Well, during the winter months we may get some varying temperatures, but for a real taste of winter, head up to Bear Mountain Resort.

You know, up on those snow-capped mountains you see in the distance on a clear day. Up there, you will find southern California’s winter wonderland!

Bear Mountain is located in the Big Bear Lake area of the San Bernardino Mountains, approximately a two-hour drive from most of southern California.

The last, 20-mile drive towards the 7,140-foot base of the resort can cause a little motion sickness but it is picturesque.

During the drive, take in the serene beauty of the glistening white trees, see the giant boulders and rooftops draped in blankets of snow, and get a glimpse of the lake covered with ice, surrounded by a snowy white shore.

Bear Mountain is close for you to enjoy a day trip, yet it has the great potential of being a nice weekend getaway if you reserve a cabin.

Whether you go as a couple, with your family or with a group of friends, Bear Mountain is fun for all.

Conditions are best right after a snowstorm, but the resort keeps the coverage up to par with manmade snow when natural snow is low.

If you have never been on a snowboard or skieed, packages are available that include equipment rentals and lessons.

Although you can rent your equipment at the resort, you must come prepared with your own appropriate snow attire.

If you’re ready to go with your own gear, just purchase a lift ticket and hit the slopes.

Lift tickets are good at both Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, a free shuttle service between the two makes it easy to go to either. Both resorts offer terrain that will match any skill level. For first-timers, the bunny slope is a good place to start and get used to being strapped into something that’s made to glide across the snow.

However, you may find the beginner runs to be crowded and full of people on their bottoms, which is where most beginners end up. If it’s your first time skiing or snowboarding, be warned, you will be sore in places you never thought possible. But if you find this sport to your liking, trust me when I tell you that it only gets better.

The intermediate runs are usually higher up on the mountain and offer wider and longer runs.

Snow Summit offers more wide open intermediate and advanced runs and keeps the park (area with jumps) separate, while Bear Mountain incorporates the park throughout most of the runs.

However, Bear Mountain boasts the highest peak amongst SoCal resorts at 8,805 feet. If you make it to the top, be ready for a spectacular view and an exciting, yet steep trip down to the base.

Imagine soaring above the trees on a chairlift, taking in the fresh mountain air and enjoying a bird’s eye view of the natural landscape.

Then as you make your way down, you carve through the snow and let momentum take its course, enjoying the thrill of a rapid ride down the face of the mountain.

Riding the slopes is definitely an exhilarating way to spend a day. I must add that this sport is very hijab-friendly.

One of the things I love most is that I am not the only one covered from head to toe.

If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing, or if you have little ones too small to give it a try, then just a few miles down Big Bear Blvd., you will find Big Bear Snow Play. It is a fun, family-friendly, winter recreation area, complete with an uphill lift that will take you and an inner tube to the top for an exciting slide down a slick snow covered hill.

Surely, a trip up to Big Bear will provide a fun filled experience for all.