June—October
Summer on the lake
Drive to the chalet, paddle at sunrise, hike the high country and eat outside under the pines.
Bear Valley, California 95223 · 7,100 feet
Lakefront summer,
ski-home winter.
A true Bear Valley original for slow mornings, big mountain days and the people you want around the table.
01 Bear Lake at your doorstep
Right now in Bear Valley
Friday, Jul 24
Checking the mountain…
Full forecast ↗The chalet
A 1968 alpine original, made for gathering.
Designed by California architect Don MacDonald, this wood-and-glass hideaway places the lake, forest and changing weather at the center of every stay.
Three private bedrooms downstairs—two kings and one queen—plus an open sleeping loft make room for up to twelve. High-speed Starlink, a well-equipped kitchen, a wood stove and backup power keep mountain life comfortable without sanding off its character.
12guests
4sleeping areas
7beds
2bathrooms
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.
- 04Bring the dog
The cabin welcomes dogs. Bear Lake itself does not allow dogs on the beach or in the water.
One house, two worlds
Choose your season.
November—May
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.
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 home, with its own fee, operating rules and weather-dependent approval.
Snowmobile details ↗Optional add-on
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.
The local list
Worth leaving the lake for.
Four favorite ways to go farther, from chairlift days to giant sequoia country.
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 ↗
Photo: Recreation.govPaddle & picnic
Lake Alpine
Rent a kayak, find a granite perch or walk the shoreline of this classic Sierra lake.
Find local rentals ↗
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 ↗A note on the “rock slide”
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.
Summer arrival
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.
Winter arrival
Village roads close to cars. Park near Bear Valley Lodge, then continue about one mile by arranged snowmobile taxi, ski, sled or on foot.
Book your stay
Tell us what mountain time looks like for you.
Send a no-obligation inquiry. We'll confirm dates, the total and winter logistics before sending a secure way to book and pay.
Direct booking is especially welcome for returning guests. No payment is taken with this form.
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.
How does direct booking work?
Start with an inquiry. After availability and the total are confirmed, you'll receive the rental terms and a secure payment link. Payment processing can be connected to the owner's Stripe account.
Is the house good for remote work?
Yes. The chalet has high-speed Starlink and backup power, though mountain weather can still affect any service.