Big Bear Lake, Calif, April 28, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For many mountain bikers the dirt at Big Bear is hallowed ground. With a history that spans back to the sport's earliest days, it's long been a place where the mountain biking elite sewed their oats. Legends like Brian Lopes and a number of current pros like Aaron Gwin got their start racing at Big Bear, and you couldn't blame them if they're a bit jealous of the next generation.
With the support of Mammoth Resorts, which recently acquired Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, a renewed commitment to expanding the Snow Summit Bike Park will yield its first fruit this summer. Add in a new fleet of demo bikes from Trek and access to over 60 miles of forest service trails including the IMBA-built Skyline trail, routinely ranked one of the nation's best, and it's clear: something big is happening in the San Bernardino mountains.
"This is a special place in the sport of mountain biking," said Dave Likins, Mammoth Resorts' COO and the new man in charge overseeing developments and improvements at Big Bear Mountain Resorts "We preserved the best aspects of riding Big Bear and Snow Summit while expanding terrain for beginners and core riders. We are committed to growing the sport by continuing to improve this world-class mountain biking destination."
Trail expansion plans at Snow Summit are well underway, with construction on the much anticipated Going Green trail likely to begin before Memorial Day. Going Green, a key component in the long term vision for the Snow Summit Bike Park laid out by the master trail builders at Gravity Logic, will run from the top of the all-mountain express lift to the base area, providing riders of all abilities a gentle 1,200 vertical foot descent.
More advanced riders will find Snow Summit's 150 existing features ready for ripping on opening day. The Snow Summit trail crew, already hard at work, will keep things fresh throughout the summer changing up features and building some new ones. From berms and kickers to wooden features and wall rides, the crew's imagination adds to the natural terrain creating the world-class downhill experience that has launched many a pro career.
The Snow Summit Bike Park season is set to get underway May 8, with weekend-only (Fri-Sun) operations through June 19. Opening day will be a party as always. DJ Slipmatt will be spinning at the base and riders can check out the latest gear from dozens of top brands on site. If you're up for a game of follow the leader, Fox Head team rider Kirt Voreis will be making laps through the park with anyone who's game.
Snow Summit Bike Park season passes are now available, starting at $299 for adults and $199 for children (ages 5-12). For the first time this year season pass holders also have the option of adding season-long access to the Mammoth Mountain Bike Park for an additional $100.
For images, contact Tim LeRoy (tim@lymanpr.com), opening day video available online here.
About Big Bear Mountain Resorts
Big Bear Mountain Resorts (BBMR), a Mammoth Resorts property, includes Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, plus Bear Mountain Golf Course and Snow Summit Summer. Together, BBMR has the region's most progressive terrain parks, most dependable snow conditions, the largest full-service learning programs and a multitude of premier services - just a tank of gas away round-trip from most areas in Southern California. For more information, please visit www.bigbearmountainresorts.com.
BBMR is an equal opportunity service provider operating under a San Bernardino National Forest special use permit.