Big Bear

Winter Driving Tips for Mountain Adventures: Big Bear Lake, Lake Tahoe, and Beyond

By on Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Five Valentine’s Days ago I spent my VD stranded on a mountain highway for eight hours as our local mountains sustained nine inches of rain in one day. I’ve been driving in the mountains of southern California my whole life and I can definitely tell you some winter driving Big Bear Lake tips. Anyone who has lived in Big Bear Lake for many years remembers the Valentine’s Day storm. Two hundred-year-old pines fell across mountain highways. Swift water rescues were happening everywhere. Ninety-mile-an-hour wind gusts and torrential rain swept through our mountain towns for days. It was something to see. It was quite an experience for those of us stuck in our Subarus on mountain highways just trying to make it to work on time.

Surviving a winter’s day in Big Bear Lake or Lake Tahoe without becoming one with a snowbank.

I’ve been driving these mountain highways since I was sixteen and man do I have some stories to tell. Through blizzards and flash flooding I commuted mountain highways for many years. I’ve seen it all and here are some of my most precious winter driving Big Bear Lake tips.

The best tips for winter driving Big Bear Lake

The Rubicon Trail, now that is mountain driving!
Ah, winter! The time for snowy mountains, cozy cabins, and the thrill of a road trip… that is until you find yourself white-knuckling the steering wheel as you navigate a hairpin turn on a snow-covered mountain pass, with your car behaving like it’s auditioning for “Dancing with the Stars.” But fear not, fearless adventurer! Whether you’re heading to Big Bear Lake, Lake Tahoe, or any other frosty mountain destination, we’ve got you covered with some essential winter driving tips that will have you feeling like a snow-driving pro (or at least like someone who’s made it to the top without panicking).
Scenic Lake Tahoe. In the summer months.
So you planned a February trip to Big Bear Lake in your Tesla. It’s the family time for crisp air, scenic snow-covered peaks, and… sudden panic when your car slides sideways down a mountain pass because you thought your regular Cyber Truck could handle it. If you’re planning a trip to Big Bear Lake or Lake Tahoe, you better buckle up and take notes. While the views are stunning, the roads are a different story. Fear not, my fellow snow adventurers! Here are some essential winter driving tips to keep you out of trouble (and away from that embarrassing call to roadside assistance).
1. Check Your Tires – The Real MVPs
You know those tires you’ve been ignoring all year? The ones that look like they’ve seen better days, like that one pair of shoes you’ve had since 2005? Yeah, those aren’t going to cut it on icy roads. You need tires that actually understand the concept of traction. If you live in the concrete jungles of the cities below our mountain passes, chances are you don’t have snow tires on your Mazda SUV.  So let’s talk tires. If your car isn’t equipped with winter tires, you might as well be driving a slip-n-slide down the mountain.
Tip: If you live in a winter snow area, invest in winter tires, and I mean good ones. They’re like snow boots for your car, but with traction. If you can afford a two-hundred-dollar Stanly Thermos you can afford good tires. If you’re driving in areas that get a lot of snow or ice, good quality tires are your new best friend. Don’t even try the “I’ll just wing it” approach with all-season tires. That’s like trying to go skiing with flip-flops. It’s a bad idea. Trust us. While we are on the subject of tires, know which are your drive tires. If you do need to chain up at any point you will want to put those tre chains on your drive tires. And yes, you should know if your truck is all-wheel-drive, four-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive.
“Oh, I’ll be fine. I can totally handle the icy roads without chains,” said no smart driver ever. Chain control signs are not a suggestion—they’re more like gentle warnings from Mother Nature that you’re about to experience the automotive version of a roller coaster.
It is California law to carry chains in the snow season if you are visiting a mountain destination.
Tip: If you see chain control signs, stop and put chains on your tires. It might take a minute, and it may involve a little cursing and awkward bending, but trust me, it’s worth it. Plus, if you’re feeling extra smug, you’ll get to watch everyone else spin out while you confidently roll by in your snow-adorned vehicle.
2. Drive Like You’re On an Ice Skating Rink
You know those people who drive like they’re late for a hot date in the middle of a blizzard? Don’t be those people. When driving in snow or icy conditions, your car will likely behave like a toddler on a sugar high — unpredictable and possibly reckless.
Tip: Slow down. Not like “I’m going to miss the sunset” slow, but “I’m not trying to end up in a snowbank” slow. Also, avoid sudden stops, sharp turns, or pretending you’re in the Indy 500. Your car isn’t a race car, especially in a snowstorm.
3. Know Your Brakes (Hint: They’re Not Magic)
The brake pedal. It’s your friend when used correctly. But in snowy conditions, it’s more like a fickle acquaintance who can’t be trusted in a crisis. Slamming the brakes on ice is like trying to stop a greased pig; It just isn’t going to happen.
Tip; If you find yourself in an icy oh shit situation; Use your engine to slow down. Yes, here in 2025, I’m sure your Tesla does not have a stick shift transmission but you can use your steptronics to downshift. This slows your vehicle without hitting the brakes and spinning out.
Crucial safety for mountain winter driving.
  • Carry kitty litter, no not the clumping kind. You can throw handfuls under your tires if you get stuck on ice for traction. Yes, I’m talking about old-school Tidy Cat from the 90’s.
  • Carry a snow shovel.
  • Pack a battery pack for your cell phone, in case you do end up stuck somewhere with a dying iPhone.
  • Carry tire chains that fit your vehicle. Have gloves for when you need to chain up. Try the tire chains on your drive tires before you attempt to drive to the mountain communities in a snowstorm, That way you know how they fit and how to install them. Don’t understand how to install them? That’s what YouTube is for! You can always resell used chains in Facebook groups or buy/sell groups.
  • Keep your headlights on, even during the day. Visibility is crucial, and those whiteouts can creep up on you faster than you can say “I forgot my snow gloves.” Do not drive with your hazards on in a snowstorm or fog. Hazards are for hazardous driving conditions. Is that how you describe your winter driving? If it is, you should not be driving to Big Bear in winter.
  • Make sure your windshield wipers are new and are in working condition.
  • Pack an emergency kit. Include items like a blanket, a flashlight, some snacks (because who doesn’t get hangry while waiting for help?), and extra water.
  • Know the major highways. Understand when you are looking at a map what is a highway and what is a dirt road. Here in Big Bear Lake, most of our dirt roads start with a number and an N, like 2N01. Don’t take an N road even if Google Maps tells you to unless you are an experienced off-road driver! I swear this happens every winter; Google confuses a lot of mountain drivers!
  • Pay attention to the mile markers on the mountain highways. These white highway markers are crucial if the shit or the snow hits the fan and you need to call a tow truck.
winter driving Big Bear Lake
I made it to Big Bear Lake safely!

Don’t fear winter driving Big Bear Lake; You can do it!

Big Bear Lake and Lake Tahoe are beautiful year-round, but they can be treacherous when the storms hit hard.  Snowy winter mountain road trips are about arriving alive and enjoying another day of winter fun. Plus, who doesn’t want an excuse to binge-watch your favorite shows in a cozy cabin?

And remember, the mountains aren’t going anywhere. Take your time, drive safely, and enjoy the ride. After all, the best adventures are the ones you can laugh about later—preferably from a warm, safe place.

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