Big Bear Skiing in March

[icalum]

We are going to be in So Cal for a week the first week in March. My DH is in a wedding in Ontario, which takes up the last weekend. We are planning 3 days at DL with DDs 7 and 9 and various families of in-laws. My DH lived in Huntington Beach when he was young and after watching the Olympics has become inspired to take our DDs to Big Bear lake for skiing while we are there. Has anyone done this? Any tips regarding places to stay, ski schools, etc? We are coming in from Illinois, so we are used to snow, but will have a rental car and don't know anything about tire chains.

DH went to Big Bear when he was little, but we have no recent information. I am a planner, he is spontaneous, so I am now trying to gather info. I would guess that, like DL, Big Bear would be less crowded during the week. How long do we need to be there, 2 days and one night, more. less (could it be a daytrip from Anaheim or Ontario)? DH and I have skied, but not in 10 years (see any correlation to DD9?). DDs have never skied. TIA for any help!

 

[Kayla's Mom]

I can't specifically answer your questions about skiing, but I grew up in Ontario and my grandparents lived in Big Bear. If I am remembering right, I believe it's about a 2 hour drive from Ontario.

 

[LavenderPeach]

I can't specifically answer your questions about skiing, but I grew up in Ontario and my grandparents lived in Big Bear. If I am remembering right, I believe it's about a 2 hour drive from Ontario.

Yeah, 2 hours sounds about right. We live in the foothills below Big Bear. It takes us about 40 minutes to get to Ontario and it takes about 1.25 - 1.5 hours to get to big bear from here.

Sorry, I can't help with the skiing either but I will say to keep an eye on weather conditions. When they got a lot of snow last month when SoCal had all that rain, the roads going up to Big Bear were closed for several days after the snow stopped, except for emergency vehicles, supply vehicles and residents. And of course, chains were required when they did open the roads. So just be aware that they could close the road going up. Most likely by March there (probably) won't be any more snow falling but with the El Nino this year it's possible. Have a great trip!