Winter in Big Bear Lake
Snow days, mountain adventures and everything you need to know before planning a winter trip to Big Bear Lake.
What Winter Is Really Like in Big Bear
Winter in Big Bear doesn't necessarily mean snow-covered streets every day. Big Bear Lake sits at 6,752 feet, while the surrounding mountains climb higher, so conditions can vary considerably around the valley. Snow Summit and Bear Mountain also make snow, which means the ski slopes may be covered even when there is little or no natural snow around town.
After a storm, the opposite problem can happen: fresh snow brings beautiful conditions but also chain controls, slower mountain roads, crowded snow-play areas and limited parking. If you're planning a winter trip, check the weather, road conditions and the conditions for the specific activity you want to do—not just whether there is “snow in Big Bear.”
Local Insight: Don't judge ski conditions by looking at the ground around your cabin. Snow Summit and Bear Mountain sit higher than town and use snowmaking, so conditions on the slopes can be completely different.
Winter Activities in Big Bear
Winter in Big Bear is about much more than skiing. Spend the day skiing or snowboarding at the resorts, head out for tubing and snow play, or explore the quieter side of the mountains by snowshoeing and cross-country skiing when natural snow conditions allow. What’s available can change throughout the season, so use the guides below to find the right winter activity and understand the conditions, access and planning involved before you go.
Skiing
Compare Snow Summit and Bear Mountain and plan your ski day.
Snowboarding
Terrain parks, lessons, rentals and tips for riders.
Snow Play & Sledding
Where to find snow play, sledding and tubing for the family.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Two resorts, one mountain town. Pick the one that fits your group's style and ability.
Snow Summit
More traditional all-around mountain experience with skiing, snowboarding, lessons, rentals and terrain for a range of abilities.
Bear Mountain
Particularly known for freestyle terrain while also offering skiing, snowboarding and learning terrain.
Planning your first ski trip?
Lift Tickets
Buy ahead for busy dates.
Lessons
Reserve before holiday/weekend trips.
Rentals
Consider picking equipment up beforehand.
Parking
Allow substantially more time on busy mornings.
Is There Snow in Big Bear?
This is one of the most common winter questions—and there isn't one answer for the entire valley.
Snow conditions can differ between Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City, the ski resorts and higher forest elevations. Snowmaking can also keep resort terrain operating when natural snow around town is limited.
If you're coming specifically to ski, check the resort's mountain report. If you're coming for sledding or snowshoeing, natural snowfall matters much more.
Before You Drive Up
- Check the Big Bear weather forecast
- Check current highway conditions
- Check chain restrictions
- Check the conditions for your actual activity
Driving to Big Bear in Winter
Winter driving is one of the biggest differences between a summer and winter trip to Big Bear. California can implement chain controls during storms, and conditions can change while you're already traveling.
Carry chains or the traction equipment appropriate for your vehicle when winter conditions warrant it, understand how to use them before the trip and check official road information before choosing your route.
CHAIN CONTROLS
Know what R1, R2 and R3 mean before you encounter them.
YOUR ROUTE
Don't blindly follow navigation apps onto unfamiliar mountain roads during storms.
AFTER A STORM
Roads may reopen before parking areas and residential streets are completely cleared.
LEAVE EXTRA TIME
Holiday and snow-day traffic can add substantial travel time.
More Things to Do in Winter
Big Bear in winter is about more than skiing. When the snow day is done, these are great ways to fill the rest of your trip.
List of Services
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Fishing Plan a Big Bear Lake fishing day with practical information on licenses, shore fishing, boats, charters and local tackle.Fishing
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Snowshoeing Explore snowy Big Bear forest routes on foot, with practical guidance on snow depth, trail access, traction and winter conditions.Snowshoeing
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Cross-Country Skiing Cross-country ski Big Bear forest routes when natural snow provides enough coverage, with conditions varying significantly through winter.Cross-Country Skiing
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Horseback Riding See the quieter east end of the Big Bear Valley on a guided horseback ride through open mountain country.Horseback Riding
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Ziplining Ride an off-road transfer into the forest, cross a suspension bridge and zip through nine lines on Big Bear’s mountain course.Ziplining
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Ropes Courses Climb through more than 30 elevated obstacles at Big Bear Snow Play’s outdoor ropes course.Ropes Courses
Winter in The Village
The Village becomes one of Big Bear's easiest winter stops once the sun goes down. Shops, restaurants and seasonal events keep the area active, while public fire pits provide places to warm up outside during the colder months.
It's also a good place to build into a winter itinerary after skiing or snow play, when everyone is ready to get out of wet gear and find dinner.
Winter Wildlife
Winter is also bald eagle season in Big Bear. Resident eagles use the valley throughout the year, while additional eagles can arrive at Southern California mountain lakes during winter.
Bring binoculars and watch from legal public areas around the lake rather than approaching protected habitat.
Winter Events in Big Bear
Winter brings holiday celebrations, races, resort events and other seasonal happenings around Big Bear. Events change from year to year, so check what's happening during your actual travel dates.
What to Pack for Big Bear in Winter
Waterproof shoes or boots
Snow quickly becomes slush around parking lots and busy areas.
Layers
Sunny winter afternoons can feel surprisingly warm while mornings and nights are freezing.
Gloves + extra socks
Especially important with children playing in snow.
Sunscreen + sunglasses
Big Bear's elevation plus reflected sunlight off snow can make sun exposure intense.
Chains/traction equipment
When winter road conditions require them.
Water
Visitors still need to hydrate at elevation even when it is cold.
Planning a Winter Trip to Big Bear
COMING FOR THE DAY?
Winter day-trip planning, traffic, parking and choosing one primary activity.
SPENDING A WEEKEND?
Combine one major snow activity with The Village, indoor activities and something slower the following day.
DRIVING TO BIG BEAR
Snow isn't the only thing that can affect the drive. Check chain requirements, road conditions, closures and weather before you leave—and know what to expect once you're driving around town.
Winter in Big Bear FAQ
When does it snow in Big Bear Lake?
Snow most often falls from late fall through early spring, with the heaviest storms typically in midwinter. Timing varies every year, so check the forecast before you go.
Do I need chains to drive to Big Bear?
Not always, but California can implement chain controls during storms. Carry chains or appropriate traction equipment when conditions warrant it and check official road information before you leave.
Can you visit Big Bear in winter if you don't ski?
Absolutely. Tubing, snow play, The Village, wildlife watching, indoor activities and great restaurants make winter worthwhile without a lift ticket.
Where can kids play in the snow in Big Bear?
Maintained snow tubing facilities are the easiest option for families. Natural-snow sledding is possible only with enough snow, safe terrain and legal parking.
Does Big Bear have snow if it hasn't snowed recently?
Often on the ski slopes, yes, because the resorts make snow. Natural snow around town may be limited, which affects sledding and snowshoeing most.
Is Big Bear Lake frozen in winter?
The lake can develop ice, but it is not safe to assume it is stable. Do not walk, skate, sled or play on lake ice.
Make the Most of Winter in Big Bear
Whether you're planning your first ski day, looking for somewhere to play in the snow or simply want a mountain weekend, start with the conditions and build your trip from there.
