Big Bear in November: Your Guide to the First Snow, Ski Season Opening and Holiday Kickoff
Quick answer: Big Bear in November is a month of transition. Fall is winding down, the first snow of the season is in the air, and the ski resorts are getting ready to open. Big Bear Mountain Resort says November 21 is the earliest its mountains could open for 2026–27, depending on cold enough nights for snowmaking. Oktoberfest wraps up early in the month, Thanksgiving week brings the Turkey Trot, and the Christmas Tree Lighting on November 27 kicks off the holiday season in The Village. Book Sunday through Thursday by November 19 with code FALL26 to save 25%.
The First Snow: What November Weather Looks Like
Weather · Late Fall Meets Early Winter
Pack for Both Seasons
November in Big Bear can swing from mild to wintry in a single week. Some days still feel like fall, with sunny afternoons in the 50s or 60s. Others bring a cold system that drops daytime temperatures into the 30s. Nights are reliably cold, and freezing temperatures are common. Pack layers, a real winter jacket, and shoes with good grip, even if the forecast looks pleasant when you book.
Mountain sun is strong at 6,750 feet · Sunglasses and sunscreen still belong in the bag
2026 Snow Watch · Where Things Stand
The First Flakes Have Already Fallen
Big Bear Mountain Resort recorded its first snowfall of the season on October 24, and snowmaking crews ran a test on October 29. As of late October, though, there wasn’t widespread snow on the ground in town. That’s typical for this time of year. One storm doesn’t mean there’s enough snow for skiing, tubing, or sledding, so check current conditions close to your trip instead of relying on photos from weeks earlier.
Check our Weather & Roads page for live cams and current conditions
Ski Season Opening Watch
Bear Mountain · Snow Summit · Snow Valley
Opening Day Is Up to Mother Nature
Big Bear Mountain Resort hasn’t announced an official opening day for the 2026–27 season. Lift tickets are available starting November 21, but the resort has been clear that this is the earliest its mountains could open, not a confirmed date. It expects to know more around mid-November, once nights are cold enough to evaluate snowmaking. Lessons and rentals went on sale November 2, so you can plan ahead and lock in your gear.
For context, last season Bear Mountain opened on December 4. Skiing over Thanksgiving is possible in a cold year, but it isn’t guaranteed. If skiing is the whole point of your trip, check resort operations shortly before you go.
Season passes and lift tickets are on sale now at Big Bear Mountain Resort · Snow tubing parks also open based on conditions
November 2026 at a Glance
| Date | What’s Happening | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 2 | Ski and snowboard lessons and rentals go on sale | Book early for holiday weekends |
| Nov 7–8 | Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest, final weekend | At the Big Bear Lake Convention Center |
| Nov 19 | Last stay date for code FALL26 | Sunday–Thursday stays, 2-night minimum |
| Nov 21 | Earliest possible ski resort opening | Not confirmed; depends on snowmaking weather |
| Nov 26 | Thanksgiving Turkey Trot | 3-mile run or walk, 9:30 AM start in Moonridge |
| Nov 27 | Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony | Christmas Tree Corner in The Village |
The Holiday Kickoff
November 7–8 · Big Bear Lake Convention Center
Oktoberfest’s Final Weekend
Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest closes out its season with one last weekend of German food, beer, and live Oompah bands. It’s indoors at the Convention Center, so it works whatever the weather is doing. If you’ve been meaning to go, this is your last chance until next fall.
42900 Big Bear Blvd · Saturday afternoon into the evening, Sunday afternoon · Confirm times and tickets with the organizer
Thanksgiving Week · November 23–29
A Cabin Thanksgiving
For many visitors, Thanksgiving in Big Bear means renting a cabin, gathering everyone under one roof, and cooking dinner together. Grocery stores get very busy early in the week, so shop as soon as you arrive and bring any specialty ingredients from home. It’s also worth asking ahead about your cabin’s kitchen. A roasting pan or enough place settings for a big group isn’t always standard.
Start Thursday at the Turkey Trot, a family-friendly 3-mile run or walk that begins at 9:30 AM at Dank Donuts in Moonridge. Then head back to the cabin and let the day be slow.
Thanksgiving Day itself tends to be quiet in town · Friday and Saturday get busier as cabin guests head back out
Friday, November 27 · The Village
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The day after Thanksgiving, Big Bear officially switches into holiday mode. The annual Tree Lighting at Christmas Tree Corner, where Village Dr meets Pine Knot Ave, brings live music, singing, the lighting of the Village tree, and a visit from Santa. Expect The Village to be lively that night, so arrive early for parking.
See our Events Calendar for December holiday events
Early November Is Big Bear’s Best-Kept Secret
The stretch between Oktoberfest and Thanksgiving is one of the quietest times of year on the mountain. Trails, The Village, and the lakeshore are calm, the air is crisp, and you might catch the first snow of the season. It’s the perfect window for a midweek reset: a fire in the fireplace, a long walk along the Alpine Pedal Path, and a hot tub under a clear, cold night sky.
Planning to come back once the snow is here? Read our guide to what to expect in Big Bear in winter.
Where to Stay in November
Coupon Code FALL26 · Valid September 21 – November 19, 2026
25% Off Midweek Stays
Early and mid-November are made for a midweek trip. Book a stay of two nights or more made up entirely of Sunday through Thursday nights, and use code FALL26 to take 25% off your base lodging rate. The code must be applied at booking, applies to base lodging only, can’t be combined with other offers, and doesn’t apply at a handful of properties. Book on bigbearvacations.com, or call (877) 417-6504 and we’ll confirm which cabins qualify.
Stays must wrap up by November 19 · Thanksgiving week isn’t eligible
November Trip Tips
- Carry chains or approved traction devices from November on. Chain controls follow road conditions, not the calendar.
- Check our Weather & Roads page and Caltrans QuickMap before driving up and before heading home.
- Don’t book a ski trip around November 21 until the resort confirms opening day. Plan a trip you’ll enjoy either way, and treat skiing as a bonus.
- Coming for Thanksgiving? Arrive Tuesday or early Wednesday and shop right away.
- Expect icy patches on shaded trails, decks, and driveways, especially in the mornings.
- Sunset comes early in November. Plan hikes and drives for the middle of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Does it snow in Big Bear in November?
It can, but it isn’t guaranteed. November is a transition month, and some years bring early storms while others stay dry and mild. In 2026, the first snowfall at the ski resort came on October 24. Check current conditions close to your trip.
FAQ
When do the Big Bear ski resorts open this year?
No official date has been announced yet. Big Bear Mountain Resort says November 21 is the earliest Bear Mountain, Snow Summit, and Snow Valley could open, and it expects to know more around mid-November, depending on snowmaking conditions.
FAQ
Is Big Bear busy over Thanksgiving?
Yes. Many families rent cabins for the holiday, so grocery stores are especially busy early in the week. Thanksgiving Day itself is usually quiet in town, and Friday and Saturday pick up again with the Tree Lighting and holiday shopping in The Village.
FAQ
Can I use FALL26 for Thanksgiving week?
No. FALL26 covers Sunday-through-Thursday stays from September 21 through November 19, 2026. For Thanksgiving week stays, call (877) 417-6504 and we’ll help you find the best available option.
Catch the First Snow for Less
25% off midweek stays through November 19 with code FALL26. Come up before the crowds and watch winter arrive.
See the Fall Getaway OfferWritten by the Big Bear Vacations Team — your local experts in Big Bear Lake cabin rentals, powered by Casago. We live here, we watch for the first snow every year, and we’re here to make your November trip unforgettable.
