As the crisp breeze begins to nip at our faces and the sun’s warm light begins to dim and be replaced by the chill of the winter months, we find a new world opens up to us. A world full of that glittering Big Bear snow upon the ground just begging us to glide across its surface and where cold glasses of lemonade are replaced with the warm mugs of hot chocolate. When this time of the year approaches, you might find yourself looking to take a winter retreat—after all, a vacation spent skiing Big Bear Mountain and taking part in classic snow play has a certain cozy quality to it. If you are looking to take a break this winter season, you’ll find that there are few better than the majestic forests of Big Bear. So, read on and discover all the winter activities lying in wait for you! 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. Start planning your winter getaway today!
There are few more classic winter activities if you want to do more than ski Big Bear Mountain. The area holds a total of 400 skiable acres, 19 lifts, and over 58 runs between Snow Summit (peak 8,200 feet) and Bear Mountain (peak 8,805 feet). If you find yourself interested in doing something slightly unique, you can try out their night skiing offered on select dates. However, if you find yourself not the biggest skier, fear not, for the mountain also offers classic snow tubing on Grizzly Ridge Tube Park; you’ll find their sleds go a tad quicker than the ones you rode in childhood! Enjoy their high-speed sleds as you soar down one of three tubing lanes, each of which is 300 feet long! As well, there will be no need to lug your sled up the hill after a ride down; instead, enjoy a ride on their “magic carpet” as you get taken to the top while enjoying the views.
If sledding and snow play is what you want, Big Bear Snow Play offers the longest run in Southern California. Featuring the same “magic carpet” ride, you’ll find that classic sledding is easier and more enjoyable than ever before. They even have lift-assisted inner tubing to make the trip up top even easier. You’ll find they add an extra flair to the activity as you can enjoy their “glow tubing,” which will have you sailing down a tunnel featuring red, blue, green, and even blacklights to make an already thrilling activity even more enjoyable. If you’d rather go about the traditional way, make sure you check out the various snow play areas and hills that one can find scattered around the area, including Aspen Glen Picnic Area, Grays Peak Trail, and Cougar Crest Trail!
Of course, the rest of the year Big Bear is quite well known for its numerous trails which take you deep into the forests and into nature. Even in the frosty winter months, one can enjoy hiking all your favorite trails with the help of snow shoeing. Even if you don’t have the equipment, feel free to rent it from a variety of different venders such as Blauer Board Shop. However, if you are new to the pastime, head on over to Action Tours, where you will be able to go out with a guide and truly see the most of our forest home. Lasting three hours, this tour will have you trekking over multiple terrains. Each tour is tailored to the individual group and can be made to accommodate any skill level.
Visit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo and learn about Big Bear’s wildlife and how humans can leave a positive impact on the natural environment. Don’t forget to stop in at the gift shop before you leave! Say hello to the farm animals at Baldwin Lake Stables. Kids will love getting to know the goats, turkeys, pigs and more. Maybe book a horseback ride while you visit!
Let your imagination take over when you step into the pop culture world of Hollywood Studios at Santa Land with superheroes, movie props, your favorite on-screen characters, and more. Even say hello to the jolly man Santa Claus and write a letter to the North Pole any time of year. Admission is $5.
Whether you’re an avid Instagrammer or prefer to grab shots for the photo album, you’ll find endless photographable moments in Big Bear along the trails, throughout the neighborhoods, around the dinner table, and more.
Visit the Discovery Center and get to know the National Forest that surrounds Big Bear, the animals that live here, and the history of the valley. Admission is free! Explore the interactive displays at the Discovery Center and get to know the native flora, fauna, rocks, and history of Big Bear Lake. Join in free recreational activities each weekend like nature walks, story time for kids, and more
Big Bear has two outdoor scavenger hunt games hosted by Riddle Route and Urban Adventure Quest. These are an easy option for everyone as you only need your smartphone to access the clues that will lead you around The Village on an educational tour of the town.
Shop till you drop in The Village and around town. Big Bear offers a variety of finds from clothing, skincare, fine art, souvenirs, home goods, and so much more.
Off-roading is a popular choice for many Big Bear visitors. While many routes are open for 4X4 vehicles, take it step further and join a guided tour with Big Bear Off-Road Experience.
As you can see, when the chilly winter months set in, a variety of unique activities open up, each of which is a fantastic way to spend a day before coming back to your cozy rental. However, these are just a few of the various activities one could enjoy during your time here with us. So, if you find yourself curious about what other activities are available during the winter months, make sure you give Big Bear Vacations a call today at (877) 417-6504!