Ski deal: Bear Mountain and Snow Summit offer free rentals with beginner lessons

Bear Mountain and Snow Summit ski resorts at Big Bear Lake are offering free ski and snowboard rentals with paid beginner lessons this month. The deal could be a money-saver for Southern California families who want their kids to learn the basics before hitting the slopes.

The deal: The free rentals apply to skiers or boarders age 8 and older who book beginner classes. Lessons start at $59 plus tax for adults and $54 plus tax for children age 8 to 12. You can use the free equipment -- boots and board for snowboarders and boots, skis and poles for skiers --all day on the mountain.

When: Good until the end of January, except for Jan. 15 and 16.

Details: Free rentals come with two types of classes. The two-hour “Basic Beginner Ski or Ride Special� starts at $59 plus tax or adults and $54 plus tax for kids. The “GuaranSki/GuaranRide� class for first-timers, which includes four hours of instruction (two in the morning, two in the afternoon), starts at $69 for adults and $64 for kids.

How much do you save? Rentals for skiers or snowboarders usually cost $30 per day for adults and $25 for children.

Tip: Most routes to the two ski resorts are open, except for California Highway 330, which has been closed by storm damage. The open routes include California Highway 38 through Redlands and California Highway 18 through Lucerne Valley. Check out these directions for more information. The Big Bear Lake area can also be accessed via Crestline by taking California Highway 18 from the Waterman Avenue exit off the 210 Freeway.

Contact: Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, (909) 866-5841.