The Best Big Bear Winter Activities: Ultimate Guide for 2025
Looking for things to do in Big Bear during winter? My guide cuts straight to the chase, giving you a curated list of activities that make the most of Big Bear lake’s winter landscape. From heart-pumping ski adventures to cozy village explorations, I’ll share what makes Big Bear Lake the ultimate winter destination for visitors from Southern California and beyond!
Is Big Bear Worth Visiting in Winter?
Big Bear in winter? Oh, heck yeah, it’s worth it! The place turns into a snowy blast with skiing, tubing, snowboarding and those cozy village nights—all just a quick jaunt from SoCal’s Inland Empire. If you’re craving a winter getaway that doesn’t mess around, this is your spot.
Discover the Ski Resorts: Bear Mountain and Snow Summit
When winter paints Big Bear white, the region transforms into Southern California’s Winter Wonderland. The crown jewels of this winter playground are Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, collectively known as Big Bear Mountain Resort. These Big Bear resorts offer 200+ acres of terrain, 63 trails, and 26 lifts, all accessible with a single lift ticket.
Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a beginner, these mountains provide the perfect setting for winter recreation. My personal favorite spot is the mid-mountain restaurant at Snow Summit where you can grab lunch with a view that’ll make your Instagram followers jealous!
Bear Mountain
Bear Mountain features the highest lift-served peak in Southern California, towering at 8,805 feet. First time I made it to the top, I had to sit down for a minute before I could even appreciate the view! With trails for all levels, it’s the perfect place for families and groups with varying skiing abilities.
The mountain offers:
- Award-winning terrain parks for riders of all abilities
- Free wifi (because did you even ski if you didn’t post about it?)
- Convenient guest drop-off zones
Snow Summit
Just a stone’s throw from Bear Mountain is Snow Summit, another stellar ski resort with extensive learning areas for beginners and diverse terrain for veterans. The resort offers 240 acres of skiing and snowboarding terrain with various features for all ages.
Pro tip: If you’re coming on a weekend, get there EARLY. I’m talking crack-of-dawn early. Nothing worse than spending half your day in traffic when you could be on the mountain!
What Are the Best Things to Do in Big Bear in Winter Besides Skiing?
Not big on skiing? No sweat—Big Bear’s got a ton to keep you stoked. Some of my favorite Big Bear memories don’t even involve skiing at all!
Embrace the Thrill of Snow Tubing
Looking for a change of pace? Embrace the thrill and beauty of snow tubing! Big Bear Lake offers three exhilarating snow tubing locations: Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, Grizzly Ridge Tube Park, and Big Bear Snow Play.
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
THEY HAVE NIGHT TUBING TOO!!!!!!! 😱
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain is a year-round fun destination with snow-covered terrain perfect for tubing. The excitement continues after dark with Glow Tubing. I went last February with friends, and sliding down a hill lit up like a Christmas tree is MAGICAL. Maybe it was the hot cocoa with a splash of something extra, but that night is one of my favorite winter memories.
Grizzly Ridge Tube Park
The Grizzly Ridge Tube Park at Snow Summit offers a thrilling high-speed tubing experience down 300-foot lanes. Each session lasts 90 minutes with unlimited runs, and a magic carpet takes care of the uphill journey.
This is hands-down the best place for families with little ones. My sister’s 4-year-old couldn’t get enough of it last season—we literally had to bribe him with hot chocolate to leave!
Big Bear Snow Play
Big Bear Snow Play boasts:
- Longest tubing runs in Southern California
- Magic carpet walkways for easy ascent
- Extensive snowmaking system
- Glow tubing on select nights
Pro tip: wear waterproof pants. I learned this lesson the hard way after spending an entire day with a wet, frozen backside. Not. Fun.
Best FREE Sledding Spots
For free sledding adventures in Big Bear Lake, check out my post: Top 6 Free Sledding Spots in Big Bear Lake
Winter Hiking Adventures
For those who prefer a slower pace, winter hiking in Big Bear is a great way to enjoy the beautiful snow-covered landscape. The Nature Discovery Trail and Woodland Trail are two family-friendly hiking options suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Woodland Trail
The Woodland Trail offers an easy hiking experience in the San Bernardino National Forest with gentle elevation gain and well-maintained pathways. Last time I was there, I spotted a whole family full of deer just off the trail—they were so close I could’ve reached out and touched them (don’t do that though, seriously).
Nature Discovery Trail
The Nature Discovery Trail is a 0.5-mile loop behind the Big Bear Discovery Center with educational plaques about the region’s ecology. This is my go-to trail when I have out-of-town visitors who want to experience Big Bear but aren’t up for anything too strenuous.
Experience Snowshoeing
The Big Bear Discovery Center offers guided snowshoe tours with equipment and knowledgeable guides. Local shops also rent snowshoes for independent adventures.
First time I tried snowshoeing, I thought it would be like walking with tennis rackets strapped to my feet (which, to be fair, it kind of is), but I was surprised at how quickly I got the hang of it. There’s something magical about being able to walk across terrain that would be impossible to navigate otherwise!
Explore Big Bear Village
The Village at Big Bear Lake is especially charming in winter when everything is decorated for the season and the holidays. You’ll find unique shops like Brown Bear Gift Shop (where I always end up buying way too many souvenirs) and Barrel 33 (amazing wine selection).
Big Bear Village also offers:
- Gold Rush Mining Adventures for kids
- Village-wide scavenger hunts
- Holiday Nights special events
When you’re done exploring, indulge at Sister My Sister Bake Shop (try the bear claws—you can thank me later) or enjoy a meal at one of the many eateries in the village.
Get Up Close with Wildlife at Big Bear Alpine Zoo
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is home to a diverse range of creatures, many of which are rescues that couldn’t survive in the wild. It’s a great way to connect with nature and learn about conservation efforts in action.
Unwind at a Spa
After a day of adventures, treat yourself to a spa visit at Altitudes Massage & Spa or schedule a service with Mountain Mobile Massage & Spa who bring the relaxation experience directly to your lodging.
I splurged on a hot stone massage after a particularly brutal day on the slopes last year, and I swear I floated out of there afterward. Worth. Every. Penny.
Family Fun at Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is a hub for family fun and winter activities. Build snowmen, enjoy a picnic at Boulder Bay Park, or simply relax at lakefront lodging like The Grand Big Bear Lake Lakefront Home.
My niece still talks about the “snow monster” (her words, not mine) we built last winter that was taller than her dad! Some of my favorite memories are those quiet evening moments when everyone’s exhausted from a day of adventure, sitting around with hot drinks and enjoying the stunning views of the icy lake.
Savor the Flavors of Big Bear: Dining Options
Big Bear offers a wide array of dining options.
After a day in the snow, you’ll have earned those calories, trust me!
Some top restaurants include:
- Sonora Cantina for Mexican dishes and serious margaritas
- Tropicali for amazing Hawaiian food (weird to find in the mountains, but don’t question it)
- Bone Yard Bar & Grill for hearty American fare and loaded nachos that could feed a small army
- Captains Anchorage for steak and seafood with lakeside views
- Peppercorn Grille for upscale dining (make reservations though—I once waited nearly two hours during peak season!)
When to Visit Big Bear in Winter
When’s the snow hitting the slopes of Big Bear? You’re looking at mid-December through mid-March for the good stuff—January and February are prime time. Even if Mother Nature slacks off, places like Snow Summit crank up the snow machines to keep the party going.
I’ve had some amazing powder days in February, but I’ve also skied in a t-shirt in March, so it really depends on the year!
Planning Your Winter Trip
Here’s a quick three-day itinerary to help plan ahead for your Big Bear winter adventure:
Day 1: Arrive, explore the Discovery Center and Village, dine at Teddy Bear Restaurant or Grizzly Manor Cafe.
Day 2: Ski or snowboard at Snow Summit or Bear Mountain, try snow tubing in the afternoon, relax in the evening.
Day 3: Take a guided snowshoe tour, visit the Alpine Zoo, enjoy live music with dinner.
Some of my best Big Bear trips have been the ones where we threw out the itinerary and just went with the flow. Sometimes the best memories come from the unplanned adventures!
Summary
From thrilling ski and snowboard adventures at Bear Mountain and Snow Summit to exciting snow tubing at Big Bear Snow Play, from serene winter hikes to relaxing spa sessions, Big Bear Lake truly is Southern California’s ultimate winter destination.
The mountain paradise offers vibrant village life, diverse dining options, and activities for guests of all ages. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast seeking thrills on the slopes or someone seeking a peaceful winter retreat, Big Bear has something for everyone.
So why wait? Pack your winter gear, grab your friends and family, and head to Big Bear for an unforgettable winter adventure in the beautiful mountains of Southern California! Trust me, your Instagram feed will thank you—and so will your winter-starved soul.