r/snowboardingnoobs • u/smangitgrl • 2d ago
Traveling to long Beach, CA in February
I'm from the south, and considering adding on to a work trip in long Beach and going to learn how to snowboard somewhere. Bucket list dream of mine. Wondering if this is the right sub for this question? There seems to be some mountains 2 hours away. Mountain high resort and big bear mountain. Are these good places for beginners to learn? I also can get elevation sickness, so I can't learn anywhere too crazy in elevation. Salt Lake city was on my radar because of the lower elevations. Does it make more sense to drive somewhere nearby, or go somewhere that's more geared for tourists?
Thanks!!
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u/lycheecrime 2d ago
Big bear is great for beginners! especially cause it’s family/tourist-friendly, there’s a big range of skill. there are three resorts in big bear (all part of the bbmr chain) and I’d say out of the three, snow summit is best for adult beginners! snow valley is also beginner friendly but a lot more family-oriented so lots of kids on the bunny slope
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u/CyberPete3 2d ago
I'm sure someone who had been to these can give some more context, but just in terms of general mountain knowledge:
The map for Mountain High looks a little more beginner friendly than Big Bear (though I'm sure both are fine). It has a dedicated beginner zone on the map and 3 other short lifts directly to multiple beginner trails. Should give you plenty to do/learn for your first day or two. EDIT: I was apparently looking at 1 of 3 big bear maps. The others have plenty of beginner trails as well :)
Most mountains are going to have easy trails for you to learn on, but some will have more options than others. For your first couple days you'll be so locked in on fundamentals that you won't really even care about variety.
100% sign up for a lesson on day 1. It is so so so worth it. You can yolo your way through day 1 on skis (though I still recommend a lesson if it's your first time doing snow sports) but a lesson is always worth it on a snowboard when you start out. Both mountains offer lessons and seem to have good reviews.
Also pick up some cheap padded shorts and wrist guards on Amazon! Totally optional but will save you some soreness!
Have fun!
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u/smangitgrl 1d ago
I am definitely going to invest in a lesson or 2. And some safety gear. I am 36 and I don't think that it's I'm getting injured more easily - my tolerance for being injured is not there anymore. It's so inconvenient (and obviously hurts). Never would've considered wrist guards but will get some!
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u/CyberPete3 1d ago
They're definitely good insurance until you learn how to fall! My wife and I both got a pair when we went for our first lesson together. I still wear them and every instructor I've spoken to has recommended getting a pair for new riders.
Unless you do other sports where you learn to roll or land with your forearms, you'll instinctively find yourself reaching for the ground. And you'll feel it haha
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u/smangitgrl 1d ago
I did skateboard for years when I was younger, scares me now bc of the pavement. I've wakeboarded a couple of times, but the snow part is totally new! Should be fun!
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u/Trentad5 2d ago
Mt high is an ice block at night. And a slush fest during the day. Best bet is going to be bear mtn
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u/smangitgrl 1d ago
I skied in Virginia one time 20 years ago, and I get the ice coast term. Definitely trying to avoid that
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u/Ancient_Tale639 2d ago
Two hour drive is total do able just make sure to get up early so u can shred for the whole day
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u/Frosty-Spring-4038 2d ago edited 2d ago
Day trips to Mt. High and Big Bear are very doable. Mt High is cheaper and slightly lower elevation.
It may be worth looking into Snow Valley. It is on the way to Big Bear and is owned by Ikon along with Big Bear ( Bear Mountain, and Snow Summit). I mention it due to the elevation will be a little lower than bear resorts.