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Homeowner Winter Checklist

As snow season approaches, it becomes time to winterize your home and ensure it’s ready for the cold, high-demand rental months. Here’s a helpful checklist to save you money, protect your home, and reduce last-minute issues. If you’d like support with any of these items, we’re happy to help.


📧  frontdesk@bigbearexperiences.com
📞  (909) 841-0590

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1. Heaters and Furnaces

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  • Change your furnace filter to avoid breakdowns — dirty filters are the #1 cause of winter furnace failures.

  • We recommend changing filters at least twice a year and replacing thermostat batteries as well.

  • If not completed by early November, Big Bear Experiences will take care of this service for an $80 fee (includes filter replacement, furnace test, and thermostat inspection).

    Note: Additional charges may apply for multiple filters or battery replacements.
     

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2. Portable Electric Heaters

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If you have a cold room in the house, leave a small portable electric heater in the closet for guest use.

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3. Snow Removal​

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We offer snow removal services (driveways, entryways, parking pads). If you don’t already have a provider, let us know ASAP — we’re happy to coordinate.

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4. Ice Melt

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  • Homes with sloped driveways should have a 5–30 gallon metal can filled with ice melt and a scoop for guests.

  • If guests request ice melt during their stay, we will provide it and charge it to the homeowner.

  • Ice melt is available locally at Butcher’s Block.

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5. Chimney Cleaning

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If your home has a fireplace or wood stove, we recommend an annual inspection and cleaning.

Local Chimney Service Providers:

  • Chimney Cricket: (909) 866-5692

  • Mountain Top Chimney Sweep: (909) 585-3724

  • Sweeps Luck: (909) 337-0256

  • Absolute Chimney Service: (909) 866-9101

We can help coordinate upon request.

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6. Outdoor Furniture

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  • Cover or store all outdoor furniture — especially glass or plastic items prone to breaking in cold temperatures.

  • Bring umbrellas and awnings indoors or store them securely. Snow loads and windstorms can cause significant damage.

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7. Shovels

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  • Avoid metal shovels as they damage decks. Use plastic, deck-safe shovels.

  • Place at least one large push shovel by the front door for guest use during overnight snowfall.

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8. Snow Poles

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Install snow poles to mark driveways and prevent plow damage to landscaping.

  • Available at Butcher’s Block or for free from the City of Big Bear Lake: 39707 Big Bear Blvd.

  • Orange poles must be installed at driveway edges to ensure city plows clear berms.

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9. Irrigation & Sprinkler Systems

 

  • Turn off, drain, and winterize irrigation systems.

  • Shut off your stop-and-waste valve to avoid burst pipes.

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10. Weather Stripping

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Inspect and replace weather stripping around doors and windows to keep warm air in and cold air out.

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11. Outdoor Appliances

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  • Unplug outdoor fridges, drain sinks, and shut off water to exterior plumbing and features.

  • Winterize water features (fountains, ponds, etc.) to prevent damage.

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12. Screen Doors

 

Remove and store all screen doors to prevent bending or damage from snow and ice buildup in slider tracks.

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13. Snow Removal Vendors

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General Vendors (Most Areas, Except Fawnskin):

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Fawnskin-Only Vendors:

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Vendors for Specific Areas:

 

Snowblower/Shoveling Only:

 

Final Reminders

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Being proactive about winter prep helps reduce emergency maintenance calls, protects your home, and improves the guest experience. If you'd prefer Big Bear Experiences to manage any or all of these tasks on your behalf, let us know — we’re here to help.

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We appreciate your continued trust and partnership as we enter another beautiful winter season in Big Bear!​

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📞 (909) 841-0590
📧 frontdesk@bigbearexperiences.com

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