Visitors To Big Bear Lake And Mountain Communities Can Use Three Convenient Alternate Routes To Enjoy The Snow Despite Highway 330 Closure
Southern California’s Closest Mountain Resort Provides Bounty of Activities for Everyone to Enjoy Including: Sledding, Snowboarding, Horseback Riding, and Cross-Country Skiing
San Bernardino County, Calif. January 25, 2011 — Big Bear Lake remains one of the closest and best mountain resort destinations for Southern California residents and visitors. Despite the closure of Highway 330 due to recent storm damage, there are three convenient alternative routes to the mountain to easily accommodate visitors traveling from San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles. Winter is a great time to visit the mountain and experience the excitement and the peaceful serenity of local snow-covered villages and resorts.
Big Bear Lake is home to Southern California’s two premier ski resorts, Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, that accommodate everyday skiers and riders in search of a convenient, close by and fun winter playground. It’s the only mountain resort in the U.S. devoted almost entirely to a freestyle terrain. In addition to the ever-popular skiing and snowboarding, Big Bear Lake features an array of winter-related recreation activities that appeal to all ages and skill levels, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, downhill inner tubing, backcountry off-roading, sledding, and horseback riding. There are also numerous hotels, cottages, resorts and cabin rentals available.
If you’re planning a trip to Big Bear, consider these alternate routes while Highway 330 is closed for repairs:
Highway 38 via the I-10 through Redlands
53.3 miles from the Orange St/CA-38 exit
This is a popular and preferred route from San Diego and Orange County. This road tops out at 8,400 feet as it enters the east end of Big Bear Valley.
Highway 18 via I-210 through San Bernardino
44 miles from the Waterman Avenue/CA-18 exit
This four lane highway travels up Waterman Canyon quickly. The road then turns east and passes near Lake Arrowhead and Running Springs. It is the shortest of the alternate routes from the greater Los Angeles and Valley areas, but has the most mountain driving.
Highway 18 via I-15 through Victorville & Lucerne Valley
47 miles from the D Street exit
This route is mostly in the desert and is least affected by weather. It has the least mountain driving. The 18 desert route is the longest route from the coastal Southern California areas but tends to be less congested. You can also travel Highway 18 from the I-10, 62 and 247 through Yucca Valley which is an alternate desert route from the Palm Springs area.
Snow chains are highly recommended because mountain weather can change dramatically on very short notice. For road conditions, call 1.800.427.ROAD (1.800.427.7623) or go to www.bearmountain.com for current snow reports.
