For all you outdoor enthusiasts, a 5k and 10k snowshoe race will be coming the Big Bear Lake on February 9th, 2008. What a terrific way to get out and enjoy one of the many outdoor activities that Big Bear has to offer.

In partnership with the San Bernardino National Forest Service and our local Big Bear Discovery Center, this should be a fun & invigorating event for all. More details can be found here along with a schedule of events and how to register. If you have any specific questions, contact Sarah Miggins, Executive Director for the National Forest Service.

The route will go along forest roads 2N08 (Knickerbocker Rd.) and 2N10 through some of the most beautiful scenery Big Bear Lake has to offer. I have had the pleasure of mountain biking and snowshoeing this trail and can vouch for the views and setting. Check out the quick video below with more snowshoeing from 2N08.

I will post more details along with a copy of the route map once I receive it.

I hope to see you there on Feb. 9th!

Best wishes to everyone this holiday season. I am looking forward to seeing you all up here this ski season.

Below are a picture of my office at Coldwell Banker, Mountain Gallery Realtors and one of the Snow Summit ski area. These were taken this past week by an associate from my office, Chris Atkins.

The first substantial snow fall for the winter happened this past weekend in Big Bear. We received about 8-12 inches of snow, which was very welcomed. The picture below was taking from my office parking lot this morning looking towards the Snow Summit ski area. This should help kick off the winter tourist season which has been slow up to this point.

One obvious question that is asked now is do properties in Big Bear sell better now that there is snow on the ground? Historically speaking, no. The winter months are the slowest months of the year for real estate sales in the Big Bear area. While we get a lot of people coming up, looking at real estate is not the first thing on their mind. Skiing, sledding, cruising around the Big Bear Village area, or just hanging out with friends and family are some of the top priorities of the tourists during the winter season.

One thing I believe to be true is that the snow and winter season have a significant impact on a person’s decision to buy real estate in Big Bear. With all of the winter activities going on in the area, it is a big selling point. This is one of the many benefits that Big Bear has to offer on a year round basis. So, while the winter season is not the best time for the real estate market in Big Bear, it is a big reason why people ultimately decide to buy a property in the area.