Big Bear Hits Peak Winter Form as Hotel Marina Riviera Leads the Mountain Revival

With Big Bear receiving its largest snowfall of the season this week, Southern California’s favorite mountain retreat has entered peak winter form. The convergence of strong snow conditions, nostalgia-driven travel, and growing interest in small-town escapes is fueling a new wave of road trips and weekend micro-cations defined by scenic routes and distinctly American landscapes.

Just under two hours from Los Angeles, Big Bear continues to stand apart as the region’s most accessible alpine destination. Snow-dusted pines, crisp lake air, and cinematic mountain views deliver a true winter reset without the logistical lift of longer-haul ski trips.

Travel patterns are shifting toward destinations that feel immersive yet easy to reach. Big Bear checks both boxes. Recently named America’s Best Lake by USA Today readers, the destination is drawing renewed national attention as travelers look for elevated waterfront settings that favor calm and open space.

At the center of this momentum is the return of Hotel Marina Riviera, a revived 1968 mid-century lakefront property helping reposition Big Bear as a year-round mountain destination. The reopening arrives at a moment when travelers are increasingly prioritizing shorter, high-impact escapes close to major cities.

Location remains one of Big Bear’s strongest advantages. Hotel Marina Riviera sits just minutes from both Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, placing guests within easy reach of the region’s primary ski terrain.

The proximity allows for a seamless winter rhythm. Powder mornings transition into lakeside afternoons, followed by sauna sessions and fireside evenings overlooking the water. For Southern California travelers seeking efficient ski access without extended travel time, the setup is particularly compelling.

As more travelers opt to “town-size” their getaways, smaller mountain destinations with strong character are gaining traction. Big Bear’s appeal lies in its ability to deliver a genuine alpine atmosphere within an easy drive of Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego.

The destination offers snow-lined forests, a walkable village environment, and mountain air that feels distinctly removed from the coast. Compared with more distant ski hubs such as Mammoth Lakes, the accessibility factor continues to drive repeat visits and spontaneous weekend trips.

Originally opened in 1968, Hotel Marina Riviera carries deep roots in Big Bear’s vintage ski culture. The recent refresh honors the property’s Viking lodge heritage while introducing updated design elements that feel warm and contemporary.

Natural woods, layered textures, and expansive lake-facing views shape the guest experience. The result preserves the spirit of the original lodge while aligning with the expectations of today’s design-conscious traveler.

The revival also reflects a broader shift in mountain hospitality, where guests are seeking properties that balance nostalgia with thoughtful modernization.

Post-ski recovery has become a defining part of the winter travel experience, and Hotel Marina Riviera leans into that demand with a shoreline wellness circuit.

Guests can rotate between the heated pool, cold plunge, and barrel sauna, creating a restorative ritual framed by alpine air and lake views. The setting transforms the waterfront into a year-round wellness destination, extending the appeal well beyond ski season.

As daylight fades, the energy shifts toward the water’s edge. Fire pits line the lakefront, setting the tone for relaxed evenings that unfold at an unhurried pace.

De La Nonna Big Bear anchors the dining scene as the town’s only true lakeside restaurant. The Italian-inspired menu is designed for lingering meals, encouraging guests to settle in long after the slopes close. The restaurant’s presence reinforces Big Bear’s evolution into a more complete lifestyle destination, not simply a day-trip ski stop.

With strong snowfall, national recognition, and renewed investment in hospitality, Big Bear is experiencing a meaningful winter resurgence. Its proximity to Los Angeles, combined with the reintroduction of Hotel Marina Riviera, positions the destination squarely within the growing micro-cation movement.