Best Activities in the Winter – Big Bear, California

Experience the best activities in the winter in Big Bear, California! Whether you’re hitting the slopes at Big Bear Mountain Resort, tubing with the family, or ice skating at the local arena, there’s something for everyone. This charming alpine destination transforms into a snowy playground packed with adventure and cozy winter fun.

BIG BEAR, CALIFORNIA – BEST ACTIVITIES TO DO IN THE WINTER

SKI RESORTS IN BIG BEAR STAY OPEN BETWEEN MID-NOVEMBER TO MID-APRIL

Head to the mountains for a fun-filled winter vacation in Big Bear! There is something for everyone – skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and sledding, snowshoeing, shopping, and more! Check out all the fun to be had at this family-friendly winter destination:

NEED TO KNOW

• Wear Proper Gear: Use helmets, goggles, layered clothing, and appropriate snow boots for protection and comfort.
• Check Conditions: Monitor weather, avalanche warnings, and trail safety before heading out
• Stay Within Limits: Choose slopes that match your skill level, follow rules, and use a buddy system

Skiing and Snowboarding

Big Bear Mountain Resort‘s twin properties Bear Mountain (peak 8,805 feet) and Snow Summit (peak 8,200 feet) offer the best snow conditions, longest season, and most rideable terrain in Southern California. Multi-day lift tickets are valid for same-day use at both mountains, providing visitors with access to over 400 skiable acres, 19 lifts, and more than 58 runs. 

Feel like riding under the stars? – STAY NEAR THE SLOPES

Big Bear offers a wide range of winter activities, perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for adventure. Spend your day skiing or snowboarding at Snow Summit or Bear Mountain, two of the top-rated ski resorts in the area. These slopes stay open all winter and offer terrain for all skill levels.

Snow Summit also offers night sessions on select 2024 winter season dates: 

Snow Tubing and Sledding

Looking for totally tubular fun the whole family can enjoy that requires less money, skill and gear than skiing? Consider Big Bear Snow Play’s daytime or evening sessions, with long runs and after dark glow-tubing, Alpine Slide’s bobsledding and snow tubing experiences, and Snow Summit’s Grizzly Ridge Tube Park. All three parks offer Magic Carpets, so you can catch a ride uphill, and save your energy for a thrilling ride down the hill.

Cross Country Skiing

Cross country skiing is a great workout, and an excellent way to experience the stunning beauty of Big Bear. Rim Nordic Ski Area offers 10 miles of well-groomed trails from all types of skiers, from cross-country to snowshoers. Read more about the trails to choose from.

Ice Skating

Big Bear Ice Arena offers several public skate times. Grab your family, and hit the ice! Members can reserve spots in advance online 

• Public Skate: $6  
• Skate Rental: $3 

 NON – MEMBER PRICES

• Public Skate: $11 
• Skate Rental: $3 

Other Winter Activities

For a high-flying adventure, head to Action Tours where you can tackle a nine-run mountain zipline that reaches speeds of up to 35 mph, and an adrenaline-pumping suspension bridge crossing deep within the forest. The friendly and knowledgeable guides offer a fun and safe winter adventure. Please note: must be at least 8 years of age. 

Kids of all ages will love a trip to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, a rehabilitation facility and sanctuary which features over 60 Alpine animals, including grizzly and black bears, foxes, mountain lions, snow leopards, eagles and owls.  

Encounter inclement weather? Grab your friends or family and head to the Bowling Barn for some indoor fun. They also have gutter bumpers for kids, arcade games, and a sports bar. Try glow bowling, or hyperbowling – a revolutionary new way to bowl! 

Head to The Village – a charming district that serves as a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. We love popping into the shops, then warming up with a glass of wine at family-friendly Barrell 33.