Big Bear Lake is Southern California’s four-season mountain lake escape. Located in the heart of Southern California! Experience the thrill of winter in Big Bear Lake, Southern California’s premier destination for snow-filled adventure and cozy mountain charm. Whether you’re hitting the slopes, exploring snowy trails, or unwinding by a crackling fire, Big Bear Lake offers endless ways to make the most of the winter season.
Find the Best Skiing & Snowboarding in Southern California
Big Bear offers the best skiing and snowboarding experiences in Southern California at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain ski resorts. These local mountains offer over 400 acres of terrain ranging from beginner to expert. Skiers and riders can enjoy 17 lifts to access over 55 runs dedicated to both groomed areas and terrain parks. Let your winter adventure begin!
Snow Tubing Parks
Not a skier or snowboarder? Enjoy the snowy slopes on an inner tube instead! The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, Big Bear Snow Play and Grizzly Ridge Tube Park operate year-round with seasonal snow tubing offered each winter. Tubing parks allow guests to enjoy snow sliding in a safe and controlled environment away from cars and traffic.
Glow Tubing
Experience the magic of snow tubing at night at both Alpine Slide and Big Bear Snow Play! When the sun goes down, the neon lights come on sweeping the slopes with color and an ultra-cool vibe. It’s much colder at night so dress in layers for warmth. Glow Tubing offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Holidays from 5 PM – 9 PM.
Offroad Tours
New! Tourzilla Rides begin Thanksgiving!
Big Bear Off-Road Experience lets you take the wheel to explore the ridges, canyons, and meadows of the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains in a fully equipped Jeep. A lead guide stays in contact with your group for the whole tour. There are several tour experiences to choose from including:
The beginner friendly Holcomb Valley Gold Fever Trail – the terrain consists mostly of dirt and fire roads. Guests are treated to the beautiful landscape and historic locations.
2 hour Kid Friendly Beginner Holcomb Valley Mining Tour (includes mining dirt for kids)
The Squeeze – an easy-going intro to off-roading that explores Big Bear’s back country including the famed Holcomb Valley Pinnacles.
John Bull Jr. Trail – the most popular experience that begins with The Squeeze. The trail features larger rocks and obstacles that make for an intermediate level experience.
Gold Mountain Trail – a Jeep designated Badge of Honor Trail. This advanced trail features amazing views and challenging terrain along the ascent of The Ledge, The Brain, and the Rock Garden.
NEW – TourZilla
One of our TourZilla handlers (i.e. guides) will be driving this beast as you and your group ride into the backcountry! Your guide will narrate the entire experience, talking about wildlife, local mining history, lake facts, and will give you suggestions for places to eat at the end of your TOURZILLA experience. We can also use your camera or phone to capture photos of your group with your request. Our goal is to make sure that your TOURZILLA experience is an experience that you’ll never forget!
Call 909-420-5828 or visit bigbearoffroadexperience.com to check rates and info.
*All tours include a personal Jeep for up to 4 passengers, fuel, additional guide Jeep with experienced off-road guide and full instruction, snacks and beverages. We offer a kid-friendly off-road mining tour that explores Holcomb Valley and the original Big Bear settlements. At the end of the hunt, your child will find a bucket of our very rich Big Bear miners dirt. Who knows, it could contain some gold or ancient Indian artifacts!
Action Zipline Tours
Action Tours offers the most unique ways to see Big Bear Lake-ZIPLINING
Discover the beauty of our National Forest while you fly through the air along a high speed zipline course. Our zipline experience features 9 lines, a suspension bridge, and of course a fun and bumpy ride in our off-road vehicles.
Call 909-866-0390 or visit ActionToursCalifornia.com to reserve.
Baldwin Lake Stables and Petting Zoo
Horseback Riding ToursExplore Big Bear on horseback! The advantage of touring by horse is that your horse does all of the hard work, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the view. Baldwin Lake Stables has been serving the community for 25 years and offers rides to suit all ability levels. Riding tours are available year-round – weather permitting – giving guests a chance to experience a ride in any season. Book 1,2,3, hour or half day rides through spectacular terrain.
Petting Zoo
Say Hello! to the goats, pigs, rabbits, alpacas, and more! The Baldwin Lake Petting Zoo is open year-round on weekends – weather permitting. $5 per person, open 11 AM – 3 PM.
Just 7 miles from The Village, Baldwin Lake Stables is surrounded by equestrian ranches and the National Forest. Book 1,2,3, hour or half day rides through spectacular terrain. Rides can be fitted for any rider ability and experience and are available year-round.
Visit Big Bear Alpine Zoo
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is home to the valley’s VIP residents, injured and imprinted animals that cannot return to the wild. One of two rehabilitation zoos in the country – zoo proceeds fund the rehab and care of the animals in the facility. Learn about the Zoo’s mission to educate visitors on wildlife sustainability and meet the beautiful animals along the way!
Explore Big Bear Discovery Center
Explore the interactive displays at the Discovery Center and get to know the native flora, fauna, rocks, and history of Big Bear Lake. The Discovery Center features a to-scale eagle nest, its own hiking trail, and free recreational activities each weekend like nature walks, story time for kids, and more.
Shopping at Big Bear Village
Shop ’til you drop in The Village and around town. Big Bear offers a variety of finds from clothing, skincare, fine art, souvenirs, home goods, and more. Many of Big Bear’s shops and emporiums are locally owned and family-run, offering a refreshing change from well-known brands.
Walk To Slopes