By Kathryn Madden
Whether you’re seasoned or new, the universally recognized symbol of a snow day is a simple apparatus that invites us all to soar. The sled, now synonymous with snow, was first used to haul heavy materials across sandy deserts, and later adopted by mountain explorers for similar reasons. Whether you’re in the market for something to carry groceries up your steep, winding driveway or wanting something to fly, a sled is a must on the mountain, where some of the best kept secrets are only uncovered by fresh powder. From Crestline to Big Bear, there are hills a plenty, each with their own ups and downs but overall a worthwhile adventure for the whole family!
There are several safe sledding spots off highway 38 out of Redlands, and there are many that are not. Avoid hillsides that end near a road, parking lot, fences or hazards that can cause serious injury. The ideal sledding hill has a long, flat area at the bottom to glide to a stop. Barton Flats, off highway 38 out of Redlands, meets both criteria and only requires an Adventure Pass to park your vehicle, which can be purchased at the store in Angelus Oaks for $5/day or $30/yr.
Heading up highway 18 from Lake Arrowhead, there are many hills; however, the Crest Park Picnic Area to the Switzer Picnic Area provides a safe place to play and park, with an Adventure Pass. Just east of Santa’s Village, to Heaps Peak or off Green Valley Lake Road to Lakeview Point, you can find many spots that are safe to sled and take in the views.
Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park in Running Springs is open every day of the year and charges $17 per hour for everyone, except for kids 36 inches or shorter, who can accompany a paid adult for free. They only accept cash, but there is an ATM available and they’re open from 10 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday and 9 AM to 5 PM on weekends and holidays.
Also located in Running Springs, Snow Valley Mountain Resort is not only a great place to learn to ski or snowboard, but they also have some of the best tubing hills in SoCal and a lift to take you and your tube. They offer a full day for age 7 and above for $34 with the lift or $19 without the lift, and children age 6 and younger can ride for $19 with the lift, and $15 without the lift, everyday except holidays when the price goes up. They also have a late day pass for all ages that costs only $16 with the lift and $11 without the lift, although not available on holidays, a great deal to take advantage of throughout the year.
Further up the mountain, where chains are always required and sometimes necessary, there are places to pay to play and some that only require the Adventure Pass and, although free is never a bad thing, the parks that require fees also have parking and encourage you to take your time and enjoy the day with your family, instead of driving around looking for a place to park. The Aspen Glen Picnic Area in Big Bear, requiring only an Adventure Pass, has a BBQ, picnic tables and a few places to sled safely however, there are only a few spaces, and it fills up fast so while this is a great place to sled during the week, it is unlikely you’ll find a spot on the weekends, and the there’s no parking allowed along Mill Creek Road.
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, located off Wildrose Lane, not only has an amazing tubing hill, but also the only bobsled run in Big Bear and a lift and moving tunnel to get you up the hill quickly. They’re open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM and Saturdays and Sundays until dusk. The parking is plentiful and easy. They have a decent snack bar and arcade to rest in between runs. Big Bear Snow Play down the road, off Big Bear Boulevard, is open from 10 AM to 4 PM and has a tubing hill, where they offer night sessions with glow tubing on Fridays from 5 PM to 9 PM.
Descending the hill at reindeer speed, the cold air filling your lungs with excitement, towards a smooth landing is and always will be a great way to spend a day on the mountain. The secret to making great memories is being prepared. Wear a helmet to avoid bonking your noggin, park in a designated parking area, purchase the Adventure Pass for your vehicle and take your sled, still intact or in shambles, with you. The mountains are calling for snow, so go and be safe!
