15 Things to Do in Big Bear in Winter If You Don't Ski
When you think about winter in Big Bear, skiing and snowboarding might be the first things that come to mind. But what if you don't ski?
The good news is that you can plan an entire Big Bear winter vacation without ever putting on a pair of skis.
From snowshoeing and tubing to shopping, stargazing, wildlife, dining, and cozy cabin days, Big Bear offers plenty of winter activities for visitors who would rather experience the mountains away from the ski slopes.
Whether you're traveling with someone who skis while you don't, planning a family trip, or simply looking for a relaxing winter getaway, here are 15 things to do in Big Bear in winter if you don't ski.
1. Go Snowshoeing
Want to experience snowy mountain scenery without skiing?
Try snowshoeing.
Big Bear's National Forest trails remain open throughout the year, allowing winter visitors to experience familiar hiking areas in a completely different way when conditions permit.
Equipment rentals and guided snowshoe experiences may also be available during the winter season.
Always check current trail, weather, and snow conditions before heading out.
2. Go Snow Tubing
Snow tubing gives you the thrill of racing down a snowy hill without needing to learn how to ski or snowboard.
Big Bear has several commercial tubing options, including Big Bear Snow Play, Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, and Grizzly Ridge Tube Park.
Some locations also offer nighttime Glow Tubing on select dates.
Check current schedules, restrictions, and operating conditions before visiting.
3. Visit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo
Winter is a great time to visit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.
The zoo cares for injured, orphaned, and imprinted wildlife that cannot return to the wild while also providing rehabilitation and wildlife education.
Visitors may have the opportunity to see animals including bears, mountain lions, wolves, birds, and other wildlife.
Hours can vary seasonally, so check the current schedule before visiting.
4. Explore The Village
You can easily spend an afternoon enjoying The Village without touching the slopes.
Browse locally owned shops, look for souvenirs, stop for coffee, enjoy dessert, and find somewhere for lunch or dinner.
During the holiday season, lights and seasonal events can make The Village an especially fun addition to your itinerary.
5. Go Stargazing
Winter nights can provide another reason to head outside.
Big Bear promotes stargazing as one of its winter activities, with astronomy programs and events available throughout the year.
Find an appropriate dark location, attend a telescope event, or simply look up from a safe outdoor space at your cabin.
Bundle up because mountain temperatures can become especially cold after sunset.
6. Try Winter Hiking
Hiking doesn't necessarily end when summer does.
Some Big Bear trails remain accessible during winter, although snow, ice, mud, closures, and changing conditions can significantly alter the experience.
Before hiking, check current trail and weather information.
Wear appropriate footwear, bring layers, and never assume a familiar summer trail will have the same conditions in winter.
7. Go Bowling
Need a break from the cold?
Head indoors for a round of bowling.
An indoor activity can be especially helpful when your group wants something casual to do in the evening or when winter weather changes your outdoor plans.
It's also a good option for families and groups with a mix of ages.
8. Explore Big Bear's Indoor Attractions
Winter weather doesn't always cooperate with your itinerary.
Keep a few indoor activities in mind for snowy, windy, or especially cold days.
Depending on current operations, Big Bear offers entertainment such as bowling, arcades, indoor recreation, shopping, and other family-friendly activities.
Having backup plans means a weather change doesn't have to ruin your vacation.
9. Take a Guided Tour
Let someone else show you around the mountains.
Big Bear offers guided experiences throughout the year, and available tours vary depending on season and conditions.
A guided tour can be particularly useful for first-time visitors who want to experience the area without planning every detail themselves.
Check current winter tour offerings before your visit.
10. Enjoy Big Bear's Restaurants
Cold mountain weather gives you a great excuse to explore Big Bear's dining scene.
Start the day with breakfast and coffee, stop somewhere for a warm lunch, or make dinner one of the main events of your evening.
Instead of treating meals as something you squeeze between activities, slow down and make dining part of your vacation.
Popular weekends and holidays can get busy, so consider reservations when appropriate.
11. Spend an Afternoon at a Coffee Shop
Not every vacation activity needs to be adventurous.
Grab your favorite warm drink, find a cozy place to sit, and enjoy a slower afternoon.
It's an especially good option if you're traveling with skiers.
They can spend the morning on the mountain while you enjoy coffee, explore local shops, or relax before meeting back up later.
12. Take Winter Photos
Big Bear's mountain scenery looks completely different during winter.
Bring your camera or phone and spend part of your trip photographing the lake, forests, mountain views, holiday decorations, or snowy landscapes when conditions cooperate.
Even without fresh snowfall, winter light and mountain scenery can create beautiful photographs.
Always take photos from safe, legal areas and never stop along an unsafe roadway for a picture.
13. Attend a Seasonal Event
Winter brings a variety of seasonal events to Big Bear.
Depending on when you visit, you may find holiday celebrations, astronomy programs, New Year's festivities, wildlife events, or other community activities.
Check Big Bear's current events calendar before your trip.
You may discover an event that becomes one of the highlights of your entire getaway.
14. Plan a Cozy Cabin Day
Here's one winter activity that requires absolutely no itinerary.
Stay in.
Sleep late, make breakfast, drink coffee, play games, watch movies, cook dinner, and enjoy being somewhere different for a few days.
If it's snowing outside, even better.
A cabin day isn't wasted vacation time. Sometimes slowing down is exactly why you needed the trip in the first place.
15. Build Your Own Winter Weekend
One of the best things about visiting Big Bear as a non-skier is that you don't have to plan your vacation around lift times.
Create a weekend that fits your pace.
Your day might look something like this:
Start with breakfast at your cabin, go snowshoeing or tubing in the morning, grab lunch in town, explore The Village, return to your cabin to relax, head out for dinner, and finish the evening stargazing.
The next day, visit the Alpine Zoo, grab coffee, take photos, or simply enjoy a slower morning before heading home.
Winter in Big Bear can be as adventurous or relaxing as you want it to be.
What If There Isn't Snow?
A winter trip to Big Bear doesn't have to depend entirely on snowfall.
Natural snow varies from year to year, and no specific travel date can guarantee fresh snow.
That's another advantage of planning a non-skiing itinerary.
Shopping, dining, the Alpine Zoo, indoor entertainment, stargazing, cabin time, and many other activities can still be enjoyed without fresh snowfall.
Build a trip you'll enjoy regardless of the weather.
What Should Non-Skiers Pack for Big Bear?
Even if you're not heading onto the slopes, you'll still need to prepare for winter mountain temperatures.
Consider bringing:
Warm jacket
Sweaters and layers
Hat and gloves
Warm socks
Waterproof or water-resistant shoes
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Comfortable walking shoes
Extra layers for nighttime activities
If winter weather is expected, also prepare your vehicle for mountain driving and check current road conditions before leaving.
Stay With Big Bear Experiences
You don't need a lift ticket to have an unforgettable winter weekend.
With a Big Bear Experiences luxury cabin, you can create a getaway built around exactly what you enjoy.
Spend your days tubing, snowshoeing, exploring The Village, visiting the zoo, dining, stargazing, or simply relaxing.
Then return to your own cabin, warm up, make dinner, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere.
Experience Big Bear Winter Your Way
Big Bear may be famous for skiing and snowboarding, but those are only two ways to experience winter in the mountains.
Whether your ideal getaway involves snowshoeing, tubing, wildlife, shopping, stargazing, good food, or doing absolutely nothing at your cabin for an afternoon, there's no reason to sit out the winter season just because you don't ski.
Book your stay with Big Bear Experiences and discover your own way to experience winter in Big Bear.
