a 30-foot rock-climbing wall this year to go with the Grizzly Ridge Tubing Park, which debuted last winter. Weather permitting, the climbing wall will remain open through the winter. It’s at the bottom of Snow Summit in the Basecamp area.

--In the main lodge at Bear Mountain, the Methods sports bar has been renovated for the upcoming season to add a more welcoming atmosphere to watch a game, thanks to an array of big screen high-definition TVs and an updated menu.

--This year marks the 20th anniversary of Snow Summit hosting the first Winter X Games. During that time, the event has grown from a mix of “extreme sports”— like super-modified shovel racing and ice climbing -- to become the top winter action sports competition. Both resorts will host a variety of events throughout the winter on and off the slopes that pay homage to Snow Summit’s place in action sports history.

Season passes are on sale now. The Bear and Summit Anytime adult pass costs $599, has no blackout dates and includes four 50% off friend tickets and 10% off rentals, among other things.

Unlimited at Bear Mountain has the same access as the Anytime pass but without friends tickets. The adult price is $499. And the Bear and Summit Midweek adult pass at $359 for adults comes with a bunch of blackout dates, no friends tickets but includes 10% off rentals.

Info: Big Bear Mountain Resorts

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