Snow Chains for Big Bear?

[Cookiedude]

Would we need snow chains if driving to Big Bear in mid-December?

[dwelty]

We have a cabin in Fawnskin, right on the north shore of Big Bear lake. It is a good idea to have chains with you, since during a storm the Highway patrol will check to see if you have them in the car before letting you pass, however it is unlikely that you will need
them in mid December. We get the largest amounts of snow in our local mountians usually after the first of the year. The snowiest months are Jan, Feb, and March. If this is a one time trip, I would not buy them. Check the weather reports before you leave, www.caltrans.com and if chains are required, you can also pick them up at most any Pep-Boys in the Los Angeles Basin. (It is always funny to me that you can buy snow chains in an area with palm trees outside, but Skiing is in the winter up there is a big part of the Southern CA lifestyle, that they are widely avaliable). There is also a Walmart at the bottom of 330 just before you head up. We have been up there many times in the snow, and have only used chains about 3 times. Since Skiing is so important to the economy up there they keep the roads pretty clear. Usually within 24 hours after a storm, all roads have been cleared. It is beautiful up there, have fun.

[Cookiedude]

Thank you so much for such a detailed reply! That's really helpful. Yes this will be a one-off trip, for now anyway, we're coming from Australia :)

Would you believe I have never seen snow. So this will be my first time, hopefully ... will there be any in mid-December? I live in a very sunny part of the world not unlike CA for weather but we don't have any mountains nearby that are big enough to get snow (we be surfin' dudes). This is my sixth trip to the US and I've never ventured to Big Bear before. Bringing all my kiddilinks with me this time so we're really looking forward to the chance of some snowplay.

What kind of store is Pep-Boys? Never heard of that one before.

[dwelty]

Thank you so much for such a detailed reply! That's really helpful. Yes this will be a one-off trip, for now anyway, we're coming from Australia :)

Would you believe I have never seen snow. So this will be my first time, hopefully ... will there be any in mid-December? I live in a very sunny part of the world not unlike CA for weather but we don't have any mountains nearby that are big enough to get snow (we be surfin' dudes). This is my sixth trip to the US and I've never ventured to Big Bear before. Bringing all my kiddilinks with me this time so we're really looking forward to the chance of some snowplay.

What kind of store is Pep-Boys? Never heard of that one before.

Pep boys is an auto parts store