The proverb "April showers bring May flowers" rarely applies to Bear Valley at 7100 feet; however, this year may be the exception. More precipitation arrived in April than in January, February, and March combined. In fact, before the last snowstorm, Alpine Buttercups (Ranunculus eschscholzia) were already blooming in the meadow.
While this winter's snowfall may not have met the expectations of skiers and snowboarders, it also fell short of refilling our reservoirs and strengthening the health of the forest. These drought conditions and the number of dying trees have severe implications for Bear Valley. We hope that all property owners are preparing for wildfire season, which is no longer a question of "if" but "when" a wildfire will be on our doorstep.
The good news is that trails and lakes will be accessible sooner than usual due to the fading snowpack. Combined with the exciting addition of lift-assisted mountain biking at BV Mountain Resort, this summer is shaping up to be a great season for outdoor activities. The Bear Valley Adventure Company is ready with plenty of boat and bike rentals (including electric road and mountain bikes), and the store is fully stocked with bike parts, outdoor clothing, camping, fishing, and disc golf supplies. In addition, Reba's Tollhouse Cafe will reopen for Memorial Day Weekend to serve delicious meals to fuel your next adventure. Cheers!
