Your winter wonderland is closer than you think. Complete with snow sports, fine dining, family activities and a wide array of accommodations, Big Bear is a quick car ride away from the perfect family vacation, weekend trip or romantic getaway.
“For Southern California residents, the great thing about Big Bear is it’s an easy drive to witness a real winter,” said Dan McKernan, of Big Bear Visitor’s Bureau .
Activities
Whether you’re a kid or just want to feel like a kid again, Big Bear offers snow sport activities for everyone – regardless of age or experience. Two ski resorts – Bear Mountain and Snow Summit – offer a wide selection of outdoor activities, including the classics: skiing, snowboarding and family-friendly lessons. Bear Mountain is great for all skill levels, from beginners to professional runs, while Snow Summit is the perfect spot for everyday skiers and riders in search of a friendly, laid-back winter playground.
“These are the premier ski resorts in Southern California,” Dan said.
Beyond the common snow sports, however, Big Bear also offers the unexpected.
For the kid in everyone, Big Bear now offers three different inner tube and snowplay parks: Big Bear Snowplay, Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain and Grizzly Ridge Tubing Park. Tubing is a fun, accessible way for the entire family to enjoy the snow – no experience necessary. A “Magic Carpet” lift system even carries riders up to the top of the hill, so guests can fit in more runs with extra ease. Didn’t make it to the slopes during the day? Enjoy night tubing or try tubing with neon lights and glow-in-the-dark fun.
Care to slow things down a bit and take in the scenery? Snowshoeing is an excellent way for guests to explore local wildlife and discover something new about the environment. A snowy trek is a great way for children to discover animal tracks while parents let the untouched tranquility of the forest envelop them in wonder. Check out Action Snowshoe Tours and Big Bear Discovery Center. If you want see more local wildlife, look no further than the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, a hidden gem that started as an orphanage for injured animals and has grown into a rescue facility with more than 180 animals.
Beyond just family-friendly outings, the mountains offer plenty of opportunity for adventure, as well. From helicopter rides over the white-capped peaks to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to ziplining and horseback rides through the mountains, Big Bear has enough to entice and thrill-seekers and casual recreationists alike.
Not all guests come to Big Bear looking for some heart-pounding fun, however. For those who would rather enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains from the comfort of an indoor setting, The Village offers convenient shopping in the center of town.
“Stroll through The Village to peruse quaint, boutique shops you can’t find anywhere else,” Dan said. “We also have some of the best quality retailers for snow gear.”
Once your day of play, adventure or relaxation is complete, settle in at one of Big Bear’s best dining establishments.
Dining
Dining options are as diverse as a day’s itinerary in Big Bear, with options to suit both families and couples.
“Big Bear has everything from that mom-and-pop feeling in the cafes to fine dining by candlelight,” Dan said.
The Old Country Inn serves American-style comfort foods with a full-service bar and outdoor seating that accommodates pets. Other family-friendly choices include Nottinghams Restaurant, a steak and seafood option with scheduled entertainment, and Dynasty, which serves up mouth-watering Szechwan cuisine in hearty portions.
For couples, two fine dining establishments are elegant enough for a proposal and delicious enough to stay for dessert. Offering Californian cuisine, Evergreen Restaurant strives to make every meal a celebration – of excellently prepared food, unique wines and good friends. The Pines Lakefront is Big Bear’s only lakefront restaurant and a new addition to Big Bear.
Accommodations
Accommodations are as varied and plentiful as the list of things to do in Big Bear. Resort cabins, private home rentals and town homes are spacious choices for families who are looking for a taste of true mountain living. Different than your typical inn or hotel, these options give guests a home away from home.
Lodges, inns and bed and breakfasts are great choices for a romantic getaway, however. The Inn at Fawnskin is close to the slopes, and Switzerland Haus is a centrally located bed and breakfast right at the base of Snow Summit. The ultimate in romantic lodging, Castle Wood Cottages offers themed cottages – complete with Jacuzzi tubs – just minutes from the lake.
Whether you’re looking for a snowball fight, a day of adventure or just a spectacular view, Big Bear is a diverse destination – every season of the year.
For more information, visit www.bigbear.com or call 800-424-4232.
