Real-Time Road Updates

Plan Ahead to Save Time on the Slopes

September 8 - 12

Caltrans will perform a SWARM Operation on SR-18 between Running Springs and Big Bear Lake from Monday, September 8 to Friday, September 12. The work will occur from 8AM to 3PM and will require a full road closure from Green Valley Road to Big Bear Dam/North Shore Drive. SWARM activities for this operation include slope stabilization, fixing delineation, leveling out the shoulders, and filling in any roadway to right shoulder drop-offs.

Since Snow Valley and Snow Summit are closed Monday through Thursday this week, this will affect riders heading to either resort for Friday operations. If you're heading up to Running Springs (for Snow Valley), use SR-330. For those traveling to Big Bear Lake (for Snow Summit or Bear Mountain Golf Course), take SR-18 through Lucerne Valley or SR-38.

Sept. 8-12: SR-18 Full Closure

SR-330 to SR-18 through Running Springs is marked with a green line to show it's open

Hwy 330 to Hwy 18 RS

Shortest Distance

The shortest and quickest way for visitors coming from Los Angeles, Orange County, and other points west is Hwy 330 / Hwy 18 through Running Springs. Please note that this route can become very congested on the weekends during peak season.

SR-18 through Lucerne Valley marked with a green line to indicate the road is open, driving map to get through the San Bernardino Mountains

Hwy 18 LV

Travel Through Lucerne Valley

Hwy 18 is the quickest way to/from Barstow, Las Vegas, and other high desert locations. This route has the least amount of mountain driving.

SR-18 through Running Springs marked with a green line to indicate the road is open, driving map to get through the San Bernardino Mountains

Hwy 18 RS

Alternative Route Avoiding Hwy 330

This is a great alternative route for visitors coming from the West. Hwy 18 through Running Springs bypasses Hwy 330 and connects straight through to Big Bear Lake and vice versa.

SR-38 on a map marked with a green line to indicate it is open

Hwy 38

Scenic Route, Less Switchbacks

Though the drive on this route takes a bit longer (approx 20 minutes), it is typically less congested than Hwy 330 / Hwy 18. This route will take you the back way through Redlands.

Big Bear Mountain Resort does not own or manage any roads. We obtain road closure and snow chain restriction information from the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans). While we strive to share the information we receive, please note that we are unable to:

Predict whether snow chains will be required on a specific day or time
Recommend specific types of chains for your vehicle
Suggest the best day or time to travel
Offer services such as installing or removing snow chains

For questions or concerns about road conditions, please contact the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) directly at 1.800.427.7623.

There are multiple routes to and from Big Bear Mountain Resort. In the winter months, drivers may come across traction chain controls in the mountainous regions of California. It is advisable to keep snow chains or cables in your vehicle when traveling to Big Bear Lake during winter, as weather and road conditions can quickly and unpredictably change. Caltrans and California Highway Patrol reserve the right to prohibit any vehicle from entering a chain control area if it’s determined that traction devices do not meet CVC, Section 605 requirements.

Big Bear Mountain Resort does not install tire chains. A limited amount of snow chains will be sold at the Snow Valley Sport Shop. To guarantee chains or cables that fit your vehicle, visit your local auto parts store for tire chains availability and make sure you know how to install your traction devices before visiting BBMR to avoid delays when traveling to/from the mountains.

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