BREAKFAST OF CHAMPION SKIIERS

I know you wanna hit the slopes right away but you need to eat breakfast! Stop by the Grizzly Manor Caf (41268 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear, CA, 92315) and have the best breakfast ever. It's a really tiny place so get there early. It also closes at 2pm. Try the pancakes “ sooooo good!

CALLING ALL SNOW BUNNIES!!! Who knew that skiing could be so fun! I had my first ski trip this past week at Bear Mountain in Big Bear with the Life Rolls On Organization. The United States Adaptive Recreation Center was founded in 1983 (as California Handicapped Skiers) to ensure that access to skiing is available to people with all types of disabilities. The USARC believes people are empowered when they undertake and succeed at challenging outdoor recreation. In 1989, the USARC established the first full-time on-site adaptive ski school in Southern California at Bear Mountain Resort.

With the help of two USARC volunteers, I was able to board the life and enjoy the slopes just like everyone else. There are adapted skis for those who can walk as well as those who cannot. Visit their website to plan for your ski trip with instructors accordingly. To enjoy skiing with the entire family “ go to www.bearmtn.com. There you will find a list of prices and services as well as weather reports.

**The restroom at Bear Mountain Resort could stand to be a bit more accessible. The stalls are small. I had to leave my chair outside and have assistance to get inside the stall!

REFUEL By noon I was starving! Bear Mountain Resort has a cafeteria on the bottom level of the lodge that was surprisingly good. I had a cheeseburger & fries and a drink and it was rather inexpensive. You can smell the grill as you head up to the slopes “ so yummy! There's also a bar on the upper level.

THE POWDER AWAITS I didn't think I'd have the energy to hit the slopes after lunch. Well “ I was wrong. So get back out there “ NOW! You've got another three hours left in ya.

A HARD DAYS WORK Ahhhh “ dinner! Stop at the Peppercorn Grille (553 Pine Knot Avenue, Big Bear, CA, 92315) The service is great. There is a very accessible restroom and tons of space in the restaurant itself. I had the seared ahi spinach salad and a side of sweet potato fries (I couldn't help it). I feel that it is very reasonably priced and really cute inside.

A full day of skiing, for everyone!