Big Bear Lake Snow Play Adventure: A Genuine Winter Escape

If you’re dreaming of a winter adventure in Southern California, the Big Bear Lake Snow Play Tour offers an authentic and flexible snow day that’s hard to beat. For just $42 a person, this 1.5-hour guided outing takes you to some of Big Bear’s best snow-covered spots, with the option to extend your fun as long as you’d like. Led by a local guide, Amber, the tour caters to families, friends, and even your dog, making it a truly pet-friendly experience that’s perfect for a quick getaway or a spontaneous winter outing.
What truly stands out are two particular aspects: first, the expert guidance on where to find the best snow, even when snow seems scarce in town, and second, the personalized approach that tailors activities—whether sledding, snowball fights, or snowman building—to your group’s interests. The fact that dogs can be off-leash adds a level of freedom and fun you won’t find on many other snow experiences.
A potential consideration? The tour does ask you to bring your own sleds, since those are prone to breaking easily, which means a little extra packing. But overall, this adventure suits those looking for genuine local insights, a relaxed pace, and lots of snow-filled memories. It’s especially ideal for families with kids of all ages or groups who want a flexible, friendly, and affordable winter outing.
Key Points

- Authentic Local Knowledge: Amber’s guidance helps you access top hidden snow spots.
- Flexible Activities: Sledding, snowball fights, snowmen, or light hikes—all tailored to your group.
- Pet-Friendly: Dogs can be off-leash, making it perfect for furry family members.
- All-Inclusive Feel: Coffee with Baileys, snow toys, and building kits are included.
- Bring Your Own Sleds: Sleds aren’t provided, so pack your own to ensure fun.
- No Hidden Costs: The price covers guidance, snow toys, and a warm drink in the cold.
While in Big Bear, here are other experiences we've covered
Exploring the Big Bear Lake Snow Play Adventure in Detail

The Location and Meeting Point
The tour starts at 41954 Switzerland Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA. From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice that this experience is designed for small groups—max 10 people—making it more like a friendly gathering than a giant tour bus. The meeting point is conveniently accessible, and the tour operates from late November through March, aligning with prime snow season.
Duration and Structure
While the official experience lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, the beauty of this tour is its flexibility. There’s no rush to leave once your time is up; you’re welcome to stay longer at the snow-covered location. The small-group setup ensures personalized attention and the chance for extra playtime.
What’s Included and What You Need to Bring
Your ticket grants you some thoughtful touches: fresh coffee with a splash of Baileys for the adults, snowball makers, and a snowman-building kit. These little extras elevate the experience from simple play to a cozy, communal activity.
However, you’ll need to bring some essentials: your own sleds—since they tend to break easily—and your winter gear, including snow clothes, gloves, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Remember, the weather can be unpredictable, and sun glare on the snow is intense, so protecting your skin and eyes is wise.
- Big Bear Lake Jeep Tour with Light Lunch
- Zipline Tour – 9 high-speed ziplines & fun suspension bridge
- Big Bear Fall Colors Hiking Tour in Southern California
- Guided Hiking Tour in Big Bear with Sunset Champagne toast on Private Dock
- Bear Valley Search & Rescue – High-Tech Escape Room
- Family-Friendly Nature Hike around the Big Bear Valley
The Guide and Local Tips
Amber, the host, excels at sharing local insights—not just the obvious spots but the hidden snow locations that most visitors overlook. She’s known for her friendly and accommodating manner, with reviews praising her helpful communication and knowledge. She also offers guidance on safe parking and navigating the area, helping you avoid costly tickets and unnecessary stress.
Activities and Customization
What sets this tour apart is its customization. Whether you want to race sleds, have snowball fights, build elaborate snowmen, or just take a light winter hike, Amber will tailor the outing to your group’s interests and energy level. Several reviews highlight how much fun families of all ages have, with one reviewer commenting, “Great location and beautiful area—perfect for kids of all ages.”
Pet-Friendly Policy
Surprisingly, dogs are more than welcome here—they can be off-leash! This makes it ideal for pet owners who don’t want to leave their furry friends behind. The reviews echo this sentiment, with travelers noting how much their dogs loved the snow and freedom.
Why Travelers Love It
Based on glowing reviews, travelers appreciate Amber’s responsiveness and her ability to find snow even when weather threatens. One review states, “Amber was incredibly communicative and helpful. We didn’t end up going due to lack of snow but she was so kind and offered a refund immediately.” This commitment to service creates a sense of trust and reliability.
Possible Drawbacks
The main consideration is that sleds are not included—so you’ll need to pack your own. If you forget or buy cheap ones that break easily, it might dampen your fun. Also, since this is a small-group tour, availability can fill quickly during peak season, so booking early is a good idea.
Is This Tour for You?
If you’re looking for an authentic, local-guided snow experience at a reasonable price, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for families, friends, or couples who want a flexible, fun day in the snow without the fuss of large, commercialized ski resorts. If you have young kids or furry friends, the pet-friendly feature makes this especially appealing.
Who Would Benefit Most?

This experience suits travelers seeking a relaxed, personalized snow day with guidance on the best spots, rather than a high-energy ski lesson or a commercial snow park. It’s ideal if you prefer a more intimate, off-the-beaten-path setting, and value local expertise.
It’s also a fantastic choice for those who want to keep costs reasonable while enjoying plenty of snow play. The tour’s tailored approach makes it accessible for all ages and levels of snow experience.
Final Thoughts

The Big Bear Lake Snow Play Adventure offers a warm, friendly way to enjoy winter’s magic. Its combination of local knowledge, customization, and pet-friendly policy means you get more than just snow; you get a genuine connection to the area and its natural beauty. Whether you’re sledding with the kids, building snowmen with friends, or taking your dog for a snowy walk, this tour balances fun, practicality, and value.
If you’re after a less commercialized, more authentic snow experience, this guided outing will serve you well. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate the personal touch and want to explore the best hidden snow spots with someone who knows the area intimately.
FAQ

Is this tour suitable for kids?
Yes, the activities are flexible and designed to be fun for kids of all ages, from sledding to snowball fights and snowman building.
Can I bring my own sleds?
Absolutely. The tour requests that you bring your own sleds since they tend to break easily. This way, you can ensure they’re in good condition.
Is the tour pet-friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome and can be off-leash, making it a perfect outing for furry friends who love snow.
What should I wear?
Bring warm snow clothes, gloves, sunglasses, and sunscreen—the snow reflects sunlight strongly, and staying warm is key.
What’s included in the price?
Your ticket includes coffee with Baileys for the adults, snowball makers, a snowman-building kit, and expert guidance to the best snow spots.
How long does the experience last?
The guided part of the tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, but you’re free to stay longer at the snow location afterward.
What if there’s not enough snow?
Amber’s local knowledge helps find the best snow-covered spots, but if weather conditions are poor, they offer full refunds or rescheduling.
Can I book this tour privately?
Yes, private bookings are available upon request, and the experience is generally for small groups of up to 10 travelers.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Less notice means no refund, so plan ahead.
Is this experience good value?
Considering the included guidance, snow toys, and the personalized approach, many feel it offers excellent value for a memorable winter outing.
This guide aims to give you all the details you need to decide if the Big Bear Lake Snow Play Adventure fits your winter dreams. It’s a great way to make the most of your time in the snow, especially when you want something personal and flexible, with a local who truly knows the area.
More Winter Activities in Big Bear
More Tour Reviews in Big Bear
- Big Bear City Bash Scavenger Hunt
- From San Diego: Two-Day Kayaking & Hiking at Big Bear Lake
- A Local’s Favorite Hike in Big Bear with Lake Swimming Experience
- Big Bear Jeep off-road tour with Hike to Bluff Lake Reserve
- Big Bear Bend Scavenger Hunt
- Big Bear Backyard Tasting with Wine, Beer, Charcuterie Fun Vibes
More Big Bear experiences we've covered
- Big Bear’s 6 Best Hiking And Trekking Tours: Which To Choose?
- Discover 15 Great Tours In Big Bear
- Big Bear City Bash Scavenger Hunt
- From San Diego: Two-Day Kayaking & Hiking at Big Bear Lake
- A Local’s Favorite Hike in Big Bear with Lake Swimming Experience
- Big Bear Jeep off-road tour with Hike to Bluff Lake Reserve
- Big Bear Bend Scavenger Hunt
- Big Bear Backyard Tasting with Wine, Beer, Charcuterie Fun Vibes
- Big Bear Team Trivia Hunt: New 2024 Mobile Game App!
- Snow Summit to Long Beach Airport LGB Departure Private Transfer
- Snowshoe Tour Big Bear Lake with Hot Chocolate
