Outdoor Winter Activities for Non-Skiers & Non-Snowboarders

Great question! While a majority of Big Bear's winter 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 at one location and Glow Tubing lets riders continue the fun after dark under neon lights - Alpine Slide and Big Bear Snow Play only. Big Bear's three snow tubing 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.

Note: Avoid snow play on or near roadways as traffic poses a serious threat to your safety.

3. Scavenger Hunts

Big Bear has two outdoor, smartphone lead scavenger hunt games hosted by Riddle Routes and Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure. With just your smartphone, you'll be able to enjoy a fun, interactive experience and become more familiar with Big Bear’s Village.

4. Shopping

Shop 'til you drop in The Village and around town. Big Bear offers a variety of finds from clothing, skincare, fine art, souvenirs, home goods, and more. Many of Big Bear's shops and emporiums are locally owned and family-run, offering a refreshing change from well-known brands.

Get Shopping!

5. Entertainment Centers

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

6. 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. One of two rehabilitation zoos in the country - zoo proceeds fund the rehab and care of the animals in the facility. Learn about the Zoo's mission to educate visitors on wildlife sustainability and meet the beautiful 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.

7. Ziplining

Zip through the trees on a high-speed zipline tour through the winter forest! Action Zipline's 9-line zipline course is a thrilling ride through Big Bear scenery, and includes a daring trek across a suspension bridge.

8. Off-Road Tours

Off-roading is a popular choice for many Big Bear visitors. While many routes are open to 4X4 vehicles, you can take it a step further and join a guided tour with Big Bear Off-Road Experience. If planning your own off-road experience, a high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended.

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. The Discovery Center features a to-scale eagle nest, its own hiking trail, and free recreational activities each weekend like nature walks, story time for kids, and more.