Nothing but dirt and dry, brown chaparral rolled beneath skis and snowboards dangling from a chairlift at Big Bear Mountain Resort on Friday, as forlorn adventure seekers joked they should rename the place “Big Bare.”
Unseasonably high temperatures even left the impressive array of high-tech artificial-snow makers below mostly useless, their fans spinning idly in the warm breeze.
“The word I’ve been using is “abysmal,” said Cameron Miniutti, 29, who was riding the lift in a light cotton shirt, with the hot sun glinting off his ski goggles. “This is, for sure, the toughest start [to a season] I’ve seen.”
Similarly bleak panoramas can be found at ski areas across the American West so far this year, but especially in California, where a wet November gave way to one of the driest Decembers in recent memory.
People visit Big Bear Village on Sunday, with no snow in sight.
As of Friday, the state had only 12% of the snow that’s normal for this time of year, and only 3% of what water managers hope for in an average year, according to the California Department of Water Resources.
Which is why water managers — and skiers — are hoping for a Christmas miracle as an enormous atmospheric river takes aim at California this week. The soaking rains may threaten coastal cities with flash floods and nightmarish traffic, but they promise sweet relief for snow-starved thrill seekers from Lake Tahoe to the San Bernardino Mountains in Southern California.
Mammoth Mountain, the tallest commercial ski resort in California, could get up to 7 feet of snow this week, according to On the Snow, a website that tracks conditions at ski areas.
Resorts on the north end of Lake Tahoe could see up to 5 feet, and even Big Bear could get 3 feet, assuming the temperature stays below freezing, according to the website.
That’s important to everyone, even nonskiers, because roughly a third of the water California relies on each year for drinking, farming and fighting wildfires accumulates as snow in the mountains during the winter and then gradually melts through the spring and summer, when the state can otherwise be bone dry.
Many California ski areas were forced to delay opening this year, and even those that got the lifts spinning have had to confine skiers to only a handful of runs, often on man-made snow.
That has been this case at Big Bear, where a thin strip of artificial snow snakes from the 8,440 top of the Bear Mountain Express chairlift to the base at just over 7,000 feet. While crews worked diligently to rake the fake snow over exposed rocks and patches of bare dirt on Friday, skiers and boarders scraped by like traffic on the 405 Freeway.
“It’s crazy,” Miniutti said, “I mean, I can’t even imagine what this is like on a weekend.”
And the range of abilities of people crammed onto the same run creates its own, unique kind of “obstacle course,” Miniutti said.
You have to concentrate on not crashing into people in front of you — many of whom are absolute beginners, tumbling to the snow for no apparent reason — while praying the very good skiers and snowboarders you can hear racing up behind you will somehow avoid mowing you down.
People ski and snowboard at Big Bear Mountain Resort on man-made snow on Sunday.
“There’s, like, the best snowboarders in the world and people on their first day right next to each other,” Miniutti said.
But under the circumstances, Miniutti had nothing but admiration for the mountain staff for keeping the run open despite the seemingly impossible weather.
“I’m still having a blast,” he said, “it’s absolutely worth coming up.”
Devon James, 24, from Pasadena, felt the same way. He was warm in long sleeves, which he took to wearing after wiping out in short sleeves a week ago and “getting cut up.”
One day lift tickets at Big Bear cost more than $150 this season. At fancier resorts, like Mammoth Mountain, they can easily climb to more than $200 per day. So most serious skiers buy season passes for just under $1,000 that are good at many mountains across the country and around the world.
But that means they feel compelled to get their days in, no matter the conditions.
“I mean, that’s kind of the whole game, right,” James laughed. “I’ve got to get at least eight or nine days to get back to even.”
Skiers and snowboarders navigate bare areas at Big Bear Mountain Resort.
Miniutti, who is originally from Massachusetts, and learned to snowboard on the freezing, icy hills of New England, still prefers the alpine experience on the West Coast.
Even when there are legitimate winter conditions at Big Bear, he loves hopping in his car at the end of the day and driving home to Los Angeles, where it’s seemingly always 70 degrees and sunny.
“I can’t really beat that,” he said, “I’m not complaining.”
The war on Ukraine was a big topic at Vladimir Putin’s annual televised question and answer session, but the Russian president wouldn’t say if the war is coming to an end.
Bed bugs can be found in various accommodations, and if you bring them back into your home it will swiftly become a nightmare. Here’s expert advice on avoiding an infestation
Bed bugs can lurk in mattresses(Image: Getty)
Millions of Brits are embarking on their Christmas getaways. Whether you’re jetting off abroad or visiting relatives across the UK, there’s one crucial thing you must bear in mind.
Bed bugs can hide virtually anywhere, and if you inadvertently transport them back to your house, it will rapidly turn into a living hell. These pesky bugs are notoriously difficult to eliminate once they’ve invaded your property and frequently require costly professional extermination services.
Your best defence is preventing an invasion before it takes hold.
The specialists at Thermopest have revealed their essential strategies for maintaining a bed bug-free household.
Upon arrival at your accommodation, the initial step involves conducting a meticulous examination, reports the Express.
James Rhoades from Thermopest advised: “Don’t place your luggage on the bed as soon as you arrive.
“First, inspect the mattress by pulling back the sheets and checking the seams and corners for dark spots. Also check the headboard and any upholstered furniture for signs of activity.”
Should you discover any evidence of bed bugs, demand alternative accommodation straight away and insist on a room positioned as far from the contaminated zone as feasible.
According to James, suitcases represent one of the simplest methods for transporting bed bugs back to your residence. He suggests keeping your belongings away from fabric surfaces.
He explained: “Store it on a metal rack, bed bugs struggle to climb smooth surfaces. Avoid placing bags on the floor or bed where they might be hiding.
“Bed bugs find it harder to get onto hard surfaces, so opt for hard-case luggage rather than a fabric one.
“If possible, keep your luggage closed or zipped up at all times, or use large plastic bags to seal your luggage throughout your stay.”
These pesky critters also have a tendency to burrow into clothing, making it essential to safeguard your garments as well.
James explained: “Bed bugs tend to gravitate towards the scent of humans, so keep your worn/dirty clothes in a separate plastic bag until you can wash them.
“Don’t leave your clothes out, especially if you suspect bed bugs, try keeping them in vacuum-sealed bags during your trip to prevent them from getting in.”
Upon returning home, thoroughly examine your luggage for any telltale signs of bed bugs to avoid bringing an infestation into your house.
James advised: “Unpack everything, directly into the washing machine and run a hot wash.
“Inspect your suitcase inside and out, especially pockets, seams and linings, for dark spots, shed skins or live bugs. Frequent travellers should make this part of their routine to catch infestations early.”
A MAJOR UK city, home to the third oldest subway system in the world, is set to get driverless trains next year.
Glasgow will be getting driverless subway trains in the second half of 2026, according to The Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT).
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Glasgow will be getting driverless trains from next yearCredit: Alamy
The new driverless trains will be introduced in Glasgow slowly, with officials noting in a report that “whilst our new system will be capable of Unattended Train Operation, there may be a requirement for some staff presence within the system beyond this point”.
The move to driverless trains in Glasgow will be the first of its kind in the UK.
The only other similar train system is the DLR in London – while not having train drivers, they do still have ‘Train Captain’s onboard.
In addition to the driverless trains, Glasgow’s public transport more widely has undergone a number of other projects.
These include implementing more glass screens at a number of stations for safety.
And most stations on the circular line have had refurbishments.
There are also a few projects that still need to be carried out including introducing new signalling.
A report from June revealed that the subway modernisation in Glasgow is the “most significant investment and improvement programme to be undertaken in the Subway within the last 45 years”.
The report also listed a number of other areas that will undergo improvements, including the introduction of a new ticketing system.
Glasgow is planning on becoming the first city in Scotland to trial a free public transport scheme as well.
The scheme will start in early 2026 and involve around 1,000 people, who will get free public transport for six weeks.
This means travellers will get unlimited travel on trains, buses and the subway network.
The aim of the scheme is to see whether more people take up public transport, rather than opting to drive.
Currently, fares to travel on Glasgow’s transport network range from around £3.60 to £5.90.
This week, rail operator Lumo also announced that it is extending its London Euston to Edinburgh route to Glasgow.
It comes as Glasgow’s subway network has undergone a number of projectsCredit: Alamy
Passengers will be able to use two northbound services each weekday and one southbound service.
There will then be one service in each direction at the weekend.
And tickets for the route with the low-cost operator will cost from £33.10 between London and Glasgow.
A new hotel and resort, owned by a famous chain with properties around the world, is set to open in the heart of the British countryside, offering ‘free desserts’ every day for guests
A new hotel and resort is set to open in the UK – and chocolate is at the heart of its culinary offerings (Image: Old Thorns Hotel & Resort)
There’s a catalogue of luxury hotels dotted all over the UK, but there’s one that might just stand out from them all after it opens its doors to Brits. The Swiss brand Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, known for offering guests an hour of complimentary desserts every day, is set to open its first hotel in the UK.
Dubbed the ‘chocolate hotel’, Mövenpick has establishments all over the world, from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and even as far as the Pacific in Australia and New Zealand. In an exciting move, the well-known chain, owned by Accor, will open a new hotel in late 2027 at the Old Thorns Estate & Resort in Liphook, Hampshire, across 400 sprawling acres.
After a full renovation, the luxury hotel and resort will boast 194 bedrooms, a championship-level golf course, four restaurants, a wellness centre with spa, 2,500 square metres of conference and meeting spaces, and a ballroom accommodating more than 500 guests.
Mövenpick is known for its premium and varied ice cream, which was acquired by Nestlé. Guests staying at the hotel can expect to enjoy an extensive selection of delicious treats, including éclairs, truffles, and brownies, as well as a chocolate fountain, during the brand’s famous ‘chocolate hour’, along with other food offerings.
What’s more, these desserts are famed for being complimentary for guests every day for 60 minutes. What makes the hotel chain stand out is its in-house chefs, who provide various workshops, demonstrations, and experiences for their guests, from truffle rolling to cupcake icing during the famed ‘chocolate hour’.
Graham Dodd, VP development for UK and Ireland, premium, midscale and economy brands at Accor, said: “Bringing Mövenpick to the UK marks an important step in strengthening our premium brand portfolio and reinforcing our growth commitment for this important market.
“Mövenpick is a world-renowned brand that is recognised for its culinary excellence and environmental responsibility, which align perfectly with the expectations of UK guests. The Old Thorns estate provides an exceptional backdrop to introduce the brand in this incredibly important destination for Accor.”
Renovations are expected to take place over the next two years to transform the former Old Thorns Estate & Resort into a new Mövenpick property in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, just an hour from London. The chain aims to expand its leisure and wellness facilities, elevate the dining experience, and restyle the guest bedrooms, all with an approach rooted in its Swiss-inspired hospitality.
Israr Liaqat, group CEO of Select Group, added: “This property stands as a landmark of character and opportunity. Its celebrated history aligns seamlessly with Mövenpick’s commitment to authentic experiences and Swiss-inspired hospitality. Together with our trusted and established partner Accor, we will elevate this iconic property into a world-class resort destination, blending heritage with the sophistication of the Mövenpick brand.”
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
FROM family-favourite theme parks to popular junior coasters – there have been some sad attraction closures in 2025.
But not all is lost as there are some terrific, and of course thrilling additions coming next year from world firsts based on beloved cartoon characters to rides that will be 138-foot tall.
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Some theme parks and rides closed for good this yearCredit: AlamyBut others are planning huge new additions to their parksCredit: Unknown
Starting with the closures, there have been some big losses in 2025 from favourite attractions to whole parks…
The news was announced through a Facebook post thanking visitors for their support over the last two decades.
In a few hours the post had gained more than 1k reactions and over 500 comments.
One said: “Oh sad times. We loved spending days up there in the summer. My childrenloved the ridesand we have so many good memories. Wishing you all the best in the future.”
Some of the most popular attractions included theGo Gatorcoaster, theSnakeride, Orbiters, trampolines, and the classicCrazy Golf.
It was home to a swinging pirate ship, flume, rollercoasters and mini black taxi carts.
Earlier this year, there had been rumours for plans for a reopening it this year – these however have been scrapped.
In May 2025, hopes were reignited to reopen the park after a new leisure company called Richens Leisure Projects (RLP) stepped in to not only save the attraction but also make it bigger through a £250million project.
Those hopes were short-lived as the entire project was scrapped a few weeks later. And owners Aspro Parks, revealed they had no intentions of selling the site.
Alton Towers waved goodbye to Postman Pat’s Parcel Post rideCredit: Alamy
Found in its CBeebies Land, the ride had first opened in 2014 as part of the land’s launch – so it’s safe to say it has been a classic for any visitors with young children for years.
It closed to make way for a new ride coming in 2026, the new Bluey-themed junior rollercoaster.
Small rides like Alpine Rallye were closed at the popular amusement park in BlackpoolCredit: Unknown
Smaller Rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
In February 2025, Blackpool Pleasure Beach announced the closure of five of its rides.
It said on its website: “We’ve made the decision to close some of our smaller, less popular rides during the 2025 season: Eddie Stobart Convoy, Alpine Rallye, Thompson Carousel, Gallopers and Red Arrows Skyforce.”
The decision to close some of the smaller rides at the park however, is to make way for new ones – or to redesign them.
For example in 2024, the park’s ride Ice Blast closed and will soon open as Launch Pad.
It said: “Launch Pad promises to be more thrilling, immersive and dynamic than ever before as riders shoot to the clouds at high speed.
“We’re confident that once you’ve ridden it you’ll agree that its temporary downtime was worth the wait.”
The highly-anticipated World of Frozen will open in MarchCredit: Disney
Now for the more exciting news – what’s coming up in 2026 from whole new theme park lands and worlds to one-of-a-kind rides.
World of Frozen, Disneyland Paris
You might have heard that a movie-inspired land is coming to Disneyland Paris, and it’s all based around the hit film, Frozen.
It will open on March 29, 2026 with a new attraction called Frozen Ever After where visitors will bob through the North mountain to Elsa’s Ice Palace.
Of course Elsa and Ana will be around the land as will Olaf and even the troll, Mossi.
There will also be a new restaurant called Nordic Crowns Tavern, the Arendelle Boutique shop and the Fjord View Shop.
The World of Frozen is part of the newly reimagined second park,DisneyAdventure World.
Read on to find out more about the World of Frozen from Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski, who went for a behind the scenes look in November.
A Viking realm will launch at Paultons Park with a thrilling new ride
Realm of the Vikings, Paultons Park
Family-friendly theme park, Paultons Park has revealed plans for a new £12million attraction set to open in May 2026.
The park be park which will be named Valgard – Realm of the Vikings, will be a viking-themed world with Paultons Park’s first inverting rollercoaster.
Called Drakon, it’s set to become the park’s most thrilling ride with a vertical lift hill and two twists that will take riders upside down.
There will also be Vild Swing that swirls riders 12 metres in the air, two brand new thrill rides, retheming of Cobra – a famous ride at Paultons Park, into a bobsled adventure.
The ride will be renamed Raven to complement the Viking village experience.
The new immersive land will delight children who are a fan of the PAW Patrol pups.
There will be four new rides across the land including a brand new ‘my first rollercoaster’ for the littlest of visitors.
There will also be photo opportunities and themed bedrooms for the ‘ultimate sleepover’ first opened in 2025.
Devon’s Crealy Theme Park & Resort will open a new ride as it celebrates milestone anniversaryCredit: Crealy Theme Park & Resort
Pirates’ Plummet, Crealy Theme Park & Resort
Crealy Theme Park & Resort is celebrating its 25 years since the opening of Devon‘s first rollercaoster with a new addition next year.
The rollercoaster called Pirates’ Plummet is a family thrill ride and will open in 2026.
Few details have been released on the ride so far, but there will be no doubt more updates in the New Year.
We went behind the scenes of the upcoming Frozen land at Disneyland Paris…
Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowskiwent for an exclusive look at the World of Frozen earlier this year…
“A SNOW-capped mountain towers behind an ancient clock tower, its frosty peak protruding a whopping 36-metres into a cloudy sky.
“At its foot, a wooden-rimmed postbox is waiting to receive a bundle of postcards, Arendelle’s first ever mail, while a magnificent snowflake-shaped fountain sparkles in the centre of the street.”
“I was taking an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the much-hyped area of thetheme park,scheduledto open on March 29next year with a bundle of new rides and activities based entirely on the animation blockbuster.
“Visitor postcards sent home from the fictional kingdom of Arendelle, over which Frozen characters Elsa and Ana rule, are just one small part of what makes this land so special.
“The immersion goes beyond what’s been seen at any Disney park so far, from the ornate-framed paintings of characters to the ultra-modern technology that places Disney fans actually in the story.
“The clock tower, complete with mini Ana and Elsa figurines, sparks into song every 15 minutes and flickering lanterns dangle from pastel-coloured buildings.
“There’ll be a whopping 13 other dining venues in Arendelle alone, including food stalls serving sticky cinnamon rolls and the grand Regal View, World of Frozen’s character-dining venue.
This spot is impressive enough without the meet-and-greets. Disney Princesses have been painted into fresco-like murals across the walls and curved chandeliers dangle from the ceiling.
“And of course, no trip to Arandelle would be complete without a visit to the kingdom’s impeccably dressed Elsa and Ana.
“And the duo won’t just appear on the street; they will dramatically sail across the lake via a huge wooden vessel, preparing to greet their fans at the “Royal Encounter” in the castle.
“A lifesized and hyper-realistic Olaf will make an appearance, too. But unlike every other character at Disneyland Paris, Frozen’s star snowman has been built using clever robotics that allow the character to talk and even waddle away on his stumpy snow feet.
“The highlight will most definitely be the lands boat ride, Frozen Ever After, which will carry riders through the snowy forest towards the Valley of the Trolls and Elsa’s sparkling Ice Palace.
“Animatronics promise to bring scenes to life as riders approach Arendelle Bay which will be showered in snowflake-shaped fireworks.”
