Ziplining in Big Bear in Winter: A Complete Guide to Riding a Winter Zipline

Winter in Big Bear transforms the region into a crisp, snow-dusted playground. Travelers come for skiing, snowboarding, and cozy cabin retreats, but one winter activity many are surprised to discover is ziplining. Yes, you can clip into a harness, soar above frost-covered pines, and feel the rush of cold mountain air at full speed. Ziplining in Big Bear is one of the few outdoor adventures that stays open year-round, making it a perfect addition to a winter itinerary.

If you are curious about how winter ziplining works, what to expect and whether it is right for you, this guide covers everything you need to know.

What is Winter Ziplining?

Ziplining is simple to understand yet unforgettable to experience. Riders are secured in a harness, attached to a steel cable and released from a launch platform. Gravity does the rest. You glide at high speeds across scenic stretches of forest. In Big Bear, the feeling is amplified in winter because the surrounding landscape turns white, the cold air feels sharper and visibility through the trees becomes more dramatic.

At Action Zipline Tours, the primary operator in Big Bear, a typical outing includes nine separate ziplines that range from short warmups to long runs where you can hit speeds of around 45 miles per hour. The longer lines give you enough time to lift your eyes from the landing deck and take in the mountain views, Johnson Valley and miles of treetops beneath you.

Despite the thrill, the activity itself is very controlled. The gear is industrial grade, the launch decks are built to county safety standards and each rider is supervised by trained guides from start to finish.

Where Ziplining in Big Bear Takes Place?

Big Bear’s main winter ziplining experience is operated by Action Zipline Tours, located at:

41693 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

The ziplines are set deep inside the national forest. After check-in, guests are transported via van to a staging area outside town, then taken another few miles into the backcountry on a rugged Pinzgauer off-road vehicle. The actual zipline platforms sit high on a mountain ridge, surrounded by thick pine forest and overlooking Johnson Valley.

This remote setting is what makes Big Bear ziplining special. You are not riding from platform to platform in a city or a dense tourist zone. You are immersed in mountain terrain that is especially beautiful in winter.

How to Reach Big Bear for Your Zipline Tour

Getting to Big Bear in winter requires a little planning because mountain roads can get icy or congested during peak weekends.

Most travelers drive up the mountain:

• From Los Angeles: Around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
  
• From San Diego: About 3 hours.
  
• From Palm Springs: Around 1.5 to 2 hours.
  

Highway 330 and Highway 18 are the usual routes. In winter, chains or snow-rated tires may be required. Checking real-time traffic and road conditions is essential before heading out.

Parking and Arrival

Once you reach Big Bear Lake, Action Zipline Tours is centrally located on Big Bear Blvd. Parking is available near the departure center.

Guests are asked to check in 15 to 20 minutes early. Winter travel takes longer than expected, so it is wise to build in buffer time for delays.

What to Expect During a Winter Zipline Tour?

A typical winter zipline experience in Big Bear takes around three hours from start to finish. Here is the general flow:

1. Check-In and Safety Orientation

You begin at the Action Tours office. After signing the electronic waiver and showing ID for anyone 18 or older, you will watch a safety video. This covers the basics of body position, braking techniques and general rules.

2. The Van Transfer

After the video, a van transports the group about 20 minutes outside town. The scenery starts shifting from lakeside to wooded terrain.

3. The Pinzgauer Ride

This is where the adventure begins, even before you zip. Riders hop into a Pinzgauer, a safari-style off-road vehicle with open sides. It takes you along a rugged two-mile mountain path. The winter version of this drive is especially fun because the forest is quieter and you may spot patches of fresh snow on the trails.

4. Gear Up at the Mountain Top

At the launch area, guides help you put on a helmet, gloves and a full-body harness. They check every strap and lock before letting you proceed. A short practice run close to the ground helps you get the feel of the cable.

5. Nine Different Ziplines

The ziplines vary in length from roughly 140 feet to nearly 860 feet. Shorter ones act as warmups, while the longer lines give you soaring views and higher speeds. The winter air adds a crispness that makes the ride feel faster than it is.

6. Suspension Bridge Crossing

Part of the tour includes a suspension bridge. It does not swing wildly, but it does offer a mild sense of exposure, which many find just as exhilarating as ziplining.

7. The Return Ride

After the ninth line, riders take the Pinzgauer and van back to the departure center, where lockers, restrooms and souvenir photo options are available.

What You Will See While Ziplining in Big Bear in Winter?

Winter is arguably the most beautiful season for ziplining in this region. Here is what riders typically spot:

• Tall Jeffrey and Ponderosa pines dusted with snow.
  
• Clear views across Johnson Valley thanks to the lack of summer haze.
  
• Snow-covered mountain peaks in the distance.
  
• Wildlife tracks in the forest below.
  
• Frozen or partially frozen patches across the landscape.
  
• Crisp blue skies on clear winter days.
  
• Soft, golden lighting during afternoon tours when the sun sits lower.
  

If you go later in the day, the light filtering through the winter trees can make the entire course feel cinematic.

What to Wear and Carry for Winter Ziplining in Big Bear?

Since winter temperatures in Big Bear can fall below freezing, dressing correctly is important.

Clothing

• Warm, layered clothing such as thermals, fleece and a wind-resistant jacket.
  
• Long pants or long shorts as required by the tour operator.
  
• Closed-toe shoes, ideally hiking shoes with grip.
  
• Gloves appropriate for cold weather. The operator provides zipline gloves, but warm inner gloves can help.
  

What to Carry

Guests are not allowed to bring bags or loose items on the actual course. Lockers are provided, so bring only what you need and store the rest.

Useful items:

• A phone with a secure pocket or strap if you plan to take photos.
  
• Lip balm for cold wind.
  
• A water bottle for after the tour.
  
• A GoPro if you prefer your own footage, although rentals are available on-site.
  

Who Should Avoid Winter Ziplining?

Although ziplining is safe and suitable for most travelers, it does come with restrictions.

It is not recommended for:

• Pregnant travelers.
  
• Anyone with serious back, neck, heart or respiratory conditions.
  
• Individuals with significant mobility limitations, since the tour involves short hikes and stairs.
  
• Children under 8 years old.
  
• Guests under 65 lbs or over 250 lbs.
  
• Anyone over 6 feet 6 inches tall.
  
• Travelers with poor balance or limited use of hands and feet.
  

Those with mild concerns should consult a physician before booking, especially in winter conditions.

Things to Do Near the Big Bear Zipline Departure Center

Big Bear Lake has no shortage of activities around the Action Zipline Tours location. Before or after your zipline adventure, you can explore:

Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain

Located nearby and home to the Soaring Eagle ride, which offers an amusement-park-style alternative to traditional ziplining.

Big Bear Village: Filled with cafes, breakfast spots, restaurants and boutique stores. Winter weekends often feature festive lighting and seasonal decor.

Big Bear Lake Shoreline: Great for photos, especially with snowy mountain reflections.

Snow Play Areas: Popular tubing hills and snow parks are close by and ideal for families.

Hiking Trails: Several trails remain accessible in winter, including short lakeside routes.

Special Instructions and Tips for a Smooth Winter Ziplining Experience

To make the most of your winter zipline adventure, keep these points in mind:

• Arrive early to account for traffic delays or weather issues.
  
• Dress warmer than you think you need because wind chill is significant at 45 mph.
  
• Bring a valid ID for check-in if you are an adult.
  
• Book in advance since winter crowds can be unpredictable.
  
• Tours operate in most weather conditions. Only extreme weather, such as heavy snowfall, may cause cancellations.
  
• Paid photos and GoPro footage are optional, but many riders appreciate having the memories.
  
• Eat beforehand because the three-hour experience involves physical activity and no food breaks.
  
• Inform guides of any concerns. They are trained to help new riders feel comfortable.
  
• If you are scared of heights, starting with the short lines helps significantly.
  

Why Winter Ziplining in Big Bear Is Worth It?

Most people associate Big Bear with skiing, snowboarding and cabin retreats, but ziplining introduces a different kind of winter adventure. It blends thrill with scenery and lets you experience the national forest from a perspective that hiking or driving cannot offer. The off-road ride, the quiet snow-covered trees and the bursts of speed across the valley create a memorable contrast to typical mountain activities.

Big Bear’s course is also one of the safest in California. Action Zipline Tours operates the only setup built to San Bernardino County safety requirements, giving visitors confidence that the equipment and platforms meet strict standards.

Winter ziplining is fun, scenic, and surprisingly peaceful. You may find yourself gliding through frosty treetops or pausing on the suspension bridge to admire the snowy landscape, and the experience often leaves you with a story worth sharing and a fresh appreciation for the region’s winter charm.

Ziplining in Big Bear is a bucket-list addition to any cold-weather getaway. Bundle up, book ahead and get ready to see Big Bear from a viewpoint few winter travelers ever experience.

Frequently Asked Questions