How often can you say you heard that when you visited LA? Well, sure enough, it’s that time of year when a quick two-hour drive (traffic permitting) will take you to the snow-covered landscape of Big Bear.

Depending on your length of stay in LA, going up to Big Bear for a day of skiing/boarding may seem fitting, but spending a few days in the snow is definitely the way to do it. Cabins and hotels are reasonably priced and the activities are abundant.

Whether you’re a novice skier, avid boarder or a family of toboggan enthusiasts, Big Bear has your number and it is calling. Weekends are the busiest, so as a traveler in LA on a week-long visit, plan the Big Bear excursion mid-week. By doing so, you not only find open slopes, you also find great bargains!

Deal of the Day from Big Bear Lake Resort Association:

“Now is the time to plan and save for winter vacations in Big Bear Lake, Southern California’s premier ski and snowboard destination. Skiers and snowboarders save 17 or 27 percent on both skiing and lodging with ‘Midweek Ski & Ride Packages.’ Two night package deals start at $69 per person, per night, with minimum double occupancy.”

Click here to book.

For those one-day wonders, here’s the recommendation of the day from Snow Summit:

“For a more enjoyable day, we suggest arriving a few hours early when renting ski/ snowboard equipment, purchasing tickets and purchasing lessons. On the other hand, if you have the option of picking up tickets, lessons and rental equipment the day before, we highly recommend it in order for your next day’s activities to go as planned. Have fun on the snow!”

When you spend the first two hours of an early day bumper to bumper, get to know the people in the vehicles next to you, because they’ll be sharing the runs with you.

Like Vegas, know the best times to enter and leave.

Weekend – arrive before 7 a.m. (slopes open at 8 a.m.); depart before 5 p.m. (day slopes close at 6 p.m.) or after 8 p.m.

Weekday – anytime!