If you’re sitting in Los Angeles or San Diego right now looking at a dry pavement and 70-degree sun, you probably think the mountains are a bust. Honestly, it’s a fair guess. But the latest Big Bear California news tells a much weirder, more interesting story than just "is there snow or not."
We've reached mid-January 2026, and while the natural snowfall hasn't been the "Snowpocalypse" some were praying for, the valley is buzzing with a mix of high-tech snowmaking, eagle-watching drama, and some surprisingly tricky road closures that catch weekend warriors off guard every single Friday.
The "Fake" Snow is Actually Pretty Great
Let's get real for a second. The season total for natural snow is hovering around 7 inches. That sounds depressing, right? If you just looked at that number, you’d stay home. But if you actually head up to Bear Mountain or Snow Summit, you’ll see a completely different world.
The resorts are currently leaning hard on their "Nano-technology" snowmaking systems. They’re pumping out thousands of gallons of water per minute. Because the nights have been dropping into the 20s, they’ve managed to maintain an 18 to 36-inch base. It’s machine-made, sure, but it’s groomed to perfection.
What’s Open Right Now?
- Bear Mountain: They’ve got Chairs 5, 7, and 9 spinning. The Park Crew is basically working overtime—they just added six new features to the terrain park, bringing the total to 39.
- Snow Summit: The learning areas are wide open. They've also got night sessions running on select days, though you’ve gotta check the weather since they’ve had to cancel a few recently due to high winds.
- Snow Valley: This is the big one people forget. Since the merger with Big Bear Mountain Resort (BBMR), your pass works here too. They just opened daily for the rest of the season as of January 9th.
The SR-38 Road Closure Trap
You’ve gotta be careful with your GPS. Kinda seriously. There’s a major road closure on State Route 38 that’s messing up everyone's commute from the Redlands side.
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As of January 2026, SR-38 has a full closure between Mill Creek Road and Hills Ranch Road during the weekdays (7:00 AM to 5:00 PM). If you try to go up on a Tuesday morning, you’re going to be redirected to Highway 330 or Highway 18 through Waterman Canyon.
The road is fully open on weekends, but that means the "back way" is now everyone’s "main way," making traffic a nightmare. If you can, leave on Thursday night or very early Saturday morning. Otherwise, you’ll spend three hours staring at the bumper of a Subaru.
Jackie and Shadow: The Reality TV We Actually Like
Forget the Kardashians. The real stars of the valley are Jackie and Shadow, the local bald eagles. Everyone is glued to the Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) live cam right now.
We’re officially in "Nestoration" season. This past week, Jackie brought in what looked like a literal tree limb—people are calling it "the big furniture"—and spent an hour whittling it down while Shadow mostly just stayed out of her way. It’s hilarious and impressive at the same time.
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Mating vocals have been heard multiple times this week. If you’re a bird nerd, this is the peak time. We’re expecting the first egg potentially by the end of the month if things stay on track.
Beyond the Eagles: The Flying Squirrels
The eagles get the headlines, but have you heard about Fiona and Fast Freddie? They’re San Bernardino flying squirrels that have been visiting the nest at night. They don’t actually fly—they glide—and they’ve been treating Jackie’s nest like a midnight snack bar. It’s a whole ecosystem up in that Jeffrey pine.
Is the Lake Disappearing?
There’s always talk about the lake level. Is it low? Sorta. Is it a crisis? Not really.
As of January 5, 2026, the lake is down about 7 feet and 4 inches from the "full" mark.
| Date | Lake Level | Distance Down | Water Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 5, 2026 | 6,735.91 ft | 7' 4" | 36.0°F |
While the water is freezing, the Big Bear Municipal Water District notes that storage is still at a healthy 52,821 acre-feet. You can’t boat right now—most ramps are closed for the winter season—but the shoreline is beautiful for hiking the Alpine Pedal Path.
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The Real Estate Shift: Buyers are Finally Breathing
For a few years, buying a cabin in Big Bear was like a blood sport. You’d bid $50k over asking and still lose to a cash buyer from Irvine.
Things have cooled off. The median sale price in Big Bear Lake is sitting around $580,000, which is up about 4% from last year, but the "days on market" has ballooned. Homes are taking about 100 days to sell now.
Basically, sellers can’t just put a "For Sale" sign on a shack and expect a bidding war. If you’re looking to buy, you actually have room to negotiate. Inventory is up 26% compared to two years ago. It’s a "strategy market" now, not a "speed market."
What’s Coming Up in Late January
If you’re planning a trip, keep these dates on your radar. The town is going to be packed for MLK Weekend (Jan 16–19). BBMR is extending hours, and the Village will be crawling with people.
If you want a quieter vibe, look at the Ukulele Workshop at Barrel 33 on January 25th or the Mountain Story Time at the Discovery Center. They do hot chocolate and nature hikes that are way less stressful than the lift lines.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
- Check the "Ben's Weather" report: Don’t trust your iPhone weather app. Use BensWeather.com. He’s a local legend and the only one who gets the microclimates right.
- Buy Lift Tickets 72 Hours Early: You’ll save about 20% compared to the window price. Seriously, don’t pay walk-up prices.
- Watch the R-3 Chain Laws: Even if it’s sunny, keep chains in your trunk. Caltrans can and will turn you around at the dam if a surprise dusting hits.
- Dine Midweek: If you want to eat at The Tropicali or Peppercorn, do it on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Friday night waits are often two hours plus.
The big takeaway from this month's Big Bear California news is that the mountain is resilient. We don't have six feet of fresh powder, but we have world-class snowmaking, a stable housing market, and two eagles about to start a family. Just watch out for that SR-38 closure, and you’ll be fine.