Snow Summit MTB Park First Impressions

This July I traveled to Big Bear Lake, seeking my first downhill mountain biking experience.  The traffic, pollution, and skyscrapers of downtown L.A. vanished in my rearview mirror, and my anticipation grew with every mile I put between myself and the constant roar of the city. My excitement levels were cranked to eleven—the kind of excited I only get when I’m about to jump on a plane and travel overseas, go to a big concert, or head to a national BMX race.  The kind of excitement that starts days in advance of a journey, and isn’t completely at rest until you’re home and you can reflect on your experiences. 

With the foothills below and trees towering above, it was difficult to comprehend how the environment changed so much in only an hour.  As I climbed into the higher altitudes on Rim of the World Highway, my mind was focused on the trails awaiting me at Snow Summit.  The scenery was breathtaking; on any other day it would have been easy to stop and take in the view, but not this time. I needed to be on a bike, rolling down a mountain. In my head, I replayed the videos I’d watched online and imagined how it would feel to carve through the berms, and flow along some single-track, adrenalin spiking as I rumbled down the hill.

I’m not a stranger to two wheels or tabletops. I grew up racing BMX, but it’s not the same. To compare BMX racing with downhill mountain biking is like saying BB King and Slash both played guitar; they did, but they shredded in different ways. The BMX tracks I was familiar with were meticulously groomed into smooth perfection.  These trails deliberately aimed at the drops, the rocks, and the ruts, and promised the perfect cocktail of fear and adrenalin if you were brave enough to hurl yourself down the hill. I hoped some of the skills I’d learned riding BMX would translate onto riding a downhill course, but then again I was also looking forward to a challenge. Something new altogether. Something to get the blood charging through my veins.

With a little research, I found plenty of rental options for downhill bikes capable of taking any punishment I might dole out.  At the shop I humbly admitted it: I was as green as grass when it came to downhill. The staff set me up with the right bike for my skill level and a hand full of tips for my first time down the hill, and as my feet dangled off the lift I checked the time on my phone in disbelief.  A few hours ago I was in bed, and now only a lift ride separated me from dropping in on some of the best trails in Southern California. 

I stepped off the lift and took my bike handoff from the attendant like I was starting the next leg of a race.  I checked over my gear (always a smart idea) and pointed my tire at Going Green, Snow Summits brand new beginner trail.  Carving and cranking my way through the trail, I only stopped to catch my breath and chat with other riders along the way.  The trail was exactly what I’d hoped for— challenging, exhilarating, and exhausting.

I stepped up in difficulty as the day went on, continually finding myself winded at the bottom of the hill but not ready to turn the bike in.  Almost 5 hours later I had to admit that I was done; I’d tackled some of the most difficult trails, met a few pro riders, and even offered advice to a family who were trying out mountain bikes for the first time ever.  I returned my gear and headed back down the hill, truly blown away by the range of terrain Snow Summit had to offer.  This is the stuff other bike parks can only dream of. Go take advantage of the adventure on your doorstep!

William Tyler Chesser
@MrWilliamTyler

UPDATE: I’ve since moved to Big Bear Lake, California.