Though the lake closes to boats/kayaks/paddle boards in October, you may still fish from the shoreline all year round.

Starting November 1st, you must carry snow chains or cables in your vehicle. They are quite serious about this law and you don't want to get stuck. If you forget them and end up needing them, they sell out very quickly on the mountain. So please come prepared. More info can be found here: 

https://www.bigbear.com/blog/faqs-for-tire-chains/

The colder it is on the mountain, the longer it can take the colder water to exit the pipes, and the hot water to reach the faucet or shower. So you may want to have a bit more patience before jumping in!

Did I mention FREE??

If you are up during the winter weekends, you will notice that the traffic can be terrible! The new trolley should clear that hassle from you. No need to find parking, or stress out in bumper to bumper. Although you will need to plan in advance, which can also suck. But the trolley pickup is right behind our parking lot. Our condo is on the BLUE LINE route which you can take to the village for some food and drinks. Or transfer to the RED LINE to get to the ski resorts! 

https://www.mountaintransit.org/free-big-bear-trolley/

Always a good idea to have one of these in your car. Especially for cold mornings!