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Year-round, Big Bear, California has an incredible range of fascinating attractions and exhilarating activities that visitors can enjoy. However, because of the town’s location the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest and the fact that it’s practically surrounded by mountain ranges, Big Bear has ideal conditions for snowboarding and skiing and is best known as the ultimate wintertime destination in Southern California. Read on for helpful tips on taking advantage of Big Bear snowboarding!
First and foremost, Big Bear has the distinction of being one of the places where Olympic Gold Medalist Shaun White spent his formative training years before going on to compete in the Olympics. Reportedly, his favorite training spots were located on Snow Summit’s Westridge freestyle run and Bear Mountain’s freestyle park.
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Snowboarding in Big Bear on either Bear Mountain and Snow Summit has the added benefit of single-ticket access for both ski resorts. With one ticket (or seasonal pass), you can snowboard on both mountains, which offer lessons and equipment rentals in addition to their vast array of features. Shred some powder over the course of about two thousand vertical feet, accessible by twenty-six chairlifts. These mountains are also well-known for their variety of park features, including funboxes, jumps, and rails.
Snowboarders will find that both Bear Mountain and Snow Summit have challenging terrain parks where they can hone their skills before testing out the runs that the mountains have to offer. Nicknamed “the Park” because of its dynamic terrain, Bear Mountain stands out in particular for having one of the only half-pipes built specifically for snowboarding and freestyle skiing—also called a superpipe—in all of Southern California.
Bear Mountain also has a wide range of runs for snowboarders of all skill levels, whether you’ve never touched a snowboard before or you’ve mastered expert techniques. Beginners will find that The Gulch and Easy Street ideally suited to them, while intermediate snowboarders will enjoy Boneyard, Gambler, and Upper Park Run. Snowboarders who have mastered advanced or expert-level techniques might want to challenge themselves on The Wedge, Outlaw, or Rip’s Run.
Contact our office for further details on snowboarding in Big Bear and other exciting outdoor activities that Big Bear has in-store for you when you book your accommodations in one of the idyllic vacation rental properties available through Big Bear Vacations today!
During the winter, Big Bear turns into a snowboarder’s paradise. The mountains surrounding Big Bear Lake have two ski resorts with more than 40 runs and hundreds of acres of skiable terrain. The resorts are sister resorts, so a pass to one gets you access to both parks. Between the two parks are more than 2,000 vertical feet of runs accessible by 28 chairlifts.
Both ski resorts have a variety of terrain parks where snowboarders can hone their skills before heading out on the mountain’s runs. While both Bear Mountain and Snow Summit are used by both snowboarders and skiers, Bear Mountain is more popular among snowboarders because of its vertical terrain. Bear Mountain also has a terrain park which is similar to a skate park. At the terrain park, snowboarders can test their skills on boxes, rails, tables, poles, walls, and jumps. The terrain park also has a mini pipe, a halfpipe, and Southern California’s only snow superpipe.
Beginner snowboarders should try the Easy Street or Hidden Valley runs. Once you’re more confident in your skills, you can try out the intermediate Accelerator or Boneyard runs. Advanced snowboarders may want to try the double black diamond Geronimo run which starts at the top of Bear Peak, or The Wedge, a double black diamond run that starts at the top of Silver Mountain.
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If you would like to learn how to snowboard, Big Bear offers private and group snowboarding lessons. Lessons are available for anyone from age four to adults. The Skill Builder park on Bear Mountain is a great place to learn to snowboard. The Skill Builder park is similar to the terrain park but has smaller features. You can test out your snowboarding skills on smaller features that are low to the ground, including rails, boxes, and table tops.
Big Bear Mountain offers snowboard rentals at both of their resorts. You can rent everything you need, including a snowboard, boots, and snowboard bindings. Burton Learn to Ride equipment is also available at both resorts. This equipment is great for first-time snowboarders and includes a snowboard with slightly beveled edges for anti-fatigue.
If you are looking for accommodations in Big Bear, we offer several cabin rentals within walking distance to the bottom of the slope or just a short walk to a shuttle that will take you to the ski resorts. Contact us today and we will help you find the perfect rental.
Snowboarding
To book this experience call: 844.GO2.BEAR
In order to snowboard, you’ll need the single-ticket access which is valid for both ski resorts (Big Bear Mountain and the Snow Summit). With one ticket (or seasonal pass), you can snowboard on both mountains, which offer lessons and equipment rentals in addition to their vast array of features.
Big Bear snowshoeing is a breathtakingly beautiful and immensely fun experience. Take a break from skiing or snowboarding and explore the beauty of the forest and snow-dusted pine trees in solitude. Leave the busy trails of the ski resorts behind and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Walk through the fresh, fallen snow and look out for animal tracks. You may see hoof prints in the snow or even encounter a squirrel or deer.
Snowshoeing in Big Bear also enables you to access trails that skiers and snowboarders can’t. It also gets your heart pumping while enjoying the great outdoors in an intense but scenic workout. This mellow, yet effective cardio workout is so fun, you won’t even realize you are getting exercise.
The trails that are popular for hiking in the summer can also be great for snowshoeing in the winter. Pine Knot Trail is an easy snowshoeing trail with parking. Park at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area and follow signs to the trailhead. The trail will head you to Grand View Point where you will be rewarded with stunning views of the San Bernardino Valley. The trail is a long one, at 6-miles round trip, so make sure to dress warm and bring plenty of food and water.
Town Trail is a shorter and more flat option for snowshoeing. The trail starts at Snow Summit and is less than 3-miles round trip. Along the way, there will be several spots where you can stop and enjoy views of the sparkling waters of Big Bear Lake.
For a truly unforgettable experience, go for a full moonlight snowshoe walk. The moonlight will be bright enough that you won’t need a headlamp as you walk through the glistening moonlit snow. Make sure to wear plenty of warm clothing and pack some warm drinks, as the temperatures are much colder at night.
Action Snowshoe offers three-hour snowshoe tours. Tours are open to everyone over the age of 10 and are suitable for all experience levels. Snowshoes and poles are provided, and an experienced guide will lead you through the pine trees and snow-capped mountains. Tours can be customized based on the skill levels in your group, and in total you will usually get 2 – 2 ½ hours on the trail. Snowshoe tours cost $87 per person and each tour needs a minimum of 2 people.
After a day in the snow, head back to your cabin and warm up in front of the fireplace. If you are looking for accommodations in near Big Bear Lake, consider booking one of our vacation homes.
Snow Shoe
Action Snowshoe offers three-hour snowshoe tours. Tours are open to everyone over the age of 10 and are suitable for all experience levels. Snowshoes and poles are provided, and a guide will lead you through the pine trees and snow-capped mountains. Tours can be customized based on the skill levels in your group, and in total you will usually get 2 – 2 ½ hours on the trail. These tours cost $87 per person and each tour needs a minimum of 2 people.
Waverunner
Jet skies and Waverunners are fun for all ages!
Choose to cruise Big Bear Lake and explore all the bays along the shoreline of Big Bear Lake or go for speed and use the 650 to 1,200 CC engines that output as much as 140HP to fly across the lake!
Tree Climbing
Action Tours has added tree climbing to their activities list! There are so many different ways to see Big Bear Lake, why not climb a tree?! Each tour is guided and includes proper climbing gear during this guided tour. Each tour is approximately three (3) hours and each guest can expect at least four climbs ranging from 8′ to 45′ in the air!
Action Tree Climbing
Big Bear Lake
Sky Chair
To book this experience call: 844.GO2.BEAR
If you want to experience the best views Big Bear Lake and the surrounding mountains have to offer, you will want to take a ride on the scenic Snow Summit Sky Chair. The ride is perfect for hikers, mountain bikers or just to take in the view. At an elevation of 8200 feet, you will be able to enjoy panoramic views during your 15 min ride up the mountain.
Once you arrive at the top you can visit the View Haus and have lunch or a drink on the deck to take in the views that location has to offer. You can take a short walk on the Mountaintop trail and decide if you want to use the hiking trail to decent back to Big Bear or just get back on the chair that will take you back down to the base in Big Bear.
Sailing
Have sailboat will travel! There’s nothing quite like sailing – especially sailing on beautiful Big Bear Lake. Slice through the water while enjoying the view of the surrounding mountains.
There are two (2) public launch sites in Big Bear. Duane Boyer Public Launch Ramp, 38925 North Shore Drive (about 2 miles east of the dam) and Carol Morrison Public Launch Ramp, 41911 North Shore Drive (1/4 mile west of Stanfield Cutoff).
Pirate Ship
To book this experience call: 909-878-4040
Hours:
Monday-Sunday: 6AM-6PM
Enjoy this unique tour of Big Bear Lake on a 1/3rd scale replica of a Spanish Galleon, complete with Captain and Pirates!
The boat was built by father and son in the 60’s – 70’s and was used in the 1981 release “Time Bandit”. It was also used as a tour boat in the Los Angeles Harbor and Newport Beach. It was later refurbished and modified and moved to Big Bear Lake.
North Shore Landing
38573 North Shore Drive
Fawnskin, CA 92315
Miss Liberty Paddlewheel Boat Tours
To book this experience call: 909-866-8129
Hours:
Monday-Sunday: 9AM-5PM
Cruise around Big Bear Lake on the Miss Liberty Paddlewheel Boat Tour. The tour is a ninety minute narrated ride with Big Bear Valley history. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding mountains. The lower level is enclosed and heated. The upper level is open for fresh air viewing
Go-Kart Racing
To book this experience call: 909-585-0075
Sodi Kart’s RT8 – mini race cars!!! Pick your racer nickname and race against the clock to see how many laps you can run to beat your opponents time. Bragging rights among your friends and/or family. This is definitely an activity almost any age can enjoy.
Big Bear Speedway
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Try Geocaching!
What is Geocaching you may ask? It is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.
Upon arriving at Big Bear Vacations, you will receive your Passport to Adventure for geocaching. There are prizes to be won and beautiful scenery to gaze upon when you embark on this awesome experience.
