Winter has come and gone, and what a season it's been. As the snow melts and mountain bikes come out of storage, all of us at Blauer Board Shop are taking a moment to look back at what can only be described as one for the books.
The 2025/2026 winter season at Big Bear exceeded all expectations. From unexpected powder days that had us all calling out "sick" from work to sun-drenched spring park laps, Southern California snowboarders and skiers enjoyed an unforgettable ride.
Whether you spent your time hot-lapping the park at Bear Mountain or carving down the scenic runs at Snow Summit, here is our retrospective on the absolute best moments of the 25/26 winter season.
1. The Epic December Dumps
Every season starts with a desperate watch of the weather forecasts, but Mother Nature did not keep us waiting this year. As the first highlight of the season, remember those back-to-back storm systems that rolled through right before the holidays? Big Bear got absolutely blanketed.
For a few weeks, we put aside our usual park setups to enjoy powder boards. The vibe in the shop was electric—everyone rushed in for fresh wax, wider decks, and swapped goggle lenses for low-light conditions. Waking up, digging out the trucks, and getting first tracks in the trees off Chair 8 at Bear is a memory that will keep us warm all summer.
2. The Park Crew Masterpieces at Bear Mountain
A massive shoutout to the Bear Mountain Park Crew. They prove year after year why Big Bear is Southern California’s freestyle snowboarding epicenter, but the 25/26 layouts took it up a notch.
From the creative flow of the Red Bull Plaza to pristine jump lines launching locals’ progression, the park was in top form. Watching local talent step up was incredible. Regulars returned to the shop week after week, leveling up their tricks, snapping boards, buying new ones, and heading right back out again. The progression this year was unmatched.
3. Community Rail Jams and Shop Demos
Winter in Big Bear isn’t just about riding; it’s about community. A highlight was the series of local rail jams and demo days. Connecting with you, talking gear, and watching local groms hold their own against seasoned veterans reminded us why we do what we do.
Getting to test out the highly anticipated 2026 gear lineups from brands like Burton, Capita, and Lib Tech right in our backyard was a treat. Seeing the stoke on a rider's face when they found the perfect board during a demo day is what the Blauer Board Shop family lives for.
4. Legendary Spring Sessions
Is there anything better than spring riding at Big Bear? As temps climbed in March and April, heavy jackets were shed for hoodies and t-shirts. The slushy, forgiving snow made for some of the most fun, low-stress park laps of the season.
There’s a unique magic to those bluebird days: ripping through the slush, tailgating in the parking lot with friends, and soaking up the Southern California sun. It’s the perfect laid-back victory lap to cap off months of hard charging.
Looking Ahead to Summer
While we’re always a little heartbroken to see the snow go, the change of seasons in Big Bear means switching boards. The lake is calling, the trails are drying out, and summer stoke is officially loading.
Whether you’re looking to grab a new skateboard, need accessories like helmets and pads, want to gear up for wakeboarding with boards and wetsuits, or just need some fresh apparel for the warmer days ahead, Blauer Board Shop offers a full selection of boards, safety gear, apparel, and water sports equipment to keep you covered year-round.
Thank you for making the 25/26 season special—your support and energy on the mountain meant everything. Enjoy your summer, and we’ll see you back on the snow soon!
Drop by Blauer Board Shop in the Village or check out our website to score epic deals on end-of-season winter gear, browse our extensive lineup of summer skateboards, water sports equipment, and accessories, and explore fresh summer apparel drops arriving daily!