MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- A dozen Depot Marines packed two vans heading for the snow-packed hills of Big Bear Mountain Resort Jan. 16 to 18.
Britney O'Connor, the Single Marine Program coordinator here, made the trip possible for the Depot Marines who joined Marines, dependants and friends from Camp Pendleton, Calif. and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz.
The Marines stayed in cabins near the resort, which is about three hours north of San Diego.
The Marines wasted no time hitting the slopes the first night.
With clear sunny skies and temperatures well into the 50s, resort workers had to make their own snow.
"The conditions were fairly good resulting in some good jumps," said Cpl. Yuri Schneider, combat illustrator, combat visual information center. "A few of us were tearing up that mountain."
The mountain resort offered a variety of restaurants and clubs to enjoy, which the Marines did.
"It was a good weekend," said Sgt. Joel M. Castillo, traffic management office. "There was a lot of camaraderie while we were up there."
O'Connor coordinated affordable pricing for rental equipment, lift tickets and lodging.
The Depot Marines paid $50 for lodging, transportation and food. The program paid half of the $66 snowboard package, which included a one-day lift pass, rental equipment, and a two-hour lesson.
"SMP cut us a break on the costs, saving us a good amount," Schneider said.
Not everyone was skilled on the snow, so a few took advantage of the snowboarding lessons. After a few humiliating bumps and bruises, the Marines were ready to tackle the mountain.
"Once I learned how to snowboard, it was smooth sailing and a lot more fun," said Castillo.
The more skilled snowboarders didn't walk away without aching muscles and a few bumps of their own.
"It was pretty cool and it felt good getting out there again," said Schneider.
The trip wasn't isolated to snowboarders. Avid skiers hit the slopes as well.
"We're planning another trip Feb. 20 to 22, and I think the interest after this trip will be pretty strong," said O'Connor.