What can you do this snow season of 2025, when Big Bear Lake Skips Winter: A Local’
s Guide to December Without Snow? Yes, there are still so many Big Bear Lake winter activities without snow. Or: When Skiing in a Bikini Is Technically Possible but Emotionally Unacceptable.
What do you do in Big Bear Lake in December when it’s 66 degrees, the ski resorts are blowing snow like it’s their job (because it is), and skiing in a bikini suddenly feels… possible?
Sure, skiing in a bikini was a thing in the ’80s, and yes, Chelsea Handler still makes it look festive. But do you really want snow burn in places the sun has never shone? Didn’t think so.
It’s 66 Degrees in December: What to Do in Big Bear Lake When There’s No Snow
As a Big Bear local 
who works in tourism, I crave snow from December through March. Not just because my pocketbook politely reminds me that Big Bear tourism thrives on fluffy white stuff falling from the sky — but because I live to snowshoe with my Adventure Dog every chance I get. This winter of 2025 has been oh so disappointing for this outdoor snow lover.
So here we are. Winter 2025. I’ve been snowshoeing in shorts. Shorts. This is madness. Is anyone else checking the weather obsessively? No? Just me, huh?
Fake Snow, Real Fun: A Local’s Guide to Big Bear Lake Without Winter Weather
Yes, as Big Bear Lake’s premier hiking guide, I always know where to find hidden patches of snow to keep families happy. But I want real snow. Fresh snow. The kind that squeaks under your boots. Unfortunately, the weather forecast leading up to Christmas is looking a little dry — despite my near-daily pra
yers to the Snow Gods.But don’t worry, I got you covered. Take it from me, a longtime local, yes, there are Big Bear Lake winter activities without snow.
So what’s a mountain town to do while we wait?
First of all: don’t cancel your trip. Please. Our tourism economy would like to eat this winter.
Yes, you can ski at Bear Mountain or Snow Summit on man-made snow every day if that’s your thing. But Big Bear Lake is more than lift tickets and fake powder. I swear, there are Big Bear Lake winter activities without snow.
Start Your Day Outdoors (Because It’s Actually Beautiful)
On a mild winter morning, take a stroll around the Pedal Path on the north shore of Big Bear Lake. Go early, bring coffee, and keep y
our eyes peeled for bald eagles. We have about fifteen that live here year-round, and winter is one of the best times to spot them fishing against the backdrop of snow-dusted ski resorts and an absurdly blue alpine lake.
It’s peaceful. It’s scenic. And it feels very Hallmark-movie-adjacent.
Snow Play Without the Chaos (Yes, It Exists)
Obviously, snow play is the holy grail of winter in Big Bear. The problem? The two official snow-play parks that rely on artificial snow are expensive, crowded, not dog-friendly, and have height limits for kids. Sledding shoulder-to-shoulder with 500 strangers is… a choice.
Luckily, there’s a better option. Book the Best Snow Play in Big Bear Lake here!
The Hungry Mountaineer Outdoor Guide hosts the best snow play experiences in the Big Bear Valley, featuring real, natural snow — when it exists — in beautiful wilderness areas. Dogs are welcome (off-leash!), crowds are not, and you’ll be guided by a local who knows where the snow hides long after the rest of the valley melts.
Bonus: I’ll also tell you where to park legally, which in winter can save you a casual $500 parking ticket. You’re welcome. I even offer Snow Hikes and Snowshoe Tours! Book one here!
Refuel Like a Pro
After a morning of snow play or hiking, head straight to Hotel Marina Riviera, Big Bear’s newest fully remodeled upscale resort. Their outdoor patio overlooks the lake, complete with cozy winter igloos and some of the best cocktails in town. Yes, it’s dog-friendly. Yes, you should absolutely sit outside in the sunshine pretending it’s colder than it is.
More of a sandwich-and-donut situation? Grab lunch at Dank Donuts. Try the Longhorn with Buffalo Chicken. Or the Lochness with Crab Cakes and London Broil Beef. Salad people (hello, it’s me) should go straight for the Ruby Salad with corned beef and pickled red onions.
Explore Beyond the Trail
For families, a family-friendly guided hike is a perfect December activity — easy trails, local naturalist knowle
dge, native edible plants, and dogs are always welcome.
The Alpine Slide chairlift and coaster are also must-dos year-round. Go early. Their parking lot is microscopic, and weekend lines can wrap around the building like it’s Disneyland.
Dear Snow Gods: While We Wait, Here’s What to Do in Big Bear Lake
Or book a Jeep tour and explore places most visitors never see — Holcomb Valley, abandoned gold mines, Native American sacred sites, and lake views from over 9,000 feet. Every Jeep tour includes a charcuterie picnic, and in December, y
ou can even add Christmas cookies. Because obviously.
Evening Fun (Because You’re Not Done Yet)
At night, go line dancing at Wyatt’s Cowboy Bar in Big Bear City. I hope you packed your boot-scootin’ Luccheses.
Check out the Moonridge Zoo Christmas Light Show, which starts at 5 p.m. Many of the animals are nocturnal, so this is actually the best time to see bears, bobcats, mountain lions, and foxes — plus festive lights equal instant holiday cheer.
Drive or walk through neighborhoods like McAllister and Eagle Point to admire Christmas lights (and silently congratulate yourself for not doing all that work). Grab a hot chocolate from Moonridge Coffee and wander the Big Bear Village, which looks like it was designed specifically for holiday Instagram photos.
Stop for dinner at Steinerhaus at The Que, the new pop-up BBQ spot. Order the loaded mac and cheese with jalapeños or the BBQ nachos. Trust me.
Bonus Holiday Adventure
Just an hour east is Sky Park at Santa’s Village, a revived childhood classic with ice skating, ziplining, archery, climbing walls, and yes — real reindeer. There’s an additional fee to meet them, but it’s worth it. Santa is also available, but this is 2025, so make a reservation like a civilized adult.
I grew up going to Santa’s Village with friends from church. It was such a special place, especially around the Christmas holidays. There is nothing like being a little kid and feeding a real reindeer at the petting zoo! Of course, being that it was the 80s, there are no photos of me feeding a real live reindeer. Santa’s Village went out of business in the mid-90s but it has been revamped as Sky Park at Santa’s Village. Sky Park has everything families need for a fun outdoor adventure in the mountains. In the winter months, they have the only ice skating rink in our mountain communities. Obvioulsy, being that the whole park is decorated to look like the North Pole, Sky Park makes for so many great photo ops during the holidays.
Big Bear Lake may not have snow this December, but it still delivers the mountain magic — without spending hundreds of dollars to snowboard on man-made snow in spring temperatures.
Winter will come. Until then, Big Bear Lake, California, still knows how to show you a good time.
