Avoid

Want to Avoid Crowds? Try Skiing at Bear Valley

You’ve heard about the skiing at Lake Tahoe or Mammoth, but one of the best ski or snowboard experiences you’ll ever have awaits you at Bear Valley, where the crowds are few, but the thrills are many.

While not on a par with Squaw Valley or Heavenly or other major California ski resorts, the Bear Valley ski area is still a prime candidate for a weekend or even an extended skiing vacation. As we discovered in early February, Bear Valley offers a surprisingly complete ski vacation experience – no frills, to be sure, but still rewarding and well worth the trip deep into the Sierra Nevada range.

If designer clothing stores, zillion-dollar condos, and Hollywood-style glitz are part of your criteria for a ski vacation, this ski area might not be the best choice. If wide-open ski runs, no lift lines and plenty of groomed snow are more important to you, then by all means give Bear Valley a try.

Coming originally from the Pacific Northwest, we could not help but compare Bear Valley to one of our favorite ski areas in Washington state – a place called Mission Ridge in a town named Wenatchee. The population in that part of the state is sparse compared with the big ski areas near Seattle, so Mission Ridge is able to offer wide-open skiing runs most days of the week.

Similarly, Bear Valley is less accessible than the many larger ski areas in the Lake Tahoe area. Bay area and Sacramento residents can drive Interstate 80 to the Tahoe area and find a selection of ski resorts a short distance off the interstate. To reach this ski area, you have to drive two-lane roads through the foothills and mountains for close to 100 miles.

But when you get there, most skiers and snowboarders will find it’s worth it. Our mid-week skiing was some of the best we’ve experienced – plenty of wide-open, groomed terrain perfect for intermediates and serviced by a number of lifts where there seemed to never be lines. It was ski down the run, get right on the chair and do it all again and again until just a few hours into our day we were growing exhausted. We probably skied in four hours what it would take us a full day to do at a resort with moderate lift lines.

There are no gondolas or high-speed quad chairlifts at Bear Valley, although there are 10 lifts altogether, mostly doubles and triples. About 1280 acres are available for skiing and snowboarding; some 100 acres are in an area where they can make snow – although at 7,750 feet, it’s likely Mother Nature will supply all the snow you need.

We mentioned the intermediate skiing because that’s our favorite – but rest assured this ski area has many black diamond or expert ski runs for those looking for more of a challenge. The day lodge is situated mid-mountain with lifts going both up the mountain to 8495 feet, and coming to the lodge from the lower part of the mountain. Most of the expert runs are located on the lower mountain.

The area’s day lodge also was wide open and easy to navigate. Instead of masses of people waiting in line to get their food and find a place to sit, we stepped right up and got our cooked-to-order Philly cheesesteak sandwiches in just a few minutes. And there was no shortage of menu options – lots of different types of food from sandwiches to Asian cuisine, from soups and salads to major meals.

But the Bear Valley experience is much more than a daytrip – or at least it should be given the time it takes to get to the ski area. For our trip we booked lodging at the Bear Valley Lodge, one of just a few hotel-type facilities near the mountain. Located about three miles from the mountain, the Bear Valley Lodge seems to be the hub of activity in the area and proved to be a good choice for accommodations. While showing some of its age – it was built in the 60′s – the lodge proved to be a comfortable, convenient base of operations. A ski shuttle bus will take you to the mountain, and you can even ski all the way back to the lodge.

When we say comfortable, we are not comparing the lodge to the high-end condos you find at most major ski resorts. The rooms at Bear Valley Lodge are more like a motel unit with two double beds a bath area and a TV/entertainment area that included HBO. But small touches – such as the bay window looking out onto the snowy landscape or the pine furniture – helped to make this feel much cozier than a motel room.

The four floors of rooms at the Bear Valley Lodge look out onto the Cathedral Lounge, a large open space in the middle of the lodge that offers guests a place to sit and read and enjoy the fire in the massive stone fireplace. Photos are mounted along the walls depicting the history of the lodge and Bear Valley ski area. Celebrities such as Spider Savich, Claudine Longet, Merv Griffin and several others are shown skiing or otherwise enjoying Bear Valley.

Adjacent to the lounge are several shops including an old-fashioned general store – with a deli to get quick sandwiches and soups – and a surprisingly complete ski shop with all of the latest ski equipment, clothing and accessories. But keep in mind this is not the type of resort where you can spend hours shopping when you’re not on the slopes; your down time here most likely will be spent in front of the fire reading a good book.

During our brief stay we dined in the lodge’s Grizzly Lounge – mainly because the other lodge restaurant, the Creekside Dining Room, was closed Mondays and Tuesdays. The lounge food was good and included a few menu items from the Creekside. We did learn that the Creekside has recently employed a well-educated and accomplished chef that has proven both creative and popular with guests – so we were disappointed we didn’t get a chance to sample the Creekside cuisine.

We also enjoyed a meal down at BaseCamp, a lodge that is just a short walk from the Bear Valley Lodge and the only other hotel-style lodging this close to the ski area. We enjoyed our meal at BaseCamp where we got to know an English waitress who had come to Bear Valley simply because the skiing is so good. The BaseCamp, incidentally, offers the lowest cost rooms in the area with “bathroom down the hall.”

There are also condo and cabin rentals available in the Bear Valley area, as well as the Tamarack Lodge further west on Highway 4. Prices in general will be less at BaseCamp, moderate at the Bear Valley Lodge and Tamarack, and more when you rent an entire vacation home.

While in the area, there are several small towns and attractions that are worth a stop if you have the time. To reach Bear Valley in winter, you’ll be traveling through the historical town of Angel’s Camp and then a similar but smaller Gold Rush town called Murphys.

But our suggestion would be to allow plenty of time for skiing. You’ll want to ski or board Bear Valley just as long as the weather – and your legs – will hold out.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: Bear Valley Ski Resort is on Highway 4, about 52 miles from the foothills town of Angel’s Camp, and 130 miles from Sacramento.

WHAT: Bear Valley is a throwback to skiing in the ’60′s and ’70′s – no high-speed quads or gondolas but lots of wide open groomed terrain in a gorgeous setting.

WHEN: Winter always means where is lots of snow for skiing as well as many other snow sports; the area also is a popular summer recreation area with numerous lakes, hiking trails and a pristine forest.

WHY: It’s refreshing to ski where there are no lift lines and little pretense – most of the “beautiful people” went to Colorado; the home-growns stayed here. Economically, this ski vacation is quite affordable.

HOW: For more information on Bear Valley Ski Resort, phone (209) 753-2301 or visit www.bearvalley.com. For more information on Bear Valley Lodge, phone (209) 753-2325 or visit www.bearvalleylodge.com.

Avoid

Avoid Altitude Sickness in the Breckenridge Mountains

 

So you’ve decided to spend your winter vacation in Breckenridge to take up a new skiing or just enjoy a quiet mountain town atmosphere getaway, you are going to have a phenomenal time. Before you go, you should know the risks of going to any high altitude area and the tips to avoid them.

 

Coming via plane? You will probably be flying into Denver and driving to Breckenridge. Why not make it a two-city vacation? Before driving to Breckenridge, take advantage and enjoy one of the most beautiful cities in the country, Denver, Colorado. Very few places can offer a majestic view of snow covered Rocky Mountains in one direction and seeing downtown Denver with businesses, restaurants, a massive performing arts complex, malls, and all the attractions found in a major city in one direction. One thing Denver can offer is great beer, not just any other beer you find in one of the local pubs, bars or any liquor store all over the country. Denver is the place where any beermonger should call home, Denver brews more beer than any other city in the United States. So if you like going out with your friends and have a few beers, or just like beer period, why not get it from the same place it’s made. Since any normal person enjoys going out and doing something with their friends why not catch a ballgame, Denver is home to the Broncos, Rockies, Nuggets, and Avalanche, there is no shortage of getting your sports fill in Denver. Sports, beer, and amazing views. Denver unexpectedly can turn more than just a place you can pass through driving to Breckenridge.

 

Speaking of driving, slow down. I know you’re excited to get to Breckenridge but you’re not in the Daytona 500. Be aware of the safety precautions you need to take when driving in icy or snow covered roads. Remember that you are driving a rental car, it maybe tuned and well maintained but it’s not yours. And being unfamiliar with your transport vehicle is not a miniscule detail you can disregard. So drive slow and carefully, but stay inside the speed requirements too. Take this time and enjoy the sights, driving towards a destination should be an experience too. Driving in the snow is not as easy as you think. Before you get on the road, make sure you have these few basic supplies in your trunk, a shovel, an ice scraper and a bag of either kitty litter or sand. Don’t press the gas if you get stuck; that will just dig you in deeper. Dig out the snow around the tire with your handy dandy shovel, and then use the sand or kitty litter for traction. There would most definitely be ice on the road, so watch your speed and leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you.

 

Altitude sickness is one of the perils of going to the mountains. Altitude sickness, also know as acute mountain sickness or AMS, altitude illness or soroche is a pathological condition causes by acute exposure to low air pressure outdoors at high altitude. Although treatable to some extent by the administration of oxygen, most of the symptoms do not appear to be caused by low oxygen, but rather by low CO2 levels causing a rise in blood ph or alkalosis. Staying in Denver a day or two can help you acclimate your body to thin air much easier. So take it slowly. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, pins and needles, vomiting and sleeplessness They say altitude sickness feels similar to having a hangover, so if visited Denver’s beer breweries, you should be familiar with the feeling. You can take over the counter medication, or just visit oxygen bars in Breckenridge. Breckenridge takes care of it’s visitors from sea level areas with their oxygen bars, visit one and feel immediately rejuvenated. Drink plenty of water, stay away from caffeinated drinks and alcohol to help keep yourself hydrated and will help you be better acclimated to the high attitude faster.

 

Breckenridge has lots of restaurants, from inexpensive and relaxed places to fine dining establishments. But some of us can never stay away from missing a good home cooked meal. You can cook for yourself, your family or friends from the kitchen of your Breckenridge condo; cooking in high altitude is quite different with cooking at sea level. You need to have more time because it takes longer time to cook food at higher elevations. Another way to make this a bonding moment with whom you’re spending your vacation with. Remember that you’ll probably need to use higher heat and a little more liquid when cooking or you will end up with dry and possibly rock-hard food.

 

Remember that for you to enjoy your vacation, or any vacation, careful planning comes a long way. Learning a few basic precautions for safety or any measures to prevent untoward incident by learning about the place you’re going to can be very helpful. So have a safe, fun vacation and have a ball in Breckenridge.

 

 

Avoid

How to Avoid Altitude Sickness in Breckenridge Colorado

If you’re traveling to a high altitude ski destination, such as Breckenridge, Colorado this winter, it’s important that you bring along a thorough understanding of how higher elevations can affect your travels. With a base elevation perched at 9,600 feet above sea level, Breckenridge is one of the highest ski towns in the American West.

Most travelers will find that the altitude of Breckenridge has a relatively mild effect on them. It is not uncommon to notice a slight headache or have a bit of trouble sleeping for the first two to three days after arrival. Unfortunately, some visitors will experience more severe symptoms including nausea, vomiting, significant headaches and shortness of breath. The good news is that by following a few simple precautions, most travelers can mitigate the effect of altitude to the point that they are barely noticeable at all.

Visitors who believe they may be prone to the effects of altitude should consult their family physician before heading to Breckenridge. He or she may prescribe a drug known as Diamox. This prescription is taken for two days prior to your arrival in Breckenridge and for the first three to four days of your stay. It can help to mitigate the most noticeable symptoms of high altitude. Children may also receive a prescription for Diamox in smaller doses than those given to adults. It’s also a good idea to ask your physician if the effects of altitude may aggravate any preexisting health conditions you may have.

Prior to arriving in Breckenridge, visitors should increase their water intake and be sure to remain well hydrated during the course of their stay. The body’s adjustment to higher elevations is accompanied by fluid loss. This is the result of an increased respiration rate, and with it, greater amounts of water vapor are exhaled. Try to consume a minimum of one hundred ounces of fluids each day to retain the level of hydration needed by your body. A diet that is high in carbohydrates will also help with acclimatization, as these simple sugars are more easily digested by your body, allowing it to focus more energy on adjusting to altitude. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol will also help, as they can contribute to dehydration.

Spending a night in Denver before traveling to Breckenridge can also be an effective method of acclimating. At an elevation of 5,280 feet, Denver offers an ideal median altitude to adjust to before moving on to higher elevations.

It’s always a good idea to take things easy for the first day or two after your arrival in Breckenridge. Exhausting yourself by skiing from the time the mountain opens to the time it closes can bring on the symptoms of altitude sickness, even days after your arrival. Light activity is better for acclimating than bed rest, even if you do not feel well. Lying in bed or sleeping decreases the body’s rate of respiration which can actually amplify the effects of altitude sickness. Even if you’re not feeling one hundred percent, a short walk around town will help your body adjust to its new surroundings much faster than trying to sleep off symptoms. Consider taking a stroll to a local oxygen bar, where for a few dollars, you can breathe an oxygen concentration that resembles lower altitudes.

Although altitude sickness has the capacity to put a damper on your ski vacation, understanding the simple steps that can be taken to avoid it ought to make your adjustment to Breckenridge’s elevation a much easier one. It is important that guests remember not to “overdo it” when it comes to activity, alcohol and caffeine, while increasing their consumption of hydrating fluids. By following a few simple precautions, you can ensure that your next ski or snowboard vacation in Breckenridge is a spectacular one. Most importantly, if symptoms of mountain sickness do not improve within a few days of your arrival or worsen, consult a local physician, as this may be a sign of a more dangerous condition known as High Altitude Pulmonary Edema.