Im hoping (but not holding my breath) that someday the shareholders (and US forestry) see what a goldmine they have in front of them in regards to summer activities on the mountain. No other lift serviced area in the world has what SS has. The close proximity to 30 million people. Say they open the mountain back up to bikes, create new trails for every type of rider, both on SS property and off, have bridges and ladders like Whistler has made famous, have a BMX and pump tracks at the base, have bike rentals and skills classes, create ziplines and climbing walls, as well as other activities for non riding family members or the general public. All of this would take money, but it would create tourism dollars 10 fold+ of their initial investment, as well as create summer jobs.
I think if they, the owners and shareholders of SS put their heads together, they could create a world class summer resort, with the prospect of having the largest pool of tourist in the world, all within 2-3 hours away.
I hear all the time from visitors who spend their vacation time up here in BB saying they wish there was more things for them to do. Well thats my suggestion to the City of Big Bear and Snow Summit, this would create tons more tourisim.
I heard Dick Kun (owner os BB Mountain Resorts) say that just one day in the winter holiday season, they make more money then the entire summer season and that the risk dont out weight the cost.
Have you skied or snowboarded in the last 20 years? it used to be if a jump of any size was formed, it would quickly be shut down and if you got caught on those jumps, you may of had your lift ticket revoked, look now,hugh jumps, rails, half pipes everywhere, how many injuries daily do they get? how many lawsuits? I could'nt think that the summer activities could even come close, although the very reason bikes are banned on SS is from a lawsuit in 2004, but still........
