Earlier today, Visit Big Bear, the valley’s tourism promotion agency, issued the following statement encouraging visitors to postpone their trip to Big Bear Lake until the COVID-19 crisis has abated. The City appreciates Visit Big Bear’s concern for our community well-being, and fully supports this directive. Working together, we can abate this crisis sooner rather than later, keep our residents and property owners safe, and restore the local economy for our entire community’s benefit.

“We’re asking anyone who is not a resident or property-owner of Big Bear Lake or providing essential services to our residents to POSTPONE your immediate visit to Big Bear Lake for the time being. Like many small mountain communities, our healthcare system would be taxed with a widespread outbreak of COVID-19.

With our close proximity to several major urban population centers, we know that Big Bear will seem like an attractive place to practice social distancing in the outdoors. We also fully understand the inclination to seek escape in the outdoors during difficult times, but the reality is that doing so right now risks the lives of our residents and puts undue strain on our critical services.

Additionally, services and activities are currently extremely limited. Big Bear Mountain Resort (Bear Mountain and Snow Summit), Big Bear Snow Play and restaurants (excluding takeout services), bars and other public spaces are temporarily closed due to county-mandated health orders. Public gatherings have also been prohibited by the local, county and state government.

Like many communities whose lifeblood is travel and tourism this is a hard message for us to send and runs counter to the very reason our organization exists: to welcome visitors to Big Bear Lake. We know how many of you cherish Big Bear Lake and the natural areas that surround it, but we ask you to respect our community and this request to stay home for now.

Keep in mind the people of Big Bear Lake and the natural areas that surround it —a short drive away—will be welcoming you back with open (perhaps appropriately distanced) arms. If we all work together to do the right thing during this public health crisis today then tomorrow will come faster.

For additional information from local health organizations, visit the Big Bear Lake COVID-19 resources page at https://www.bigbear.com/ .

We appreciate your understanding as we navigate this challenging time.”

Although this directive is not an official order, and travel to and from Big Bear Lake is not restricted at this time, the City encourages all visitors to postpone your trip to a later date when you can fully enjoy all of the great recreational, dining, and shopping opportunities in and around Big Bear Lake. We’ll be back stronger than ever after the COVID-19 threat has passed, and we look forward to hosting you as soon as it’s safe for you, your family, and our community.

Visitors with existing reservations should coordinate with your lodging provider to reschedule your visit.