Big Bear Guide

The #1 Travel Guide to Big Bear, California including Activities, Recreation, Dining, Shopping and Events. Big Bear Tourism Authority

ALL ABOARD BIG BEAR TROLLEY – BE DRIVEN

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Mountain Transit provides a trolley service on Saturdays and Sundays to conveniently get around town with ease.Big Bear Trolley, Mountains, Ski Resorts

Big Bear Trolley is an ideal way to visit Big Bear’s attractions while leaving the driving to a professional driver. Visitors are encouraged to catch a ride on Big Bear Trolley to experience the pleasure and sheer fun of getting around Big Bear. Also, this means no driving, which is a blessing in itself.

The comfy and spacious 30-passenger trolley takes commuters to seven different points of interest. The fixed route is every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The trolley also operates on holidays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The trolley’s main hub is The Lodge at Big Bear Lake in Big Bear Lake Village. The other six pick-up and drop-off locations include, The Copper Q (Big Bear Lake Village), Snow Summit, Best Western Big Bear Chateau, Bear Mountain, Big Bear Alpine Zoo and Interlaken Shopping Center (Vons Grocery Store). These stops along the route are identified with the Mountain Transit Big Bear Trolley logo.

Big Bear Trolley is especially convenient for skiers and snowboarders to get to and from the mountain resorts. The two Village locations provide a central point to hop aboard for a quick ride to the ski areas. The best part is the Big Bear Trolley drops passengers right at the base of the mountain, which means no parking hassles or excessive walking to get to the ski resort. This service naturally provides skiers and snowboarders more time on the slopes.

Big Bear Trolley, Snow Summit, Bear Mountain, Ski, Snowboard, Ride

Big Bear Trolley an Old-Fasioned Ride with Modern Conveniences

The brightly red-painted and spacious vehicle features ­wood-paneled interior with park bench styled seating supported with padding for extra comfort. The trolley is wheelchair accessible, too. Passengers may bring four carry-on items onboard as long as they fit on the passenger’s lap or under the seat. Ski and snowboard racks make it a convenience for snow sports enthusiasts. The trolley even comes equipped with automatic tire chains at the flip of a switch, making it operational during snowstorms. An old-fashioned trolley bell adds to the old-time experience; while the modern amenities of stereo sound and public address system embellish the environment. Even the driver is appropriately dressed in a 19th century conductor uniform to add to the charm. Throughout the ride the conductor delights Big Bear guests, over the public address system, with historical facts about Southern California’s favorite four-season mountain resort.

Fares and Contact Info

The cost to ride the trolley is $5, which includes unlimited re-boarding all weekend. The fare for seniors over 60, disabled and veterans is $2.50. Children six and under are free. Big Bear Trolley passes may be purchased from the conductor or at four convenient locations in the village that includes Bear Skins, The Copper Q, Shirt Shanty and The Lodge at Big Bear Lake. Other services Mountain Transit offers includes fixed bus routes in Big Bear Valley, off-the-mountain rides and curb-to-curb dial-a-ride service. For detailed information including routes and schedules call 909-878-5200 or visit MountainTransit.org.

TARZAN BOAT – NEW FLOATING WATERPARK ON BIG BEAR LAKE

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Unique, Floating Waterpark is the First of Its Kind on the West Coast

This summer Captain John’s Fawn Harbor and Marina introduces a new attraction on Big Bear Lake not seen anywhere else on the West Coast. It’s called Tarzan Boat, a jungle-themed, floating waterpark that features six different stimulating ways get a wet fix.

“Tarzan Boat is not a typical nautical vessel by any means,” said Serena Saunders, owner of Captain John’s Fawn Harbor and Marina. “It’s a mobile, floating water park that features a variety of ways to get your kicks on the lake.”

Features include Monkey Jump, a six-foot high platform, and Gorilla Jump, a 12-foot high platform. Both allow participants to free fall into the lake. There are two Olympic-grade trampolines on board, Monkey Bounce and Gorilla Bounce. Participants get airborne on these trampolines before splashing into the water. The Gorilla Bounce can launch jumpers up to 20 feet above the water’s surface. The Tarzan Swing, which is accessed from the 12-foot platform, adds to the excitement. It’s a rope swing that extends over the lake to give participants the opportunity to swing high above the water like Tarzan. Rounding off the boat’s attractions is the Jungle Slide. This curvy, tube slide, which is also accessed from the 12-foot platform, shoots people out like a rocket into the water. Two ladders on each side of the vessel provide easy entrance back onto the bow deck so swimmers can access unlimited water fun.

“Tarzan Boat will be the hot spot on Big Bear Lake this summer for families, couples and groups,” added Saunders. “It provides continuous fun for all ages, which naturally fits our theme here at Captain John’s.”Floating waterpark in Big Bear LakeTarzan Boat, The Floating Waterpark

Safety First

The floating waterpark anchors approximately 100 yards from Captain John’s Fawn Harbor and Marina, adjacent to the town of Fawnskin on the north shore. The water depth is 10 to 12 feet at the anchor point. An electric, jungle-safari cruiser shuttles guests from the marina docks every hour on the hour.

On the shuttle ride over, marina staff addresses Tarzan Boat’s safety rules to the guests. Two fully certified lifeguards are on board the Tarzan Boat at all times, and the boat comes equipped with life jackets for every person on board. A paying adult must accompany participants 12 years of age and under. Also, anyone 12 years and under must pass a swim test before playing on the boat’s features, and must wear a life jacket at all times. Tarzan Boat can accommodate up to 30 people at a time. Headfirst diving or flipping is not allowed. However, jumping, 360-degree twists, and cannonballs are all permitted.

Here’s How to Book Your Day of Fun Aboard the Tarzan Boat

Tarzan Boat is scheduled to open to the public Saturday, May 27. It will remain open through September. Hours of operation are daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with multiple sessions throughout the day. General admission pricing is per person, and can either be booked in advance or by walk-in. Rates are $25 for one hour, $40 for two hours, $50 for three hours, and $60 for four hours. The Tarzan Boat is available for private groups of 11 to 20 people, for either two or three-hour sessions, or groups of 21 to 30 people for four-hour sessions. Private party rental rates are $480 and up. Private parties must book the Tarzan Boat at least 24 hours in advance. All pricing, rules and restrictions are subject to change.

Captain John’s Fawn Harbor and Marina is located at 39369 North Shore Drive (Hwy. 38) in Fawnskin. To book a session aboard the unique Tarzan Boat, floating waterpark, call 909-866-6478 or online at FawnHarbor.com.

Epic Big Bear Winter Equals Great Scenery & Fun

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Big Bear Winter Shifts to Spring Break

It’s been an epic Big Bear winter…to say the least! Big Bear has already accumulated over 70 inches of natural snow delivered by Mother Nature. That’s about 8 inches better than the average for Big Bear Winter.

Big Bear’s neighboring mountain range The San Gorgonio Wilderness, which includes Mt. San Gorgonio (pictured) has a solid blanket of snow, too. In fact, the entire San Bernardino Mountains are covered in the white stuff, and it makes for great scenic photography and selfies for social media!

Big Bear Winter

This has been the best snow season Big Bear has experienced in years. The white stuff is abundant at Big Bear’s ski resorts, Bear Mountainand Snow Summit, with a five to seven foot snow base. Big Bear’s snow tubing hills are crushing it too; Alpine Slide at Magic Mountainand Big Bear Snow Playhave reported a snow base of five to 20 feet. The quality snowpack is expected to help keep these recreational activities open well into April.

Skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing are all great ways to enjoy spring break. When planning a spring break getaway consider how fun it is in the snow. Whether it’s a family trip to the mountains for some snow play, or college buds getting away to get some turns in at Big Bear Mountain Resortit will be a blast on the snow-covered mountains this spring.

For all recreation on the snow visit Big Bear Guide’s Recreation & Activities page. Some other thoughts for fun in the snow include Helicopter Big Bear, Action Tours’ snowshoe tours, ziplining and Segway tours, or Big Bear Jeep Experience. Big Bear Alpine Zoo is open all winter long and into spring. Another option to consider is Balwin Lake Stables, which offers horseback riding in the serene white-covered forest.

Big Bear Snow Play is Now Open For Winter Season

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Want Snow? Big Bear Snow Play Has Plenty Of It

Big Bear Snow Play is now open for business with three full-length snow-tubing runs. The snow-covered hills come just time for Thanksgiving weekend. Recent evening weather conditions have allowed for great snowmaking, and the tubing park has got a jump-start on the winter season.

“We’re happy to announce the white stuff is in Big Bear now!” declared Big Bear Snow Play General Manager Bruce Voigt. “We’re ready to kick off the winter season with snow-tubing fun for the whole family.”

Big Bear Snow Play has ski-resort quality snowmaking systems to assure there is snow for snow-tubing thrill seekers. The park grooms its runs nightly, which ensures optimum sliding conditions. As winter continues, Big Bear Snow Play will eventually blanket its runs with more than 20 feet of snow, and open eight runs. The snowmaking is good enough to keep snow coverage through April.Big Bear Snow Play Where Kids Have Fun

Big Bear Snow Play provides two Magic Carpet uphill lifts. These lifts are comprised of a large moving conveyor belt, similar to an airport terminal people mover that transports riders to the top. The purpose of Magic Carpet rides is to eliminate the stress of climbing the hill, which equates to more downhill fun. For added comfort, one of the Magic Carpet rides comes equipped with a Plexiglass cover. This is perfect for those snowy, chilly days. There is even a “kiddie area” for the youngest riders. Big Bear Guests can warm up inside the heated base lodge, where they will find a family-priced snack bar and video games.

Snow tubing in Big Bear

For More Information

Big Bear Snow Play is open daily for snow tubing from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. All-day passes including tube rental and Magic Carpet lift are $35, and guests are free to come and go as they please. Big Bear Snow Play is located at 42825 Big Bear Blvd. (three miles east of Big Bear Village, next to Motel 6). For more information call 909-585-0075 or visit BigBearSnowPlay.com.

LOVE SNOW – LOVE BIG BEAR

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photo1DO YOU LOVE SNOW?

Tis the season to love snow, and Big Bear is hopeful for a snowy winter. Let’s hope it’s a good one with tons of white stuff. When mother nature brings the snow it improves skiing, snowboarding and tubing conditions for all.

If you make your way up to Big Bear this winter bring your loving heart, because once you see the white-covered forest you will automatically fall in love with the snow. It goes hand in hand to harmonize with the snow.

The great thing about Big Bear is this mountain resort is Snow Close to Home, which means it’s just a short drive from home to see the winter wonderland that abounds. Stay over at a Big Bear Cabin and the next day when you look outside you wake up to happiness.

Whether you choose to play in the snow or just relax next to a crackling fireplace you are certain to love snow. Of course the main attraction is Big Bear Mountain Resort where you can ski and ride at Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. Other fun activities in the white stuff is sliding down the hill in an inner tube at Big Bear Snow Play or Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain. Or bring your own toboggans, find a snow-covered hill in the forest and let the fun begin!

Of course you can make your own fun by throwing snowballs at one another and have a classic snowball battle. Roll up big snowballs to create a snowman. Add pine needles for its hair and pine cone for its nose. Then flop back into the snow and flap your arms and legs to make the traditional snow angel. This is just some of the ways your can love snow.

Come on up to Big Bear this winter to enjoy a snowy good time!