Snowshoeing and Cross-country Skiing near Running Springs

Running Springs sits high in the San Bernardino Mountains at roughly 6,000 feet, and when winter storms move through, the surrounding forest takes on a completely different character. Snow settles on the pines, the air turns crisp, and the mountain roads between Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead, and Big Bear lead into some memorable winter scenery.

You don’t need to ride a chairlift or learn to carve a slope to enjoy it. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing offer a slower, more personal way to experience the mountains in winter, moving under your own power through snow-covered forest, along groomed trails, and into scenery that’s easy to miss from a car window.

For snowshoeing and cross-country skiing near Running Springs, the main destination is Rim Nordic Ski Area, located approximately five miles east of town along Highway 18, directly across from Snow Valley Mountain Resort. It’s the area’s dedicated Nordic facility, with groomed trails, rentals, and lessons in one place.

In this guide, you’ll find:

Where to go snowshoeing and cross-country skiing near Running Springs
Beginner-friendly trails and what to expect on each
Equipment rentals and lessons
What to bring and how to prepare
Winter road conditions, chain requirements, and safety considerations

Snowshoeing vs. Cross-country Skiing: What’s the Difference?

What Is Snowshoeing?

Snowshoes spread your body weight across a larger surface area, so you sink less into the snow with each step. The result feels a lot like hiking: you walk upright, use a natural stride, and spend your attention on the scenery rather than on technique.

That’s why snowshoeing appeals to people who already enjoy trail walking. If you’ve ever wanted to try winter hiking near Running Springs but weren’t sure about walking through deep snow in regular boots, snowshoes are the practical answer.

Snowshoeing in the San Bernardino Mountains is especially rewarding after a fresh snowfall, when the pine forest is still and the landscape looks entirely different from its summer self. Compared with skiing, it requires very little instruction, and many first-timers get comfortable quickly on an easy trail.

What Is Cross-country Skiing?

Cross-country skiing uses long, narrow skis and poles to travel across flat or rolling terrain. Unlike downhill skiing, it’s self-propelled: there are no lifts, and you generate your own momentum.

There are two common techniques:

Classic cross-country skiing: Skis glide forward in parallel grooves set into the snow, using a striding motion similar to walking. This is the usual starting point for beginners.
Skate skiing: A side-to-side pushing motion similar to ice skating, performed on wider groomed lanes. It’s faster and more demanding.

Cross-country skiing works the arms, legs, and core together, making it one of the more complete winter workouts available. Groomed trails make learning considerably easier, because the prepared surface and set tracks do part of the work of keeping your skis on course.

Which Activity Is Better for Beginners?

Both can be beginner-friendly on the right trail. Here’s how they compare:

Factor	Snowshoeing	Cross-country Skiing
Learning curve	Minimal; similar to hiking	Moderate; balance and glide take practice
Fitness requirements	Easy to moderate, depending on distance	Moderate to high, especially on longer routes
Equipment needed	Snowshoes, waterproof boots, optional poles	Skis, compatible boots, and poles
Terrain preferences	Designated snowshoe trails or permitted open areas	Groomed trails with set tracks or skate lanes
Family suitability	Well suited to mixed ages and abilities	Better for older kids and adults willing to learn
Overall experience	Relaxed, exploratory, scenery-focused	Active, rhythmic, skill-building

The takeaway: Snowshoeing is a natural starting point if you already enjoy walking or hiking. Cross-country skiing is the better choice if you’d like to learn a new winter sport and don’t mind a short learning curve.

Best Places for Snowshoeing and Cross-country Skiing near Running Springs

Rim Nordic Ski Area – The Best Place for Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Rim Nordic Ski Area describes itself as Southern California’s only cross-country ski area, which makes it the natural starting point for anyone interested in cross-country skiing in Southern California. It operates in the San Bernardino National Forest under a special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service, along Highway 18 approximately five miles east of Running Springs and directly across from Snow Valley Mountain Resort.

Don’t confuse the two. Snow Valley is a downhill ski and snowboard resort with lifts. Rim Nordic is a trail-based Nordic area for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

What makes Rim Nordic worth the trip:

More than 10 miles of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
Machine-groomed trails prepared with a Piston Bully grooming machine
Classic tracks and skate-skiing lanes on all trails except the snowshoe trails
Designated snowshoe trails, with off-trail snowshoeing encouraged
Terrain for beginner, intermediate, and expert skiers, marked with universal trail signage
On-site rentals and cross-country ski lessons

The setting is quiet pine forest rather than a resort base area, which gives the experience a very different feel from a typical ski day. You can review the full cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails before you go, and a trail map is provided when you purchase your trail pass.

Beginner-Friendly Trails at Rim Nordic

Rim Nordic lists all trail distances as round trip and approximate.

Trail	Difficulty	Approx. Distance (Round Trip)
Deep Creek Loop	Beginner (green)	0.25 mile
Country Road	Beginner (green)	2+ miles

Deep Creek Loop is a short introductory route, ideal for getting comfortable on skis or snowshoes before committing to anything longer.
Country Road covers more than two miles and suits beginners who want a fuller outing on gentler terrain.

Trails are marked by difficulty with green (beginner), blue (intermediate), and black (expert) signage. Use the trail map to plan a route that fits your group’s ability and the time you have, and remember that the distance you ski out is distance you’ll need to ski back.

Trails for More Experienced Skiers

Trail	Difficulty	Approx. Distance (Round Trip)
Lower Country Road	Intermediate (blue)	2+ miles
Vista Trail (lower)	Intermediate (blue)	1 mile
Big Cedar	Expert (black)	1.5 miles
Lone Pine	Expert (black)	1.5 miles
Vista Trail (top)	Expert (black)	1 mile

These routes bring more challenging terrain, and linking several together makes for a longer day. If you’re new to Nordic skiing, build up to them over a few visits.

Snowshoeing at Rim Nordic

Rim Nordic has designated snowshoe-only trails, including the Up & Down and Snowshoe Trails, which are reserved for snowshoers. Snowshoers are also encouraged to head off-trail where it’s appropriate, for a more immersive experience in the forest.

A trail pass is required even if you’re only snowshoeing. Rim Nordic also lists Snowcuterie Snowshoe Tours on its website, so check there for details and availability if a guided outing appeals to you.

Facilities, Rentals, and Other Amenities

Amenity	Details
Cross-country ski rentals	Available on-site
Snowshoe rentals	Available on-site
Lessons	Cross-country ski lessons available
Food and retail	Small retail shop with snack options inside the chalet
Seating	Limited indoor seating; picnic tables in the base area
Restrooms	Portable restrooms
Water	No running water on-site

Bring your own water and, if you’d like more than snacks, your own lunch for the picnic tables.

What to Know Before Visiting Rim Nordic

Operations depend on natural snowfall and weather. Rim Nordic opens for winter only when conditions allow.
Published hours are 9 AM to 4 PM, weather permitting. Confirm current hours before driving up.
Arrive early. Rentals and lessons can have limited availability, particularly on weekends and holidays.
No dogs or fat bikes are allowed on the trails during the winter season.
Check current conditions on the Rim Nordic website, including its snow report, before every visit.
Rates change. Trail pass, rental, and lesson prices are posted on Rim Nordic’s website and can change from season to season.

Exploring Other Snow-covered Areas in the San Bernardino National Forest

Beyond Rim Nordic, the wider San Bernardino National Forest can be beautiful in winter, and snowshoeing is possible in some snow-covered areas where public access and regulations allow. But a forest road or summer hiking trail is not automatically a winter route.

Keep these points in mind:

Natural forest routes aren’t maintained recreation facilities. There’s no grooming, signage designed for winter, or on-site help.
Not every hiking trail suits snowshoeing or skiing. Steep, exposed, or narrow trails can be hazardous under snow and ice.
Closures and restrictions change. Fire recovery, storm damage, and seasonal gates can close areas without much notice.
Check before you go. Contact the Forest Service before heading onto an unfamiliar route, and confirm access, parking, and any pass requirements.

If you’ve been searching for snowshoe trails near Lake Arrowhead or snowshoeing near Big Bear, Rim Nordic is worth a look. It sits on Highway 18 about five miles east of Running Springs, along the mountain route toward Big Bear, and it remains the most reliable place for a supported snowshoe or Nordic ski outing in this part of the mountains.

What to Expect When Snowshoeing near Running Springs

Exploring Snow-covered Pine Forests

Snowshoeing slows everything down in the best way. Moving through tall pines after a fresh snowfall, you’ll notice details that are easy to miss at speed: snow sliding off branches, animal tracks crossing the trail, and the muffled stillness that follows a winter storm. On clear days, openings in the forest reveal mountain views framed by snow.

That unhurried pace is the appeal. Snowshoeing lets you experience the mountains on foot in a season when many summer trails are snowed over or closed.

Snowshoeing for Families and First-time Visitors

Because it builds on walking, snowshoeing is one of the easier winter activities to share with family members of different ages and abilities.

Choose shorter routes and match the distance to the least experienced person in the group.
Plan for breaks and keep water and snacks easy to reach.
Check trail conditions and difficulty before bringing children, and confirm rental sizes if you’re renting for kids.
Dress everyone in waterproof layers and warm, waterproof footwear. Kids especially will spend time sitting, kneeling, and playing in the snow.

How Long Does a Snowshoeing Trip Take?

Snowshoeing is usually slower than summer hiking over the same distance. How long a trip takes depends on:

Distance, including the return leg
Snow depth and texture, since fresh powder takes more effort than packed snow
Elevation and terrain, as climbs at altitude tire you faster
Fitness and group size, because larger groups tend to move at the pace of the slowest member

First-timers are best served by a short outing that leaves energy to spare. Whatever you plan, leave enough daylight for the return trip, since winter afternoons are short in the mountains.

What to Expect When Cross-country Skiing near Running Springs

Classic Cross-country Skiing

Classic skiing is where most newcomers start. On groomed trails, your skis sit in set tracks that help guide them forward, so you can focus on the basic movement: a kick, a glide, and a shift of weight from one ski to the other.

Balance takes some getting used to, and pacing matters. It’s easy to push too hard early and tire quickly. Proper equipment also makes a difference, which is one reason renting fitted gear on-site is helpful. With a relaxed pace and gentle terrain, classic skiing is a forgiving introduction to the sport.

Skate Skiing

Skate skiing uses a V-shaped stride: you push off the edge of one ski at an angle and glide on the other, alternating sides much like an ice skater. It needs wider groomed lanes, and Rim Nordic grooms skating lanes on all trails except the snowshoe trails.

The technique calls for more balance, coordination, and fitness than classic skiing. It’s generally a better fit for people who already have some skiing or skating experience.

Cross-country Skiing for Beginners

Expect your first session to be a learning experience. A few falls are normal, and the rhythm usually starts to click with practice.

Take a lesson. Rim Nordic offers cross-country ski lessons, and a short session with an instructor helps you build good habits from the start.
Start easy. Deep Creek Loop and Country Road are the places to begin before moving to blue or black trails.
Progress gradually. Add distance and difficulty over several outings rather than in one day.
Rent before you buy. Nordic gear varies by technique, and renting lets you try the sport before investing in a full setup.

Equipment Rentals and What to Bring

Where to Rent Snowshoes and Cross-country Ski Equipment

Rim Nordic is the most convenient place to arrange cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals for these activities, since the equipment and lessons are available right at the trailhead.

General ski and snowboard rental shops around Running Springs focus mainly on downhill gear, and many may not carry snowshoes or Nordic equipment. If you plan to rent elsewhere, contact the shop ahead of time to confirm what’s available. Even at Rim Nordic, rental availability can be limited on busy days, so arriving early helps.

Essential Snowshoeing Gear

Snowshoes
Waterproof winter hiking boots
Warm wool or synthetic socks
Waterproof pants
Insulated jacket
Gloves and a warm hat
Sunglasses or goggles
Trekking poles (optional, but helpful for balance)
Backpack with water and snacks

Essential Cross-country Skiing Gear

Cross-country skis
Compatible ski boots
Ski poles
Appropriate winter clothing in layers
Gloves
Goggles or sunglasses
Water and snacks

Additional Items to Pack for a Winter Mountain Adventure

Sunscreen, since sun reflecting off snow at elevation can burn quickly
Extra clothing, including a dry base layer and spare socks
A small first-aid kit
A fully charged mobile phone, plus a portable charger if you have one
Offline maps, as cell coverage in the mountains can be unreliable
Emergency supplies, such as hand warmers, a headlamp, and an emergency blanket
Water and high-energy snacks, which is especially important at Rim Nordic, where there’s no running water

When Is the Best Time for Snowshoeing and Cross-country Skiing near Running Springs?

Winter Months and Snow Conditions

December through March can offer opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing near Running Springs, but there’s no fixed season. Everything depends on natural snowfall and temperatures.

Southern California mountain winters vary widely. Some years bring steady storms and a long season, while others bring only scattered snow or a late start. Conditions can also change within a single week as warm spells melt snow or new storms arrive. Plan with flexibility, and treat any trip as dependent on the snow.

Best Time of Day to Go

Mornings often bring firmer snow before afternoon sun softens the surface.
An early start gives you more daylight for longer routes and a relaxed return.
Weekends and holidays tend to be busier across the mountain, both on the trails and on the roads. A weekday visit, if your schedule allows, is usually more relaxed.

Rim Nordic’s own advice is to come early and leave early for the best skiing.

Checking Snow and Trail Conditions Before Visiting

Before you drive up, check:

Rim Nordic’s website and snow report for operating status and grooming updates
Rim Nordic’s social media for additional updates
Road and chain-control conditions for Highway 18 and Highway 330

Grooming, snow coverage, and operating schedules can all change quickly. Confirm that the trails you’re planning to use are open before you head out.

Winter Safety Tips for Snowshoeing and Cross-country Skiing

Dress in Layers

You’ll warm up quickly once you’re moving and cool down just as fast when you stop. Layers let you adjust.

Base layer: Moisture-wicking wool or synthetic fabric. Avoid cotton, which holds sweat and chills you.
Mid-layer: Fleece or a light insulated jacket for warmth.
Outer layer: A waterproof, windproof shell to block snow and wind.

Understand Mountain Weather Conditions

Mountain weather can shift quickly. A sunny morning can turn windy, cold, and gray by afternoon, and falling or blowing snow can reduce visibility. Check the forecast before leaving, dress for colder conditions than you expect, and be prepared to shorten your outing if the weather turns.

Stay on Open and Appropriate Trails

Follow posted signs and trail restrictions.
Avoid closed trails and unauthorized routes.
Don’t walk on groomed ski tracks. Footprints damage the set tracks and create hazards for skiers.
Use designated snowshoe routes where they’re provided, including Rim Nordic’s snowshoe-only trails.

Prepare for Winter Driving

Highway 18, Highway 330, and the other routes into the San Bernardino Mountains can become icy or snow-covered during and after storms. When conditions call for it, Caltrans sets up chain controls and posts signs along the road showing which requirement is in effect. California uses three levels:

Chain Control	What Caltrans Requires
R1	Chains are required on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight that have snow tires on at least two drive wheels. Vehicles using snow tires must still carry chains.
R2	Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels. Those 4WD/AWD vehicles must still carry traction devices in chain control areas.
R3	Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, with no exceptions.

Caltrans notes that R1 and R2 are the most common, and a highway will often close before R3 is imposed. Snow-tread tires are identified by an “M+S,” “M/S,” “MS,” or “Mud and Snow” marking on the sidewall.

A few rules worth knowing:

Chains go on when the signs say so. You must stop and fit chains when posted signs require them, and the California Highway Patrol can cite and fine drivers who don’t. There’s usually about a mile between the “Chains Required” signs and the checkpoint.
Signs and officers have the final say. Follow the posted signs and any instructions from Caltrans or CHP at checkpoints, even if they differ from a broadcast road report. Caltrans can also turn back a vehicle it judges unable to travel the area safely.
Pull fully off the road to fit chains, to the right and out of traffic lanes. When removing them, drive past the “End of Chain Control” signs to a safe pull-off area first.
Slow down. The speed limit when chains are required is 25 or 30 mph.
Chain installers are independent businesses, not Caltrans employees, and they aren’t allowed to sell or rent chains. Bring your own, and get a receipt with the installer’s badge number if you use one.

Rim Nordic’s own guidance is to carry chains at all times during the winter months, including in four-wheel drive vehicles, and it notes that visitors may be asked to show them at checkpoints.

Before you leave:

Check California highway and chain requirements for Highway 18 and Highway 330, use Caltrans QuickMap, or call the Caltrans Highway Information Network at 1-800-427-7623.
Practice fitting your chains at home, so you’re not learning in the cold on a roadside.
Allow extra time for chain-control checkpoints and slower traffic.
Use designated parking areas, and don’t stop on narrow highway shoulders.

Practice Leave No Trace Principles

Pack out all trash, including food scraps.
Respect wildlife by observing from a distance.
Avoid disturbing vegetation, which can be fragile beneath shallow snow.
Stay within permitted recreation areas.
Respect other trail users by yielding courteously and keeping off groomed tracks if you’re on foot.

Other Winter Activities to Enjoy Near Running Springs

Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding at Snow Valley

Snow Valley Mountain Resort sits directly across Highway 18 from Rim Nordic and offers traditional lift-served downhill skiing and snowboarding. Where Rim Nordic is about self-propelled travel through the forest, Snow Valley is about chairlifts and downhill runs.

Because they’re right across the highway from each other, it’s possible to pair a morning of snowshoeing or cross-country skiing with time at Snow Valley, depending on each facility’s schedule. The two operate separately, so check hours, conditions, and tickets for each.

Snow Tubing at Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park

Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park is located at 34600 CA-18, Green Valley Lake, CA 92341, along Highway 18 east of Running Springs. Snow tubing requires no technique at all: you ride a tube down a snowy slope and enjoy the slide. That makes it a good fit for families with younger children and for groups who want laughs more than exercise.

Like every snow venue in the area, Snowdrift’s schedule depends on conditions, so check its operating days and hours before planning around it.

Enjoying a Relaxing Winter Cabin Getaway

After a few hours on the trails, there’s a lot to be said for a warm cabin. You can trade wet layers for dry clothes, settle in with a hot drink, and watch the light fade over the trees. A cabin turns a winter outing into a getaway, with time for slow mornings, shared meals, and evenings with family or friends.

Wild Olive Cabins offers accommodation in Running Springs for visitors exploring the town and nearby mountain communities, giving you a base close to the trails rather than a long drive home at the end of the day.

Planning a Snowshoeing or Cross-country Skiing Day Trip from Running Springs

How to Get to Rim Nordic Ski Area

Rim Nordic is approximately five miles east of Running Springs on Highway 18, directly across from Snow Valley Mountain Resort.

From Running Springs: Head east on Highway 18 toward Big Bear Lake. After about five miles, Rim Nordic’s parking lot is on your left, across the highway from Snow Valley’s main lodges.

From the Los Angeles area: Take I-10 or I-210 east toward San Bernardino, then follow I-210 to Highway 330 and head up the mountain. Highway 330 merges with Highway 18 at Running Springs. Stay on the highway, then continue about five miles east to Rim Nordic.

Using GPS: Rim Nordic sits in the San Bernardino National Forest and doesn’t have a conventional street address, so navigate to Snow Valley Mountain Resort instead. Rim Nordic is directly across the street. Full directions to Rim Nordic Ski Area from Los Angeles, San Diego, Palm Springs, and the high desert are on its website.

What to Know About Parking

Rim Nordic has its own parking lot, entered directly from Highway 18, and its website notes that Snow Valley’s lot across the street is also open for parking. Follow posted parking instructions at both.

Don’t park along the shoulder of Highway 18. The road carries steady traffic, shoulders can be narrow or snow-covered, and stopping there is unsafe for you and other drivers.

Where to Stay When Snowshoeing and Cross-country Skiing near Running Springs

Running Springs is about five miles west of Rim Nordic, so staying in town puts you within easy reach of the other winter activities along Highway 18. Instead of fitting everything into a single round trip up and down the mountain, you can time your outings around the best conditions.

Why a cabin stay works well for a Nordic trip:

More time on the snow. Start early, when the snow is often at its best, without a long morning drive.
A comfortable place to warm up. Head back for lunch or dry clothes between outings.
Flexibility with the weather. If a storm rolls in or a trail isn’t open yet, you can adjust your plans rather than lose the day.
Nearby mountain communities to explore. Running Springs is about 15 minutes from Lake Arrowhead and about 30 minutes from Big Bear.
A relaxing setting for families, couples, and groups to unwind together.

Wild Olive Cabins offers vacation rentals in Running Springs for travelers who want to turn a day in the snow into a proper mountain getaway. Take a look at the available cabins as you plan your winter stay.

Frequently Asked Questions About Snowshoeing and Cross-country Skiing near Running Springs

Where can you go snowshoeing near Running Springs?

Rim Nordic Ski Area, about five miles east of town on Highway 18, is the main destination. It has designated snowshoe trails, off-trail snowshoeing, and snowshoe rentals during winter operations. Some areas of the San Bernardino National Forest may also be suitable where winter access is permitted, so check with the Forest Service for current closures and conditions first.

Is there cross-country skiing near Running Springs?

Yes. Rim Nordic Ski Area offers groomed cross-country skiing trails, classic tracks, and skate-skiing lanes when snow conditions permit.

Is Rim Nordic Ski Area suitable for beginners?

Yes. Its trails are marked for beginner, intermediate, and expert levels, with beginner routes such as Deep Creek Loop and Country Road. Equipment rentals and cross-country ski lessons are available on-site.

Can you rent snowshoes near Running Springs?

Rim Nordic offers snowshoe rentals during winter operations. Availability can be limited on busy days, so check ahead and arrive early.

Do you need experience to go snowshoeing?

Generally, no. Previous experience isn’t necessary for easy, appropriate routes. Start with a short trail, learn how to fasten and walk in your snowshoes, and build up from there.

What months can you go snowshoeing near Running Springs?

December through March may offer opportunities, but it depends entirely on natural snowfall. Conditions vary from year to year, so always check current snow reports before planning a trip.

Can you go snowshoeing with dogs at Rim Nordic?

No. Dogs aren’t permitted on Rim Nordic’s trails during the winter season. If you’re traveling with a dog, check the rules for other public recreation areas separately, as they vary by location.

How far is Rim Nordic from Running Springs?

Approximately five miles east of Running Springs along Highway 18.

Is cross-country skiing the same as downhill skiing?

No. Cross-country skiing is self-propelled travel along flat or rolling trails using your own effort. Downhill skiing uses chairlifts to carry you up the mountain and gravity to bring you down. Rim Nordic is a cross-country area, while Snow Valley across the highway is a downhill resort.

What should you wear for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing?

Dress in layers: a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof outer shell. Add warm, waterproof footwear (or Nordic ski boots for skiing), gloves, a warm hat, and sunglasses or goggles.

A Winter Weekend in Running Springs with Wild Olive Cabins

One of the advantages of staying in Running Springs is how much winter variety sits close by. Rim Nordic, Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park, and Snow Valley are all along the same stretch of Highway 18, so a short drive covers very different ways to spend a day in the snow.

Here’s one way a relaxed winter weekend could come together, conditions permitting:

When	Activity
Day 1, morning	Snowshoe or take a cross-country ski lesson at Rim Nordic, when the snow is often at its firmest
Day 1, afternoon	Head back to the cabin to warm up, or add snow tubing at Snowdrift if the family still has energy
Day 1, evening	A quiet night in with dinner and dry clothes
Day 2, morning	Return to Rim Nordic for a longer trail, or try downhill at Snow Valley
Day 2, afternoon	Explore more of the mountains before heading home

If you have extra time, there are plenty of other things to do near Running Springs. Lake Arrowhead is about 15 minutes away, with its own list of things to do in Lake Arrowhead, and Big Bear is about 30 minutes away if you’d like to explore things to do in Big Bear. With Wild Olive Cabins as your base, you can plan your days around the snow, the weather, and your own pace.