Big Bear Lake Snow Play Adventure: Local Guide & Hidden Spots

Sip Baileys-spiked coffee and let your dog roam free in winter’s quiet magic.

A guided snow play activity in Big Bear Lake, California, where a local guide leads small groups to the best snow-covered locations for sledding, snowball fights, snowman building or a light winter hike. The guide includes coffee with Baileys, snowball makers and a snowman-building kit, shows you where to park legally, and knows the hidden spots even when snow is scarce in town. Dogs are welcome and can be off-leash. The guided portion runs an hour and a half, and you can stay in the snow play location as long as you want after that.

The experience

Big Bear Lake sits high enough that snow arrives when the valleys below are still dry. A local guide who knows the mountain takes you to the spots where it actually sticks: the places that look empty from the highway but hold snow all season. You show up with your own sled and snow clothes, and the guide handles the rest: finding the safest parking spot so you avoid tickets, steering you toward the best sledding hills, and setting you up with snowball makers and a snowman-building kit. The guided time is an hour and a half, but you can stay in the snow play location as long as you want after that.

What you do depends on what your group wants. Some families come for sledding and snowball fights. Others build snowmen or take a light winter hike through the snow. The guide tailors the day to your interests and stays with you the whole time. Fresh coffee with a splash of Baileys comes along for the adults. Dogs are welcome and can be off-leash, so if you're traveling with a pet, it joins the snow day without a separate booking.

You'll need to bring your own sleds (the guide recommends this because rental sleds break easily), and dress in snow clothes, gloves, sunscreen and sunglasses. The guide handles the knowledge: where the snow is, where it's safe to park, which hills work best for your group's skill level, and how to make the most of a winter day in the mountains when you live in Southern California.

What’s included

• Fresh coffee with Baileys for adults.
• snowball makers and a snowman-building kit.
• expert local guidance to the best snow-covered locations.
• knowledge of safe, legal parking and hidden snow spots even when snow is scarce in town.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 90 years) · Child (3 to 17 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcome

Operated by Amber Holloway

Is this one for you?Small groups and families with kids work well here because the guide tailors the snow day to your group's interests (sledding, snowball fights, snowman building or a light winter hike), and stays with you the whole time. Bring your own sled and snow clothes, and the guide handles finding the snow and showing you where it's safe to be.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 17 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I bring my dog to the snow play adventure?

Yes, dogs are welcome and can be off-leash during the activity. The guide has designed this as a pet-friendly experience, so your snow-loving pup joins the day without any extra cost or separate booking.

How much of the day do I spend with the guide, and what happens after?

The guided portion is an hour and a half. After that, you can stay in the snow play location as long as you want: the guide's time ends, but your access to the snow doesn't. Many families stay longer to sled or play after the guided time wraps up.

What's included in the activity, and what do I need to bring?

The guide includes fresh coffee with Baileys for adults, snowball makers, a snowman-building kit, and expert local guidance to the best snow-covered spots. You bring your own sled, snow clothes, snow pants, gloves, sunscreen and sunglasses. The guide provides the knowledge of where to park legally and where the snow actually is.

Is this a private tour or will I be with other families?

This is a small-group experience with a maximum of 10 people, and it may include other families. If you want a private tour just for your group, you can reach out directly via email to arrange that separately.