Snowshoe Tour Big Bear Lake with Hot Chocolate

Big Bear’s best winter surprise may be the quiet forest above town, where a short guided outing can lead to a fine view of the lake. Local guide Amber adjusts the route to the snow, taking you on foot when conditions are thin and on snowshoes when the forest is properly covered.

I like the local touch and the chance to reach a less obvious viewpoint without having to plan the route yourself. I also like the warm drink at the break, especially after walking in cold air. The main catch is simple: snowshoes are not included, so add up to about $30 for rental costs and bring suitable boots, water, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Key points to know before you book

• Snow conditions shape the outing: You may hike or snowshoe, depending on how much snow is on the ground.
• Amber leads as a local nature host: She can share trail ideas, Big Bear history, food suggestions, and photo stops.
• A lake view is often the goal: Many routes head toward a secluded Big Bear Lake viewpoint.
• Hot drinks are included: Expect hot chocolate, coffee, or tea during the experience.
• Snowshoe rental costs extra: Local shops such as Blauers or Goldsmith’s rent equipment for under $30 in the Big Bear Valley.
• The pace can suit families: Some routes work for children around age eight, while younger children require a private tour.

A two-hour way into Big Bear’s winter forest

This is not a bus tour or a quick roadside photo stop. You meet at 840 Elm Street in Big Bear, then set out with Amber for roughly two hours in the national forest around Big Bear Valley.

The exact route depends on the snow. With enough coverage, you snowshoe among oak and pine trees. If the winter has been dry, the outing becomes a guided forest hike instead. That flexibility matters in Big Bear, where snow conditions can change the whole character of a day outdoors.

I like this approach because you are not paying for a fixed snowshoe route that may be poorly suited to the weather. You get a winter forest outing either way. The tradeoff is that you cannot count on every booking being a classic snowshoe experience.

Many of Amber’s routes head toward a secluded place with a view of Big Bear Lake. The precise spot is not promised, and that is part of the appeal. You receive local help finding a viewpoint that may be difficult to identify on your own, rather than simply walking to a marked overlook.

The activity ends back at the meeting point. The supplied operating dates are November 23 through April 15, with weekday hours listed from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Confirm your exact start time when booking, since the general opening window does not by itself explain the full daily schedule.

What the forest route can include

The forest itself is the main attraction. Oak and pine trees give the walk a clear Big Bear character, and snow changes familiar paths into something quieter and more scenic. You may be stepping through fresh snow, or walking a dry trail while still getting the benefit of a local guide.

The route is not described as a strenuous summit hike. Instead, Amber can suggest and plan easier walks when needed. That has proved useful for families and for groups hiking with dogs, including a group with three small dogs and one overweight dog. If you need a gentle outing, tell Amber before you arrive so the route can match your group.

The experience can also include more than trees and a lake view. Past outings with Amber have included photo spots, a swing in the woods, and an old lightning-struck tree with a hollowed center where people leave rocks bearing messages for lost loved ones. These details show what a local guide can add: not just directions, but small points of interest you might pass without noticing.

You should not treat every one of these features as guaranteed on your tour. The route changes with weather, snow, group needs, and the guide’s judgment. Still, the format gives you a better chance of finding personal, unusual stops than a self-guided walk with a map alone.

Snowshoe rental is the key extra cost

The $55 price covers the guided experience and hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. It does not include snowshoes for a small group, so budget for rental equipment separately if the route uses snow.

Blauers and Goldsmith’s in the Big Bear Valley rent snowshoes, with expected prices under $30. Amber may also have snowshoes available directly for groups of three people or fewer, but you need to text her to ask about availability. For larger groups, she can recommend local rental options.

This makes the tour a fair value for people who want guidance without buying winter gear. The total cost is less attractive if you need to rent several sets of snowshoes, clothing, and other equipment. Kids’ snowshoes are available from local businesses, which is useful for family groups.

Bring your own hiking boots or snow boots. The tour does not provide those basics, and ordinary city shoes are a poor match for snow, uneven ground, or a damp trail. Sunscreen and sunglasses also matter. Snow reflects bright light, even when the air feels cold, and water is essential for a two-hour outdoor activity.

Amber’s local touch adds value

Amber is the person who gives this outing its character. Her role is not limited to leading the walk. She can recommend places to snowshoe, explain parts of Big Bear’s past, suggest places to eat, and adjust the outing to suit the group.

That practical local advice is one of the strongest reasons to book this rather than wander into the forest alone. You can ask where to continue walking after the tour, which areas are better for snow play, or where to find a suitable trail for your dog. The experience can become a useful introduction to the area, not just a two-hour activity.

Her approach also includes photo help. She has taken pictures and videos for groups and dogs, and several outings have included especially good spots for photos. Do not expect a formal photography session, but you can ask Amber to help capture the moment during a scenic stop.

The warm drink is a small feature with a big practical benefit. At one hike’s high point, Amber served hot tea during a short break. Another outing ended with hot cocoa at a beautiful view. Depending on what you choose, the drink may be coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Amber is also a baker and may bring sweet treats if you ask, but treats are not listed as a standard inclusion.

Family and dog considerations

Some routes are easy enough for children around eight years old, and younger children may be accepted based on their energy level and the demands of the route. For children under eight, you need to book a private group tour.

That age guidance is useful, but it is not a promise that every child will find the route easy. Snowshoeing takes more effort than ordinary walking, and cold weather can shorten a child’s attention span. Tell Amber the ages and activity levels in your party before the tour so she can point you toward the right option.

Dogs are part of the picture too. The experience has accommodated groups with multiple small dogs, and Amber has recommended dog-friendly hiking ideas. Service animals are allowed. The supplied information does not promise that every route is suitable for every pet, so ask about your dog’s needs before booking.

Groups can include up to 40 people. That is a fairly large maximum for a nature outing, even though your own departure may be smaller. A private group is the better choice if you need a particular pace, want to bring very young children, or want more control over the route.

What happens when there is no snow

The weather backup is sensible. If there is not enough snow, Amber can lead a hike instead of canceling the idea of a forest outing. One such walk included photo stops, a swing in the woods, the lightning-struck tree, and a hot tea break.

This is good news if you care more about seeing Big Bear’s forest than checking off a snowshoe activity. It is less ideal if snowshoeing is the only reason you are booking. Ask about current conditions before the tour if the equipment and snow experience are essential to your plans.

The activity also requires good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You may cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted, and all cutoffs use local time.

Who gets the most from this experience

I would choose this outing if you want a gentle introduction to Big Bear’s winter woods and prefer a local person to handle the route. It suits couples, families with older children, small groups, and dog owners who want a more personal walk than a standard group activity.

It also works well for visitors who have never snowshoed before. You can rent equipment locally instead of investing in gear, and the guide can help you decide where to go next. If your group is small, ask about renting snowshoes directly from Amber before making a separate rental plan.

This is not the best fit if you want a hard workout, a guaranteed deep-snow route, or a tightly scheduled attraction with a fixed list of sights. The experience is deliberately weather-dependent and flexible. The charm comes from adapting to the forest, not from following a rigid program.

Practical value at $55 per person

At $55 per person, the price is reasonable for a two-hour guided outing with hot drinks and local route advice. The value improves if you are new to Big Bear, lack confidence choosing a trail, or want help finding a lake view away from the most obvious stops.

Remember the extra equipment cost. Snowshoe rental may stay under $30 per person, but that can push the total close to $85 before any other winter gear. If there is not enough snow and the activity becomes a hike, you may avoid that rental cost, but you should still arrive prepared for cold and uneven ground.

The maximum group size of 40 means you should not assume a private, quiet walk. Ask about expected group size if that matters to you. For a more tailored experience, especially with young children or special pacing needs, a private booking may be worth the added cost.

Book this if you want a flexible local walk

I recommend the Snowshoe Tour Big Bear Lake with Hot Chocolate if you want local guidance, a forest setting, and a chance at a lake view without buying your own equipment. Amber’s ability to adjust routes, accommodate easier hikes, and offer useful Big Bear suggestions gives the experience more value than a basic equipment rental.

Book it with realistic expectations. Snow may not be guaranteed, snowshoes cost extra, and the route can change. If you are happy with either a snowshoe outing or a guided winter hike, this is a strong choice. If you require deep snow and a fixed route, wait for a confirmed forecast or choose a more specialized snowshoe program.

FAQ

Are snowshoes included in the $55 price?

No. Snowshoe rentals are extra and are expected to cost under $30. Blauers and Goldsmith’s rent equipment in the Big Bear Valley, and Amber may have rentals for groups of three people or fewer if you contact her directly.

What happens if there is not enough snow?

The outing can become a guided hike through the forest instead of a snowshoe tour. The experience still includes local guidance and may include a Big Bear Lake view, depending on the route.

What drinks are included?

Hot chocolate, coffee, or tea is included. The specific drink may vary by outing.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at 840 Elm Street, Big Bear, California 92314, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Can children join the tour?

Some routes are suitable for children around eight years old, and younger children may be possible depending on their energy level. Children younger than eight require a private group tour.

What should I bring?

Bring hiking boots or snow boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, and water. You should also arrange snowshoe rental if the conditions require it.