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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.

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.

RELATED: The Ultimate Road Trip Checklist for Your Dog

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.

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.