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Big Bear Lake is one of Southern California’s top outdoor destinations and is an easy 2.5-hour drive from Los Angeles. I visited the area about five years ago during the middle of the summer on my way to Lake Arrowhead, but this time I was making the trip to enjoy the snow with my pup, Zooey.

Winter destinations require a bit more preparation and here is a list of things I prepared for my quick getaway to this popular winter destination. A quick note that this is a checklist that is geared for people traveling with their pets and for light winter activities (no skiing or snowboarding).

CAR PREPARATION

Tire Chains - Carry chains at all times from November - April. It’s highly recommended to practice installation before you hit the road. I also wore a pair of work gloves to help give me a better grip.
Ice Scraper - This will come in handy if you get hit with a snowstorm.
Flashlight - I used my cell phone’s built-in flashlight to walk Zooey at night and it was much needed. If you don’t like the flashlight on your phone, this small and super bright LED flashlight is only $7.00.
Insulated Lunch Bag - It’s a short drive; however, you may get stuck in traffic during high season so it’s best to pack water and snacks. I purchased mine from Home Goods, but there are a variety of styles to pick from on Amazon.

Make sure to practice putting on tire chains before you hit the road

PET TRAVEL

Dog Travel Bag - This travel dog bag keeps all your pup’s essentials neatly organized in one place.
Portable Dog Crate - If you plan to leave your dog unattended at your accommodation, a portable crate comes in handy.
Blankets & Towels- Zooey’s paws and fur got pretty damp from the snow play so having a blanket will come in handy for warmth and to dry off.
Everyday Collar - Zooey loves playing in the snow and jumping in the lake so I make sure she wears something that is both water and yuck-proof. Basically, a collar and leash that is easy to wipe clean after a day of playing. Lucy & Co. (Get 15% off your order with code LCDESSPANIEL15) or Ruffwear makes durable collars that can withstand seriously ruff stuff.

Zooey chasing ducks at Big Bear Lake. She’s wearing Ruffwear’s pink collar.

Big Bear Lake 2020 Magazine, Adventure Pass (for Parking), Woodland Trail Pamphlet

WINTER GEAR

Snow Pants - If you plan on doing anything that involves snow, get some snow pants to stay dry and comfortable.
Gloves - Pack waterproof gloves so you can throw those snowballs and keep your hands warm.
Winter Hiking Boots - I purchased a pair of winter hiking boots from adidas Terrex and they were fantastic. It’s specifically designed for ultimate comfort for long hikes with water-repellent insulation.
Beanies - I packed a few of these and definitely needed to wear them when the sun sent down.
Sunblock - Sometimes we tend to forget that the risk of sunburn is much greater in the mountainous regions. I wore a sunblock with SPF 25.
Sunglasses - I wore sunglasses the majority of the time since the reflection of the snow was super bright. My favorite pair of sunnies are from Diff Eyewear.
UNIQLO - I always pack my Uniqlo HeatTech tops and leggings for my winter travels. It helps keep layering to a minimum and it truly makes a difference. Plus, it’s very affordable.
Slip-on Boots - It was nice to have a pair of boots to pull off and on easily for taking Zooey on walks around the neighborhood. It’s not a necessity, but more of a convenience.

Adidas Terrex Winter Hiking Boots Insulated — **Adidas Terrex** Winter Hiking Boots Insulated

WHERE TO STAY

Big Bear offers an array of pet-friendly lodging and I chose to book a stay at an Airbnb Plus. Our Airbnb was close to Big Bear Village and had a fantastic outdoor space that Zooey thoroughly enjoyed.