In 2021 Big Bear Gear will be offering a series of courses that will be part of our Big Bear Gear Outdoor Learning Center. From guided hikes to orienteering classes, the community is welcome to join us in learning the basics and not-so-basics of outdoors skills.
Big Bear Gear manager Chris Lomas was brought on board to create this learning center from the ground up. Chris is a graduate of Appalachian State University in North Carolina. In addition to a degree in Recreation Management, specializing in Experiential Education, he brings 10+ years of experience in outdoor instruction and guiding to Big Bear Gear.
Chris has been working hard to create year round programming to fulfill the mission of the Big Bear Gear Learning Center: To promote a community outlet to the outdoors that provides quality outdoor skills training and events that will not only inspire a joy for the outdoors but allow individuals of all abilities to excel and stay safe in the great outdoors.
During the winter months you'll find guided snowshoe and cross-country ski tours as well as an Intro to Cross-county Skiing class. Some of these classes were already offered during the last snowfall, so stay tuned for the next snowfall.
During the spring, summer and fall months we will explore the area on guided hikes, learn outdoor skills such as fire and camp craft, and learn the essentials of outdoor survival. Depending on water temperature, we'll be offering kayak and canoe tours as well as basics classes for both canoe and kayak.
In addition to all of these amazing offerings, look for community events such as bonfire gatherings, sunrise yoga, and dutch oven cooking demos!
We're incredibly excited to be heading into a second spring/summer with the community and hope to continue to be your resource for all things outdoors!
-Big Bear Gear Team