BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN FULL
We landed with hours of sunlight to spare and time to make a full day even fuller. That route always reminds me of the top of a roller coaster-you’re descending almost the whole flight back. The flight back to Torrance took less than an hour. Those Rotax engines are impressive-with three folks onboard, a snowboard, and many dozens of pounds of camera gear, we still took off with ease. In the winter months, density altitude is not much of a factor, but even on that cool afternoon, the density altitude was higher than field elevation.
We had a solid four hours in Big Bear, and after lunch, we headed back to the airport for a simple flight home. For the completely snow averse, there is a cozy patio with music, food, and both alcoholic and pilot-in-command-friendly beverages. I stuck entirely to the beginner routes and even with the steep learning curve of a novice, I had a great time falling down the mountain. With lessons and green routes for beginners and double black diamonds for the pros, the resort offers something for every skill level. We flew up on a weekday and gear pickup was smooth and easy. We went with Bear Mountain since it’s closer to the airport. (If you make this trip and are pressed for time or lack the patience for public transportation, it might be better to pre-book a taxi.) Big Bear has two options for snow sports-Bear Mountain and Snow Summit.
BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN FREE
Since the taxi cost more than the free shuttle, we decided to wait at the airport even though it was a slower process. Ubers/Lyfts are nearly nonexistent though there is a local taxi service. After securing the airplane, we changed into snow gear and waited for the free local shuttle that stops right at the airport. If you go in the summer, though, beware-density altitude picks up quick and it gets bumpy. It was quiet in the pattern for Big Bear, and we took the time to fly over the resorts and check out the snowy slopes from the air.īig Bear can be a tricky airport, but with cool, thick air and a slight breeze right down the runway, the landing was smooth as could be. The flight was smooth despite incoming Santa Anas-the hot desert winds that suck the moisture out of the LA basin and are associated (at least in local myth, and sometimes statistically) with an increase in the homicide rate. I love (and prefer) the low and slow life, but in a busy area like Los Angeles, it just makes sense to fly a little higher-not necessarily 9,500 feet msl, but consider adding a couple thousand extra feet than you would if you were over Midwestern farm fields.
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Our route was peppered with GA-friendly airports and at our altitude, we’d have had no issue finding an airport to land at during an emergency. We then climbed to 9,500 feet msl, the cruising altitude that made the most sense for Big Bear’s 6,750-foot elevation, and flew next to the Paradise VOR.
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