Looking for a winter getaway that will excite the whole family? Big Bear is the perfect destination! 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 sledding hills in Southern California.
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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 slopes and have some laughs while you’re at it.
There are Three Main Routes 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 8 of our favorite places to go sledding in Big Bear:
Big Bear Snow Play
Big Bear Snow Play offers top-notch year round recreation. In the winter, enjoy snow play with 2 Magic Carpet uphill lifts. Big Bear Snow Play also offers snow tubing, glow tubing, and a toboggan run. Big Bear Snow Play is perfect for the whole family!
42825 Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 585-0075
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
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
Ride back up the hill on the Magic Carpet conveyor lift, which is covered for your comfort, and zip down the freshly created snow slopes. The area’s five runs are covered in snow from five Lenko Fan snow guns, creating a pack that is at least 20 feet deep.
The Magic Carpet and the hill are illuminated for our evening sessions, and best of all, you don’t need to rent or purchse any particular equipment or to enjoy this enjoyable family activity.
800 Wildrose Ln
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
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
Grizzly Ridge Tube Park
The Grizzly Ridge Tube Park, located in Snow Summit, is fantastic for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Instead of hiking, use a magic carpet to go to the top of the tube park, where you may then use one of the high-speed tubes to race down one of four 300-foot tubing tracks. Both in the winter and the summer, tubing is available. Unlimited laps at the tube park are included with a tubing ticket during that time period. Prices range from $45 to $49 per person depending on the season and holidays. There is no sharing of snow tubes.
Located in: Snow Summit Ski Resort
880 Summit Blvd Ste 1170
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. Come 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
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
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy the slopes during your winter vacation, Big Bear is definitely a destination you’ll want to consider. Also, be sure to check out 25 Fun Things To Do In Big Bear With Kids.
