- Winter Highlights
Press Release - October 16, 2006
FAMILY-FRIENDLY BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT KICKS OFF SKI SEASON WITH OVER FIVE MILLION DOLLARS OF IMPROVEMENTS ON THE MOUNTAIN AND THROUGHOUT THE RESORT
New high-speed lift, streamlined registration, improved and expanded facilities add up to less hassle and more time on the mountain
BEAR VALLEY, Calif. – Bear Valley Mountain Resort, one of California’s premiere family destinations, is gearing up for another spectacular ski season with continued upgrades on the mountain and throughout its facilities. The improvements, which include a new high-speed lift, streamlined check-in for rentals along with 2007 demo skis all new snowboard rental/demo equipment, web site registration and expanded lodge seating, come as Bear Valley completes its first of an exciting and comprehensive three-phase upgrade designed to enhance and expand the resort’s facilities and nearby lodging.
With 67 trails, including double Black Diamond slopes and an abundance of intermediate runs, skiers of all ages and abilities have long enjoyed Bear Valley’s scenic beauty, family atmosphere and diversified terrain. Among the most significant improvements to the Resort this season is the addition of a new high-speed quad lift, dubbed Polar Express, which will provide easier loading, a smoother ride and power redundancy to ensure always-on operation. The new lift replaces Bear Valley’s Hibernation Chair and represents one of the most advanced, environmentally-friendly high speed quad lifts in production, transporting skiers to the summit in nearly half the time of the previous lift.
Focus on Family Fun
As part of Bear Valley Mountain Resort’s focus on family fun, significant improvements have been made to ensure streamlined service from check-in to snow. A computerized registration process now fully integrates rentals and snow sports, providing a one-stop shop for the entire family. And once a guest “Signs-In” their profile is saved for even greater convenience on return visits.
Rental services have also become more family friendly, offering helmets at no additional charge with all lesson packages for kids under 12 years old. This move is in support of the “Lids on Kids” program – an initiative led by the National Ski Areas Association designed to help educate parents about putting helmets on their children while they're on the slopes. The equipment in Bear Valley’s rental area has been upgraded with an expanded line of new gear that features Burton equipment, helmets, snowboards and boots.
Other improvements at Bear Valley include 20 percent increased seating capacity in the food court, more covered seating on the sun deck, an expanded family area and an increased Snowcat fleet that will result in greater grooming capacity on the mountain. And to help speed families to the slopes, Bear Valley is introducing BV Express, eliminating the need to stand in multiple lines for tickets, rentals and lessons. The Resort will also provide designated Mountain Ambassadors located around the lodge and mountain to make sure guests get the assistance they need to have a hassle free and safe experience.
“We’ve been hard at work during the off-season so that our guests can come and have the best time possible at Bear Valley this winter,” said Jim Gentling, general manager of Bear Valley Mountain Resort. “The new lift combined with computerized registration, new rental equipment, more seating capacity and all of the other improvements means more time with family and friends in one of the most scenic spots in the Central Sierra.”
Follow the National Scenic Byway to Bear Valley
From rolling foothills to alpine forests, the drive to Bear Valley Mountain Resort takes visitors through one of the nation’s most scenic routes, California State Route 4, which was designated as one of seven National Scenic Byways in California by the United States Secretary of Transportation. The diversity of the terrain and climate in the area means year-round opportunities for a variety of outdoor adventures beyond winter skiing and snowboarding; including golf, river rafting, kayaking, boating and waterskiing, hiking, fishing, mountain biking and camping.
Calaveras County’s historic and picturesque gold rush towns also offer antique shops, museums, art galleries, restaurants and shopping in a small town setting, not to mention a taste of California's historic wine country where touring wineries is intimate and the wines are exceptional. These features combined with the many local events, live theatre, concerts and festivals held throughout the year all add up to make Bear Valley Mountain Resort one of California’s premiere family destinations.
About Bear Valley
Conveniently located on scenic Highway 4 in the central Sierra Nevada Mountain Range of California, Bear Valley Mountain Resort is the premier year-round family destination. The area boasts 1,280 acres of varied terrain, over 67 runs including four terrain parks, 1900 vertical feet and 30 feet of average annual snowfall. More information is available at www.bearvalley.com.
Bear Valley Mountain Resort is operated under special use permit on the Stanislaus National Forest
