WINTER ACTIVITIES IN BIG BEAR

November 24, 2022 By Admin1 2 Comments

Experience Snow Close to Home – Winter Recreation & Things to do in Big Bear

Winter is here! Now is the time to take advantage of Big Bear’s snow-covered mountains. Therefore, many people choose this favorite mountain town for the array of winter-related recreation activities. These winter activities in Big Bear appeal to all ages and skill levels. For instance, there’s snowboarding, skiing, snow tubing, snowshoeing, backcountry off-roading, ziplining, helicopter sightseeing tours and horseback riding. Here’s a full list of things to do in Big Bear.

SKIING & SNOWBOARDING – SNOW SUMMIT & BEAR MOUNTAIN:

The one place in Southern California that’s certain to deliver a flurry of frosted fun is Big Bear Lake. Home to Southern California’s two premier ski resorts, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. Snow Summit is the place for everyday skiers and riders. In addition, it’s for those in search of a friendly, laidback winter playground. There’s plenty of room to roam from the popular face of the mountain to peaceful, isolated trails with ideal ski conditions away from the pack. Bear Mountain attracts every level from first-time snowboarders and skiers to freestyle enthusiasts. It has been pushing the progression of winter sports for more than 75 years, and is home to the only halfpipes, highest lift served peak (8,805 feet), and the largest beginner ski and snowboard area in Southern California. Both resorts set itself apart from other Southern California’s ski areas because of their quality snowmaking and slope grooming.

EQUIPMENT RENTAL SHOPS (SKI & SNOWBOARD):

Whether it’s on a trial basis for first time beginners, or advanced skiers / riders that wish to demo the latest and greatest equipment. Big Bear’s ski and board shops are ready to outfit guests for high performance on the slopes. The rental shops make it easy to get in and get out. Therefore, more time can be spent on the slopes. Most rental shops carry today’s hottest gear and clothing trends, too. The top rental shops in town are Goldsmith’s Sports, LeRoy’s Boardshop, Getboards Ride Shop and Blauer Boardshop.

SNOW TUBING – BIG BEAR SNOW PLAY AND ALPINE SLIDE BIG BEAR:

Experience the thrill of inner tubing down snow-packed slopes! Therefore, these slopes are all about good times! Snow tubing in Big Bear’s winter wonderland is the ultimate outdoor family outing. It creates memories that last a lifetime. Moreover, Many families have made sliding down the slopes of Big Bear Lake an annual tradition. Both Big Bear Snow Play and Alpine Slide Big Bear, provide Magic Carpet uphill lifts. These lifts make snow play a cinch. The Magic Carpet lifts are comprised of a large moving conveyor belt, which are similar to an airport terminal people-mover. In other words, an easy ride to the top of snow-packed slopes. The purpose of Magic Carpet rides eliminates the stress of climbing the hill, which in turn provides opportunity for more downhill fun! Also, there’s an extensive snowmaking system Plus, nightly grooming ensures excellent coverage on all runs.

GLOW TUBING:

Big Bear Snow Play lights up after dark! How you ask? With its unique snow play experience called glow tubing. Furthermore, Big Bear Snow Play transforms white snow-covered hills into a rainbow of colors every Friday, Saturday and holiday nights from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. It adds another dimension to the fun because of these spectrum of colors that glow tubing provides.

SNOWSHOE TOURS:

Want more winter activities in Big Bear? Experience the serenity of the winter forest on snowshoes. A trek into the open country via snowshoes is a great way to enjoy the true bliss of Big Bear Lake’s winter scenery. Moreover, this rapid growing winter sport is easy to learn. Plus, it provides a casual workout at one’s own pace. Moreover, Action Tours offer snowshoe tours that are suitable for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts. For instance, tours offer guests an opportunity to experience Big Bear’s scenic winter landscapes. Also, an expert tour guide leads tours. Guest learn about winter ecology, animal tracking, flora and fauna. Take a trip on snowshoes. It’s worth it!

HORSEBACK RIDING:

Another way to explore Big Bear’s peaceful winter setting is by horseback. A relaxing ride into the wilderness is a splendid way to connect with nature and enjoy the pleasantries of the fresh mountain air. Saddle-up for either an hourly, half-day, or sunset ride through National Forest areas. There are horses and mountain trails to suit all riding abilities. Reservations are suggested. Also, kids love the petting zoo and pony rides that are available on site.

BIG BEAR OFF-ROAD EXPERIENCE:

Imagine the thrill of driving an off-road vehicle in the backcountry. Big Bear Off-Road Experience does just that. This unique company gives its customers the chance to get behind the wheel of a Jeep or Can-Am. A great way to experience the thrill of 4×4 action in the backwoods, even in the snow! This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for many people. Some might compare it to an opportunity to speed around a NASCAR racetrack in a race car. Big Bear Off-Road Experience offers both Jeep and Cam-Am tours. In addition, sightseeing trips, beginner-friendly introductions to off-roading, and novice to advanced rock-crawling trips.

ZIPLINING ABOVE THE SNOW:

Another Big Bear winter activity is ziplining. Action Tours in Big Bear has grown quite a reputation for introducing new ways to experience fun in the snow. Ziplining is ideal for thrill seekers, families and groups. This adventure takes guests high above snow-blanketed canyons for a surefire adrenaline rush. Get on and zip across the white stuff in a flash! At first glance these zips may look intimidating. However, once nerves cool and adrenaline kicks in, its all hoots and hollers from there forward.

SKY HIGH TOURS VIA HELICOPTER:

Helicopter tours offer a completely different way to experience the snow. See the scenery from a bird’s point of view. Helicopter Big Bear offers sightseeing flights from the vantage point of a helicopter cockpit. Witness the beauty of the San Bernardino National Forest. In addition, there are landmarks, points-of-interest, lakes, ski resorts and more. There are miles and miles of the serene snow-covered landscape. These aerial views are certain to leave passengers breathless.

FREE TROLLEY RIDES TO VARIOUS WINTER ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS:

The Free Big Bear Trolley gives guests a ride to a wide range of winter activities in Big Bear Valley. This new service is provided by Mountain Transit. It offers three convenient routes. Get a free ride to and from most attractions, including the ski resorts, snow-tubing parks, the Village, Boulder Bay, restaurants, supermarkets and more. Moreover, Riders are allowed to bring snow gear onto the trolley. The free-to-ride trolley service is daily from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Riders can download an app for real-time tracking.

BIGBEARGUIDE.COM – RESOURCE FOR BIG BEAR’S ACTIVITIES ALL YEAR:

BigBearGuide.com is a user-friendly website that’s designed to improve the guest experience of Big Bear Valley. It has relevant information about places to eat, shop and recreate all-year round. It’s a great source for winter activities in Big Bear. For all there is to see and do in beautiful Big Bear Lake, log onto BigBearGuide.com

Southern California’s #1 Oktoberfest Returns to Big Bear

August 20, 2019 By Admin1 Leave a Comment

Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest is back! Southern California’s #1 Oktoberfest returns for nine consecutive weekends, September 7 to Nov. 2, 2019. The true spirit of Bavaria comes to life in Big Bear. Break out the lederhosen and dirndls and cluck the night away to the Chicken Dance!

Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest, Beer, German Festival, Beer Festival — Prosit to Southern California’s Top-Ranked Oktoberfest!

Consistently Ranks as a Top 10 Oktoberfest Celebration in America

This sincerely is Southern California’s most authentic Oktoberfest, because it takes pride in being the closest thing to the original one. In fact, year after year it always ranks as one of the top 10 best Oktoberfest celebrations in America! Hence, Big Bear Lake is situated in an alpine setting with miles of pine trees, mountains, and a town-square village that reflects the scenery of the Bavarian Alps of Germany. Other key factors that continuously puts Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest high on the charts is it brings bands direct from Bavaria. It serves a variety of beer imported from Germany. Dance troupes perform customary dances. The sausages are from a German butcher in Los Angeles, and fresh apple strudel is delivered weekly from a German bakery in Newport Beach! Hence this is why it stays true to its German roots.

Real German Bands Take Center Stage at Oktoberfest

This year, Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest steps up its game with an entertainment lineup that brings more Bavarian-style oomph, or in musical terms oom-pah-pah, than ever before. The 49^thAnnual Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest features four different bands from Germany. Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest’s audience is treated with a unique blend of traditional German polkas, sing-alongs and of course the Chicken Dance. Expect a fair share of classic rock covers, country hits and today’s dance favorites. See why these German bands help create the same vibe and pageantry of the original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.

Great Selection of German Beer

Enjoy ice-cold German beer served at eight bars and beer gardens. Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest has gained a great reputation for serving a wide selection of German beers. Also, the Tiki Bar serves uniquely crafted beers and micro brews, which are ideal for beer connoisseurs. Be sure to pick up a commemorative stein at the merchandise stand. Something about beer in a traditional stein just makes beer taste that much better.

Pour beer, beer fest, oktoberfest — A Variety of German Beer Flows at Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest

German Food Fit for a King

Come hungry, because this festival serves up a German feast fit for a king. Enjoy scrumptious sausages with lots of home-style sauerkraut piled on. Sauerkraut is just one of several side dish options. There are also potato dumplings, beer cheese soup, and colossal, mega-sized pretzels. Try the street tacos, various flatbread pizzas, hamburgers and veggie burgers, too. Save room for desert because the fresh German apple strudel with warm vanilla sauce drizzled on top is a dream come true for taste buds! Yum!!!

Contests Enhance the Fun-Filled Atmosphere

Fun competitions and contests at Oktoberfest include log sawing, stein holding, shoot & yodel, a version of beer pong, and stein carrying. A contest unlike any other in the country is the beer stein-carrying contest. It makes the winning Oktoberfest queen work hard for her title. Therefore, the woman who carries the most one-liter beer steins wins the queen title. Past Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest queens have lifted and carried up to 80 pounds of full beer steins.

Oktoberfest has enhanced its kids’ play area! There are several different giant inflatables, which keeps youngsters entertained during the festivities. The Fun Zone is geared for kids of all ages. It’s located outside, under a canopy of trees near the sports bar.

Sports Beer Garden – Sporting Events, Fire Pits and Cornhole

College football, NFL games and World Series playoffs are shown on big screen TVs. In this area you’ll find two fire pits. These of course add to the mountain charm. Also, the popular bean-bag game cornhole is readily available in this sports-themed section, which adds yet another fun aspect to this fan-favorite German festival.

Free Shuttle Service and Lodging

When it’s time to retire for the evening be sure to catch a ride back on the free shuttle. The shuttle service drives guests safely to their lodge or cabin. Since the shuttle is free why not stay the night! Big Bear Cool Cabins has provided lodging in Big Bear for more than 20 years. Please note, they offer over 350 homes and cabins to choose from. Therefore, it makes it simple to book an overnight stay. For rentals visit BigBearCoolCabins.com.

The Scoop for Oktoberfest Tickets and More

The 49^th Annual Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest begins Saturday, September 7. It then runs nine consecutive weekends (Sat. & Sun.) through Saturday, November 2, 2019. Festivities takes place at Big Bear Lake Convention Center, 42900 Big Bear Blvd. Tickets are on sale now. You should pre-purchase tickets in advance, especially October dates. To purchase tickets or general information, log onto BigBearEvents.com, or Facebook, or call 909-585-3000.

For all other activities happening in Big Bear this fall check out Big Bear Guide’s recreation page.

ALL ABOARD BIG BEAR TROLLEY – BE DRIVEN

April 28, 2018 By Admin1 Leave a Comment

Mountain Transit provides a trolley service on Saturdays and Sundays to conveniently get around town with ease.

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 19^th 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.

Epic Big Bear Winter Equals Great Scenery & Fun

March 1, 2018 By Admin1 Leave a Comment

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.

LOVE SNOW – LOVE BIG BEAR

October 30, 2017 By admin Leave a Comment

DO 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!