Snow Way!

San Bernardino 2016 Winter Fun

Thanks to El Niño, things are oh snow good in California’s Outdoor Playground (aka San Bernardino County). Here are some of the best ways to adventure outdoors this winter.

Big Bear Tracks: Take advantage of mother nature’s big dump of snow this year and explore Big Bear’s wooded backcountry by snowshoe. Rent gear in town and do it yourself, or go on a guided snowshoe tour for an easygoing chance to experience scenic winter landscapes and get a good workout. (Tip: Sunsets at the lake are absolutely gorgeous in winter, a tangerine glow sinking behind the mountains and melting over the crystal water.)

The #1 Park in the Nation: Bear Mountain in Big Bear has been voted “best park” in the nation! From smooth, groomed runs friendly for beginners to more challenging steeps and canyons, Bear Mountain’s also got the Red Bull Plaza and the super cool Summit Nights: Ski under the lights and starry night from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Fly Like an Eagle: It’s not an Olympic event (yet), but high speed ziplining above a wintry landscape is perhaps the closest you’ll get to soaring high above the ground like a ski jumper. Make it happen in Big Bear Lake on an a 9-run course over a mountain slope and through snow-dusted pine trees.

Rim Nordic: It’s the only cross-country ski area in Southern California with machined-groomed trails for skiing or snowshoeing. The rental lodge is right at the parking lot, too, and lessons are available too.

Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa: Located at 5,106 feet along the shores of sparkling Lake Arrowhead, the elegant yet rustically styled Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa lets you enjoy a breath of fresh mountain air, not to mention a hot stone massage and dinner overlooking the lake at Bin 189.

These winter adventures and more are all in the San Bernardino Mountains, just a short drive from LA and San Diego. Plan your affordable weekend fun.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Purely Purisima

    Take a relaxing hike on the lower section of Purisiima Creek Trail in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

    View
  2. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

    View
  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Ballona Beach Hopper

    This easygoing bike escape is proof that you don't have to drive for hours to feel the vast benefits of nature. The Ballona Creek Bike Path is part of the “Park to Playa Regional Trail,” a 13-mile network connecting parks and open spaces from Baldwin Hills to the Pacific Ocean.

    View
  2. Lookout Ahead!

    A 3.7-mile loop hike to Boucher Hill Fire Lookout in Palomar Mountain State Park reminds us just how stunningly beautiful are the mountains of this remote, lightly visited portion of northern San Diego County.

    View
  3. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View
  4. Strawberry Peak Lookout Hike

    Strawberry Sunday

    The 2.5-mile (round-trip) lollipop loop climb to the Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout near the town of Lake Arrowhead dishes up some delicious views.

    View