Bear Valley Adventure Company
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING
(209) 753-2834
1 Bear Valley Road, Bear Valley, CA 95223
An outing in the sunshine at Bear Valley
Bear Valley Adventure Company is in Bear Valley, CA on Highway 4 on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains in the land of giant Sequoia trees. It is at 7,000 - 7,800 foot elevation and boasts substantial annual snow depths making it in most years the first to open and last to close among the Sierra xc ski centers. There are 38 trails and 70 km of trails groomed for classic and skate skiing with 2 kids trails, a popular sledding and tubing hill, the Snowbound Cafe and 3 trailside huts, and a great alpine ski area nearby.
Trail fees are $35 for an adult (18-59) and $45 during peak times = Saturdays starting Jan 11 and holidays Dec 26-Jan 4, Jan 18-20, and Feb 16-21. $30 and $40 peak for senior (60-69) or junior (13-17); $25 for child (7-12) or senior 70 +aged 70 + and $35 peak; Military $25 and $35 peak. Kinder (6 and under) is $5 and $15 peak.
Tubing at Bear Valley
Lessons offered to all ages including adult stride or skate package includes rental, trail pass and group lesson (aged 13+) Adult introduction to ski package is $90 and peak is $115. Youth aged 9-12 intro package is $70 and $95 peak. Group instruction ($40 without trail pass and $45 on peak days) for 1 hour with a 2 person minimum. Private lessons are $80 per hour and $100 on peak days. Arrive one hour before lesson to be fitted for rentals and earlier during holiday periods. Weekend & holiday group lessons are at 10:30 AM, 12 PM and 1:30 PM. Midweek group lesson is at 11:00 AM.
Pulk sleds, sleds, tubes and snowshoe rental equipment are also available. Peak periods for sledding and tubing in 2022 were Dec 20-31, Jan 17 and Feb 21-25.
Snowshoeing is a popular option at Bear Valley
There is a sledding and tubing area and BVA sleds or tubes are required for a 2-hour session for sledding at $15 per person and $20 on peak days, or tubing is at $25 per person; $35 for peak. Snowshoes are $20/day and $25 during peak periods. Snowshoers need to have a trail pass. Snowshoe rentals are $25 and $35 during peak.
Bear Valley Lodge offers accommodations with 51 rooms, lounge, Grizzly Bar dining room, shops massage and ski storage. Stay & Play Special includes lodging and a trail pass Sunday - Thursday nights, non-holiday, double occupancy at the Bear Valley Lodge.
Paul Petersen, the former Bear Valley director authored "The Essential Cross Country Skier - A Step by Step Guide" which is can be previewed or ordered at amazon.com
Must book package by phone at 209-753-2327. CCSAA member
Bear Valley alpine ski resort nearby. The Calaveras Big Trees State Park has two groves of Sequoia trees and a Visitor Center that is a popular attraction any time of year. Other activity info at www.visitcalaveras.org