San Bernardino National Forest

Cross-country Skiing

Cross-country skiing is dependent on natural snow accumulation that can vary depending on elevation and type of exposure. North-facing slopes tend to accumulate more snow.

Safety While Enjoying Winter Sports

"Know Before You Go" - check local road and weather conditions before you leave home.  Call ahead to the local Ranger Station.

Winter weather conditions in the mountains can be extreme and change without notice. An inadequately clothed person can get hypothermia (low internal body temperature). Hypothermia can be deadly – learn to recognize the early symptoms. Keep warm and dry.

Stay Away from ice covered lakes and streams. Over the past decade several forest visitors have fallen through thin ice and drown. Be extremely careful when walking on ice covered or slippery surfaces like parking areas and trails and especially steep slopes. One slip could result in a serious injury.

If you plan to travel in the back country, be "Avalanche Aware" – Learn the basics at the Forest Service Avalanche Center.

Be courteous and remember that you are sharing public lands with other recreational users

Do not recreate on unauthorized areas or private property.

Bring along extra safety items such as extra clothing, blankets, water, flashlights, maps, and a cell phone.  Did you remember spare batteries?

Park your vehicle in a safe location and do not double or triple park (blocking in others).

Never park in front of closed gates, they may be needed for emergency access, and you could be cited or have your vehicle towed away.

Do not park in restricted or "No Parking" areas. These are posted for the safety of all travelers.

When installing tire chains or traction devices, park in a safe location well off the roadway. Never stop in traffic lanes for these purposes, you may cause other motorists to lose control when they spot your vehicle blocking lanes.

If you are involved in a traffic accident, try to immediately drive your vehicle to the roadside, but only if safe to do so. Getting the obstructing vehicles off the roadway may prevent the accident from getting worse, involving other vehicles. Immediately call 911, or ask other travelers to call 911 for you from the nearest phone.

Rim Nordic Ski Area
 

909-867-2600

Rim Nordic Ski Area is located in the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest. In winter, Rim Nordic offers Cross Country Skiing and Snow Shoeing, summer activities include Mountain Bike Racing.

At a base elevation of 6775' , Rim Nordic Ski Area is located in the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains in Southern California, on Highway 18, 5 miles east of Running Springs, across from Snow Valley Mountain Resort on the way to Big Bear Lake. Only 1 1/2 hours from L.A. and Orange County and 2 1/2 hours from San Diego.

• 12 miles of groomed trails

• Lots of off trail snow shoeing

• Machine groomed, track set for classic and skating.

• Learn-to-ski beginner package.

• Telemark rentals and lessons.

• Snowshoe rentals.

• Demo and skating rentals available.

• Retail shop with clothing, new and used equipment.

• Snack Bar with hot and cold items.

• Mountain Bike racing in the summer.

• Trails are beginner to advanced.

• NO DOGS ALLOWED
   

Directions

Take Hwy. 330 to Running Springs. It turns into Hwy. 18 as you head to Big Bear. About 5 miles past Running Springs, your at Snow Valley Ski Resort, which is on the right hand side. Rim Nordic's entrance is on the left hand side of the highway.