When does tubing open for the season in Big Bear?

Most Big Bear tubing parks open in early to mid-December when there's sufficient snow. Big Bear Snow Play and Alpine Slide typically open first (late November/early December), while Grizzly Ridge and Coyote Creek usually open mid-December. The season runs through March, with some parks extending into April if snow conditions allow. Always check each park's website for exact opening dates and current conditions.

How long is a tubing session at Big Bear parks?

Session length varies by park: Grizzly Ridge and Coyote Creek offer 90-minute time slots with unlimited laps. Big Bear Snow Play provides all-day access (10am-4pm) or Glow session (5-9pm). Alpine Slide session length varies by ticket purchase.

What is the minimum age and height requirement for tubing?

Big Bear Snow Play and Alpine Slide have a 36-inch minimum height requirement. Children 36-42 inches must ride with an adult 18+ on the same tube. Grizzly Ridge and Coyote Creek require 42 inches minimum height, 40 lbs minimum weight, and 270 lbs maximum weight, with one person per tube. Pregnant women are not permitted at any tubing parks for safety reasons.

Can I bring my own sled or tube to Big Bear tubing parks?

No. Commercial tubing parks do not allow private sleds or tubes for safety and liability reasons. All parks provide specially designed tubes included with your admission. If you want to use your own equipment, visit one of Big Bear's free designated snow play areas instead (Adventure Pass required at USFS locations).

Is night tubing available in Big Bear?

Yes, two parks offer night tubing: Big Bear Snow Play and Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain both feature Glow Tubing on Friday, Saturday, and holidays from 5pm-9pm with colorful lights on the tubing hill. Grizzly Ridge and Coyote Creek do not offer night tubing.

Where do I park for Big Bear tubing?

Parking varies by location: Grizzly Ridge (Snow Summit) offers free parking at base area or Sandalwood/Fox Farm lots with 10-minute shuttle. Big Bear Snow Play charges $10 parking fee in their private on-site lot. Alpine Slide has free on-site parking (arrive early as it fills by noon on busy days). Coyote Creek (Snow Valley) charges $20 parking fee at the resort.

Big Bear Snow Tubing (2025-2026 Guide)

Compare all 4 Big Bear area tubing parks. Find the best snow tubing for your family with detailed pricing, age requirements, and insider tips.

❄️ 2025-2026 Season: Most parks open in December. Book early—tubing sells out on weekends and holidays!

Find Your Perfect Tubing Park

👶

Best for Little Kids

Big Bear Snow Play & Alpine Slide

36-inch minimum height (vs 42" elsewhere). Kids 36-42" ride with adult.

🌙

Best for Night Tubing

Big Bear Snow Play & Alpine Slide

Glow tubing Fri-Sat-holidays 5-9pm with colorful lights!

📍

Closest to Village

Big Bear Snow Play & Alpine Slide

Both on Big Bear Blvd near Village, easy access from town.

Tubing Park Locations

Park Comparison Table

Park ▼	Day/Night ▼	Price ▼	Age/Height ▼	Session ▼	Weekday	Parking	Book
Grizzly Ridge Tube Park Snow Summit	Day only	$39-$59	Min: 42 inches minimum	90 minutes unlimited laps	✅	Free parking at base area	Book
Big Bear Snow Play Standalone park	Day + Glow	$45 $30 (36-42 inches)	Min: 36 inches minimum ✓ Best for little kids	All-day access (10am-4pm) or Glow session (5pm-9pm)	✅	$10 on-site parking	Book
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain Magic Mountain	Day + Glow	$45 $30 (36-42 inches)	Min: 36 inches minimum ✓ Best for little kids	Varies by purchase	✅	Free on-site parking	Book
Coyote Creek Tube Park Snow Valley	Day only	$39-$64	Min: 42 inches minimum	90 minutes unlimited laps	✅	$20 at Snow Valley	Book

Click column headers to sort. Prices current as of 2025-10-20.

When Tubing Sells Out (+ How to Get In)

Peak Times (Expect Sellouts):

Weekends: Friday-Sunday sessions sell out days in advance, especially Saturdays
Holidays: Christmas break, MLK weekend, Presidents' Day weekend book 1-2 weeks ahead
Glow Tubing: Friday & Saturday night sessions sell out fastest

When to Arrive for Best Chance:

Grizzly Ridge & Coyote Creek: Book online 1+ days in advance (required). Check website daily if sold out—cancellations happen.
Big Bear Snow Play & Alpine Slide: Walk-up only, first-come first-served. Arrive when gates open (10am) on busy days. Weekday mornings = shorter waits.

Pro Tip: Weekday sessions (Mon-Thu) rarely sell out. If you have flexibility, visit mid-week for guaranteed entry and no waits!

What to Wear & Safety Tips

👕 Dress in Layers

Waterproof jacket & snow pants (you WILL get wet from snow)
Thermal base layers – moisture-wicking, not cotton
Warm mid-layer – fleece or insulated jacket
Extra clothes in car for after tubing

🧤 Essential Accessories

Waterproof gloves (hands get cold & wet fast)
Warm hat or beanie
Sunglasses or goggles (snow glare is intense)
Sunscreen (high altitude = stronger UV)

👢 Footwear

Waterproof insulated boots
Avoid sneakers—they'll get soaked
Wool or synthetic socks (not cotton)
Bring hand/toe warmers for extra cold days

⛑️ Helmet Policy

Helmets are optional but recommended at all parks, especially for young children. Grizzly Ridge & Coyote Creek rent helmets for $10. Big Bear Snow Play & Alpine Slide allow you to bring your own (bike/ski helmets work).

🛷 Can I Bring My Own Sled?

No. At commercial tubing parks, you cannot bring private sleds or tubes. Parks provide specially designed tubes for safety. If you want to use your own sled, see "Alternatives" below for free snow play areas.

Alternatives: Free Sledding & Snow Play

Want to bring your own sled or avoid tubing park fees? Big Bear has legal free snow play areas where you can sled, build snowmen, and play in the snow with your own equipment.

Popular free sledding spots:

Meadows Edge Picnic Area – Easy access, gentle hills, family-friendly
Boulder Bay Park – North shore location, great for sledding near the lake
Various USFS snow play areas – Check with Big Bear Discovery Center for current designated areas

Note: Adventure Pass ($5/day or $30/year) required at USFS areas. Bring your own sleds, saucers, or snow toys. Adult supervision required—no lifeguards or staff at free areas.

Parking at Tubing Parks

Grizzly Ridge (Snow Summit)

Free parking at base

Alternative lots: Sandalwood/Fox Farm (10-min shuttle)

Big Bear Snow Play

$10 parking fee

Private on-site lot

Alpine Slide

Free parking

Arrive early—lot fills by noon on busy days

Coyote Creek (Snow Valley)

$20 parking at resort

Located at Snow Valley ski resort in Running Springs

Frequently Asked Questions

▶ When does tubing open for the season?

▶ How long is a tubing session?

▶ What's the minimum age and height requirement?

▶ Can I bring my own sled or tube?

▶ Is night tubing available?

▶ Where do I park?

Plan Your Big Bear Winter Adventure

🚗 Getting Here

Check current road conditions and chain requirements before heading up the mountain.

Winter Road Conditions Guide →

🅿️ Parking Info

Find parking near Snow Summit and other tubing parks.

View All Parking Locations →

🍴 Warm Up After

Fuel up with hot meals at Big Bear's best restaurants after tubing.

Browse Big Bear Restaurants →

🏖️ Summer Activities

Visit Big Bear in summer? Check out beaches and swimming spots.

Explore Big Bear Beaches →

📅 Last Updated: 2025-10-20

Prices and hours subject to change. Always verify with parks before visiting.