Big Bear’s National Forest: The Best Place to Experience Real Snow
One of the best things about winter in
Big Bear Lake is that much of the area is surrounded by the
San Bernardino National Forest — meaning you don’t need to buy a ticket to enjoy the snow.
Families can sled, explore, and build snowmen in the forest for free, as long as they follow a few simple rules from the
U.S. Forest Service:
- Only play in designated turnout or picnic areas, not on private or roadside property.
- Pack out everything you bring in.
- Use legal parking areas and display the required
Adventure Pass when needed.
The Adventure Pass: Your Permit for Forest Parking
Many snow-play areas and trailheads within the National Forest require an
Adventure Pass for parking. It’s inexpensive and helps fund local site maintenance and restrooms.
Quick facts:
- Cost: $5 per day or $30 per year
- Where to buy:
- Big Bear Visitor Center (630 Bartlett Rd)
- Local 7-Elevens, ranger stations, and sporting goods stores
- Online at
fs.usda.gov/adventurepass
- Display it clearly on your dashboard while parked
- Federal Interagency Passes (like the America the Beautiful Pass) are also accepted
Local tip: Rangers check for passes daily in popular areas — keep one handy to avoid a fine.
Top Free Snow Play Areas Around Big Bear Lake
1. Fawnskin (North Shore)
If you want open forest snow and fewer crowds, drive around the lake to
Fawnskin — the small community on the north shore, directly across from Big Bear Village. The shaded hillsides here hold snow longer than the southern slopes, even weeks after a storm.
Best spots in Fawnskin:
- Woodland Trail Picnic Area – gentle hills and forest openings ideal for families
- Cougar Crest Trailhead – next to the Discovery Center with parking and restrooms
- Grout Bay Picnic Area – great lake views and soft snow when conditions are right
All require an
Adventure Pass. These are true forest sites — no vendors, no rentals — just natural snow and room to play.
Local tip: Visit the
Discovery Center on the north shore. You can buy your adventure pass and speak to the rangers who can point you to the best spots to sled.
2. Aspen Glen Picnic Area (Mill Creek Road)
Located just west of The Village,
Aspen Glen Picnic Area offers a large hill perfect for sledding. It’s one of the most popular public snow spots because it’s close to town and easily accessible from
Mill Creek Road.
Parking: Limited, requires Adventure Pass
Restrooms: Available
Crowds: Arrive early on weekends; it fills quickly
3. Polique Canyon Road & Holcomb Valley (for experienced drivers)
When snow levels are high,
Polique Canyon Road (off North Shore Drive) leads to
Holcomb Valley, an open forest area ideal for snow play and solitude.
You’ll need a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle, and you should avoid driving past closed gates or blocking roads. Once inside, you’ll find quiet meadows and excellent backcountry snow scenery.
Paid Tubing Parks & Snow Play Areas in Big Bear
If you prefer groomed runs, restrooms, and organized lanes, Big Bear offers several
maintained tubing parks. These charge admission but include tube rentals and lift access.
1. Big Bear Snow Play
- Magic Carpet lift to the top
- “Glow Tubing” with LED lights at night
- On-site lodge with restrooms and snacks
Location: 42825 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake
Website:
bigbearsnowplay.com
2. Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
- Snow tubing plus Big Bear’s famous concrete bobsled track
- Central location near The Village
- Smaller snow play area for younger children
Location: 800 Wildrose Ln, Big Bear Lake
Website:
alpineslidebigbear.com
3. Grizzly Ridge Tube Park at Snow Summit
If you’re already visiting
Snow Summit for skiing or snowboarding, you can still join the fun without a lift ticket. The
Grizzly Ridge Tube Park, located near the base area, offers well-maintained tubing lanes with conveyor lift access.
- Groomed lanes maintained daily by Snow Summit staff
- Tube rental included with admission
- Close to resort dining and rest areas
- Great option for mixed groups (skiers + non-skiers)
Location: Snow Summit Base Area, 880 Summit Blvd, Big Bear Lake
Website:
bigbearmountainresort.com
⚠️ A Note on Safety: Don’t Stop on the Side of the Highway
Each winter, it’s common to see families pulled over along
Highway 18, 38, or 330 playing in roadside snow — but this is
illegal and dangerous. Snowplows, narrow lanes, and limited visibility make these areas extremely risky for both drivers and pedestrians. California Highway Patrol frequently tickets or tows vehicles parked on highway shoulders.
If you see snow and want to stop,
continue to a designated turnout or picnic area with proper parking. It’s safer, legal, and helps keep roads open for everyone.
Final Thoughts
The best snow experiences in Big Bear Lake aren’t always behind a ticket booth.
From quiet forest openings in
Fawnskin to groomed tubing at
Snow Summit, there’s something for every kind of visitor. Just remember your
Adventure Pass, respect the forest, and play safely.
