Enjoy the pristine weather year around! Big Bear Lake, CA offers more than 320 days of blue bird, sunny days each year, especially during the summer when daytime temperatures reach the high 70s before dropping into the mid-40s in the evening. Milder temperatures continue into the fall with highs hovering across the 60s and lows dropping to the mid-30s. Big Bear also receives about 120 inches of snow annually, with most falling during the winter accompanied with highs in the mid-40s and lows in the mid-20s. Big Bear begins to warm up in the spring with temps reaching the low 70s and falling to the low 40s at night. Big Bear Lake weather offers summers that are warm and mostly clear skies and winters that are very cold, dry, and partly cloudy skies. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 22°F to 81°F and is rarely below 14°F or above 88°F.

The first snowfall of winter for Big Bear Lake can arrive as early as October or as late as December. Most often than not, the snow starts flying in November and the Big Bear ski resorts aim to open Thanksgiving weekend. The season’s last snowfall for the ski resort town usually happens in April, although some fresh snow can arrive in May or even June. Most days of snowfall in Big Bear Lake leave at least an inch of fresh snow. For eight days a year on average, the amount of new snow totals three inches or more. Snowstorms of over five inches a day normally occur four or five times a year. Typically one or two of these storms are major blizzards that dump ten inches or more. Snow events this severe can descend on the town anytime from November to April. Big Bear Lake is normally free of snow every year from July to September.

If you need extra help

Below is a list of vendors that are for hire based upon availability at the time of your request:

Warren Henry  909-553-3857

Antonio Morales   909-273-9298

Faustino Fuentes  909-708-5717

Brian Gilligan  909-557-5430

Omar Cruz 909-414-7225

Martin Vasquez  707-330-9589

Steve Hill 909-633-1801

Cory Clark  928-208-9437

Sergio Selenas 951-532-2976

 

Please hire these vendors to help you at your discretion. These are not Destination Big Bear employees and Destination Big Bear will not cover any invoices or payments.

 

Big Bear Road Conditions & Directions

Cal Trans – Updated every 30 minutes for road closures and chain restrictions –

At Socalmountains Realtime Road Conditions

Bear Mountain has its own Road Conditions link

Bear Mountain Resort Road Conditions

 

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CHOOSE ROUTE & STARTING POINT

Hwy 18 – Lucerne Valley

The shortest and quickest way for visitors coming from Los Angeles, Orange County, and other points west is Hwy 330 / Hwy Hwy 18 is the quickest way to/from Barstow, Las Vegas, and other high desert locations. This route has the least amount of mountain driving.

From Los Angeles & San Fernando Valley
From San Diego
From Orange County
From High Desert Cities
From The Palm Springs Area
From The Las Vegas Area

Hwy 330 / Hwy 18 – Running Springs

The shortest and quickest way for visitors coming from Los Angeles, Orange County, and other points west is Hwy 330 / Hwy 18. Please note that this route can become very congested on the weekends during peak season.

From Los Angeles
From Orange County
From San Diego
From San Fernando Valley

Hwy 38 Redlands

The shortest and quickest way for visitors coming from Los Angeles, Orange County, and other points west is Hwy 330 / Hwy 18. Though the drive on this route takes a bit longer, it is typically less congested than Hwy 330 / Hwy 18.

From Los Angeles
From Orange County
From San Diego
From Palm Springs

Caltrans Chain Control Requirement Levels:
W:    No Restrictions – Watch for snow on pavement.
R-1:    Chains are required on all commercial vehicles (trucks or buses). All other vehicles (cars, pick-ups, vans, etc.) must have either snow tread tires or chains on the drive axle.
R-2:    Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel drives with snow tread tires. Four-wheel drive vehicles must carry chains in the vehicle.
R-3:    Chains required – ALL VEHICLES – no exceptions.

IT’S THE LAW: Carry tire chains at all times during winter travel in the mountains. SNOW PLAY ON OR NEAR ROADWAYS IS VERY DANGEROUS – DON’T DO IT! – DON’T RISK IT!

Caltrans officials urge you to check Big Bear road conditions often. To help keep you abreast of changing conditions, Caltrans operates the Caltrans Highway Information Network which motorists may telephone for up-to-the-minute information (800) 427-7623. The network is updated as Big Bear road conditions change.

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Winter Travel Tips

• Make sure your brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, heater and exhaust system are in top condition.
• Check your antifreeze and be ready for colder temperatures. You may want to add special solvent to your windshield washer reservoir to prevent icing.
• Check your tires. Make sure they are the properly inflated and the tread is in good condition.
• Always carry chains when traveling in the winter mountains. Make sure they are the proper size for your tires and are in working order. You might also want to take along a flashlight and chain repair links. Chains must be installed on the drive wheels. Make sure you know if your vehicle is front or rear wheel drive.
• Other suggested items to carry in your car are an ice scraper or commercial deicer, a broom for brushing snow off your car, a shovel to free your car if it’s “snowed in”, sand or burlap for traction if your wheels should become mired in snow and an old towel to clean your hands.
• It is also a good idea to take along water, food, warm blankets and extra clothing. A lengthy delay will make you glad you have them.
• Put an extra car key in your pocket. A number of motorists have locked themselves out of their cars when putting on chains and at ski areas.

Driving Tips

• Give yourself extra time. Trips to the mountains can take longer during winter, especially if you encounter stormy Big Bear road conditions or icy roads. Get an early start and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
• Keep your gas tank full. It may be necessary to change routes or turn back during a bad storm or you may be caught in a traffic delay.
• Keep windshield and windows clear. You may want to stop at a safe turnout to use a snow brush or scraper. Use the car defroster and a clean cloth to keep the windows free of fog.
• Slow down. A highway speed of 55 mile an hour may be safe in dry weather but an invitation for trouble on snow and ice. Snow and ice make stopping distances much longer, so keep your seat belt buckled and leave more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Bridge decks and shady spots can be icy when other areas are not. Remember to avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.
• Be more observant. Visibility is often limited in winter by weather conditions. Slow down and watch for other vehicles and for snow equipment. Even though snow removal vehicles have flashing lights, visibility may be so restricted during a storm that it is difficult to see the slow moving equipment.
• When stalled, stay with your vehicle and try to conserve fuel while maintaining warmth. Be alert to any possible exhaust or monoxide problems.

Chain Installers

If you use the services of a chain installer, be sure to get a receipt and jot the installer’s badge number on it. Remember, chain installers are independent business people, not Caltrans employees. Having the badge number may help with any misunderstandings later. Chain installers are NOT allowed to sell or rent chains. When removing chains, drive beyond the signs reading “End Chain Control” to a pull-off area where you can safely remove them.