Located at 5000 feet above sea level, Lake Arrowhead is fortunate enough to experience all four seasons. As a result, Lake Arrowhead is close to many activities that are perfectly suited for a snowy day. Come experience Lake Arrowhead snow in the Inland Empire.
Lake Arrowhead gets an average of about 26 inches of snow per year. That’s almost four inches over the national average! Many would argue that it’s also the perfect amount of snow. It’s enough to transform the village into a winter wonderland, but not so much that it makes it difficult to get out and have fun in the winter sun.
Winter Fun in Lake Arrowhead Snow
Lake Arrowhead is close to so many wonderful winter activities. It’s the perfect jumping off point for local skiing, sledding, and other snow sports. Get on out there and experience some Lake Arrowhead snow!
Skiing, Snowboarding, and Tubing
Two of the most popular wintertime activities in any mountain community are skiing and snowboarding. Lake Arrowhead is no exception. Fortunately, Lake Arrowhead has three ski hills within a convenient driving distance from the village.
Located 13 miles east of Lake Arrowhead Snow Valley Mountain Resort is conveniently close to town. Snow Valley has a wide variety of runs for all kinds of skiers and boarders, from beginners to mogul experts. This resort also offers five different terrain areas for every skiing ability. The mountain is also home to five après ski dining options so, after the last run of the day, you can grab something delicious.
Further east towards Big Bear Lake are two more ski hills: Snow Mountain, and Bear Mountain Ski Resort. Both of these also offer a variety of runs and terrain to suit many different kinds of skiers.
For those of us who prefer a more level trajectory, Rim Nordic Ski Area maintains an extensive network of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The trail network is over 13 miles long, so avid skiers can definitely spend all day out there. Skiers of all skill levels, from beginner through expert, can ski on the ten miles of groomed trail. Rim Nordic Ski Area also has a rental and ski shop and a healthy chocolate shop for those who finish their ski with an appetite.
Sledding and Tubing
While skiing is fun, it’s also fun to try a snow activity where you can’t fall down. For days like that, there’s always sledding and inner tubing. There are two tubing and sledding areas near Lake Arrowhead: Snowdrift Winter Playground, and Snow Play at Snow Valley Ski Resort.
Snowdrift Winter Playground is southern California’s oldest and largest snow tubing park. Tubing here is done on an individual-sized tube, rather than the multi-person tubes seen at other tubing areas. Snowdrift offers a variety of runs at various difficulty levels.
Snow Play at Snow Valley Ski Resort offers more traditional sledding. Take a chairlift to the top of the hill and then sled all the way down. It definitely takes all of the trudging uphill out of sledding.
Winter Activities at San Bernardino National Forest
San Bernardino National Forest doesn’t close down just because it is winter. Some of the most popular winter activities can be done in San Bernardino National Forest.
The snowshoe route on Exploration Trail is one mile long and features beautiful open forest and mountain views. This is a great afternoon activity for the whole family.
For those who are a little more adventurous, San Bernardino National Forest does allow snowmobiling on prescribed trails. In the Lake Arrowhead region, Keller Peak Snowmobile Route is the only allowed snowmobile route. Riders are advised to stay on the trail and check with San Bernardino National Forest for snow conditions prior to riding this route.
Other Winter Activities in Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead itself doesn’t shut down just because it has snowed. The Village and the surrounding communities hold winter festivities throughout the season. Come and experience great community events happening over the backdrop of lovely Lake Arrowhead snow. Enjoy the bonfire at Lake Arrowhead Village in the first week of December. Visit with Santa in Blue Jay and Lake Arrowhead Village prior to Christmas. Join in on the Rotary Polar Plunge in the first week of February. Winter is a lively time in snowy Lake Arrowhead.
Lake Arrowhead really can turn into a winter wonderland. Come for the winter and enjoy Lake Arrowhead snow.
