When does tubing open for the season in Big Bear?

Opening dates vary by park and conditions. As of September 30, 2026, BBMR lists snow tubing and snow-play ticket sales from November 2, which is not an opening date. Alpine Slide publishes a typical mid-November to Easter season; confirm actual operations for your date. Check each operator before booking.

How long is a tubing session at Big Bear parks?

Session length varies by park: Grizzly Ridge and Coyote Creek offer 90-minute time slots with unlimited laps. Big Bear Snow Play provides all-day access (10am-4pm) or Glow session (5-9pm). Alpine Slide session length varies by ticket purchase.

What is the minimum age and height requirement for tubing?

Big Bear Snow Play and Alpine Slide have a 36-inch minimum height requirement. Children 36-42 inches must ride with an adult 18+ on the same tube. Grizzly Ridge and Coyote Creek require 42 inches minimum height, 40 lbs minimum weight, and 270 lbs maximum weight, with one person per tube. Pregnant women are not permitted at any tubing parks for safety reasons.

Can I bring my own sled or tube to Big Bear tubing parks?

No. Commercial tubing parks do not allow private sleds or tubes for safety and liability reasons. All parks provide specially designed tubes included with your admission. If you want to use your own equipment, visit one of Big Bear's public areas only where snow play is permitted instead (Adventure Pass required at USFS locations).

Is night tubing available in Big Bear?

Yes, two parks offer night tubing: Big Bear Snow Play and Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain both feature Glow Tubing on Friday, Saturday, and holidays from 5pm-9pm with colorful lights on the tubing hill. Grizzly Ridge and Coyote Creek do not offer night tubing.

Where do I park for Big Bear tubing?

Parking varies by location: Grizzly Ridge (Snow Summit) offers upper-lot parking may be charged or Sandalwood/Fox Farm lots with 10-minute shuttle. Big Bear Snow Play has on-site parking; confirm the current fee. Alpine Slide has free on-site parking (arrive early as it fills by noon on busy days). Coyote Creek (Snow Valley) requires checking the current resort parking price.

Big Bear Snow Tubing (2026–27 Guide)

Compare all 4 Big Bear area tubing parks. Find the best snow tubing for your family with detailed pricing, age requirements, and insider tips.

❄️ 2026–27 Season: Check each operator’s opening date before booking. BBMR winter activity tickets go on sale November 2; that is not a confirmed opening date.

Find Your Perfect Tubing Park

👶

Best for Little Kids

Big Bear Snow Play & Alpine Slide

36-inch minimum height (vs 42" elsewhere). Kids 36-42" ride with adult.

🌙

Best for Night Tubing

Big Bear Snow Play & Alpine Slide

Glow tubing Fri-Sat-holidays 5-9pm with colorful lights!

📍

Closest to Village

Big Bear Snow Play & Alpine Slide

Both on Big Bear Blvd near Village, easy access from town.

Tubing Park Locations

Park Comparison Table

Park ▼	Day/Night ▼	Price ▼	Age/Height ▼	Session ▼	Weekday	Parking	Book
Grizzly Ridge Tube Park Snow Summit	Day only	$39–$64	Min: 42 inches minimum	90 minutes unlimited laps	✅	Upper lots charged on selected days; free remote lots when operating	Book
Big Bear Snow Play Standalone park	Day + Glow	$50 $35 (36–42 inches)	Min: 36 inches minimum ✓ Best for little kids	All-day access (10am-4pm) or Glow session (5pm-9pm)	✅	Confirm current parking arrangements with operator	Book
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain Magic Mountain	Day + Glow	Check operator Check operator	Min: 36 inches minimum ✓ Best for little kids	Varies by purchase	✅	Check operator for current parking price and availability	Book
Coyote Creek Tube Park Snow Valley	Day only	Check operator Check operator	Min: 42 inches minimum	90 minutes unlimited laps	✅	Check operator for current parking price and availability	Book

Click column headers to sort. Partial review: 2026-09-05 (partial review; see operator links). Unconfirmed prices are marked; check each operator before booking.

When Tubing Sells Out (+ How to Get In)

Peak Times (Expect Sellouts):

Weekends: Friday-Sunday sessions sell out days in advance, especially Saturdays
Holidays: Christmas break, MLK weekend, Presidents' Day weekend book 1-2 weeks ahead
Glow Tubing: Friday & Saturday night sessions sell out fastest

When to Arrive for Best Chance:

Grizzly Ridge & Coyote Creek: Book ahead where available; same-day availability and requirements vary by operator. Check website daily if sold out—cancellations happen.
Big Bear Snow Play & Alpine Slide: Walk-up only, first-come first-served. Arrive when gates open (10am) on busy days. Weekday mornings = shorter waits.

Pro Tip: Weekday sessions (Mon-Thu) rarely sell out. If you have flexibility, visit mid-week for potentially shorter queues; admission and wait times are not guaranteed!

What to Wear & Safety Tips

👕 Dress in Layers

Waterproof jacket & snow pants (you WILL get wet from snow)
Thermal base layers – moisture-wicking, not cotton
Warm mid-layer – fleece or insulated jacket
Extra clothes in car for after tubing

🧤 Essential Accessories

Waterproof gloves (hands get cold & wet fast)
Warm hat or beanie
Sunglasses or goggles (snow glare is intense)
Sunscreen (high altitude = stronger UV)

👢 Footwear

Waterproof insulated boots
Avoid sneakers—they'll get soaked
Wool or synthetic socks (not cotton)
Bring hand/toe warmers for extra cold days

⛑️ Helmet Policy

Confirm helmet requirements, rental availability and approved equipment with the operator before visiting.

🛷 Can I Bring My Own Sled?

No. At commercial tubing parks, you cannot bring private sleds or tubes. Parks provide specially designed tubes for safety. If you want to use your own sled, see "Alternatives" below for free snow play areas.

Alternatives: Free Sledding & Snow Play

Want to bring your own sled or avoid tubing park fees? Big Bear has public areas where access and snow-play permission must be checked where you can sled, build snowmen, and play in the snow with your own equipment.

Places to check for permitted snow play:

Meadows Edge Picnic Area – Easy access, gentle hills, family-friendly
Boulder Bay Park – Southwest shore; confirm posted snow-play rules before visiting
Various USFS snow play areas – Check with Big Bear Discovery Center for current designated areas

Note: Adventure Pass ($5/day or $30/year) required at USFS areas. Bring your own sleds, saucers, or snow toys. Adult supervision required—no lifeguards or staff at free areas.

Parking at Tubing Parks

Grizzly Ridge (Snow Summit)

Free parking at base

Alternative lots: Sandalwood/Fox Farm (10-min shuttle)

Big Bear Snow Play

Confirm current parking fee

Private on-site lot

Alpine Slide

Free parking

Arrive early—lot fills by noon on busy days

Coyote Creek (Snow Valley)

Confirm current resort parking fee

Located at Snow Valley ski resort in Running Springs — coming from the Arrowhead side? See the Snow Valley parking & reservations guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶ When does tubing open for the season?

▶ How long is a tubing session?

▶ What's the minimum age and height requirement?

▶ Can I bring my own sled or tube?

▶ Is night tubing available?

▶ Where do I park?

Plan Your Big Bear Winter Adventure

🚗 Getting Here

Check current road conditions and chain requirements before heading up the mountain.

Winter Road Conditions Guide →

🅿️ Parking Info

Find parking near Snow Summit and other tubing parks.

View All Parking Locations →

🍴 Warm Up After

Fuel up with hot meals at Big Bear's best restaurants after tubing.

Browse Big Bear Restaurants →

🏖️ Summer Activities

Visit Big Bear in summer? Check out beaches and swimming spots.

Explore Big Bear Beaches →

📅 Last Updated: 2026-09-05 (partial review; see operator links)

Prices and hours subject to change. Always verify with parks before visiting.