Santas Village Mountain Bike Park - Lake Arrowhead - TW member reviews?

Planning a camping trip to Big Bear in October. Was thinking about hitting the Santas Village Skypark Mountain Bike Park on the way up on my first day. I wasn't planning on heading up until the afternoon but can leave early in the AM and be there when it opens at 10am. (Coming up from San Diego).

$59 for day pass - includes all the activities, not just the bike park. I plan to do the Big Bear downhill park one day too, by comparison that is $51 for the day.

Who has been to Santas Village and what are your thoughts on it being worth a day and $59?

 

A day pass price is more than I think it is worth at $59. I have had a season pass a few years ago and if I remember was about $300. Remember you are paying for the pleasure of pedaling up. It is fun but for me gets old rather quickly especially when having to pay. If you have a family want to have a variety of activities it can be a nice all in one place to visit. The advantage they have is the option of being open year round (weather dependent). The year I had a season pass they were closed most of the winter due to snow so it did not work out as well for me as I hoped. I would say buy a day pass give it a shot and I think that day you can apply those dollars to a season pass if you end up wanting one. But it must be done the same day.

 

Thanks! I had given up on this question. Appreciate the response. This is just me on a solo trip so no family. Your response is sort of how I feel. Not sure it is worth $59 but I feel like it is worth the experience. I'm not a super aggressive rider but think some of the trails might help my riding skills a little bit.

I also understand the $59 gets you access to other activities there, but doubt I would partake.

Thanks again. If I go I'll post my thoughts here.

 

I would add it can be a good place to go if it is getting to hot for you in SD. Snow Summit/Big Bear is another 30-45min past Sky Park. For me the temp change can also make it a good option for me. Normally 20-30 deg. cooler than out hear in Coachella Valley. If you wait for October it could be wet. Good for traction but bad for the paint and chain/drivetrain wear. Once your bike gets wet up there the sand and decomposed granite tend to stick. Not so much at SkyPark different soil.

 

Ha, I'm soft. I would not ride in the rain or too wet conditions. This is a camping trip I am planning - will be my first solo trip with the Tacoma. If there was any significant chance of extended rain, admittedly I would probably not go. Worst camping trip I ever had as a kid was on Cape Cod in the late 70's/early 80s with the parents. Literally rained the entire 7 days. It was misery. Could be a big reason I moved to CA! That and the North East humidity. The winters? Never bothered me.

 

I am originally from the PNW so rain is no big deal. Rain does create better soil. Just don't like the drive train covered with the grit.

 

@Tombiology70 might be able to chime in

 

It's worth it for a day trip if you're just visiting the area. Plenty of options for all levels of riders and at that time of the year the fire pits make for a great way to end the day while having a beer or two...

 

Skypark is awesome, I think it totally worth the money. Yes you do have to pedal up but its not too bad. Every time I've been up there I've had a blast, I would highly recommended it especially on a solo trip.