Outdoor Winter Activities for Non-Skiers & Non-Snowboarders

Great question! While a majority of winter Big Bear visitors head straight for Snow Summit or Bear Mountain, a great many are looking for other ways to enjoy the snow. Keep reading for our top picks in,

Winter For the Non-Skier/Boarder:

1. Snowshoeing

All of Big Bear Lake's National Forest trails are open to the public year-round, so you can still enjoy your favorite trail in snowshoes. In need of gear? Goldsmith's Sports rents snowshoes plus poles. The Discovery Center also leads snowshoe tours every winter and also provides equipment for pre-registered participants.

2. Snow Tubing

Snow tubing is a favorite for Big Bear visitors. Tubing parks offer a safe location away from traffic and hazards. Your ticket is good all day long and Glow Tubing lets riders continue the fun after dark under neon lights. Big bear's three parks include Alpine Slide, Big Bear Snow Play, and Grizzly Ridge.

Tubing and sledding is also permitted on public property - National Forest land - however, we ask that you respect the environment and cleanup any broken sled pieces and garbage when you leave an area. Please respect any National Forest closures as these are in place to protect wildlife and the environment.

3. Scavenger Hunts

Big Bear has two outdoor scavenger hunt games hosted by Riddle Route and Urban Adventure Quest. These are an easy option for everyone as you only need your smartphone to access the clues that will lead you around The Village on an educational tour of the town.

4. Shopping

Shop till you drop in The Village and around town. Big Bear offers a variety of finds from clothing, skincare, fine art, souvenirs, home goods, and so much more.

Get Shopping!

5. Instagramming

In this day and age, you have to share your winter wonderland trip to Big Bear with friends and family. Our only request? Tag @VisitBigBear and #yesbigbear and share your adventures with us!

6. Entertainment Centers

The Alpine Slide and Big Bear Snow Play have other recreation options when you've finished on the tubing hill. Hit up the aerial Ropes Course at Big Bear Snow Play and the Alpine Slide taboggan run, Mineshaft Coaster, and Soaring Eagle at Alpine Slide.

7. Go to the Zoo

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is home to the valley's VIP residents, injured and imprinted animals that cannot return to the wild. Learn about this facility's mission to educate its visitors on wildlife sustainability and see beautiful alpine animals along the way!

Baldwin Lake Stables opens their petting zoo to guests on the weekends during winter. Say 'Hello!' to the goats, pigs, turkeys and more and don't forget the camera.

8. Off-Road Tours

Off-roading is a popular choice for many Big Bear visitors. While many routes are open for 4X4 vehicles, take it step further and join a guided tour with Big Bear Off-Road Experience.

9. Horseback Riding

Explore the Big Bear outback on a guided horseback tour of the Valley. Baldwin Lake Stables also features a petting zoo for your littles to get up close and personal with the farm animals.

10. Big Bear Discovery Center

Explore the interactive displays at the Discovery Center and get to know the native flora, fauna, rocks, and history of Big Bear Lake. Join in free recreational activities each weekend like nature walks, story time for kids, and more.