Snowshoe Tour Big Bear Lake with Hot Chocolate

Winter feels better on foot.

This two-hour outing takes you through Big Bear Valley’s oak and pine forest with local guide Amber, who adjusts the route to the snow conditions. I like the chance to reach a quiet Big Bear Lake viewpoint and the personal touch of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea at the right moment. I also like that Amber can switch from snowshoeing to hiking when snow is thin, instead of forcing a winter activity that no longer fits the day.

The main catch is cost planning: the $55 tour price does not include snowshoes, and rentals can add up to $30 per person. Snow conditions also control the shape of the outing, so you may get a forest hike rather than a true snowshoe tour. That flexibility is useful, but you should book this for the local guidance and scenery, not for a guaranteed depth of snow.

Key points to know before you book

• The route changes with the weather: You may hike or snowshoe through Big Bear’s oak and pine forest, depending on snow cover.
• A secret lake view is often the payoff: Many routes head toward a quiet spot overlooking Big Bear Lake.
• Snowshoes cost extra: Expect to pay under $30 for rentals from Blauers or Goldsmith’s, with limited direct rental help available from Amber.
• Amber adds local detail: She can share trail ideas, Big Bear history, food suggestions, and photo stops.
• Hot drinks are included: You can warm up with hot chocolate, coffee, or tea during the outing.
• Families and dogs may fit well: Some routes work for children around age eight and can be adjusted for small dogs and different energy levels.

A two-hour walk through Big Bear’s winter forest

The meeting point is 840 Elm Street in Big Bear, California. From there, Amber leads you into the national forest around Big Bear Valley for about two hours. The tour ends back at the same place, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup point.

The activity has a simple idea: walk into the forest, learn how to move through the winter terrain, and reach a scenic spot if conditions allow. You are not signing up for a hard-core backcountry expedition. You are paying for a local person to choose a suitable route, keep an eye on the group, and help you make sense of the area.

That distinction matters in Big Bear. Snow depth can change the feel of a trail, and a route that works well in deep snow may be awkward when the ground is bare or patchy. Amber’s willingness to hike instead of snowshoeing gives the day a better chance of being enjoyable.

The forest itself is part of the appeal. Expect a mix of oak and pine trees rather than a manicured park walk. The setting gives you room to take photos, listen to the woods, and see a side of Big Bear that you could miss if you spend the whole visit near the main resort areas.

Snowshoeing is possible, but not guaranteed

The title promises snowshoeing, but the practical description is more careful. If there is enough snow on the ground, Amber leads a snowshoe hike. If there is not, she turns it into a regular hike.

I consider that a sensible approach. Snowshoes are useful only when the snow is deep enough to justify them. On thin snow, they can feel clumsy, and you would spend money on equipment for little benefit. A normal hike also gives you a pleasant backup instead of a last-minute cancellation caused by mild conditions.

Still, you should set your expectations before arriving. If trying snowshoes is the main reason you are booking, check the current conditions and ask Amber what she expects for your date. The tour can deliver a forest walk and views even without snow, but it cannot promise a full snowy route.

One outing had no snow, yet the route included photo stops, an old lightning-struck tree with a hollowed trunk, and a swing in the woods. Amber also brought hot tea for a break. Those details show the value of a flexible guide: the day can still have character when the weather refuses to cooperate.

The secret Big Bear Lake viewpoint

Many of Amber’s snowshoe routes head toward a less obvious view of Big Bear Lake. The exact location is not published, which is part of the point. You are not simply following a crowded path to a marked roadside lookout. You are relying on someone who knows where a worthwhile view can fit into the day.

I would not treat the viewpoint as a guaranteed feature in every season or on every route. Snow, trail conditions, group ability, and available daylight can all affect the plan. The description says most guided snowshoe hikes reach a secret lake-view location, so it is best understood as a common highlight rather than a fixed stop.

The payoff is likely strongest for visitors who want more than exercise. A lake view gives the walk a clear destination, while the forest sections provide the quieter parts of the outing. Amber also takes photos and videos on some tours, including pictures for a family traveling with three small dogs. If you want help with photos, it is reasonable to ask at the start.

Amber’s local touch makes the difference

Amber is the named guide for this experience, and the strongest praise centers on her communication, kindness, and ability to tailor a walk. She has adjusted routes for families, small dogs, and different energy levels. One family with an overweight dog received an easier hike rather than being pushed into a route that did not fit.

That kind of adjustment is more useful than a long lecture about trees. You get help choosing a realistic outing, especially if your group includes children, older relatives, or dogs. Some snowshoe walks suit children as young as eight, with younger children possible on private tours. The right age depends on the child’s energy and the route, so you should ask before booking for a younger child.

Amber can also offer practical advice beyond the two-hour walk. She has shared suggestions for places to eat and recommended other local routes. Her broader options include secret hikes, sunset hikes, and snow play, so she can help you shape the rest of your Big Bear visit if you ask.

The local history adds another layer. During one hike, Amber explained Big Bear history while pointing out unusual features in the woods. A stop at a lightning-damaged tree, where people had left rocks with messages for lost loved ones, gave the walk a human story as well as a natural one.

You should not expect a formal museum-style history tour. The value is in small observations that you might miss alone.

What the hot drink adds to the walk

Hot chocolate, coffee, or tea is included in the $55 price. That sounds minor until you are standing in a cool forest after walking through winter air. A warm drink gives the outing a pause and makes the viewpoint or trail break feel more complete.

Past outings have included hot tea at the top of a hike and hot cocoa at the end of a family walk. The timing may vary, so I would not expect a full café stop or a large snack service. Bring water and any food you need for the rest of your day.

There is also a personal baking touch. Amber has brought sweet treats when asked, but you should treat that as an optional request rather than a standard inclusion. The confirmed offering is hot chocolate, coffee, or tea.

For me, the drink matters less as a free item than as a sign of the tour’s pace. This is not just two hours of marching. The break gives you time to look around, take photos, and warm your hands.

The real price is closer to $80

The tour costs $55 per person. Snowshoe rental is separate, and the expected rental cost is under $30. That puts the likely total near $85 per person before any extra purchases, though the final rental price depends on the shop and equipment you choose.

Blauers and Goldsmith’s in the Big Bear Valley are suggested rental options. Amber can recommend rental locations for larger groups, and she has limited direct rental availability for groups of three or fewer. You need to text her to ask about that option.

At first glance, $55 for two hours may seem high when you still need to rent gear. The value improves if you care about route selection, local information, and a suitable pace. You are not only renting access to a trail. You are paying for someone to choose a route based on conditions, guide you toward a view, and adjust the outing for your group.

The value is weaker if you already know the local trails and have your own snowshoes. In that case, the included drink and local advice may not justify the guide fee. I would book it when you want a low-stress introduction to winter walking in Big Bear, not when you are looking for a cheap equipment rental.

For a group, ask about the plan and rental arrangements before the day. A group of up to 40 people can be accepted, but a large group will naturally have a different feel from a quiet private walk. If you want close attention or have young children and dogs, confirm the group size and route in advance.

What to wear and bring to Elm Street

You need your own hiking boots or snow boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, and water. These are basic items, but each one matters.

Sturdy footwear gives you better footing on snow or uneven forest ground. Sunglasses help with glare when snow is present, and sunscreen is still useful in winter. Water is easy to overlook when the temperature is low, but you are still walking for about two hours.

Dress for conditions rather than trusting the calendar. The tour may be snowy, damp, or mostly bare ground. Layers make more sense than one bulky coat, because you can warm up while walking and add insulation during the drink break.

If you are bringing a dog, ask about route difficulty before the outing. The guide has handled small dogs and adjusted walks for different abilities, but that does not mean every route suits every animal. Service animals are allowed.

The activity is offered in English. Confirmation arrives when you book, and the tour operates on weekdays during the listed winter seasons, from November 23 through April 15, with hours from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Check your exact date because the published operating season changes by year.

Who will enjoy this most

I see this as a good fit for several types of visitors:

• First-time snowshoers who want help with the basics and do not know the local trails.
• Families looking for an outing that can be adjusted to a child’s energy level.
• Dog owners who want a guided walk and need a route that can work for smaller or less athletic dogs.
• Couples and small groups who care more about a scenic forest outing than a technical snow adventure.
• Visitors without a fixed snow plan who appreciate the option to hike if snow is poor.

The tour is less suitable if you need a guaranteed deep-snow experience, a strenuous workout, or equipment included in the headline price. It may also disappoint visitors who prefer to explore alone and already know where they want to go.

Most people can participate, but the description does not promise a route for every mobility level. If someone in your party has specific physical needs, ask Amber about the route before booking. For children younger than eight, a private group tour is required.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.

Inside that 24-hour window, you will not receive a refund, and changes are not accepted. The cutoff uses Big Bear local time, so do not wait until the last minute if your plans are uncertain.

Because the tour is often booked about 26 days ahead, popular dates may fill early. I would book ahead for weekends or holiday periods, then check snow conditions and contact Amber with questions about rentals, children, dogs, or the likely route.

FAQ

How long does the Snowshoe Tour Big Bear Lake with Hot Chocolate last?

The activity lasts approximately two hours.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at 840 Elm St, Big Bear, California 92314, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Are snowshoe rentals included in the $55 price?

No. Snowshoe rentals are separate and are expected to cost under $30. Rentals are available from local businesses such as Blauers or Goldsmith’s. Amber may also have rentals for groups of three people or fewer, but you must text her to ask.

What happens if there is not enough snow?

The outing can become a regular guided hike through the forest. The route may still include scenic views and local information, but snowshoeing is not guaranteed.

Are hot drinks included?

Yes. Hot chocolate, coffee, or tea is included.

Can children and dogs join the tour?

Some routes are suitable for children around age eight, depending on the child’s energy level. Younger children require a private group tour. Service animals are allowed, and routes may be adjusted for small dogs and different abilities.

What should I bring?

Bring hiking boots or snow boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, and water. You should also arrange snowshoe rentals separately if the route has enough snow for snowshoeing.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want local guidance, a flexible route, and a scenic winter walk rather than a guaranteed snowshoe workout. Amber’s ability to adjust hikes, share Big Bear details, suggest food and trail options, and make room for families and dogs is the main reason to choose it.

Think carefully if you are watching your budget. The $55 fee plus snowshoe rental can approach $85 per person, and poor snow may turn the outing into a hike. Contact Amber before booking if snowshoeing is essential, then reserve with realistic expectations.

For a first outdoor day in Big Bear, I think the combination of forest trails, a possible lake view, and a warm drink offers solid value. You get a more personal introduction than simply renting gear and wandering off, with enough flexibility to keep the day enjoyable when winter conditions change.