The beauty of a lakefront village along with fresh mountain air, and a slower pace than a big city may just be what the doctor ordered this winter. You’ll find everything you’re looking for to make a winter vacation to remember when you make a trip to Big Bear and the surrounding area. It has many fun and exciting Big Bear attractions in winter to make your stay one that will keep you coming back year after year, or season after season to do everything!
Skiing & Snowboarding
Big Bear is known for its skiing and snowboarding. For many, it’s what draws them to the area to begin with. Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, operated by Big Bear Mountain Resort, are two of the best locales for downhill skiing and snowboarding during your Big Bear winter vacation. You can reserve lift tickets and gear rentals online through the resort website, or by calling 844-GO2-BEAR.
Big Bear SnowPlay
Starting in mid-November, you can enjoy the unique thrill of snow-tubing. Slide down the hill of man-made and/or Mother Nature-provided snow on a single-rider tube. After you go sliding down the hill at top speed, relax as the “Magic Carpet” conveyor belt takes you and your tube up through a special tunnel back to the top of the hill. Come back for extra fun on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as certain holidays, for night glow tubing featuring red, blue, green, and black light! Riders must be at least 36” tall to ride, but riders 36”-42” must ride in the lap of someone 18 or older. No matter when you come, general admission is $40 and a small child ticket for guests 36”-42” is $25. One-on-one adult supervision per small child is required. Children under 36” tall and pregnant guests are not permitted past the SnowPlay gate. SnowPlay is open all through the winter up until Easter.
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain can make just about every list, because it’s open year-round! Adults can be a kid again, and kids and teens can enjoy the adrenaline rush of a lifetime when they ride. Hours vary by season, and keep in mind the slide may be closed due to weather conditions, like snow and ice on the track. Take the chair lift to the top and take in breathtakingly beautiful view of the snow-covered mountains and valley. At the top, prepare for an unforgettable, fast-paced ride down the area’s only authentic bobsled experience. Sleds are individually controlled, so you can go as slow or as fast as you want down your choice of two separate quarter-mile long cement tracks. If you dare, careen around high banking turns that flow into straightaways that will have you cruising at top speed and have your adrenaline pumping by the time you reach the bottom. Riders must be at least 36” tall to ride, and children under 48” tall must ride with an adult age 18 or older.
Snowshoeing
While others zoom down slopes, you’re looking for a more leisurely way to enjoy the snowy landscape of the valley. Strap on some rented gear and head out on your own, or join an expert-lead tour, where your guide can point out sites and activities you might miss on a solo trek. The national forest trails that surround the area are open year-round, weather permitting. When planning your adventure, keep in mind weekends will be more crowded, and trail head parking lots require Adventure Passes to enter – score a single-day or annual pass at the Big Bear Visitor Center.
Horseback Riding
You may think a horseback ride is meant for the warmer months when there’s no snow on the ground, but you’d be wrong as this is one of the best Big Bear Lake things to do in winter. The majestic animals have no problem finding their way through the snow to take you on a tour of Big Bear Valley. Baldwin Lake Stables offers rides in one-, two-, and three-hour blocks. You can also take a sunset ride. Longer rides allow for a lunch stop before heading back, so pack a picnic to enjoy.
Plenty of Fun Big Bear Attractions in Winter
You came to the area on a journey full of fun and exciting Big Bear Lake things to do in winter and attractions to escape the stresses of everyday life. Extend that fun to your accommodations by booking a vacation rental with Big Bear Vacations. Make a warm winter meal and any of your daily meals or snacks in your unit’s fully-equipped kitchen. Gather together with loved ones on the couch and watch your favorite movie or spend some time outdoors at one of the many winter attractions Big Bear has to offer. Choose a cozy one-bedroom for your small family or sweetheart getaway, up to a sprawling 5-bedroom for a large family reunion. Our premium units include upgrades like stainless steel appliances, granite counters, hardwood floors, flat-screen TVs and more!
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