The Big Bear Lake locale has an abundance of snowboard and ski venues for winter sports enthusiasts, but there’s so much more to offer. Whether you’re in pursuit of a physical challenge or looking for a leisurely event, every visitor will encounter a one-of-a-kind recreational experience. Let us be your introduction to the epic winter activities at Big Bear Lake.

Go with the Snow

The highest elevations in San Bernardino County may experience snowfall as early as October and into late March, although precipitation tends to peak in February. Each winter month, there is at least one foot of glistening, white flakes scattered throughout the area, usually more. Residents have adapted to the frosty conditions, offering some of the wildest winter activities found throughout The Golden State.

Snowshoe Tours in Big Bear Lake

Have you ever taken a snowshoe tour? Hiking through knee-deep drifts is a difficult endeavor, but the right footwear can ease your ascent through even the most covered trails. Action Tours bills its tour experience as an escape to the winter solitude of Big Bear’s ponderosa pine forests, complete with training and equipment for all newcomers. Their guides know the area’s flora, fauna and natural history, so you’ll get a little bit education to go along will all that “action.” 

Sledding 

If you’re still eager to play in the snow, one of the most exhilarating winter activities is sledding down the myriad slopes at Big Bear SnowPlay. When it’s cold outside, but there’s limited precipitation, the business makes its own snow, so your tubing session is never without powdery magic. Be sure to return in the summertime; turns out, they offer summer tubing too! Another place to check out is Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain. Their staff also make their own snow, plus, have a Magic Carpet conveyor lift to return you and your friends to the top of the slope.

When money’s tight, be sure to check out some of the free sledding areas at some of Big Bear’s notable parks. If you have your own toboggan, we recommend the Aspen Glen Picnic area, perfect for families who need a spot to sit and relax as well. Boulder Bay Park is another option, although it’s free to sled, you may need an Adventure Pass to park in the adjoining lot.

Big Bear Winter Activities for When it’s not Snowing

Big Bear Alpine Zoo

Hiking with snowshoes or zip lining through forests might bring you within eyesight of eagles and ospreys, but there’s one surefire way to get up close to some of nature’s most majestic beasts. Introducing the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, open on snowy and non-snowy days. You’ll find common animals, like mallard ducks and fox squirrels, along with more exotic specimens, such as African pygmy hedgehogs and leopard geckos.

Horseback Riding 

Many Big Bear explorers might question horseback riding among their list of winter activities, but it’s truly quite a treat. The equestrians at Baldwin Lake Stables will have you saddled up in no time to take your party through Big Bear Valley’s east end. Touring options include one through three-hour rides and even half-day expeditions. People can say they’ve been through Big Bear on a boat or a car, but few can claim they rode an equine through the Pacific Crest Trail. The attraction also offers a petting zoo with some familiar farm animals to meet in-person.

Big Bear Lake Above and Beyond

Sometimes, you may want to SEE the snow but don’t want to be IN the snow. Big Bear Lake offers a plethora of winter activities for visitors who prefer to admire the alpine environment from afar and above. After all, sometimes the best views can’t be found on the ground. At Big Bear, the following attractions offer to take you to new heights.

Helicopter Tours

Picture this: After a long week of trekking, tubing and touring you find yourself wanting to get the big picture of Big Bear. Consider trying “the only helicopter experience in the San Bernardino Mountains” at Helicopter Big Bear. We encourage you to take Tour Echo this winter to experience the thrill of Santa Ana Canyon, Holcomb Valley, Onyx Summit and so much more, before touching down at Big Bear Airport. If it’s an aerial view you’re after, it’s time to get back to the chopper for some incredible winter scenery.   

Zip Lining 

Zip lining is all the craze for folks looking to take their winter activities to the next level, eager to soar through the air on a cable instead of a plane. Let’s return to Action Tours, who offer year-round zip line tours. That’s right, a bit of the chill won’t slow them down. Dress for the occasion, whether it’s a mild or blustery winter, and always wear close-toed shoes. Action Tours zip lining can last between two and a half to three hours, taking attendees on multiple lines ranging from 120 to 860 feet.

Shopping in Big Bear Lake

If this wonderful array of outdoor activities has left you unconvinced, it’s still worth it to visit The Village to take in the historic shops and boutiques at Big Bear Lake.

At Goldsmith’s Sports, customers can purchase skis, snowboards and snowshoes before gallivanting into the Big Bear wilderness. Their artisans can also repair select winter apparel so the chill doesn’t overcome anyone with well-worn gear. For those still getting acclimated to the area, stop in for a snack at Bear Cupboard Market. Stocked to the brim with good food and kitchen essentials, after a sip of their finest beverages, you won’t want to leave.

The annual Christmas winter activities are always a draw and come highly recommended for late November and December visitors. Since the mid-1980’s, Big Bear has hosted the Mountain Christmas Boutique, often at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center. This event attracts several notable arts and crafts vendors, plus activities for kids. Another notable gathering is Christkindlmarkt which has become a staple of holiday events and features Germanic-inspired entertainment and cuisine. The next time you attend, save us some sauerkraut!

Book Your Stay at The Frontier 

Big Bear Frontier offers the perfect lodging amenities for your stay in Big Bear Lake, California. Call 909.866.5888 to reserve a hotel room or book an individual cabin with a lakefront view. All of our accommodations feature a full bath, small refrigerator, microwave, TV, DVD player and coffee maker, as well as free Wi-Fi. Both our hotel and cabins are pet-friendly, so you can bring the whole family on your next Big Bear Lake excursion.

Having fun around the lake? We’d love to hear from you! Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram by tagging @BigBearFrontier and sharing a photo of your winter activities.