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Skiers, Snowboarders Rush To Slopes As Snow Falls In Local Mountains

BIG BEAR (CBSLA.com) — Amid a dry winter in Southern California, fresh snow is spreading optimism in the local mountain communities.

At Snow Summit in Big Bear, skiers and snowboarders rushed to the slopes Friday to enjoy the fresh coating.

Grant Smith brought his son, Travis, up from Apple Valley.

"We saw the snow this morning and said, 'Let's go to the mountain,'" he said. "When the snow blows in, it's a lot softer when you crash and it's easier for him to ride, little bit faster, too… not as slushy."

KCAL9's Tom Wait reports tourists also packed the Grizzly Manor Café.

"We told everyone we're going to be in a snowy cabin, so we're like, it better snow," Dena Tartamella said.

Hotels, like the Big Bear Frontier, have seen an increase in booked rooms, Wait reported.

"People have been waiting for so long for snow that any sign…people start calling and making reservations. It's helped out a lot," David Tolbert said.

While the resorts only got between 1 and 3 inches of snow, machines are able to churn out even more.

"Luckily we are in a situation knowing in Southern California that we're not gonna get snow every year, so we have these huge snow-making systems," Snow Summit's Chris Riddle said.

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