Big Bear Lake Visitors Proclamation

3/19/2020 – 11:32am

A Message from Visit Big Bear

Dear partners,

This morning, our board of directors approved official messaging from our organization asking for a temporary postponement of visitors to Big Bear Lake. As stated in our messaging, this is the most difficult thing our organization has ever had to do. We would never consider this message unless the lives of our residents were at risk. We hope you, as business owners and employees, will understand and join us in sharing this message:

We’re asking anyone who is not a resident or property-owner of Big Bear Lake or providing essential services to our residents to POSTPONE your immediate visit to Big Bear Lake for the time being.

Like many small mountain communities our healthcare system would be taxed with a widespread outbreak of COVID-19. 

With our close proximity to several major urban population centers, we know that Big Bear will seem like an attractive place to practice social distancing in the outdoors. We also fully understand the inclination to seek escape in the outdoors during difficult times, but the reality is that doing so right now risks the lives of our residents and puts undue strain on our critical services.

Additionally, services and activities are currently extremely limited. Big Bear Mountain Resort (Bear Mountain and Snow Summit), Big Bear Snow Play and restaurants (excluding takeout services), bars and other public spaces are temporarily closed due to county-mandated health orders. Public gatherings have also been prohibited by the local, county and state government.

Like many communities whose lifeblood is travel and tourism this is a hard message for us to send and runs counter to the very reason our organization exists: to welcome visitors to Big Bear Lake. We know how many of you cherish Big Bear Lake and the natural areas that surround it, but we ask you to respect our community and this request to stay home for now. 

Keep in mind the people of Big Bear Lake and the natural areas that surround it —a short drive away—will be welcoming you back with open (perhaps appropriately distanced) arms. If we all work together to do the right thing during this public health crisis today then tomorrow will come faster.

For additional information from local health organizations, visit the Big Bear Lake COVID-19 resources page on BigBear.com. 

We appreciate your understanding as we navigate this challenging time.