9 Best Places To Go Sledding In Big Bear
Looking for a winter getaway that will excite the whole family? Big Bear is the perfect place! Not only are there plenty of ski resorts and snowboarding trails to keep you busy, but Big Bear is also home to some of the best tubing parks and sledding hills in Southern California. The best part is that Big Bear is just a few hours from Los Angeles, so you can enjoy a snow day and be back by bedtime.
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Best Places To Go Sledding In Big Bear
Sledding is one of the classic winter family activities. It’s something that everyone can do, and it’s a great way to spend hours outdoors enjoying the snow. Big Bear is located in San Bernardino, California, and it’s a great place for sledding, skiing, snowboarding, and more. The slopes are perfect for beginners and experienced skiers alike, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby if you need a break from the cold.
Big Bear has some of the most unique sledding set-ups in the country, so check out our round-up of the best places to go sledding in Big Bear where you can have fun and memorable sledding experience.
Related: 25 Fun Things To Do In Big Bear With Kids
Big Bear is a great place to go sledding in the winter, but when is the best time to visit for snow?
The best time to visit Big Bear for snow is from December to March. These are the months that typically have the most snowfall, and Big Bear is known for its long ski season. The weather can be a bit unpredictable in Big Bear, so always check the forecast before you go sledding.
Before you go sledding in Big Bear, there are a few things you should consider.
Again, check the weather forecast to make sure that conditions are safe for sledding. The slopes can be dangerous if its icy out. Also be sure to dress appropriately, bring plenty of warm clothes and even a change of clothes.
It’s also important to pack snacks and drinks, since you’ll likely be outside for a few hours. Sunscreen and hats are a must as well, especially if the sun is shining.
Related: 26 Of The Best Trader Joe’s Snacks For Kids On The Go
What kind of sled should I get?
The type of sled you should get for Big Bear depends on your age and experience level. For beginners, a simple plastic sled or a saucer is perfect since it’s easy to maneuver and won’t damage the snow as much as metal ones. For more experienced sledders, a wooden or even metal toboggan can be fun and fast.
Finally, make sure you have fun! Sledding is a great way to enjoy winter with family or friends, so take advantage of Big Bear’s best sledding spots and have some laughs while you’re at it.
What is the best route to Big Bear?
The quickest and simplest route is State Hwy 330/Hwy 18 through Running Springs, however it can get crowded on weekends and popular holidays.
Highway 38 through Redlands is slightly longer than Highway 330/Highway 18, but it is also the most picturesque and frequently has less traffic.
Highway 18 passes through Lucerne Valley, which has the least amount of mountain travel and receives less snowfall during storms.
Related: How to Plan a Trip to the Local Mountains
Here are 9 of our favorite places to go sledding in Big Bear:
Big Bear Tubing Slopes
For the easiest sledding experience head to one of the big sledding hills or resorts where you’ll find everything you need with the cost of a ticket including inner tubes, uphill lifts and food and drink concessions.
Big Bear Snow Play
Big Bear Snow Play offers top-notch year-round recreation and some of the best sledding hills in the area. In the winter, enjoy snow play with 2 Magic Carpet lifts. Big Bear Snow Play also offers a snow tubing hill made with man-made and natural snow and glow tubing where the the snowy slopes are lit up by glowing neon lights. Big Bear Snow Play is perfect for the entire family! You can even visit and enjoy tubing during the summer months, when you can ride an inner tube down synthetic tube slides.
42825 Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 585-0075
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
This popular Big Bear spot is open year round with tubing and a snow play area in the winter months and the famous Alpine Slide, go karts, coasters and even a water slide in the summer. Take a ride up the hill on the Magic Carpet uphill lift, which is covered for your comfort, and then zip down the freshly created snow slopes. The ski hill is illuminated for night tubing, and best of all, you don’t need to rent or purchase any equipment as the tubes are included in the cost.
800 Wildrose Ln
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Grizzly Ridge Tube Park
The Grizzly Ridge Tubing Park, located at Snow Summit, is fantastic for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Instead of hiking, use a magic carpet lift to go to the top of the tube park, where you you can race down one of four 300-foot tubing lanes. Unlimited laps at the tube park are included with the cost of a 1.5 hour tubing ticket. These tickets tend to sell out in advance so plan your visit ahead. The ski resort also offers plenty of dining options from burgers and pizza to hot chocolate and cocktails.
Located in: Snow Summit Ski Resort
880 Summit Blvd Ste 1170
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Big Bear Parks
If you’re looking for a snow play experience without the resort fees, there are plenty of public parks in the area perfect for playing during the winter season. From snowball fights to snow angels and snowmen, you can have plenty of fun. These parks are often the perfect spot to enjoy the snow with young children who may tire quickly, making the cost of a lift ticket not worthwhile.
Keep in mind, however, that these parks do not produce their own snow, so you’ll want to check the snow report before you head out to ensure that there is snow on the ground.
Aspen Glen Picnic Area
The Aspen Glen Picnic Area at Big Bear Lake is a convenient, enjoyable sledding area in the winter that is simple to get to and offers a ton of potential sledding routes. It is only one mile from The Village.
A Forest Adventure Pass is necessary to access Aspen Glen. On weekends and holidays, parking along the street may fill up quickly, but there is a vast length of road accessible, so you may just have to walk a short distance.
In selected areas of four national forests in Southern California, including San Bernardino National Forest, the National Forest Adventure Pass, a recreation fee pass offered by the United States Forest Service, enables users to park their vehicles for recreational purposes. The Forest Adventure Pass is available for $5 per day or $30 annually.
40105 Mill Creek Rd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Boulder Bay Park
This large area on Park Avenue is a great spot to spend a day in the summer and has just enough rough terrain to be a popular site for sledding in the winter. Explore the different routes and see where you can drop the sled and see how far you can travel. Boulder Bay Park is a lovely location for a tranquil afternoon of sledding with views of the snow-covered woods.
39080 Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Meadow Park
Meadow Park is another great place to go sledding in Big Bear. It’s located in the heart of Big Bear Village, and it offers beautiful views of the San Bernardino National Forest.
41220 Park Ave
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Ski Beach Park
16.25-acre park on Big Bear Lake includes a picnic area, playground, sports courts, and ball fields.
41216 Park Ave
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Rotary Pine Knot Park
Close to Big Bear Village, Rotary Park also has a children’s play area, bathrooms, benches, and views of Big Bear Lake.
481 Bartlett Rd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Unique Sledding Experiences
If you’re looking for a truly exceptional snow experience off the beaten path, then check these out.
Hungry Mountaineer
Forget the slopes and get up close with nature on a guided snow play hike with the Hungry Mountaineer. This local hiking guide will take your family on an easy nature hike to a peaceful snow play area only locals would know about. Go sledding, play in the snow, and experience the peace of nature instead of the crowds of the resorts. It really doesn’t get much better.
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