Big Bear in winter

Snow play and snowmobiling in Big Bear

Where you can sled, ride and cross-country ski around Big Bear Valley — 6 snow play areas, 2 marked snowmobile routes, and what each one needs before you turn up.

Snowmobiling

Where you can ride, and the permit you need

Riding is only permitted on marked routes, and one of them needs a free permit you have to collect in person before you ride.

Coon Creek Snowmobile Route 1N02

Riding is permitted on Forest Road 1N02 Off State Highway 38 above Barton Flats / Angelus Oaks, with a free visitor permit. Obtain a permit at Mill Creek Visitor Center or Big Bear Discovery Center.

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Keller Peak Snowmobile Route 1N96

Riding is permitted on Forest Road 1N96 Keller Peak Road. Riders must stay on the designated route.

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Snow play

Sledding and snow play areas

Some of these are Forest Service areas where you park and play for nothing; others are commercial hills with tows and tubes. Both are listed because a visitor planning a day out wants to see them together.

Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain

Offers snow play on private land in the Big Bear valley.Alpine slide is located at 800 Wildrose Lane in the City of Big Bear Lake. For more information call Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain at (909) 866-4626 or visit their website at: www.alpineslidebigbear.com

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Aspen Glen Snow Play Area

During the winter months, the area around the Aspen Glen picnic area becomes a popular winter wonderland to sled, build snowmen and make snow angels. Do not trespass on private property. Trash must be disposed in bins at Aspen Glen picnic area or hauled out.

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Barton Flats Snow Play Area

The Barton Flats snow play area along State Highway 38 is a favorite destination for building snow men, snow angels and tossing snowballs.

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Big Bear Snow Play

Offers snow play on private land in the Big Bear valley. Big Bear Snow Play is located at 42825 Big Bear Boulevard in Big Bear Lake. For more information, call Big Bear Snow Play at (909) 585-0075 or visit their website at: www.bigbearsnowplay.com

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Rim of the World Snow Play Area

Sledding, building snowmen, and making snow angels are all a very popular past-time in the San Bernardino Mountains. Visitors are encouraged to recreate in the areas identified on this map.

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Snowdrift Winter Playground

Located on Highway 18, 5 miles east of Running Springs and offers tube-tobogganing under special-use permit from the Forest Service. For more information call Snowdrift at (909) 867-2640 or visit their website at www.snowdrift.net

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Cross-country

Nordic skiing and snowshoeing

Rim Nordic Ski Area

Rim Nordic Ski Area is located in the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains in Southern California. In winter, Rim Nordic offers Cross Country Skiing and Snow Shoeing, summer activities include Mountain Bike Racing. Only 1 1/2 hours from L.A.

Take Hwy. 330 to Running Springs. It turns into Hwy. 18 as you head to Big Bear. About 5 miles past Running Springs, your at Snow Valley Ski Resort, which is on the right hand side.

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Before you drive up

Check these first

Route and site details come from the U.S. Forest Service's published recreation data for the San Bernardino National Forest. Conditions change — a road that is open in the data can be gated by snow, fire closure or storm damage on the day. Check with the San Bernardino National Forest before setting out.