If you live in Los Angeles or the surrounding area, you’ve heard of Big Bear Lake – one of Southern California’s most popular Winter destinations. The mount resort has different charms for every visitor, no matter the season. The town of Big Bear Lake is cozy and picturesque, filled with places to visit, drink, and eat. People love renting a cabin and spending a weekend with friends or loved ones – admiring peaceful and stunning natural sights, or going skiing or snowboarding during snow season.
Table of Contents
When to visit?
The busiest winter sport season begins in January and typically wraps up at the end of March. During the peak season, snow is soft and powdery – perfect for ski and board events. Before you make the trip up, remember to check the weather forecast for rain.
What to prepare?
1. Equipment
If you are a beginner with no equipment to your name, you can rent them at the ski resort. Rentals down in the foothills will be cheaper, so if you’re on a tighter budget, rent before going all the way up to the lifts.
2. Warm clothes
Basic warm clothes such as sweaters, gloves and warm jackets are a must. Bring extras of everything so you can change the wet clothes to something warm and dry when you’ve had your fill of snow play.
3. Tire snow chains or cables for your vehicle
Snow chains will help drivers safely tackle snowy or icy mountain roads. When the conditions are not perfect for driving, “Snow Chain Required” signs will be posted along the side of the road. Under no circumstances should you ignore the signs! Obviously the warnings are there for your safety – but failure to comply could also result in heavy fines and a towed vehicle! For those having trouble attaching their chains, a number of stores on the way up the mountain will offer chains and installation.
4. Lift Tickets
Tickets when you arrive will run you a steep $90 for a 1-Day Pass – but those who plan ahead can find offers as low as $50 for rentals and a lift ticket. The Bear Mountain Ski Resort’s tickets can also be used at Snow Summit – so you can visit either site.
Traffic
Our drive from downtown LA was approximately 3-hours, stopping only for gas and to stretch. There are a number of roads leading up the mountain – http://www.bigbear.com/travel-tools/directions-and-maps/
Bear Mountain Ski Resort can get busy during weekends – so it’s recommended you get there early if you want to park at the top. Once the lot fills, lots will open in town, and shuttles will take you up to the Resort.
Bear Mountain Ski Resort
Overall, Bear Mountain is a good ski resort – the trails are accommodating for riders of all levels, and the Resort offers a variety of lessons and amenities for before, during, and after you hit the slopes.
More info about skiing and snowboarding: http://www.bearmountain.com/
Address: 43101 Goldmine Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315, USA
Awesome tips! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! 😀
Wow this looks so much fun! I’m still learning how to ski though but your post made me so excited. Definitely bookmarking this trip. xx
Thank you very much! Share your experience with us after your trip!
This place is absolutely gorgeous and it is pretty big. For $50-90, this is actually pretty cheap compare to some of the other resorts which charges way more!
Totally agreed. Be prepared ahead will save ourselves a lot of money also 😀
Big Bear is one of my favorite places to go! Between that and Lake Tahoe, my outdoorsy heart is full <3
Yea! Visiting the lake zone is a must!
Aha I live in Claremont, maybe next year I will visit big bear
Yea you won’t regret putting it on your list 😀
Oh this makes me miss home! I grew up originally right down the mountain! Hopefully this upcoming year I’ll be able to fly down to see some more record snow!
Your hometown is very lovely! <3
Oh it looks like a beautiful place the first picture is so nice!
It is very beautiful. Natural sights are breathtaking!
I’ve heard of Big Bear, but never been. I’ve only been skiing once, and it was a horrible experiment gone wrong LOL!! I would be much better in the lodge, in front of the fireplace or in the hot tub, with a cocktail! Or, maybe I could be convinced to try the bunny slopes. Who knows. But Big Bear sure looks beautiful
Bunny slopes could be fun too haha! I rented a cabin there and spent some quality time with my loved ones. It was great! If you do not ski/snowboard, you can wander around and visit the stunning natural sights. The lake zone is very beautiful.
Really amazing Post! Thanks for the share.