Big Bear Snow Play is a dedicated snow tubing attraction in Big Bear Lake, California, built for visitors who want a snow-filled day without needing to ski or snowboard. Set along Big Bear Boulevard, the park offers daytime snow tubing, nighttime Glow Tubing on select evenings, and a managed snow play environment with conveyor lifts that carry riders back to the top of the hill. It’s a popular choice for families with eligible children, groups of friends, couples looking for a winter outing, and first-time snow visitors who want to experience the mountains in a simple, approachable way.

This guide covers the practical details you’ll want before you go: where Big Bear Snow Play is located, its seasonal hours, the most recently published admission prices, age and height requirements, what to wear, and tips for planning your visit. Because opening dates, prices, and access rules can change from one season to the next, we’ve pointed you to the official sources to confirm everything before you travel.

Big Bear Snow Play at a Glance

Detail	What to Know
Address	42825 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Winter Season	Typically mid-November through around Easter, depending on conditions
Daytime Session	Approximately 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Glow Tubing Session	Approximately 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays
Tickets	Sold per session on arrival; not presold, according to the park’s visitor information
Minimum Height	36 inches; children 36–42 inches ride with a paying adult on the same tube
Phone	(909) 585-0075

Confirm current ticket prices and hours before visiting, as details can change each season.

What Is Big Bear Snow Play?

An Overview of the Big Bear Snow Play Attraction

Big Bear Snow Play is a ticketed recreation park in Big Bear Lake that focuses on snow tubing and recreational snow activities rather than traditional skiing. Instead of learning to carve down a slope, visitors sit in an inner tube and slide down groomed snow runs. The park provides the tube as part of your ticket, so there’s no equipment to buy or rent.

The attraction uses snowmaking equipment to maintain its tubing hill when temperatures allow, which means it doesn’t depend entirely on natural snowfall. That said, snowmaking only works when conditions cooperate, so it’s best to check the park’s operating status instead of assuming that recent storms (or a lack of them) tell the whole story.

Getting back to the top is easy. Conveyor lifts, often called the Magic Carpet, carry riders uphill after each run, so guests can spend their session tubing rather than hiking.

It’s also worth setting expectations from the start: Big Bear Snow Play is a managed, ticketed attraction with posted rules and staff supervision, not a free public sledding hill.

Where Is Big Bear Snow Play Located?

Big Bear Snow Play is located at 42825 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315. The park sits along Big Bear Boulevard, the main road running through the Big Bear Lake community, east of Big Bear Village.

Before you head up the mountain, enter the address into a navigation app and check current road conditions. Winter storms can bring chain controls and temporary closures, and conditions can differ sharply between routes. The park’s visitor information and directions page outlines the main approaches to Big Bear, and Caltrans publishes real-time California road conditions for mountain highways.

Is Big Bear Snow Play Worth Visiting?

For many visitors, the appeal comes down to simplicity. Big Bear Snow Play lets you experience the snow without buying a lift ticket, renting ski gear, or booking lessons. The tubing runs require no special skills, the moving carpet lifts make repeat rides easy, and the Glow Tubing sessions give you the option of an evening on the snow.

The attraction tends to suit:

• Families with eligible children: Kids who meet the height requirements can ride, and younger riders in the 36–42 inch range can share a tube with an adult.
• Non-skiers and first-time snow visitors: Tubing offers an easy introduction to winter recreation without a learning curve.
• Groups and couples: A tubing session works well as a shared, low-commitment winter activity.

It helps to go in with realistic expectations. Tickets are priced per session, winter weekends and holidays can be busy, and Big Bear’s elevation means cold temperatures, especially after sunset. Dressing properly and arriving with a plan will make a noticeable difference to your day.

Big Bear Snow Play Hours and Operating Season

When Does Big Bear Snow Play Open for the Winter?

According to the park’s published information, the winter snow tubing season typically begins around mid-November and runs until around Easter. The park also notes that it continues operating on weekends after that point for as long as snow coverage lasts.

Actual opening and closing dates vary with weather and snow conditions. If you’re planning a trip early or late in the season, check the official Big Bear Snow Play website before you travel.

Big Bear Snow Play Daytime Hours

The park’s visitor information lists the daytime snow tubing session as running from approximately 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A day session ticket covers that full window, so you can take as many runs as your energy (and the lines) allow.

Hours can be adjusted around holidays and changing conditions, so verify the Big Bear Snow Play hours for your intended date before leaving home.

What Is Big Bear Glow Tubing?

Glow Tubing is Big Bear Snow Play’s nighttime tubing session. After dark, the tubing hill is lit with colored lights, giving the experience a very different feel from a daytime visit. For many visitors, the novelty of sliding down an illuminated hill under a mountain night sky is the highlight of a winter trip.

Glow Tubing in Big Bear is generally offered on Friday, Saturday, and holiday evenings during the winter season, with the published session running from approximately 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. In past seasons, Glow Tubing has also run nightly during parts of the Christmas and New Year holiday period, but the schedule can change from year to year.

Evening temperatures at Big Bear Lake can drop well below freezing, so plan to dress warmer than you would for a daytime session. Always check the current schedule before planning a trip around Glow Tubing.

Does Big Bear Snow Play Make Its Own Snow?

Yes. Big Bear Snow Play uses snowmaking equipment to build and maintain snow on its tubing hill. This allows the park to open in conditions where natural snowfall alone might not be enough.

However, snowmaking still depends on suitable temperatures. A warm spell can affect conditions, and having snowmaking equipment doesn’t guarantee that every activity will operate on every day of the season. Confirm the current operating status through the park’s visitor information before making a special trip.

Big Bear Snow Play Tickets and Prices

How Much Does Big Bear Snow Play Cost?

Big Bear Snow Play sells two winter session tickets: a daytime snow tubing ticket and a nighttime Glow Tubing ticket. As of the most recently published rates, the park lists:

Ticket	Most Recently Published Price	Notes
Snow Tubing Day Session	$50 per person	Approximately 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Glow Tubing Night Session	$50 per person	Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays, approximately 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Small Child Ticket	$35	Children 36–42 inches tall riding with a paying adult aged 18 or older

Tickets are session-based. A daytime ticket doesn’t cover Glow Tubing, and a Glow Tubing ticket doesn’t cover the day session, so plan on separate tickets if you’d like to do both.

Prices and policies can change before or during the winter season. Treat these figures as a reference point and check the current Big Bear Snow Play ticket prices and hours before you go. The park’s visitor information states that it accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and Apple Pay.

Big Bear Snow Play Child Tickets and Height Requirements

Big Bear Snow Play enforces height requirements for every participant:

• Children 36 to 42 inches tall must ride on the same inner tube as a paying adult aged 18 or older and need the designated small child ticket. One-on-one adult supervision is required, meaning one adult per child in this height range.
• Children under 36 inches tall are not permitted past the snow play gate.

If you’re traveling with young children, measure them before the trip and review the current rules. These requirements can shape whether Big Bear Snow Play is the right fit for your family on this visit.

Can You Buy Big Bear Snow Play Tickets Online?

The park’s visitor information states that it doesn’t accept reservations or presell tickets. Tickets are purchased when you arrive.

Because ticketing arrangements can change, it’s worth confirming this policy before your visit. On weekends and holidays, arriving early in the session gives you more time on the hill and a buffer for lines.

Does Big Bear Snow Play Offer Discounts or Group Rates?

Group rates may be available for qualifying groups that book in advance. According to the park’s published information:

• Groups must have a minimum of 35 people.
• All groups must be booked in advance.
• Group rates aren’t available on weekends, holidays, or holiday periods.

If you’re organizing a school trip, youth group, or company outing, contact Big Bear Snow Play directly at (909) 585-0075 for current group rates and eligibility.

What Can You Do at Big Bear Snow Play?

Go Snow Tubing on the Hills

Snow tubing is the main event. You settle into an inner tube at the top of a groomed run, push off, and slide to the bottom. From there, the conveyor lift brings you back up for another ride, which makes it easy to fit in plenty of runs during a single session.

Big Bear snow tubing appeals to visitors who don’t ski or snowboard because there’s nothing to learn beforehand. Staff manage the runs, and following their instructions and the posted safety rules helps keep the hill safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Experience Glow Tubing at Night

Glow Tubing brings colored lighting and an after-dark atmosphere to the tubing hill. It can be a memorable option for families with eligible children, couples who want something different for a winter evening, and groups of friends looking to make the most of a mountain weekend.

Bring extra layers, warm waterproof gloves, and insulated footwear, as temperatures drop noticeably after sunset. Confirm which nights Glow Tubing is operating before building your plans around it.

Relax at the Heated Base Lodge

Big Bear Snow Play has a heated base lodge with restrooms and a family-friendly snack bar, giving visitors a place to warm up between runs. There’s also a viewing deck, which can be useful for family members who aren’t riding.

For families, these amenities make breaks much more manageable, whether that means warming cold hands, grabbing a snack, or regrouping before the next run. Note that the park’s visitor information states that outside food isn’t permitted, so check the current food policy before packing snacks or a picnic.

Enjoy Other Seasonal Attractions

Outside the winter season, Big Bear Snow Play operates warm-weather attractions, including go-karts, summer tubing, and a ropes course. These activities have their own hours, prices, and participation requirements. If you’re visiting outside winter, check the park’s attractions page for current details.

What Is the Best Age for Big Bear Snow Play?

Is Big Bear Snow Play Good for Toddlers?

This is where the height rules matter most. Children under 36 inches tall aren’t permitted past the snow play gate, which rules out many toddlers.

Children between 36 and 42 inches tall can ride, but only on the same tube as a paying adult aged 18 or older, with a small child ticket and one-on-one adult supervision. If you’re traveling with very young children, check the current rules before making Big Bear Snow Play the centerpiece of your family trip.

Is Big Bear Snow Play Fun for Older Kids and Teenagers?

Older kids and teens often get the most out of tubing. Repeated runs, the conveyor lift, and the chance to ride alongside friends or siblings keep the session moving, and Glow Tubing adds something extra for a group outing.

Families with children of different ages can enjoy the attraction together as long as everyone meets the requirements. Review the current safety rules ahead of time rather than assuming every family member can participate in the same way.

Can Adults Enjoy Big Bear Snow Play Without Kids?

Absolutely. Big Bear Snow Play isn’t exclusively for children. Couples and groups of friends often visit for a casual winter activity that doesn’t require ski skills or gear. If you’d like a different atmosphere, Glow Tubing makes a good evening plan during a weekend in the mountains.

What Should You Wear to Big Bear Snow Play?

Dress in Warm, Water-Resistant Layers

You’ll be sitting on snow and spending hours outdoors, so layering is the most effective approach:

• Base Layer: A moisture-wicking top and leggings, such as synthetic or merino wool, to keep sweat off your skin.
• Middle Layer: An insulating fleece or light puffer to hold in warmth.
• Outer Layer: A water-resistant or waterproof winter jacket and snow pants.

Jeans and cotton clothing absorb moisture quickly and stay cold once wet, which can cut a visit short. If you don’t own snow pants, the park’s FAQ points visitors to a local rental shop in Big Bear Lake.

Wear Waterproof Boots and Warm Socks

Waterproof winter boots with good traction will keep you comfortable while walking on packed snow and waiting in line. Pair them with warm socks, ideally wool or a synthetic blend rather than cotton. Note that the park doesn’t permit ski boots for snow tubing.

Bring Gloves, a Hat, and Other Winter Essentials

A few small items go a long way:

• Warm Gloves: Waterproof gloves or mittens are best, since your hands will be in contact with snow and the tube.
• Beanie: A warm hat that fits snugly.
• Neck Warmer: Especially helpful for Glow Tubing sessions.
• Spare Socks: Wet feet are one of the quickest ways to get cold.
• Sunscreen and Lip Balm: Sunlight reflects off snow, even on cloudy days.

For children, a spare change of clothes for the drive back to your accommodation is a practical addition.

What Should You Leave at Home?

Leave behind loose clothing, unsecured scarves, dangling jewelry, and anything that could get caught or interfere with safe riding. Zip phones and valuables into a secure pocket.

Big Bear Snow Play provides inner tubes as part of the ticket price. Before bringing your own sled or tube, check the park’s current posted rules on equipment and personal belongings.

Tips for Visiting Big Bear Snow Play

Arrive Early During Weekends and Holidays

Winter weekends, school breaks, and holidays are typically the busiest times on the mountain. Since the park’s published information states that tickets are purchased on-site rather than presold, arriving early in your chosen session helps you make the most of the time available. If your schedule allows, a weekday visit outside school holidays usually means a calmer experience, though crowd levels are never guaranteed.

Check Snow Conditions and Weather Before Leaving

Mountain weather can change quickly. Before you drive up:

• Check the park’s official operating status.
• Review the Big Bear Lake forecast.
• Check California road conditions for chain controls and closures, or call Caltrans at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).

Carrying tire chains during winter is a sensible precaution for any trip into the San Bernardino Mountains.

Plan Your Route to Big Bear Lake

The park’s visitor information describes three main routes to Big Bear:

• Highway 330/Highway 18 through Running Springs: Described as the fastest and easiest route, though it can get congested on weekends and holidays.
• Highway 38 through Redlands: A longer, scenic route that often has less traffic.
• Highway 18 through Lucerne Valley: Tends to get less snow during storms and involves the least mountain driving.

Choose your route based on the day’s weather, traffic, and road conditions rather than the shortest estimated drive. The park’s visitor information and directions page has more details.

Understand the Safety Rules Before Arriving

Review these policies before you go:

• Height Requirements: Minimum 36 inches, with shared-tube rules for children 36–42 inches.
• Child Supervision: One adult per child in the 36–42 inch range.
• Liability Waiver: Participants must sign a release form. The park has a downloadable release form on its website.
• Pregnancy: Pregnant visitors aren’t permitted past the snow play gate, according to the park’s published rules, though they’re welcome on the viewing deck and in the heated base lodge.
• Injuries: The park states that casts, splints, and braces aren’t allowed and that guests with pre-existing injuries may not participate.
• Pets: Leashed pets are welcome on the grounds but not in the base lodge or past the snow play gate.

If you have mobility concerns or a recent injury, contact the park before your visit to confirm whether participation is appropriate. On the day, follow the instructions of park staff.

Plan for the Cold After Sunset

Glow Tubing takes place during the coldest part of the day. Pack extra layers, a dry pair of gloves, and warm footwear, and consider changing out of damp clothing before the drive. Planning a warm meal or a quiet evening afterward makes the end of a cold night much more comfortable.

Big Bear Snow Play vs. Other Snow Tubing Attractions

Big Bear Lake and the surrounding San Bernardino Mountains offer several ways to enjoy snow activities in Big Bear and nearby communities. The best choice depends on whether you want a dedicated tubing park, a resort-based tubing session, or a stop closer to the western mountain communities. Big Bear Mountain Resort also publishes details on other snow tubing options in Big Bear, including its tube parks at Snow Summit and Snow Valley.

Attraction	Location	What It Offers	Ticketing	Best For
Big Bear Snow Play	42825 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake	Snow tubing, Glow Tubing, snowmaking, conveyor lifts, heated base lodge, snack bar	Day or night session tickets purchased on arrival	Visitors who want a dedicated tubing park with daytime and evening sessions
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain	800 Wildrose Lane, Big Bear Lake	Seasonal snow tubing with a Magic Carpet lift, evening tubing on select nights, plus other rides such as the Alpine Slide and Mineshaft Coaster	Check the official website	Travelers who want to combine tubing with other family attractions
Grizzly Ridge Tube Park at Snow Summit	Snow Summit, 880 Summit Blvd, Big Bear Lake	Designated tubing lanes and a moving carpet lift; no separate snow play area	Timed sessions; advance online purchase recommended	Visitors who prefer a resort-based experience with a reserved session
Coyote Creek Tube Park at Snow Valley	Snow Valley, Running Springs	Tubing lanes plus a separate snow play area	Sold in time slots; snow play ticket available separately	Visitors exploring Running Springs and the communities west of Big Bear

Which Big Bear Snow Tubing Attraction Is Best for Families?

Each attraction offers a slightly different experience. Big Bear Snow Play is a dedicated tubing park with full day and evening sessions, which suits families who want flexibility and a heated lodge to retreat to. The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain also offers evening tubing and adds other rides to the mix, which can help when siblings have different interests.

The resort-based tube parks at Snow Summit and Snow Valley run on timed sessions with advance ticketing, which appeals to families who’d rather lock in a time than buy on arrival. Snow Valley also sells a separate snow play ticket, which may be worth considering if a child doesn’t meet a tubing park’s height requirements. Snow Summit’s tube park, by comparison, doesn’t include a snow play area.

Before choosing, compare minimum height requirements, current prices, operating hours, ticketing arrangements, and whether non-tubing snow play is available. There’s no single best option for every family; the right fit depends on your children’s ages, your plans, and conditions on the day you visit.

Other Things to Do Near Big Bear Snow Play

Visit Big Bear Village

Big Bear Village is the walkable heart of Big Bear Lake, with shops, restaurants, and cafes that take on a festive feel in winter. It’s a natural stop for warming up over a meal or browsing local boutiques after a tubing session, and a handy starting point for exploring more of what Big Bear has to offer in winter.

Try the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain

The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain in Big Bear is another family favorite in Big Bear Lake. Along with seasonal snow tubing, the park is known for its bobsled-style Alpine Slide, the Mineshaft Coaster, and other rides. Available activities vary by season and weather, so check what’s operating before you visit.

Explore More Winter Activities in Big Bear

Beyond tubing, winter visitors can ski and snowboard at Big Bear Mountain Resort, try snowshoeing on National Forest trails, or catch seasonal events around town. Operating dates and conditions vary by activity, so confirm schedules for anything you’re planning.

Turn Your Snow Play Trip Into a Mountain Getaway

Squeezing a tubing session into a long round-trip drive can make for a tiring day. An overnight or weekend stay gives you room to time your session around the weather, explore more of the mountains, and come back to somewhere warm once the cold sets in. For travelers who’d prefer a quieter base outside Big Bear’s busiest areas, our cabins in Running Springs are one option worth considering.

Where to Stay for a Big Bear Snow Play Trip

Make a Weekend Out of Your Snow Tubing Adventure

For families driving up from Los Angeles, Orange County, or the Inland Empire, the trip to Big Bear can take a good part of the day once traffic, weather, and possible chain controls are factored in. Staying overnight takes the pressure off. You can pick the session that best suits the forecast, avoid driving mountain roads after dark when you’re tired, and enjoy more than a single attraction.

Popular winter weekends and holiday periods tend to book up early across the mountain communities, so it’s wise to reserve accommodation well in advance.

Stay at Wild Olive Cabins

Wild Olive Cabins offers vacation rental cabins in Running Springs, California, a separate mountain community west of Big Bear Lake. Running Springs sits on the Highway 330/Highway 18 route that many visitors use to reach Big Bear, approximately 30 minutes from Big Bear Lake and about 15 minutes from Lake Arrowhead.

Staying with us in Running Springs gives you a base for exploring winter attractions across the San Bernardino Mountains rather than just one town. You can drive over to Big Bear Snow Play for a session, spend another day closer to Lake Arrowhead, and return to a quieter setting in the evening. Drive times can change with snow and traffic, so check directions and current road conditions before traveling between communities.

Enjoy More Than Just a Day in the Snow

A weekend in the mountains leaves time for more than tubing. You might spend a morning getting to know Running Springs and the surrounding areas, visit SkyPark at Santa’s Village near Lake Arrowhead, or simply enjoy a slow evening in after a cold day outdoors. If that sounds like your kind of winter trip, take a look at our cabins and find one that suits your group.

Frequently Asked Questions About Big Bear Snow Play

Where Is Big Bear Snow Play Located?

Big Bear Snow Play is located at 42825 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315.

How Much Does Big Bear Snow Play Cost?

The park’s most recently published rates list $50 per person for a daytime snow tubing session and $50 per person for a Glow Tubing session, with a $35 small child ticket for eligible children riding with a paying adult. Prices can change, so check current rates before visiting.

What Are Big Bear Snow Play’s Hours?

The daytime session runs from approximately 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Glow Tubing typically runs from approximately 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays. The winter season usually runs from around mid-November to around Easter, depending on conditions.

Does Big Bear Snow Play Have Snow All Winter?

The park uses snowmaking equipment to maintain its tubing hill when temperatures allow. However, conditions and operations can vary through the season, so check the park’s current status before you travel.

Do You Need Reservations for Big Bear Snow Play?

According to the park’s published information, it doesn’t accept reservations or presell tickets; tickets are purchased on arrival. Verify the current policy before your visit.

What Is the Minimum Height for Big Bear Snow Play?

Children must be at least 36 inches tall to go past the snow play gate. Children between 36 and 42 inches tall must ride on the same tube as a paying adult aged 18 or older, need a small child ticket, and require one-on-one adult supervision.

Is Big Bear Snow Play Suitable for Toddlers?

Many toddlers won’t meet the 36-inch minimum height and won’t be permitted past the snow play gate. Children who are 36 to 42 inches tall can ride only when sharing a tube with an eligible adult.

Does Big Bear Snow Play Offer Night Tubing?

Yes. Glow Tubing is offered on select evenings during the winter season, typically Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays, subject to the published schedule.

Can You Bring Your Own Snow Tube or Sled?

The park provides an inner tube with each ticket. Check the official park rules before bringing any personal equipment.

What Should You Wear to Big Bear Snow Play?

Wear warm layers, waterproof outerwear and snow pants, gloves, a hat, and waterproof boots with good traction. Ski boots aren’t permitted for snow tubing.

Is Big Bear Snow Play Open When It Isn’t Snowing?

It can be. The park’s snowmaking equipment allows it to operate without fresh natural snowfall when temperatures are cold enough. Operations still depend on conditions, so check the official operating status before you go.

Planning a Big Bear Snow Play Weekend From Running Springs

If you’re basing yourself in Running Springs, a winter weekend can be built around the weather and the Glow Tubing schedule rather than a single rushed day. Here’s one way a flexible weekend could look:

When	Idea	Planning Note
Friday Evening	Arrive in Running Springs and settle in	Check road conditions before the drive up and aim to arrive before dark
Saturday Morning	Drive to Big Bear Lake for a daytime tubing session	Arrive early in the session, as tickets are sold on-site
Saturday Afternoon	Lunch and a stroll in Big Bear Village	A good chance to warm up and change out of damp layers
Saturday Evening	Glow Tubing, or head back to the cabin for a quiet night	Glow Tubing requires a separate ticket and colder-weather gear
Sunday	Explore Running Springs or Lake Arrowhead before heading home	Leaving earlier can help with Sunday traffic down the mountain

Running Springs also has its own winter options close to home. Coyote Creek Tube Park and the snow play area at Snow Valley are located in Running Springs, which can be handy if conditions or crowds make a drive to Big Bear less appealing on a given day.

Whichever way you plan it, staying at Wild Olive Cabins puts you within reach of Big Bear Snow Play and the wider San Bernardino Mountains, with a comfortable place to return to when the day on the snow is done.