Snow Play
Sledding and tobogganing are great fun! Select safe
locations for these activities, well away from roads and highways
and without nearby obstructions like rocks and trees. Many visitors
are injured every year when playing in the snow.
Throwing snowballs is a traditional play activity. Please be
careful. An “ice-ball” in the face can ruin the outing, not to
mention someone’s eyesight! Throwing snowballs at motor vehicles is
against the law.
Are you looking for a more developed location to play in the snow?
Snowdrift Winter Playground (909-867-2640) is located on Highway
18, 5 miles east of Running Springs and offers tube-tobogganing
under special-use permit from the Forest Service
Snow Valley Ski Area
(909-867-2751), Snow Valley is very convenient and is only 30
minutes from the base of the San Bernardino Mountains. Take the I-10
Freeway to Redlands and transition to the 210 freeway (formally Hwy 30) north to the 330.
Follow Hwy 330 up the mountain where it joins Hwy 18 in Running
Springs. Snow Valley is just 5 miles east of Running Springs on Hwy
18.
Alpine
Slide at Magic Mountain (909-866-4626) Offers snow play on
private land in the Big Bear valley.
Alpine slide is located at 800 Wildrose Lane in Big Bear Lake.
Big Bear
Snowplay (909-585-0075) Offers snow play on private land in the
Big Bear valley.
42825 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake
Practice Good Stewardship of our Public Lands
Wood and charcoal fires (BBQ's included) are not
permitted outside agency provided fire rings and stoves in developed
sites. (Campgrounds and
Yellow Post Sites / Picnic
Grounds)
Campfire permits are required for propane and gas stoves and lanterns
used outside of developed recreation sites. (permits are available at
your local Ranger Station)
You can help to take good care of our public lands
so that others may enjoy these areas for years to come by practicing
some of the following actions:
Don't Litter... take along a trash bag or other receptacle for
collecting your trash so that you can deposit it in the proper trash
receptacle.
Don't recreate in areas where you are not permitted. These areas
have been declared "off limits" to recreational users to protect
wildlife, vegetation, or for your safety.
Forest Adventure Pass
is required to park in designated areas on the San Bernardino
National Forest while you are playing in
the snow, visit the
Adventure Pass
website to find out more about the pass, where it is required
and how to purchase the pass.
Safety While Enjoying Winter Sports
"Know Before You Go" - check
local road and
weather conditions before you leave home. Call ahead to
the local Ranger Station.
Winter weather conditions in the mountains can be extreme and change
without notice. An inadequately clothed person can get hypothermia
(low internal body temperature). Hypothermia can be deadly – learn
to recognize the early symptoms. Keep warm and dry.
Stay Away from ice covered lakes and streams. Over the past decade
several forest visitors have fallen through thin ice and drown. Be
extremely careful when walking on ice covered or slippery surfaces
like parking areas and trails and especially steep slopes. One slip
could result in a serious injury.
If you plan to travel in the back country, be
"Avalanche Aware" – Learn the basics at the
Forest Service Avalanche Center.
Be courteous and remember that you are sharing public lands with
other recreational users
Do not recreate on unauthorized areas or private property.
Bring along extra safety items such as extra clothing, blankets,
water, flashlights, maps, and a cell phone. Did you remember
spare batteries?
Park your vehicle in a safe location and do not double or triple
park (blocking in others).
Never park in front of closed gates, they may be needed for
emergency access, and you could be cited or have your vehicle towed
away.
Do not park in restricted or "No Parking" areas. These are posted
for the safety of all travelers.
When installing tire chains or traction devices, park in a safe
location well off the roadway. Never stop in traffic lanes for these
purposes, you may cause other motorists to lose control when they
spot your vehicle blocking lanes.
If you are involved in a traffic accident, try to immediately drive
your vehicle to the roadside, but only if safe to do so. Getting the
obstructing vehicles off the roadway may prevent the accident from
getting worse, involving other vehicles. Immediately call 911, or
ask other travelers to call 911 for you from the nearest phone. |
