Lake Arrowhead: California's Alps

The 2006 Winter Olympics have riveted AmericansSouthern Californians, Lake Arrowhead also boasts
with the awesome vistas of the Italian Alps. If you'refour utterly distinct seasons, including snow on the
one of the many people who have added the Alpsmountains in winter-yet with daytime temperatures
to their list of destinations to visit someday, takethat rarely go below freezing and often reach 60
heart. There are places closer to home that offerdegrees Fahrenheit.
those same stunning vistas. One such place, in fact, isThings to do:
a short drive from Los Angeles, in San Bernardino- Skiing. Lake Arrowhead's climate is perfect for
county: Lake Arrowhead, California.skiing: just cold enough for snow, but rarely below
Lake Arrowhead has been called "California's Alps."freezing during the day. The most popular places to
While the people of this community have all ofski are Snow Valley and the Big Bear Lake area.
Southern California's famous warmth, the mountains,- Blue Jay Ice Castle. A world-class ice skating rink
the pine trees, and the climate are totally alpine.often used by the premier American woman figure
Snowy but mild winters make for some of the Westskater, Michelle Kwan.
Coast's best skiing. In the summer, Southern- San Bernardino National Forest. The San Bernardino
Californians escape here to swim or canoe in the lakeNational Forest wraps around Lake Arrowhead,
and breathe in the mountain valley's cool, clean air.ensuring that much of the area's natural beauty
Lake Arrowhead, California Real Estateremains open to all, and protecting the area from
Close-to-home wonderlands like Lake Arrowheadover-development. Wildlife includes the Southwestern
aren't just great places to visit. Many people in tightArroyo Toad, an endangered species. Activities
real estate markets are finding that such places offerinclude camping, hiking, horseback riding, and mountain
a unique opportunity for owning and investing in realbiking.
estate. According to a real estate agent in Lake- Deep Creek Hot Springs: one of the most popular
Arrowhead Louisa Millington, owning your weekendareas of natural hot springs in southern California. The
getaway can save money over the long term. Insprings are located inside San Bernardino National
addition to any possible appreciation of the propertyForest. You have to hike to the springs themselves,
value, renting can provide investment income. In thebut the springs and the surrounding canyon landscape
Lake Arrowhead real estate market, you can rentare worth the relatively easy trek.
not only to long-term tenants, but also to vacationers- The Arrowhead Queen. See the lake area from the
at higher vacation rates.best perspective: the lake itself, on this enclosed
If you check out the Lake Arrowhead MLS, luxurypaddleboat.
homes in Lake Arrowhead, you'll find that prices are- Lake Arrowhead Film Festival. The theme of the
still more down to earth than in much of southern2006 festival (May 5-7) is "The Future of Film In the
California.Digital Age - the newest in techniques and services
What's most amazing is that if you're not a native ofthat bring strong and innovative movie-making."8
Southern California, you may never have even heardShopping: Check out the Lake Arrowhead Outlet, as
of this place. Perhaps it's Lake Arrowhead's lowerwell as specialty stores on the south shore of the
profile that has saved it from overdevelopment,lake.
preserving its quiet beauty.- VIP and Hollywood celebrity-watching. Lake
Lake Arrowhead InformationArrowhead has been one of southern California's
Climate:"playgrounds of the rich and famous" since at least
According to UCLA, Lake Arrowhead enjoys "310the 1930s.
days of sunshine." While that may not impress