Big Bear’s snow timing varies each year, but you can use a few reliable patterns to plan.

• Typical snow window: The heart of the ski season is generally December through March, with the most reliable powder often in January and February. Some winters see early snow in October or November, while others don’t accumulate until December. Snow can continue into April, and occasionally into May or June, depending on the year. This pattern is common, but exact dates shift with each season.

• What to expect this year: For current-season specifics (dates of first snow, expected snowfall totals, and open terrain), check up-to-date local forecasts and ski resort snow reports. These sources update daily during the winter and provide real-time snow depths, new snowfall, and lift operations.

• Short-term planning tips:
  • If you’re aiming for fresh powder, target mid-January to February, but monitor daily forecasts as big snow events can occur at different times within the winter.

* For a broader window, plan winter trips between late November and early April, knowing that the likelihood of snow and open runs fluctuates week to week.

If you’d like, I can pull the latest specific forecasts and snow reports for Big Bear from current sources and summarize the expected first snow dates and upcoming storms for the current season.