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The only Bear Valley lakefront + beachfront cabin with ski in-out access

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Aerial view
Aerial view
Aerial view
Aerial view
Outdoor dining

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 13185.8 sq m

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Ski-in/ski-out access
  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine

Explore the area

View map
Bear Valley, CA
  • Place, Bear Valley Cross Country and Adventure Company
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Lake Alpine
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, Calaveras Big Trees State Park
    ‪43 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 13)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Murphy Bed

Loft

2 Queen Beds and 2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

The only Bear Valley lakefront + beachfront cabin with ski in-out access

This is the only Bear Valley cabin for rent with a lakefront + beachfront location, making it perfect for summer/water fun.

In winter, never touch your car and enjoy ski in/out access to Bear Valley resort. If you’re new to Bear Valley be aware that once the village roads close snowmobiles are the only vehicles allowed and you may want to book a snowmobile taxi.

**GUEST SNOWMOBILE (interest check): For winter ’25–’26 we’re considering making available a snowmobile for guest personal shuttle‑only use (village roads to/from the cabin). A fee and safety rules would apply. Interested? Message us so we can gauge demand. Thanks**

Designed by SF Bay Bridge architect Donald McDonald, the Lake Chalet is ideal for relaxation and outdoor adventures for up to three families.

Come discover this charming, two-story cabin with 3 bedrooms, a large kids loft, two bathrooms, cozy fireplace, decks and BBQ grill, and great views.

Know before you book: the cozy loft is accessed by a vertical ladder (please see the photo with our 3 yr old climbing it; best for kids/ladder-comfortable adults; not recommended for seniors or those with mobility concerns). Our scenic mountain neighborhood includes a steep driveway typical of the area; standard/AWD vehicles handle it well. We welcome dogs at the cabin, and around Bear Valley, but the community beach and lake have HOA rules that do not allow dogs on the sand or in the water (this is a community policy that applies to all homes on the lake).

LAKE and BEACH

During the summer, swimming, fishing, boating (non-motorized) and other water activities are popular. The cabin is also located just above a small beach that is suitable for all ages. Kids are within earshot of the cabin, and the shallow water off this beach makes it a relatively safe play area for young ones.

SLEEPING:

This cabin was designed to comfortably accommodate three families with children. The cabin is approximately 2,000 sq. feet and total sleeping capacity is twelve (12) people. The three (3) downstairs bedrooms feature two king size beds and one queen. The mattresses are new and high quality (eg Tempur-Pedic, Purple). The three downstairs bedrooms can suitably accommodate six (6) adults in total.

The upstairs sleeping loft can accommodate at least 6 children (or 5-6 adults) on two high-quality queen size mattresses, and two stackable Ikea single beds. The loft is accessible via dual ladders located on either side of the living room wood stove and feature trap doors that can be lowered for added safety.

BATHROOMS:

Two (2) separate bathrooms, each featuring a toilet, sink, and shower.

KITCHEN and DINING:

Kitchen includes the following features and appliances:

Bertazzoni electric induction stove and oven, full-size Summit refrigerator, Asko dishwasher, coffee machine and French press, microwave, toaster, mixer/blender, ice cream making machine, stovetop tea kettle, etc. Off the kitchen are an Asko washer & dryer.

The lakeside deck features a new Z Grills 2025 Smoke Beast 10502B Pellet Grill and BBQ tools.

The indoor dining table can accommodate ten (10) people. There is a breakfast bar and stools and additional table seating on the outside decks.

INTERNET and TV and BACKUP POWER

The cabin features high-speed/low-latency Starlink satellite internet service, suitable for video work calls, gaming, TV streaming, etc. The cabin also has a Tesla Powerwall 3 whole-house backup battery that should be able to provide Internet/electrical for approximately 24-48 hours (depending on use) during a grid outage. There is an additional Jackery Explorer 700 Plus Portable Power Station backup battery as well.

The internet connected TV is located in the loft and you can use our existing Amazon Prime Video and Plex services, as well as sign into your own accounts (eg Netflix).

WOOD BURNING STOVE and HEATING

We have a Vermont Castings wood burning stove, which utilizes all the renewable and freely available firewood sourced from Bear Valley’s fire risk mitigation efforts. The wood stove is capable of generating sufficient warmth to heat the entire cabin throughout winter nights.

We also have central heating as well as heating options available in each bedroom to ensure a comfy night of sleep.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Turn furnace thermostat (on wall by kitchen) off. Close air/damper/ash drawer on wood burning stove. Unplug 3 space heaters. Turn off baseboard heaters in SE bedroom and dining room and wall heaters.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
We can often accommodate earlier check-in times or later departure times so long as we don’t have back-to-back guest bookings. Please inquire.
Community beach and lake follow HOA rules: no dogs on sand or in water. Dogs welcome at the cabin and throughout the rest of Bear Valley
Loft accessed by vertical ladder; not recommended for seniors/guests with mobility concerns. Children must be supervised.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Arnold

Located in Arnold, this cabin is in the mountains and on the beach. Bear Valley Cross Country and Adventure Company and Bear Valley Ski are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Alpine and Stanislaus Meadow Trailhead. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the snowmobiling and sledging.
View more Cabin rentals in ArnoldOpens in a new window
Map
Bear Valley, CA

What's nearby

  • Bear Valley Cross Country and Adventure Company - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Lake Alpine - 10 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Bear Valley Ski - 10 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Calaveras Big Trees State Park - 43 min drive - 43.1 km
  • Arnold Rim Trail - 51 min drive - 51.7 km

Getting around

  • Lake Tahoe, CA (TVL) - 122 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Ebbetts Grill - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Monte Wolfe Saloon - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Sky High Pizza & Pub - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Creekside Dining Room - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Sunrise Cafe - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The only Bear Valley lakefront + beachfront cabin with ski in-out access pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

How much does it cost to stay at The only Bear Valley lakefront + beachfront cabin with ski in-out access?

As of 3 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The only Bear Valley lakefront + beachfront cabin with ski in-out access on 15 August 2026 start from NZ$804, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at The only Bear Valley lakefront + beachfront cabin with ski in-out access?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The only Bear Valley lakefront + beachfront cabin with ski in-out access?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The only Bear Valley lakefront + beachfront cabin with ski in-out access?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The only Bear Valley lakefront + beachfront cabin with ski in-out access located?

Nestled on the beach, this Arnold cabin is 0.9 mi (1.4 km) from Bear Valley Cross Country and Adventure Company and 2 mi (3.1 km) from Bear Valley Ski. Lake Alpine and Balancing Rock are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 5 out of 6 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 6 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 6 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 6 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 6 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.0/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Bear Valley is a special place. This house in the lake is the best. Right above the private beach and just a bit down from the rope swing. House was well equipped and the host was fantastic and very responsive. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mara L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice cabin with great views. Although the interior is somewhat dated, everything is clean and functional. The only thing to be aware of is that the hike up can be challenging in the snow, and the cost to get a ride up can be 60-80. Obviously this adds a bit of cost so we walked up most times. You could also ski down to the bus and then back to the house, which is the best method, but for our kids the blue run back to the village was still a bit hard. Just something to be aware of, and the special location mostly made up for it.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kit C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Snowy Getaway

A wonderful winter vacation away from the Tahoe crowds. Our young (4 and 1) kids loved playing in the snow and sledding right outside the door, and we all enjoyed the stillness and pristine natural beauty. The cabin was warm and cozy with a fun loft, instant hot water in the shower, and sleds/games/puzzles to spare (and an infant backpack carrier...the one thing we had to eschew for space in packing the car!) The host was very responsive and helpful in ensuring we all had a great time. We'll be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laurie B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin's location is simply top notch being just steps away from Bear Lake in the "suburb" of Bear Valley. There are a couple amazing hikes one can do right out of the cabin without having to drive anywhere. Morning quiet time on the deck with the birds singing while drinking coffe e and journaling was splendid. We swam, SUPed, hiked, spent leisure time together, cooked, ate around the large dining room table, and laughed a lot at the perfect altitude to enjoy the Sierras.The cabin was large enough for all 8 adults and a 10 month old to happily coexist.The newly upgraded appliances were really appreciated.Looks like there may be some remodeling happening at the end of the galley kitchen that opens up the space and brings in more natural light. Love it!In general, the cabin was clean, but we chased a crawling toddler around on the floor and there was debris under furniture, benches, and around the fireplace. Bedding and towels were nice and abundant. Thank you!
Photo from the deck of one of our party on the SUP we brought with us.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Marilyn F.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
House is in a beautiful setting with a pretty view of the lake. Unfortunately it wasn’t up to the usual standard of cleanliness I have experienced in other rentals. One of the sliding doors was open when we got there. Lighting wasn’t good for reading in the bedrooms and there was no place to put your suitcase. The only tv was located in the loft. Access to the loft is limited. It says in description adults could use the loft but it’s accessed by ladders that go straight up and not suitable for adults, especially seniors. I appreciated that my dog was allowed but would have liked to know he was not welcome on the beach or in the water. Driveway was scary even with my all wheel drive vehicle. It is a good lake for paddle boarding, canoes, etc.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bill G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great View on Bear Lake in Unique Home

Bear Lake is really like On Golden Pond in the Sierra's. This home is archectecturally very interesting, and in a perfect spot for peace and quiet. It was built in the 1960's, and so some parts of the home could use a little updating (bathrooms need updating but kitchen is more than fine), but some parts of the home's design are timeless and very well done. We could have sat in the living room and looked at the fabulous view all day. Some warnings - 1) the driveway up to the property is incredibly steep and twisty - if the weather is wet or there is any snow, you may have a bit of a struggle to make it up. 2) the 'loft area' is perfect for young kids who have the energy and skills to climb up and down vertical ladders and narrow access spaces - but I assure you no adults will be doing this. The 3 bedrooms are perfect downstairs, though. This is a fabulous location (might be one of the top 2-3 places on the lake) and a very interesting home. We would definitely stay there again, and look forward to visiting.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

About the host

Hosted by Molly

Host profile image
We love Bear Valley and are excited to share our cabin for newcomers or those already familiar with this still realatively hidden Sierra gem.

Why they chose this property

This cabin is one of approximately a dozen cabins situated right on Bear Valley Lake. It also located right above a beach that is perfect for all ages. Swimming, boating, fishing are some of our favorite summer activities.

In the winer you can ski in/out and never have to get in your car until it is time to leave.

What makes this property unique

The property was designed and built in 1968 by legendary San Francisco Bay Bridge architect of record, Donal McDonald, who as of 2024 is not only alive and but still working at the young age of 87! In the photos we've included a magazine profile of the cabin, and we have all of Donald's books in the cabin library.

Languages:

English
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