As a Southern Californian, I have yet to see falling snow during winter. I always wonder what it's like having snow days, waking up with a fresh layer of the white frost on the lawn and actually having to put away my beloved shorts and tank tops for the bulky winter coats and cable knit sweaters. So when I want a taste of winter I go to Big Bear, California.
Big Bear is a premier Southern California destination, providing visitors with a number of outdoor activities, fresh air and relaxation all year around. A small city, Big Bear Lake is nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains and located 2 hours east of LA/OC. During the winter, the once green trees are blanketed in snow and the lake has an icy cover. It is a great trip for those who want a group vacation, wilderness and a winter wonderland.
So you decided you want to go on a Winter Cabin Trip to Big Bear, now what?
THE CABIN
» Choose a date «
Winter is peak season for Big Bear, especially during holidays: Christmas, New Year's, and three days weekends, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and President's day. Usually, the most expensive days are holiday weekends, regular weekends being second and weekdays being the most budget friendly. The most important detail is finding a date that works with everyone. It's always best to book a few months or few weeks in advance to get the cabin within budget and accommodate the size of your party. However, it is possible to book last minute. I was able to book the perfect cabin for a group of 14 two weeks in advance , The cabin was clean, within budget and within the area we wanted to stay at, 10 minutes from the slopes.
» Booking a cabin «
With a date in mind and a number of travelers, it's time to book a cabin. In the past, I've used VRBO, Airbnb and Big Bear Cool Cabins to book my accommodations. These sites are third party search engines that allow you to narrow your search by date, price and capacity. Some cabins have a minimum age limit, it is important to make sure the person booking the cabin meets the contract requirements. Don't forget to check the amenities provided such as a fully equipped kitchen, WiFi, spa, etc.
If you do use Airbnb, here's $40!
*During a trip in February 2017, I booked a cabin for a group of 14 people. The cabin slept 10 people and had 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. We had brought an extra air mattress to accommodate the extra people. The cost per night per person was $38.75, making it $77.50 per person for the two nights we spent in Big Bear.
» Parking « It is very important to understand the maximum number of cars allowed on the property because many neighborhoods in Big Bear don't allow street parking or require a permit. There are public parking lots at which you can leave your car parked overnight. The parking lot I've used frequently is behind a restaurant called Dynasty; and we had no problem leaving our car there for the weekend. Park at your own risk. I would still recommend trying to not go over the maximum number of cars allowed by the cabin.
THINGS TO DO
» Skiing and Snowboarding «
The Bear Mountain resort offers two playgrounds, for newbies to experienced snowboarders and skiers, Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. There is a shuttle that comes around every 15 minutes so you can visit both snow resorts with the same day lift ticket. 2 mountains for the price of 1!
*Bear Mountain is designed more for intermediate and advanced riders because of the amount of black diamond and double black diamond trails (Black Diamond = expert). Snow Summit has more intermediate runs. Whichever you decide to spend most of your time at, make sure to understand the difficulty of the trail you are taking and that you are confident in your skills. Riding the lift is a one way trip. Be safe!
Parking and admission is free at Bear Mountain Resort, however lift ticket is required to go up the mountain for snowboarders and skiers, no leisure riders. Current prices for one day lift tickets at the resort are: $36 for Child (5-12), $73 for Youth (13-22), $89 for Adult (23-64), $73 for (65-79). There are also options for half day and night boarding tickets. If you need any rentals there are skis, snowboards, boots, etc. at the resort.
*Pro Tip #1: The best deal I've found for lift tickets are from Costco. Costco members can buy a 4 pack of Bear Mountain Ski Lift tickets for $220 = $55 per person. A great bargain! There are date restriction, so make sure your ski trip doesn't fall on those block out dates or else you'll have to buy tickets at the resort or find another option.
*Pro Tip #2: As for renting snowboarding and skiing gear, it's best to rent from rentals outside of the resort. Leroy's Ski & Snowboard Shops and Blauers Board Shop are two that are about 0.5 mi from Snow Summit Ski resort and they cost half the price. It will cost you about $25 to rent a snowboard and boots and $18 for skis, boots and poles.
» Inner Tubing & Alpine Slide «
Not a snowboarder or skier, but still want to play in the snow? Here are three places you can go to get your need for speed. Previously known as the Rebel Ridge, the longest run in Southern California, the Big Bear Snow Play allows children and adults to inter tube for hours while providing a Magic Carpet uphill lift, no need to climb up the slopes yourself. Skip the lift and ride down the slopes on an inter tube at the Grizzly Ridge Tubing Park at Snow Summit. You can have an authentic bobsled experience at the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain.
TIPS
» Driving «
Driving to Big Bear is not an easy task, it has a lot of turns and high elevations so beware if you get car sick easily. I always chew gum so that my ears stop popping. Make sure to look up the weather days in advance because if it is snowing you are required to drive with chains/cables on your tires as a safety precaution. It is best to buy chains/cables before going on a Big Bear trip in winter no matter what the weather because you never know how Mother Nature will treat you. Warning: it would be wise to exercise putting on your chains/cables on your tires once before heading up the mountain. In the event of snow during your trip, drive with great caution and be prepared for a long journey because they do temporarily close roads without warning if the roads are deemed unsafe.
» Food «
If you are renting a cabin with a fully equipped kitchen, I would recommend buying groceries and cooking to save money. There is a Vons and Stater Bros. at Big Bear if you forget something or need to do some shopping.
*Pro Tip #3: Not only is Costco a money saver for lift tickets but it's a great idea to buy your groceries here too. Our groceries list consist of: Breakfast - eggs, bacon, spam; Lunch - sliced bread, sandwich meats, condiments; Dinner: ground beef patties, hamburger buns, Hawaiian rolls, Asian salad, Caesar salad; Other: big bags of chips, water gallons, beer, etc. After dividing it between 14 people, it was $16.50 per person.
But if you aren't much of a cook, here is list of featured restaurants on the Official Big Bear website (»Click«).
Total
For a weekend (3 days and 2 nights) in Big Bear, it will cost you about $174: accommodations ($77.50), a one day lift ticket ($55), rentals ($25) and food ($16.50), a weekend trip (3 days and 2 nights) to Big Bear will cost you about $174.
Weekend Getaway | Winter Wonderland | Snowboarding & Skiing
Good luck & Have Fun!
» Updated: February 13, 2017 «
Where is your favorite place to visit during winter? Are you a snowboarder or skiier? Have a cool or funny snow story?
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