It was an abrupt transition to winter, and the Bear Valley Adventure Company (BVAC) looks forward to the snowy months ahead. Opening day happened right on schedule (11/29/2019) with seven trails and 7 kilometers of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the meadow. The following day, our Wine Tasting in the Meadow event was a big success to a sold-out crowd enjoying our new après-ski menu that will be served at the Meadow Café each Thursday – Saturday, from 3:30 – 6:30 PM. Après-ski is French for "after ski" and is a general phrase to describe social activities after a day spent on the snow. Food and drink are common offerings, similar to Happy Hour. We are excited to start a Bear Valley tradition of snow sports enthusiasts adventuring out to the Meadow Café (less than a quarter-mile walk ;-) for end of the day nourishment, libations, and community. In support of après-ski, our store will extend its hours to 7 PM, Thursday-Saturday.
"Try It & Like It!" is a new introduction to cross-country skiing package offered every 4th Sunday, December 2019, through March 2020. This program is designed to get you sliding and gliding with a smile. We are confident that when you try cross-country skiing, you'll appreciate the beauty, solitude, and adventure. Both classic and skate packages available, and logistics are on our website (www.bvadventures.com).
A common question for new cross-country skiers is whether to try classic or skate skiing. In general, for those new to skiing, the classic style (aka striding or traditional) is often most appropriate to learn the skills of balance, sliding, and stopping. Classic skiers can opt to simply walk on their skis, or pick up the tempo and include a glide. The Bear Valley meadow is an ideal place to learn cross-country skiing as the trails are flat and smooth at the trailhead. But bigger hills and ridges are nearby for those seeking more challenges. In fact, many an accomplished skier has been humbled by the black diamond trails at Bear Valley.
For those with stronger skiing skills, an inclination for speed, excitement, and a workout, skate skiing is a great choice. Skate skis do not have a patterned base to help propel, so skate skiers use their skis in a V-formation to generate speed, very similar to ice skating or inline skating. Skate skis are narrower and shorter than classic skis and require more balance. Skate skiers move at faster speeds, and many alpine (aka downhill) skiers find skate skiing exhilarating and a great way to improve their overall skiing and fitness. Regardless of which discipline you choose, or both if you'd like, we look forward to seeing new and experienced skiers out on the Bear Valley Adventure Company trails system this winter.
This article was submitted for the December 2019 edition of Bear Valley’s Cub Reporter published by Eric Jung.
