Snowball fights and snow angels are two classic winter activities that people of all ages enjoy around the world. However, here in Southern California, we don’t get so lucky to participate in the whimsical winter magic that so many appreciate.
We trade in building snowmen, a typical family bonding activity, for icy winds with a harsh sun that never seems to leave. Different organizations across California make attempts at recreating winter wonderland to be able to participate in the winter activities, but it is just not the same.
One such place would be Snow Summit in Big Bear California, while they are one of the only places that receive snow during the warm California winter, they don’t always get enough. Snow Summit is a popular skiing and snowboarding resort during the winter season, with icy, snowy, slopes that seem to get more artificial each year.
In Big Bear, the sun is too harsh for the snow to be able to sit and stay, so Snow Summit is forced to bring out snow creating machines that take blocks of ice and shred them to create snow.
While this helps keep the resort running, the machine-made snow often lacks the soft, powdery feel that natural snowfall brings. Guests still enjoy the slopes, but many notice the difference in texture and experience.
The heavy reliance on artificial snow continues to raise concerns about energy use and environmental impact in an already warm region. Even so, Snow Summit continues to draw crowds seeking a small taste of winter magic in Southern California, with it being one of the few places where families can drive up to.
Another place that you can go to feel the joy and wonder of the Christmas spirit that hits closer to home is the Star Of Wonder Christmas Festival run by the Calvary Community Church in Westlake, on December 13th at 3pm to 7pm.This festival is another attraction run with the use of fake snow machines that create a slope for people of all ages to go tubing down.
They provide a free sweet treat from the candy shop and have plenty of food trucks when the cold snow starts to become too much. You never run out of activities to do, there is a petting zoo provided by the church that has goats and bunnies that will keep you occupied for hours!
Not to worry if the frosty snow gets too cold, there is a firepit you can huddle around and get all cozy with your friends, making some soft gooey smores’ to finish out the night.
For many people who grew up watching movies filled with fresh snowfall and cozy winter moments, it can feel heartbreaking to experience winter without any real snow. Instead of waking up to frosted rooftops or seeing the world transformed into a white, sparkling scene, we’re met with the same dry hills and bright sunshine that continue to bug us everyday, in every season.
The lack of true winter weather makes it easy to feel like we’re missing out on a seasonal magic that others get to enjoy every year. Even simple traditions, like catching snowflakes on your tongue or hearing the crunch of fresh snow under your boots, become rare treats rather than familiar memories.
Even though we lack the Christmas magic that snow gives so many across the country, programs like the one Calvary provides allow us to make our own winter wonderland. California may be a desolate desert in terms of festivity, but that doesn’t stop communities from building their own.
