Fall weather is in full swing, and the first glimpse of leaves turning color has begun. Mid-October is often the peak for viewing fall colors, so don't wait to visit Bear Valley. A variety of local adventures treat "leaf peepers" to some of the finest displays of deciduous trees preparing for winter in the Sierra Nevada. From road cycling on Ebbetts Pass to hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. From mountain biking to Bear Trap Basin to four-wheeling in Mattly Meadow. From driving the National Scenic Byway between Arnold and Markleeville to paddling the shoreline of New Spicer Reservoir. Regardless of which travel mode you choose, you are guaranteed to see spectacular sites and colors along the way.
WINTER ALERT - BVAC cross country and snowshoe season passes are on sale, with prices increasing after October 31st, 2020. If you haven't already, now is the time to purchase a season pass. For your convenience, season passes as best purchased through our website (www.bvadventures.com), and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. We love to talk about our work.
BVAC scheduled two XC Trail Work Days on September 27th and October 11th. The first outing was fantastic! 17 Bear Valley enthusiasts got busy and cleared the trails of Hidden Meadow, Aspen Forest, Lodgepole Loop, and Headwaters Bridge. Such a community effort improves the skier's experience and enables groomed trails to open sooner with less snow. With still one day remaining on October 11th, we can't wait to get back out there.
A little-known fact that we recently learned while hiking with Paul Petersen in preparation for the XC Trail Work Days is that most Bear Valley cross country trails do not follow existing roads, but instead follow natural pathways through the terrain. This lack of roads is not common in the cross-country ski industry and therefore creates a unique character and flavor to the Bear Valley trail system. Yet another reason why Bear Valley is known for some of the best cross-country skiing in the world!
COVID-19 will undoubtedly affect our operations this winter. Regardless the Bear Valley Adventure Company plans to groom trails, build sledding & tubing hills, and serve food at the Meadow Café. Inside operations will be modified to provide rentals, retail, and gas service while maintaining healthy spacing for guests and staff. Stay tuned for details.
While writing this article, there is the frequent sound of pine cones being dropped by squirrels. Even with warm temperatures and dry conditions, this noisy bombardment is a reminder that winter is coming soon. It's that time of year when wood needs to be stacked and outside projects wrapped up. With a little preparation, wintertime in Bear Valley is nothing short of magical. Regardless of which adventure is your favorite, the Bear Valley Adventure Company wishes you well. Cheers to winter!
