A Funkadelic Weekend in Big Bear: Your 48 Hour Retro Inspired Winter Escape
A Funkadelic Weekend in Big Bear: Your 48 Hour Retro Inspired Winter Escape
Big Bear winters aren’t always about fresh powder and ski goggles. Some years the snow shows up fashionably late. Other years it ghosts entirely. Either way, the mountain stays fun. This guide gives you a fully packed 48 hour Big Bear weekend that mixes cozy retro vibes, local flavor, low lift adventuring, and just enough alpine energy for anyone who does want to sneak in some runs.
Use the flexible blocks below to create your own Big Bear weekend without overthinking it. Mix and match, skip what you want, repeat what you love. Because honestly, decision fatigue is real.
DAY ONE
Morning: Ease In With a Little Altitude Adjustment
Start with a warm up walk and pick your pace. The Alpine Pedal Path and Juniper Point offer easy lake views. Castle Rock Trail is the classic pick if you want a bigger payoff at the top.
Afterward, take a breather back at the hotel. If you booked a room at The Burgundy with a private in room jacuzzi spa, this is a perfect early soak moment.
Then fuel up. Mountain Munchies keeps plates huge and coffee flowing. Dank Donuts offers deli sandwiches and playful donut flavors.
Afternoon: Choose Your Own Adventure (Ski or... Literally Anything Else)
Option A: Ski
If conditions allow, you can absolutely spend a few hours on the mountain. Snow Summit and Big Bear Mountain Resort both offer approachable terrain, wide groomers, and a laid back energy that works well for beginners and casual skiers. Even on lighter snow years, the resorts often maintain solid coverage on core runs thanks to snowmaking, so you can usually count on at least a few laps.
If you need rentals, Goldsmith’s Sports is a reliable stop with friendly staff and quick turnarounds. Their setup is straightforward, so you can grab gear and get on the hill without losing half your day to logistics. Think of skiing here as a choose your own commitment level activity. Go all in with a full day, or treat it like a few fun runs before heading back to explore the rest of Big Bear.
Option B: Explore the Village
If you are not skiing, the Village is the ideal low effort, high charm alternative. Wander through Rewind Collective, which mixes retro finds, local art, and quirky gifts. It’s an easy browsing kind of place where you will find something you did not expect to want.
From there, stroll the Village at your own pace. Grab a latte or hot chocolate, pop into a few local shops, and let the slower mountain rhythm do its work. This is the mellow side of Big Bear: window shopping, people watching, and warming your hands around a cup of something delicious while the mountain air does its thing.
Option C: Play Like a Kid
If you want something that guarantees laughter without requiring ski skills, head to Snow Play for tubing or try the bobsled style ride at Alpine Slide Magic Mountain. Both spots lean into pure childhood joy, and both typically run even during lighter snow years thanks to reliable snowmaking. It is the kind of uncomplicated fun that works for all ages. No lessons, no gear, no pressure. Just grab a tube, scream on the way down, and pretend you did not have a long meeting earlier in the week that drained your soul.
Option D: Wildlife and Holiday Magic
For something gentler, wander through Wild Lights at the Alpine Zoo, where twinkling lights wind through the pathways and rescued wildlife creates an unexpectedly charming backdrop. It is festive without being overwhelming, and it is one of the easiest winter activities to enjoy at night. The walking is minimal, the atmosphere is mellow, and it is a nice way to bring a bit of holiday magic into your weekend without needing to commit to a full event schedule.
Evening: Retro Dining and Fireside Vibes
When evening hits, lean into Big Bear’s nostalgic side. Captain’s Anchorage delivers classic steakhouse comfort with a lived in mountain charm that feels like stepping back a few decades in the best possible way. If your group leans more casual, The Bear Trap hits the mark with brewery style pizzas, cold beer, and a relaxed crowd that feels very Big Bear local. And if you want something with stories soaked into the walls, Murry’s is your go to. It is the kind of unapologetic dive bar where the portions are generous, the atmosphere is warm in a slightly chaotic way, and the food tastes like someone’s family recipe.
After dinner, head back to The Burgundy and slow things down. Settle by the fire pit with a drink or slide into the shared outdoor hot tub and let the cold mountain air do its thing while the water keeps you warm. If you still have a little energy left, wander over to The Flatlander, the cozy bar at Sessions Retreat. It is open Friday and Saturday evenings and offers an easy, low key place to cap off the night without going full nightlife mode.
DAY TWO
Morning: Stretch, Sip, or Ski (Again)
Your second morning in Big Bear should start slow, in that very specific mountain way where time feels a little softer around the edges. Grab a coffee and wander the Village while shops open and the air still has that early chill. If you want something more intentional, join Morning Yoga at Sessions Retreat on select December dates. It’s a relaxed, approachable session that wakes you up without demanding any athletic heroics.
If the mountain is calling and conditions are decent, this is the sweet spot for skiing. Morning runs tend to be quieter, the snow is usually at its best, and you can get in just enough runs to satisfy the urge without dedicating your whole day to it.
However you choose to start, plan to warm up afterward back at The Burgundy. Slip into your in room jacuzzi spa if you have one, or head to the shared outdoor hot tub. It is a simple ritual, but between the hot water and the crisp Big Bear air, it feels like one of the most indulgent moments of the weekend.
Afternoon: Little Hikes or Pure Play
If you’re looking for something outdoorsy without committing to a full trek, pick a trail you didn’t hit yesterday. Happy Hills Trail is a perfect mid day option. It’s short, scenic, and gives you enough movement to feel accomplished without eating up hours of your itinerary. The views change just enough to keep it interesting, and it’s a nice way to reset before the evening.
If your visit lines up with the holiday season, make time for Santa Comes to Big Bear. It is lighthearted and festive, and whether you are traveling with kids or just enjoy a bit of seasonal whimsy, it adds a charming break in the day.
And if you still have energy to burn or you want to keep the day playful, tubing or the alpine slide are always waiting. Both are easy to fit in, require almost no planning, and deliver the kind of pure, uncomplicated fun that Big Bear does well.
Evening: Comfort Food and One Last Soak
For your final night, pick a spot that feels like the right sendoff. Maybe that means settling into the easy warmth of The Bear Trap for a laid back pizza and beer, or choosing Captain’s Anchorage for a more classic, slow paced meal that lets you linger a bit. If you want to keep the weekend’s quirky streak alive, head back to Murry’s, where the locals, the portions, and the dive bar charm all lean into Big Bear’s offbeat personality.
Once dinner is done, make space for one last moment of doing absolutely nothing. Slip into your private in room jacuzzi spa or ease into The Burgundy’s shared outdoor hot tub and let the quiet mountain night wrap things up. It is the kind of simple, unhurried ending that makes the whole weekend feel complete.
Where to Stay: Retro Roots, Modern Comfort
Make The Burgundy your home base for this funkadelic weekend. Many rooms include in room jacuzzis. Guests also enjoy a shared outdoor hot tub, a seasonal fire pit, and walkable access to the Village, trails, and dining. Ski if you want. Skip it if you don’t. Either way, the location works.
Plan your stay and explore rooms here.
