Winter Activities at Vista Getaway in Big Bear Lake

When winter comes to Big Bear Lake, our Vista Getaway feels like a snug mountain retreat. I love waking up to pine-covered slopes and crisp air. In just a few minutes’ drive we can hit the runs at nearby Snow Summit or Bear Mountain – Big Bear’s two major ski resorts. In fact, Snow Summit offers 240 acres of skiable terrain (with a longest run of about 1.25 miles). Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Snow Summit’s trails and lifts accommodate every level. (Vista Getaway is about a 10-minute drive of Snow Summit, so we’re practically doorstep skiers!) After a morning on the slopes, I often cap off the afternoon by unwinding in the spa, or heating my body back up in the sauna – it’s the perfect mountain escape.

For snowboarding and skiing, you really can’t beat Snow Summit. It’s consistently rated as one of Southern California’s top ski areas, with groomed runs and snowmaking up to 8,200 feet. On cold days, we bundle up and carve turns on the wide, open trails; the views of the San Bernardino National Forest are stunning. I always remind guests that if you book Vista Getaway for your winter trip, just ask me about our seasonal special deals – sometimes we can hook you up with discounted lift tickets or even free lift passes with your stay.

Winter isn’t just about skiing, though – there’s plenty of other snowy fun nearby. One favorite is snow tubing at Big Bear Snow Play, where giant lanes let you zoom down hills on inner tubes. Big Bear Snow Play is a year-round recreation park; in winter it specializes in snow tubing, and in summer it offers go-karts, a ropes course, a zipline, and even “summer tubing” on slick plastic tracks. I’ve taken my family tubing under neon lights on Friday nights – it’s a blast! For the truly adventurous, Snow Summit even has a base-area zipline that “soars through the air safely and securely while your friends and family watch from below”, giving a rush even on a snowy day.

• Hit the slopes. Snow Summit and Bear Mountain offer skiing and snowboarding for all levels (Snow Summit has 240 acres of terrain).
• Snow tubing. Head to Big Bear Snow Play for inner-tube lanes and glow-tubing under lights.
• Snowshoe treks. Strap on snowshoes and explore miles of forest trails. Big Bear’s guides can outfit you or lead a tour of the Sierra snow (the Discovery Center even offers guided snowshoe tours).
• Other fun. We also enjoy simple snow day activities: snowman-building, sledding in snowy clearings, or a scenic drive around the lake to admire frosted pine trees.

Vista Getaway’s location makes it easy to do it all. You can ski in the morning, tube in the afternoon, and still have time for a hot cocoa by our outdoor fire ring. When you’re ready to relax, come back to the cabin’s warm living area – it’s the best way to end any winter day.

If you’re dreaming of a snowy Big Bear getaway, now’s a great time to book Vista Getaway. Contact me, your host, for local winter tips (and don’t forget to ask about our seasonal discounts or free lift ticket promos!). I can’t wait to welcome you to Vista Getaway – let’s make your Big Bear winter trip unforgettable.