Going to Big Bear next weekend (9 & 10). Curious if the lake is closed at that point yet, or whether some shops will still rent out kayaks. Thank you!

My go to is usually Greys Peak, but looking for other hikes that would show the leaves!

Hello r/bigbear!

Like pumpkin spice and relatives who overstay their welcome during the holidays, the change in weather and seasons mean it's time for your trusty mod's annual post for visitors and residents alike - Get your chains and keep them in your vehicle during the winter months in case you need them.

When in Big Bear during the winter months you are required to keep chains (that fit!) in your vehicle. Even if the forecast says 70 and sunny while you're visiting, keep 'em in your car or bring lots of money for the tow truck drivers.

You can find out if you'll need chains when traveling to or in Big Bear by visiting this link:

http://socalmountains.com/roads/

R1 = Chains or snow tires

R2 = Chains on ALL vehicles except 4x4 and AWD.

R3 = Chains on all vehicles (but if it gets to this point, you really don't want to be on the road in the first place).

Chains should always be on the wheels that power your vehicle, so front wheel drive you put your chains on your front, rear wheel drive, you put them on the back.

Here's a quick primer on how to put chains on.

Posts asking if you need to bring chains will be immediately deleted. Multiple posts asking about current weather conditions will also be deleted. One weather post per storm please and thank you.

That's it! Stash those chains in the trunk, bundle up, and enjoy Big Bear this winter!

Hello! I’m planning on moving to big bear December of this year. I’m applying at BVCH in hopes I get a position (I’m an RN) however if that doesn’t work out, I was planning on getting a job in Victorville at their hospital. This entails working 3 days a week. I heard that driving down the 18 isn’t as terrible during the winter like other 330 , I would love to hear recommendations from people who have lived there. Thank you!

Those looking for a good breakfast spot Grizzly Manor Cafe will not disappoint. Parking and Space is an issue everything in there is tight. Pancakes are huge and fluffy , they give you a pizza box for them if you take them to go, thats how big. Also breakfast burrito was really good will go back.

Hi,

My kiddo wants to try snowboarding this year, and I am looking at signing him up for a group lesson at snow valley. Do they just go off on the slopes with the group for the 3 hours or are parents able to be there? Just trying to size up how independent my kiddo needs to be before we sign him up.

Thanks!

I was at the Broadway Cafe ( Get the Burger was closed ) , and the owner was talking to one of the customers about 3 Bears spotted by Snow Play area. Anyone here about this ? BTW they have good Burgers there too.

Hi! My parents are visiting me during the holidays, they are coming from outside the US and this will be their second time in the LA region. We were planning a road trip and were thinking of staying over in Big Bear for Christmas and Boxing day.

They mostly want to see the snow and get a white Christmas vibe. They don’t ski or snowboard.

Does anyone have any recommendations for what to do? Or if it’s even worth heading up there?

Thank you all so much for your help!

🙏🏻

Hi all! What kind of berry bushes do well in the lower moonridge area if any? Looking for a place around there. We drove past a pear tree that looked amazing 💗 Amy other lowish maintenance fruit bearing plant recommendations appreciated!

Will be working at bear mtn looking for a place close by.

Hi! I’ve been coming up to big bear every other week for a year (to visit friends) and finally decided it’s time to make the move. I was wondering if anyone knows of places hiring! My experience includes basically any restaurant job, being a barista, teaching horseback riding , working with farm animals, teaching children and working with the special needs community. If anyone has any leads, please let me know!

Does anyone have a good recommendation for residential snow removal? I am looking to lock in a contract for the season. What do others pay for this service? It would be a 2 car driveway (single car width) and walkway to front door. In Boulder Bay if that matters.

My wife and I are looking at buying a vacation rental to use in the Summer and rent in the Winter. I know, I know, it’s saturated. We would not be expecting to even break even, we just love it up there and want to offset some of the costs of owning our own Summer vacation home with some rentals when we can get them.

Curious - if we go in not expecting to make money and we can afford the home even with zero rent, are there still significant downsides to this plan? Would love to hear from owners doing something similar

My indoor cat has been missing since yesterday 10/25. She escaped through a window sometime between 3:30-10pm. She is grey with a white spot on her chest and stomach. She is wearing a green color and pink name tag. Please keep a lookout for my baby. I am devasted and can't think straight. I live right on sierra ave in big bear city. Please please help me find her :(

Hi Looking to visit Big Bear this weekend and I’m interested if any easy, non-rock crawling, off road trails are still open after the fires. Please let me know if you can think of any. Thank you

Hello! Is there fall foliage/colors in big bear yet? I plan to visit this or next weekend but just want to see if this is the best time.

Thanks in advance!

This is going to be our first time at Big Bear and I know there are like 100+ trails around there.

Which ones are your favorite? They can be moderately difficult. Even pretty difficult if the payoff is worth it. Something that’s 5 hours (there and back) or a little less.

We’d prefer a shaded trail in the woods and something with little traffic.

Any tips you might have as well?

I'm looking to have at least one concrete patio framed/pored at our house in Big Bear. Any recommendations for contractors in the area? I see a few with mixed reviews on Yelp, etc, so I thought I would has here. Thanks in advacnce.

Have any restaurants announced if they are selling Thanksgiving dinners? If so any restaurant recommendations? My mom doesn't want to cook this year and we are planning on eating out or picking something up so any advice would be greatly appreciated :)

Got a lift ops job. I have 785 credit score

Anyone know of any running groups that get together weekly or every so often to do group runs? Going to be up there soon and looking to explore some routes/trails

hey yall . im planning to take my rwd lexus to big bear around late dec hosting a get together with the homies and just want to know how can i be prepared, if it snows, what can i do to make the ride go smoothly yk . appreciate the help!