Big Bear Winter Activities Guide
Your complete guide to enjoying winter in Big Bear Lake - from snow tubing and skiing to winter hiking and cozy mountain dining.
❄️ Snow Tubing
Snow tubing is one of Big Bear's most popular winter activities, perfect for families and groups. Slide down groomed lanes on inflatable tubes - no experience needed! Most parks offer magic carpet lifts so you don't have to haul your tube back up the hill.
Popular Tubing Parks
Big Bear has several excellent tubing parks with different features, prices, and hours. Check out our complete guide to compare parks, find current pricing, and see which one is best for your group.
View Complete Tubing Guide →🥾 Winter Hiking & Snowshoeing
Big Bear's trails transform into winter wonderlands when snow falls. Many easy trails remain accessible throughout winter, offering peaceful snow-covered forest walks. For deeper snow, bring snowshoes or microspikes for better traction.
Best Trails for Winter
Easy trails with minimal elevation gain are ideal for winter hiking. These trails are usually the first to be passable after snowfall and offer beautiful winter scenery without requiring advanced skills.
Woodland Trail
Distance: 1.5 miles loop
Elevation: 150 ft
Perfect winter loop through pine forest near the village. Usually accessible after light snowfall.
Champion Lodgepole Pine
Distance: 0.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 50 ft
Short, easy walk to see one of the world's largest lodgepole pines. Great for families in winter.
Bluff Lake Reserve Loop
Distance: 2.5 miles loop
Elevation: 200 ft
Beautiful meadow and forest loop. Stunning in winter with snow-covered meadows and wildlife tracks.
⛷️ Skiing & Snowboarding
Snow Summit
Snow Summit is Big Bear's premier ski resort with 240 acres of skiable terrain and 31 runs. The resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and terrain parks for all skill levels. Night skiing is available, and the resort has a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs.
Location: 880 Summit Blvd, Big Bear Lake
Terrain: 31 runs (20% beginner, 40% intermediate, 40% advanced)
Website: snowsummit.com
Bear Mountain
Bear Mountain is known for its excellent terrain parks and features, making it a favorite among snowboarders and freestyle skiers. The resort has 195 acres of terrain with a focus on parks and progressive features.
Location: 43101 Goldmine Dr, Big Bear Lake
Terrain: 27 runs with extensive terrain parks
Website: bearmountain.com
🎿 More Winter Fun
Ice Skating
Big Bear Lake Village has a seasonal outdoor ice rink during winter months. Perfect for families and a great way to spend an afternoon.
Sledding
Find free sledding hills throughout Big Bear. Popular spots include areas near Snow Summit and various unofficial hills around town.
Cross-Country Skiing
Several trails around Big Bear are perfect for cross-country skiing and offer a peaceful way to explore the winter landscape.
Winter Safety Tips
- Check road conditions before driving to Big Bear - chains may be required
- Dress in layers and bring extra warm clothing
- Stay hydrated - cold, dry air at elevation increases dehydration
- Apply sunscreen - UV rays reflect off snow and are stronger at altitude
- Check weather forecasts and be prepared to adjust plans
- Tell someone your plans and expected return time
- Bring emergency supplies in your car (blankets, water, snacks, flashlight)
Warm Up After Your Adventure
After a day in the snow, nothing beats warming up at one of Big Bear's cozy restaurants. From hearty comfort food to fine dining with lake views, there's something for everyone.