Big Bear Guide

The #1 Travel Guide to Big Bear, California including Activities, Recreation, Dining, Shopping and Events. Big Bear Tourism Authority

WINTER ACTIVITIES IN BIG BEAR

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Experience Snow Close to Home – Winter Recreation & Things to do in Big Bear

Winter is here! Now is the time to take advantage of Big Bear’s snow-covered mountains. Therefore, many people choose this favorite mountain town for the array of winter-related recreation activities. These winter activities in Big Bear appeal to all ages and skill levels. For instance, there’s snowboarding, skiing, snow tubing, snowshoeing, backcountry off-roading, ziplining, helicopter sightseeing tours and horseback riding. Here’s a full list of things to do in Big Bear. 

SKIING & SNOWBOARDING – SNOW SUMMIT & BEAR MOUNTAIN: 

The one place in Southern California that’s certain to deliver a flurry of frosted fun is Big Bear Lake. Home to Southern California’s two premier ski resorts, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. Snow Summit is the place for everyday skiers and riders. In addition, it’s for those in search of a friendly, laidback winter playground. There’s plenty of room to roam from the popular face of the mountain to peaceful, isolated trails with ideal ski conditions away from the pack. Bear Mountain attracts every level from first-time snowboarders and skiers to freestyle enthusiasts. It has been pushing the progression of winter sports for more than 75 years, and is home to the only halfpipes, highest lift served peak (8,805 feet), and the largest beginner ski and snowboard area in Southern California. Both resorts set itself apart from other Southern California’s ski areas because of their quality snowmaking and slope grooming. 

EQUIPMENT RENTAL SHOPS (SKI & SNOWBOARD): 

Whether it’s on a trial basis for first time beginners, or advanced skiers / riders that wish to demo the latest and greatest equipment. Big Bear’s ski and board shops are ready to outfit guests for high performance on the slopes. The rental shops make it easy to get in and get out. Therefore, more time can be spent on the slopes. Most rental shops carry today’s hottest gear and clothing trends, too. The top rental shops in town are Goldsmith’s Sports, LeRoy’s Boardshop, Getboards Ride Shop and Blauer Boardshop.  

SNOW TUBING – BIG BEAR SNOW PLAY AND ALPINE SLIDE BIG BEAR:

 

Experience the thrill of inner tubing down snow-packed slopes! Therefore, these slopes are all about good times! Snow tubing in Big Bear’s winter wonderland is the ultimate outdoor family outing. It creates memories that last a lifetime. Moreover, Many families have made sliding down the slopes of Big Bear Lake an annual tradition. Both Big Bear Snow Play and Alpine Slide Big Bear, provide Magic Carpet uphill lifts. These lifts make snow play a cinch. The Magic Carpet lifts are comprised of a large moving conveyor belt, which are similar to an airport terminal people-mover. In other words, an easy ride to the top of snow-packed slopes. The purpose of Magic Carpet rides eliminates the stress of climbing the hill, which in turn provides opportunity for more downhill fun! Also, there’s an extensive snowmaking system Plus, nightly grooming ensures excellent coverage on all runs.

GLOW TUBING:  

Big Bear Snow Play lights up after dark! How you ask? With its unique snow play experience called glow tubing. Furthermore, Big Bear Snow Play transforms white snow-covered hills into a rainbow of colors every Friday, Saturday and holiday nights from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. It adds another dimension to the fun because of these spectrum of colors that glow tubing provides. 

SNOWSHOE TOURS:  

Want more winter activities in Big Bear? Experience the serenity of the winter forest on snowshoes. A trek into the open country via snowshoes is a great way to enjoy the true bliss of Big Bear Lake’s winter scenery. Moreover, this rapid growing winter sport is easy to learn. Plus, it provides a casual workout at one’s own pace. Moreover, Action Tours offer snowshoe tours that are suitable for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts. For instance, tours offer guests an opportunity to experience Big Bear’s scenic winter landscapes. Also, an expert tour guide leads tours. Guest learn about winter ecology, animal tracking, flora and fauna. Take a trip on snowshoes. It’s worth it!

HORSEBACK RIDING: 

Another way to explore Big Bear’s peaceful winter setting is by horseback. A relaxing ride into the wilderness is a splendid way to connect with nature and enjoy the pleasantries of the fresh mountain air. Saddle-up for either an hourly, half-day, or sunset ride through National Forest areas. There are horses and mountain trails to suit all riding abilities. Reservations are suggested. Also, kids love the petting zoo and pony rides that are available on site. 

BIG BEAR OFF-ROAD EXPERIENCE: 

Imagine the thrill of driving an off-road vehicle in the backcountry. Big Bear Off-Road Experience does just that. This unique company gives its customers the chance to get behind the wheel of a Jeep or Can-Am. A great way to experience the thrill of 4×4 action in the backwoods, even in the snow!  This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for many people. Some might compare it to an opportunity to speed around a NASCAR racetrack in a race car. Big Bear Off-Road Experience offers both Jeep and Cam-Am tours. In addition, sightseeing trips, beginner-friendly introductions to off-roading, and novice to advanced rock-crawling trips.  

ZIPLINING ABOVE THE SNOW:  

Another Big Bear winter activity is ziplining. Action Tours in Big Bear has grown quite a reputation for introducing new ways to experience fun in the snow. Ziplining is ideal for thrill seekers, families and groups. This adventure takes guests high above snow-blanketed canyons for a surefire adrenaline rush. Get on and zip across the white stuff in a flash! At first glance these zips may look intimidating. However, once nerves cool and adrenaline kicks in, its all hoots and hollers from there forward. 

SKY HIGH TOURS VIA HELICOPTER:  

Helicopter tours offer a completely different way to experience the snow. See the scenery from a bird’s point of view. Helicopter Big Bear offers sightseeing flights from the vantage point of a helicopter cockpit. Witness the beauty of the San Bernardino National Forest. In addition, there are landmarks, points-of-interest, lakes, ski resorts and more. There are miles and miles of the serene snow-covered landscape. These aerial views are certain to leave passengers breathless.

FREE TROLLEY RIDES TO VARIOUS WINTER ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS: 

The Free Big Bear Trolley gives guests a ride to a wide range of winter activities in Big Bear Valley. This new service is provided by Mountain Transit. It offers three convenient routes. Get a free ride to and from most attractions, including the ski resorts, snow-tubing parks, the Village, Boulder Bay, restaurants, supermarkets and more. Moreover, Riders are allowed to bring snow gear onto the trolley. The free-to-ride trolley service is daily from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Riders can download an app for real-time tracking. 

BIGBEARGUIDE.COM – RESOURCE FOR BIG BEAR’S ACTIVITIES ALL YEAR: 

BigBearGuide.com is a user-friendly website that’s designed to improve the guest experience of Big Bear Valley. It has relevant information about places to eat, shop and recreate all-year round. It’s a great source for winter activities in Big Bear. For all there is to see and do in beautiful Big Bear Lake, log onto BigBearGuide.com

Epic Big Bear Winter Equals Great Scenery & Fun

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Big Bear Winter Shifts to Spring Break

It’s been an epic Big Bear winter…to say the least! Big Bear has already accumulated over 70 inches of natural snow delivered by Mother Nature. That’s about 8 inches better than the average for Big Bear Winter.

Big Bear’s neighboring mountain range The San Gorgonio Wilderness, which includes Mt. San Gorgonio (pictured) has a solid blanket of snow, too. In fact, the entire San Bernardino Mountains are covered in the white stuff, and it makes for great scenic photography and selfies for social media!

Big Bear Winter

This has been the best snow season Big Bear has experienced in years. The white stuff is abundant at Big Bear’s ski resorts, Bear Mountainand Snow Summit, with a five to seven foot snow base. Big Bear’s snow tubing hills are crushing it too; Alpine Slide at Magic Mountainand Big Bear Snow Playhave reported a snow base of five to 20 feet. The quality snowpack is expected to help keep these recreational activities open well into April.

Skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing are all great ways to enjoy spring break. When planning a spring break getaway consider how fun it is in the snow. Whether it’s a family trip to the mountains for some snow play, or college buds getting away to get some turns in at Big Bear Mountain Resortit will be a blast on the snow-covered mountains this spring.

For all recreation on the snow visit Big Bear Guide’s Recreation & Activities page. Some other thoughts for fun in the snow include Helicopter Big Bear, Action Tours’ snowshoe tours, ziplining and Segway tours, or Big Bear Jeep Experience. Big Bear Alpine Zoo is open all winter long and into spring. Another option to consider is Balwin Lake Stables, which offers horseback riding in the serene white-covered forest.