Bear Valley, California 95223 · 7,270 feet
Lakefront summer,
ski-home winter
A Bear Valley original for slow mornings, big mountain days and great meals around the table.
Right now in Bear Valley
Monday, Sep 7
One cabin, two worlds
Choose your season
Summer on the lake
Drive to the chalet, paddle at sunrise, hike the high country and eat outside under the pines.
Winter off the road
Park in the village and arrive by snowmobile taxi, ski, sled or a beautiful 15–20 minute walk.
Ski-home access via Lunch Run depends on mountain operations, coverage and ability. Bear Lake and its community rope swing are unsupervised; conditions change quickly and there is no lifeguard.
The chalet
A 1968 alpine classic, made for gathering
Designed in 1968 by bridge architect Donald MacDonald, the chalet's octagonal plan, preserved pines and steep roof were shaped for gathering and Bear Valley's heavy Sierra snow. MacDonald later served as project architect for the Bay Bridge's new eastern span and helped guide nearly three decades of design updates to the Golden Gate Bridge.
Three private bedrooms downstairs—two kings and one queen—plus an open sleeping loft make room for up to twelve. The remodeled kitchen centers on an Electrolux induction range. A Vermont Castings Encore wood-burning stove, high-speed Starlink, Level 2 EV charging and Tesla Powerwall backup keep mountain life comfortable without sanding off the cabin's character.
Everything you need
Easy company. Deep comfort
- 01Sleep well
Three private bedrooms downstairs—two kings and one queen—plus two queens and two singles in the loft.
- 02Stay connected
Fast Starlink Wi-Fi and Tesla Powerwall backup for dependable mountain stays.
- 03Live outdoors
Lake access, two decks, a pellet grill and trailheads in every direction. In season, guests can buy day passes for the Bear Valley Tennis & Pickleball Club ↗. Pickleball paddles and balls are provided at the chalet; guests should bring their own tennis racquets and balls.
- 04Bring the dog
The cabin welcomes dogs. Bear Lake itself does not allow dogs on the beach or in the water.
A useful winter extra
Your own village shuttle
Guests may request our snowmobile for simple shuttle trips between the village and chalet. It is offered separately from the chalet stay, with its own fee, operating rules and weather-dependent approval.
Snowmobile details ↗Best for
- Moving luggage and groceries
- Village-road transportation
- Capable adult operators
Not a trail-riding rental. Separate agreement, safety review and availability confirmation required.
Gather in the high country
Come for the chalet.
Time it for a tradition
Bear Valley's calendar moves from music under canvas and summer races to torchlight, fireworks and snowmobile weekends.
Bear Valley Music Festival
Orchestra nights, tribute acts and special performances under the Big White Tent.
See the festival ↗
The Death Ride
California's landmark closed-road cycling challenge crosses the high passes around Bear Valley.
Ride details ↗Fourth of July
A village pancake breakfast, homespun parade and community celebration—with fireworks when conditions allow.
Check summer events ↗
HermitFest West
Free live music, mountain air and a celebration of the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway.
Festival details ↗Fireworks & torchlight
New Year's Eve and Winter Explosion bring village festivities and torchlight on the ski hill.
Watch resort events ↗
Bear Valley Sled Fest
Snowmobile drag racing, hill climbs, a light parade and a full weekend of mountain culture.
Sled Fest updates ↗Death Ride image: “Granite and Pine – Ebbetts Pass” by Terry Morse / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0 · cropped · Music Festival photo: Bear Valley Music Festival · HermitFest photo: Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway · Sled Fest action photo (Wyoming): SummitXrider / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
Plan the next trip
Upcoming
Mountain schedules can change with weather, permits and operating conditions. Confirm details with the organizer before making the drive.
The local list
Worth leaving the lake for
Three locally useful route guides, four favorite ways to go farther—and a soundtrack for settling in.
01 / 03
A route we walked
Avalanche-Tiggers Loop
A 4.9-mile village-side loop with about 1,100 feet of climbing and a high point just over 8,000 feet.
- Distance
- 4.9 mi
- Gain
- ~1,100 ft
- Effort
- Moderate–challenging
Photo: Public domain · Tim Bottomley / FHWADown the road
Bear Valley Mountain
Alpine laps in winter, high-country trails and live mountain events when the snow melts.
Explore the mountain ↗
Paddle & picnic
Lake Alpine
Rent a kayak, find a granite perch or walk the shoreline of this classic Sierra lake.
Plan a Lake Alpine day ↗
Photo: Recreation.govA wild day out
Spicer & the Stanislaus
Big water, quiet coves and the Stanislaus River campground—plus the area’s naturally smooth granite river channel.*
Plan a Spicer day ↗
Photo: California State ParksGiant sequoias
Calaveras Big Trees
Walk among ancient groves on an easy and unforgettable day trip down Highway 4.
Visit the state park ↗The smooth granite river channel near Stanislaus River Campground is a beautiful natural feature, not a managed attraction. Water can be swift and rocks may be hidden—enjoy it only from safe footing in suitable conditions, and never dive.
Getting here
The last mile changes with the snow
Follow Highway 4 to Bear Valley, then drive the village road to the chalet. Full address and turn-by-turn details arrive with your stay confirmation.
Village roads close to cars. Park near Bear Valley Lodge, then continue about one mile by arranged snowmobile taxi, ski, sled or on foot.
House rules
Protect the chalet.
Respect the mountain
These essentials apply to every stay. Your booking platform and pre-arrival guide contain the complete rental terms and seasonal instructions.
No outdoor fires or guest fire pits
No outdoor fires or guest-provided fire devices are permitted anywhere on the property—including Solo Stoves and wood-, charcoal-, propane- or gas-fueled fire pits or fire tables. This owner rule applies regardless of permits or seasonal government restrictions. The host-provided pellet grill may be used only for cooking, according to its instructions and any current fire restrictions.
No smoking, parties or events
Smoking and vaping are not permitted. Keep gatherings within the registered guest count and respect our quiet mountain neighborhood.
Lake and watercraft
There is no lifeguard. Guests may not use privately stored boats or boards. Dogs are not allowed on the community beach or in Bear Lake.
Loft and children
The open loft uses a vertical ladder and is unsuitable for guests with mobility limitations. Children require active adult supervision.
Winter access
When village roads close, the final mile is car-free. Every guest must be able to manage the confirmed snowmobile taxi, ski, sled or walking plan.
Book your stay
Tell us what mountain time looks like for you
Send a no-obligation inquiry. We'll confirm availability, winter logistics and an itemized total before you decide.
No payment is taken with this form, and a quote is not a reservation. Your stay is confirmed after the rental agreement and required payment are complete.
Good to know
Before you pack
Can I drive to the chalet?
Usually from late spring through fall. Once village roads close for snow, cars stay near the lodge and the final mile is car-free.
Is the lake private?
Bear Lake is a community reservoir shared by the village. It is non-motorized, has no lifeguard and does not allow dogs on the beach or in the water.
Is the chalet set up for remote work?
Yes. The chalet has high-speed Starlink and backup power, though mountain weather can still affect any service.
Can we have an outdoor fire or bring a fire pit?
No. Outdoor fires and guest-provided fire pits or fire tables—including Solo Stoves and wood-, charcoal-, propane- or gas-fueled devices—are not permitted anywhere on the property. The host-provided pellet grill is for cooking only and remains subject to current fire restrictions.