Shortly before 11 a.m. Saturday, Big Bear Mountain Resort reported that 12 inches of snow had fallen within the most recent 24 hours alone.
"We've never been up here like this," said Harvey Torres, who was visiting from Newport Beach. "Driving through this kind of weather and getting up here on Wednesday, it was a little bit of a journey. But it was kind of fun, kind of exciting."
The snowy conditions resulted in several highway shutdowns in the area, and most roads that remained open required tire chains.
"We're working on clearing various mountain routes to allow essential personnel into the area," said Carolina Rojas with Caltrans. "Full reopening is unknown at this time."
Storm dumps several feet of snow on San Bernardino mountains amid blizzard warning
Caltrans crews and the California Highway Patrol were working to reopen the roads as soon as possible, officials said. They were working to provide access to essential and emergency personnel only.
A video posted by Caltrans on social media showed a coordinated convoy of food delivery trucks to ensure staff and crews are well-equipped as they work through the night.
"We appreciate the collaboration! It takes a village!"
Meanwhile, some visitors stuck in Big Bear said they made the best of their trip, despite having to shovel piles of snow and move stranded cars.
"We first were supposed to got to an Airbnb but because of the snow, we couldn't get to the house because the car was just trapped," said Jimena Hernandez-Alatorre, who was visiting Big Bear from Mexico. "So we came to the hotel and it was pretty good because of the snow but we don't know if tomorrow, we can go to L.A., it's just horrible."
For most of the day, people were seen shoveling the snow to make way for their vehicles. However, there was some fun in the winter wonderland. Adults and children were spotted playing the fresh snow, most of whom were simply trying to figure out what the road conditions will look like Sunday morning.
"Most people work remote these days and if we have to stay, we'll get an Airbnb, get in the hot tub and enjoy the vacation," said one visitor.