Extreme Mountain Snowfall Is Expected in Big Bear
We have had a series of snow storms in Big Bear and it has been awesome for the slopes! It’s also awesome because we need the lake to fill up for summer activities!
We have a winter storm that is projecting up to four feet of snow over the course of several days and is expected to be the biggest storm we’ve had since 2010! All of us that work in the call center at Big Bear Vacations are locals! And we have some tips to share with you.
Driving in Inclement Weather:
- Check Caltrans website before driving up the mountain to find out about road
conditions: https://www.dot.ca.gov/ - Always carry snow chains, extra water, blankets and a change of clothes in your vehicle. If you have to put chains on you will get wet and cold. I use a yoga mat to kneel on – it helps keep me dry. I also carry towels in my car to wipe off the dirt and grime that is inevitable while putting chains on.
- Wear treaded snow shoes/boots.
- Make sure your chains fit your tires before you head up the mountain
(I recommend practicing putting them on before you head up the hill) – finding out you have the wrong size can put a severe damper on your travel plans. - DO NOT DRIVE OVER 30 MPH WITH CHAINS ON – you will ruin your tires and can damage your car as well.
- Drive slow and steady – it is not a race and we want you to arrive on the mountain safely.
- Carry a window scraper in your car.
- I personally carry a backpack that has survival gear in it. Stuff like matches, Swiss army knife, bottled water, spare set of gloves, chap stick, snacks, flashlight, beanie, spare coat and extra cash.
Big Bear Vacation Services:
- It is necessary to be prepared to drive in the snow and put chains on your car if needed. We recommend pulling into a parking lot to put your chains on so that you are safe and not standing in oncoming traffic.
- Unfortunately, the staff at Big Bear Vacations is not allowed to assist in putting snow chains on your car.
Chain installers: Sean Rabago 909-255-2834
Steve Thompson 909-222-0265. - In the event your car becomes stuck you can call a towing company:
Big Bear Towing: 909-585-2600
Club Towing 909-866-5474.
- A shovel will be provided at the cabin you have rented so you can shovel side walks, stairs, drive ways, etc. – while we understand it can be a bit tedious to shovel while on vacation it is part of the Big Bear Snow Experience!!
- Snow can be slushy during the day when the temperatures increase and the sun starts working its magic, but once the sun goes down that will quickly turn to ice. Kitty litter is an inexpensive way to add slip protection. Big Bear Vacations will bring you cinders for the ice – just be aware that during storms you could be waiting a long time.
- Last week we had power outage that lasted about 12 hours. Because of that I was unable to use a credit or debit card and was happy about the extra cash I carry in my car survival kit!
This blog was a bit technical! As always if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call. And remember – slow and steady will get you safely up the mountain!
