Here at Big Bear Luxury Properties, we understand life can be quite stressful. The mere thought of everything you have to do: from work to home chores, from deciding what to have for dinner to paying mortgage bills, etc, can build up stress and affect not only your spiritual well-being but also your physical health. It is proven that stressed out people can eventually start showing physical symptoms that can be range from mild headaches to more severe complications like depression, diabetes and hair loss [source: about.com].

Consider taking a break from your every day life and taking a trip a place with clean air, a beautiful forest setting and the serenity you can only find in a magic place like Big Bear Lake. Nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear is as relaxing as you want it to be. If you are thinking about spoiling your body and your mind, we gathered a list of places up here in the valley that can help you recuperate energies and help you get back on your feet.

Snowshoeing is quickly becoming one of the most popular activities here in the Big Bear Valley. It is a concept that has been around for centuries, though it hasn't been used for recreation until recently. Early in our history, people designed wooden snowshoes out of necessity. People wore them because it enabled them to travel quicker through thick snow & also hunt better. It was considered an essential tool for survival in some places where you needed them to even return to your own cabin safely. Now that we don't have to hunt to survive or a cabin with 10 feet of snow, snowshoeing is an excellent way to connect with nature while exercising at the same time.

Another reason why snowshoeing is becoming very popular is because almost everyone can do it since it is very easy to learn. Some people even say that anyone that knows how to walk can snowshoe. During the winter, snowy months, there's no better place to give snowshoeing a try than Big Bear Lake. Big Bear has a wide variety of trails available for snowshoeing when weather permits. Considering that some of our Big Bear rentals back to the national forest - or they're only a couple of blocks away - you can even try going out for an adventure right from your backyard. If you're not planning to become a professional snowshoe'er but you are interested in try the sport during your next Big Bear Vacation, visit one of our local ski shops listed at the bottom. They have snowshoe rentals & representatives that can help you find the right snowshoe style. This will keep the cost low & the excitement high...

There's always a party at the Bowling Barn! Remember that the winter season fun doesn't always involve snow. At the bowling barn, everyone in the family can have a quality time during your next vacation in Big Bear. Feeling a little bored at your cabin? Then we recommend taking a trip to the Bowling Barn (across the parking lot from our rental office). The Bowling Barn is conveniently located near the Big Bear village, making it a short trip from most of our cabin rentals in Big Bear. Although the Bowling Barn is mainly dedicated for bowling, it has many different features that everyone can enjoy including pool tables, an arcade section with many interactive games, a snack bar, karaoke contests on Saturday nights & glow (black light) bowling!

Arcade games since 1975 till 2008 for everyone in the family. Card games like Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokemon, Naruto are also available.

Exercise while having fun! Try some square dancing in Big Bear!