What route is faster to big bear from orange county this weekend?

Taking into consideration that we had a lot of snow this past week and that it is a weekend and many people are going to hit the slopes, what route is faster...





Orange county to big bear via the 330 - chains required, more traffic, shorter distance


or


Orange county to big bear via the 18 - chains optional, less traffic, longer distance.





Does anyone have any experience driving this under these conditions?

What route is faster to big bear from orange county this weekend?
The front way is 330 to 18 through Running Springs. The back way is 38 to 18 through Forest Falls.





Just so you know, chains are required on the 38 as well.





If you get an early start, the most direct way is the fastest. Otherwise, you might want to go via 38.





However, there is one route you didn't mention. If you take 15 north and take the Bear Valley cutoff to Lucerne Valley, you can avoid a lot of the mountain driving. It's definitely longer, but a good alternate on crazy weekends like this one.





EVERYONE wants to get on the mountain this weekend. I would wait a week.
Reply:i haven't been to big bear yet-i'm going this weekend too-but all that i've heard is that it's best to take the alternative route going home (i.e. for you the 18). for me, since i live in SD, the 38.
Reply:some roads are closed so check first.