The snow level has dropped below 3,000 feet, and people were forced to put chains on their vehicles.
Plows have been clearing the roadway throughout the day, but officials said chains were now required to travel on Highway 18.
"I'm pretty cold, and it's foggy and weird, and the snow is like alien-like," said snowboarder Lake Mossman.
The storm came just in time for snowboarders and skiers to enjoy the holiday weekend at the local resorts. Bear Mountain has about a foot of new snow from the storm - the most natural snowfall of the year so far.
Conditions at Bear Mountain, Snow Summit, Snow Valley and Mt. High were windy and cool, especially compared to last month's weather.
Highway 330 was closed indefinitely. The only routes open into Big Bear are highways 18 and 38.
A winter storm warning was expected to be in effect until approximately 4 a.m. on Sunday for areas above 4,500 feet.
