Big Bear Lake, California
Hotels near Snow Summit with food and rentals nearby
Snow Summit is a ski and snowboard mountain inside the city of Big Bear Lake and one of the three peaks of Big Bear Mountain Resort; in summer it runs a lift-served mountain bike park.
This page lists what is near it — places to stay, rental shops, restaurants and things to do — nearest first. Distances are straight-line miles from the resort's main address at 880 Summit Blvd.
On this page
- Stays
- Ski rentals
- Food
- Snow play
- Hikes
Snow Summit through the year
Winter activities
Snow sports in Big Bear are typically available from November through April, depending on weather and snow conditions. During winter operations, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain provide opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, lessons, and equipment rentals. Both resorts also feature terrain parks for those looking to practice tricks and jumps. Snow Summit additionally offers snow tubing and night sessions.
Summer and shoulder seasons
When the snow melts, Snow Summit transforms its offerings for the summer months. Visitors can enjoy a downhill bike park with various trails, as well as cross-country bicycle routes. Hiking and Scenic Sky Chair rides are also available. Spring is a transitional period where winter activities like skiing or snow tubing might still be possible, sometimes overlapping with the return of warmer-weather pursuits such as fishing, kayaking, and boating on the lake.
Winter in the Big Bear area typically sees around 120 inches of annual snowfall. Average daytime temperatures often hover in the mid-40s Fahrenheit, while nighttime temperatures can drop to the mid-20s Fahrenheit.
Where to stay near Snow Summit
| Name | Type | Town | Miles from Snow Summit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snow Lake Lodge | Condo-style lodge | Big Bear Lake | 0.6 | Families near Snow Summit |
| The Burgundy (formerly Black Forest Lodge) | Lodge | Big Bear Lake | 1.1 | Pet-friendly stay near the Village |
| Big Bear Hostel | Hostel | Big Bear Lake | 1.3 | Budget stays near the Village |
Staying close to the slopes
Areas near Snow Summit
Lodging within about one-half mile of Pine Knot Avenue or Village Drive is described as walkable to The Village's shops, restaurants, and entertainment. The central City of Big Bear Lake area offers access to the lake, marinas, The Village, Snow Summit, Bear Mountain, parks, and grocery stores.
Lower Moonridge is situated near Bear Mountain, the Alpine Zoo, Bear Mountain Golf Course, businesses along Moonridge Road, and several trails. Upper Moonridge is more residential and wooded, but its steeper streets and driveways can present challenges for winter travel.
Other nearby locations
Boulder Bay provides access to the lake, Boulder Bay Park, Pleasure Point Marina, and Castle Rock Trail. However, traffic can become heavy during busy periods. Fawnskin is a community on the north shore bordering the National Forest, near Grout Bay and the Grays Peak trail area.
Big Bear City is an unincorporated area located east of Division Road. It is distinct from the incorporated City of Big Bear Lake.
Ski and snowboard rentals near Snow Summit
- Name
- Goldsmith's Sports
- Town
- Big Bear Lake
- Miles from Snow Summit
- 0.6
- Best for
- Ski and board fitting
Driving up in winter
- 01
Check Maps
Roads to Big Bear Lake include State Route 330 from the southwest, State Route 38 from the south, and State Route 18 from the northeast.
- 02
Plan Your Path
State Route 330 goes through Running Springs, while State Route 38 passes through Redlands and Mentone.
- 03
Valley Entry
State Route 18 approaches from Lucerne Valley and follows the lake's north side.
- 04
Dam Junction
State Route 38 connects with State Route 18 at Big Bear Lake Dam.
- 05
Traction Needs
Roads have traction requirements that can change, so check Caltrans QuickMap before you go.
- 06
Carry Gear
Drivers should have traction devices, follow posted signs, and check current road status before leaving.
Where to eat near Snow Summit
| Name | Cuisine | Town | Miles from Snow Summit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hacienda Grill | Mexican | Big Bear Lake | 0.5 | Family dinner |
| Gaby's Latin Flavors | Bolivian and Mexican | Big Bear Lake | 0.6 | Something different |
| Captains Anchorage | Steak and seafood | Big Bear Lake | 0.7 | Special-occasion dinner |
| Grizzly Manor Cafe | American breakfast | Big Bear Lake | 0.9 | Big breakfast |
| Old Country Inn | German and American | Big Bear Lake | 1.1 | Big breakfast |
| The Pines Lakefront | Steak and seafood | Big Bear Lake | 1.3 | Lake view |
| Himalayan Restaurant | Nepalese and Indian | Big Bear Lake | 1.4 | |
| 572 Social Kitchen & Lounge | New American | Big Bear Lake | 1.4 | Live music |
| Peppercorn Grille | Californian | Big Bear Lake | 1.4 | Polished dinner |
| Tropicali | Hawaiian and poke | Big Bear Lake | 1.5 | Quick lunch |
Snow play and things to do
| Name | Type | Season | Miles from Snow Summit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snow Summit | Ski resort and bike park | Winter skiing, summer biking | 0 | Skiing and snowboarding |
| Big Bear Alpine Zoo | Zoo and wildlife rehabilitation | Year-round | 1.2 | Families with young kids |
| Bear Mountain | Ski resort and golf course | Winter skiing, summer golf | 1.7 | A second mountain |
| Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain | Alpine slide and family rides | Year-round | 1.8 | Kids over 36 inches |
| Big Bear Snow Play | Snow tubing park | Mid-November to Easter | 1.9 | A first snow day with kids |
| Big Bear Solar Observatory | Solar observatory tours | Summer tours only | 2.5 | Science fans in summer |
| Time Bandit Pirate Ship | Lake boat tour | Check the operator's dates | 2.9 | Families on the lake |
| Big Bear Discovery Center | Visitor and nature center | Year-round | 3.2 | Free first stop before a hike |
Getting to the slopes without a car
-
Mountain Transit
This service provides public transit routes within the Big Bear Valley and connections to surrounding areas.
-
Red Line
This route connects The Village, Moonridge, Bear Mountain, Snow Summit, Big Bear City, Sugarloaf, and Erwin Lake.
-
Blue Line
This route links Boulder Bay with The Village.
-
Gold Line
This route serves Mountain Meadows, The Village, Meadow Park, Big Bear City, and the north shore.
-
Route 5
This route connects the Big Bear Valley with Running Springs and San Bernardino.
-
Accessibility
Public transit vehicles are equipped with accommodations for wheelchairs and racks for bicycles.
-
Complimentary Service
The Big Bear trolley is free and serves grocery stores, restaurants, recreation areas, ski resorts, and The Village.
Hikes near Snow Summit
| Name | Round trip, miles | Elevation gain, ft | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cougar Crest Trail to Bertha Peak | 7.3 | 1348 | Moderate to difficult | A real climb with summit views |
| Alpine Pedal Path | 5.3 | 298 | Easy, paved | Strollers and wheelchairs |
| Grays Peak Trail | 6.9 | 1187 | Moderate to difficult | Lake views, April to October |
| Pineknot Trail to Grand View Point | 7.5 | 1200 | Moderate | Forest walk with a panorama |
| Sugarloaf Trail | 12.1 | 3228 | Difficult | A full-day summit climb |
| Bluff Lake Reserve Loop | 1.9 | 52 | Easy | Quiet old-growth forest |
Own a cabin near Snow Summit?
Renting it out on Airbnb or VRBO means listings, guest messages, cleanings and pricing. A property manager can run all of it while you are away.
Snow Summit questions
Where do I buy lift tickets for Snow Summit?
From Big Bear Mountain Resort, which runs Snow Summit. Tickets, passes and their prices are on the resort's own website; we do not print prices, because they change during the season.
When does the ski season start?
The resort states that the 2026/27 season is set to begin on November 21, 2026, weather permitting. Check its website for the current date.
What is open at Snow Summit in summer?
The lift-served mountain bike park. The resort listed the 2026 bike park season as running through October 4, 2026.
Where can I rent skis or a snowboard nearby?
Goldsmith's Sports is about 0.6 miles from Snow Summit's main address and rents skis, snowboards and bikes.
What is the closest place to stay?
Snow Lake Lodge, about 0.6 miles from the resort's main address, with condo-style suites that have kitchens.