Honestly, the question "is there snow in Big Bear Lake CA" is a bit of a loaded one. If you're standing in the middle of the Village today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, you might be looking at dry pavement and clear skies. But look up. Those white-capped peaks aren't a mirage.
Right now, the ground in town is mostly clear, with temperatures hitting a surprisingly balmy 56°F today. It feels more like early spring than the dead of winter. But don't let the 43°F night air or the lack of a blizzard in the forecast for tomorrow (Sunday, January 18) fool you. The mountains are a different story entirely.
The Reality of the Slopes
While the town might be enjoying "mostly sunny" weather today, the ski resorts are doing some heavy lifting. Big Bear Mountain Resort, which includes Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, is currently operating with a base depth of about 18 to 24 inches. It’s a bit of a "miracle on ice" situation thanks to their massive snowmaking systems.
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You’ve gotta realize that Big Bear doesn't just wait for Mother Nature to deliver. They’ve got one of the most sophisticated snowmaking setups in the world. Even when it hasn't snowed naturally in a few days—and it hasn't—they can keep about 96% of the resort terrain open.
- Snow Summit: Expect a base depth of roughly 1-2 inches of natural/groomed mix on the runs.
- Bear Mountain: Similar conditions, though they tend to hold onto the man-made stuff a bit better in the shaded canyons.
- Off-Piste: Basically non-existent right now. If you're looking for deep powder in the trees, you're out of luck this weekend.
The Weather Gamble: What to Expect Next Week
If you’re planning to head up for MLK Day on Monday, January 19, the forecast is calling for nothing but sun. Highs will stay around 56°F. It’s "bluebird day" territory, which is great for visibility but a little "kinda" slushy by 2:00 PM.
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Things stay pretty consistent through Tuesday and Wednesday, with highs hovering in the mid-50s. If you’re a purist waiting for the real stuff, keep an eye on next Saturday, January 24. There’s a slight chance of snow showers in the evening as the temperature drops back down to 38°F. It’s not a blizzard, but it might finally put a fresh dusting on the pine trees.
Why the "No Snow" Rumors Are Usually Wrong
People see a forecast of 50 degrees and assume the skiing is over. That's a mistake. The elevation at the summit is nearly 9,000 feet. The air stays much drier and crisper up there than it does down in the San Bernardino valley.
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Even when the town is dry, the resorts are usually "white ribbons of death" (as the locals affectionately call the groomed runs) surrounded by brown forest. It’s not always a postcard-perfect winter wonderland, but for Southern California, it’s as good as it gets.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
- Ski Early: With highs in the 50s this week, the snow will be "mashed potatoes" by the afternoon. Get on the lifts at 9:00 AM and finish by 1:00 PM.
- Check the Cams: Don't trust a generic weather app. Look at the live webcams at Snow Summit. If the ground looks brown at the base, it doesn't mean the top is bad.
- Dress in Layers: 37°F at night and 56°F during the day is a massive swing. You'll be stripping off your parka by lunch.
- Road Conditions: All major routes—HWY 18, 38, and 330—are currently wide open and clear. No chains are required as of today, January 17, but always keep them in the trunk just in case that Saturday night system overperforms.
Basically, if you want to ski, go now. The man-made base is solid, the sun is out, and the "spring skiing" vibes are hitting early this year. Just don't expect to build a snowman in your cabin's front yard quite yet.