Big Bear Reviews
Big Bear Lake Resort Accommodations Reviews
provided by the Big Bear Lake Marketing Association

CLICK HERE FOR FAMILY RESORT ACCOMMODATIONS
read reviews of rustic vacations held in Big Bear Lake California,Big Bear cabins
Group Lodging & Resort Reviews

Editorial Review by by CitySearch.com Big Bear Lake's leading cottage rental company with resort, lake, group services, heated pool, barbeque area and more. Come enjoy and preserve the beauty of California's pine forest while staying in a private cabin or cottage. Golden Bear has a perfect size cabin or cottage for any group from 2 to 23. The entire five acre resort property accommodates up to 204 people. Top family vacation spot: one of the best family vacation spots.

Posting to this site started March 12, 2005 07:43 PM

Golden Bear Cottages is a family friendly Christian resort in Big Bear...cabin availability and rental rates... click here and see rate calendar

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Golden Bear Cottages Vacation Club

Review of program details and service
by Gerald D. Stovall Sr.
May 14, 2009


Our family recently joined the Vacation Club at Golden Bear Cottages in Big Bear Lake. We had been to Big Bear many times before, so we decided to find out if we could save some money by joining the vacation club. We are very impressed with the savings, service and flexibility of this new vacation club program. We get to vacation in the size cabin that fits our family's needs for five days or more each year for up to five years. The price was 40% less per day than we had paid before and we get to go anytime there is a cabin available. The first time we used the program, our size cabin was not available the days we wanted to go... so the great staff at Golden Bear Cottages upgraded us at no extra charge! Boy, isn't that refreshing! That has never happened from the timeshare company we belong to, and we paid many times more dollars for that vacation! I think it is safe to say we are going to be very happy with our Vacation Club purchase at Golden Bear Cottages. Thank you so much to the staff for all their superior service!

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LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE TRAVEL
REVIEWS and TRAVEL NEWS
QUICK GETAWAYS Big Bear Lake, California Is Above the Clouds
by Sandy Zimmerman

No one needs to tell us how busy life has become. But, I have found a release for stress and the place to find relaxation: Golden Bear Cottages in Big Bear Lake, California, a Christian family and group resort property.
At Golden Bear Cottages resort in Big Bear Lake, get ready for boating, charter fishing, hiking, an Alpine Slide, zoo, nature nights, hunting for gold, tubing, mountain biking, golf, horseback riding, skiing, snowboarding, wildlife viewing, shopping, parasailing, Sierra Belle sightseeing boat, and mountain fun! You can even take the Trolley and ride around the lake ($3 for the day). These are just a few of Don and Karen DiCarlo's (owners of Golden Bear Cottages Resort) suggestions. They have researched all of the things to do in the mountains and compiled a list of activities, mountain nightlife, along with suggestions, and will answer your questions.

During their first visit to Big Bear Lake, Don and Karen DiCarlo fell in love with the mountains and bought the Golden Bear Cottages six years ago. Walk among the 500 Pine trees that are around the Golden Bear Cottages, recreation area, and everywhere else within the 6 acre resort. Some of these 200 year old trees measure from 4-5 feet wide. You have all the outdoor recreational facilities for adults and children without leaving the resort: heated pool, spa, sand lot volleyball, ping pong, horseshoes, basketball, shuffleboard, large cedar swings, and sandbox.

Summer movie nights bring everyone to the pool for free cartoons and a movie on their 60" big screen T. V. Sit at the large outdoor firepit at night to get together with the other guests. You can even use Golden Bear Cottages Karaoke equipment, or choose from 50 or more games and thousands of movies. They even have a quaint gift shop.

Whatever reason you are visiting Big Bear Lake, the Golden Bear Cottages Resort staff can assist you. If you are planning a wedding, they can make all arrangements. Groups, clubs, and businesses visit Big Bear for meetings, retreats, family reunions, and parties.

Golden Bear Cottages are more than just cottages, they actually resemble small to medium size mountain log homes. With 28 cabins and a 3,800 square foot retreat lodge, they have room for couples, families, and as many as a 202 person group. Each cottage is different, but they all have a fireplace, kitchen, and color T. V.'s. Their romantic separate Jacuzzi rooms seat up to 6 people. I love the Honeymoon Suite, a restored log cabin hunting lodge built in 1921. You can watch T. V., movies, or the crackling of the fire from the Jacuzzi. This suite and many others have high fences for privacy. The high log ceilings and bent twig swing in the front porch adds to the atmosphere.

Each cottage has it's own private driveway, patio, BBQ, and picnic table. Cottages: $79- 699; high season- $99-799; Rates for military, law enforcement, senior citizens, AAA, large group packages, and Off-season week day specials. Golden Bear Cottages, celebrating their 84 years as great family resort. 39367 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA. (800)-461-1023. They speak Spanish too !Hablamos Espanol! Websites are: www.goldenbearcottages.com , www.bigbearweddings.net , www.bigbeargroups.net and www.goldenbear.net


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See Big Bear on ziplines Posted: 15-Feb-10 New business in Big Bear: Action Zipline Tours

Fly-by-wire thrills for hire Action Zipline Tours lets you see Big Bear on ziplines   Sandra Emerson, San Bernardino Sun Staff Writer   Posted: 02/14/2010 07:23:04 PM PST   Rhonda Ciolek was somewhat nervous before strapping on a harness and flying through the forest in Big Bear Lake on a cable. But the thrill she got from zipping through the trees at 30 to 40 mph was something she'll never forget.   Ciolek's ride was with Action Zipline Tours, touted as the first accredited zipline tour company in Southern California. Tours are availe for individuals, families and groups. Action is owned by Belinda and Ron Bain of Laguna Niguel. After nearly 1 1/2 years of going through the permitting process with San Bernardino County and the Association for Challenge Course Technology, Action officially opened to the public Friday.   Ciolek lives next door to the Bains and was able to try seven of the nine ziplines during a soft opening Jan. 16. "I'm really glad that they found something that they really like," Ciolek said. "I've been passing out fliers trying to get people to go and try it, and I'm hoping their business will be successful."   Belinda Bain, a contractor for 22 years, decided to open the business after falling in love with the sport. It is a great addition to the outdoor lifestyle that defines Big Bear!  The Bains began looking for property to buy to start their own zipline tour company. They found property zoned for recreational use off of Highway 38.   There are nine lines, aircraft cables that hold 60,000 pounds. Teams of 14 can take the tour at a time and they are guided by professionals. "It's just kind of neat that people say they go to Hawaii and zipline. It's just nice that you can do   something like that right here in SoCal," Bain said. By opening the zipline company, Belinda Bain was hoping to give people yet another reason to drive up to Big Bear with their friends and families. "I'm hoping people will come up and spend the day in Big Bear," Belinda Bain said. One of the local partners in Big Bear is Golden Bear Cottages lodging resort. Group and family lodging packages are available for zipline enthusiasts at Golden Bear Cottages. Call 1-800-461-1023 for lodging and group accommodations and package rates.   Action Zipline Tours 41647 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315       909-866-0390; www.actionziplinetours.com   Golden Bear Cottages resort 39367 Big Bear Blvd. (Hwy 18), Big Bear Lake, CA 92315  909-866-2010 or 800-461-1023; www.GoldenBearCottages.com   This information is brought to you by the Big Bear Lake Marketing Association -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Big Bear Resorts primed for long snow season Posted: 14-Feb-10 Lots of snow for Big Bear Resorts primed for long snow season Hopes high after early storms, start of Winter   Mike Cruz, San Bernardino Sun Staff Writer   Revised and edited from article of 12-21-09   . Arriving for check-in at the Golden Bear Cottages resort office ...... snowing in Big Bear Lake at Golden Bear Cottages   BIG BEAR LAKE - In the crisp noon air, a group of snowboarders carved S-shaped trails in the snow Saturday as they glided down runs at Bear Mountain Resort. While some boarders sailed off jumps, others simply enjoyed the cool smooth ride to the bottom on their brightly colored snowboards. Now a choice: Do it again or rest at the bottom and wait for friends.   Funky beats played through the resort's sound system at its nearby massive outdoor deck. The smell of tasty fare cooking on the grill wafted through the air. From scores of tables, people swapped stories about their day and watched others glide down the slope. "This is the place to be," said Eldon McCarthy of Carlsbad, who watched the scene from the deck. Bear Mountain's atmosphere has "a super mellow vibe" where locals embrace everybody.   "It's the kind of place where you can just clear your head, even if you don't snowboard," said the 21-year-old McCarthy. Local ski resorts and lodging properties hope other outdoor enthusiasts also see them as the place to be, as the holiday season kicked off last Saturday. The resorts hope for a swell in attendance as people go on vacation, kids get out of school and colleges go on winter break.     "Today was one of the best," said snowboarder Brian Kim, 25, of Orange County. "This is definitely a good place to come this winter. Lots of snow here!" Kim says the best thing about Bear Mountain is the terrain, which offers a lot for intermediate and advanced boarders. Of course, the resort also offers lessons and help for beginners.     Bear Mountain's sister resort, nearby Snow Summit, boasts similar conditions but caters more to families and less to the young adult demographic. Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, Big Bear Ice Garden outdoor ice rink and Big Bear Snow play are all open and ready for the snow season. With early openings in October for all and forecasts for an El Nino winter, the resorts are setting up for a welcomed long season.   "The season got off to an unbelievably early start," said Chris Riddle, marketing director for Bear Mountain, which opened Oct. 30 with the help of an unseasonable cold snap that rolled through Southern California. "It's actually our second earliest opening on record," Riddle said.   Conditions are good: an 24 to 36-inch base with all lifts available for the holidays, and more storms to come. A down economy could have an even more diminished impact on local resorts if forecasts for a longer, wetter El   Nino winter holds true and helps draw crowds. Meterologists say an El Nino weather pattern will bring more moisture to California and snow to Big Bear.   "This has the feel of a great season," the general manager said in a news release. "With our early opening, El Nino looming, and the economy recovering, we feel very positive about the upcoming winter."     Long range forecast / discussion...March through April --It looks like March should be busy as Pacific storms will be in good supply. After a break next week, next Friday through Sunday (March 10th-12th) another low pressure system moves through, this time with better snow potential, and possibly moderate totals. Winter is far from over.  March is looking like THE time to hit the slopes in SoCal this winter. We believe much more Spring snow coming in March and April.   Bear Mountain resort is also doing well despite the economy, says general manager Brent Tregaskis. The resort, he says, is a practical escape for people who want to have fun snowboarding and skiing without having to book a flight or travel out of the area.   About a two-hour drive from Orange County or Los Angeles - about an hour from San Bernardino - is all that's needed. Hotels such as Northwoods and Best Western and private cabins for rent like Golden Bear Cottages  abound near the ski resorts. Many restaurants available and great shopping in the Village too "We think it's a very good, reasonable value!"  Click here for a great Big Bear snow video from you tube   Have a wonderful winter mountain snow season. Remember: giving and sharing with our fellow man will bring you the greatest reward and satisfaction. Remember us when planning your Winter holiday getaways, and remember this quotation from naturist John Muir..." The mountains are calling, and I must go!" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Looking for a family friendly vacation in Southern California? Family Vacation: Cabins and vacation rentals are kid and pet friendly.   Are you looking for a family friendly vacation in Southern California? If you live in Orange County, California and don't want to drive, but still want to stay in a hotel so you can feel like you are getting away for a Memorial Day or Labor Day vacation, you can stay at the Disneyland Hotel and enjoy some family fun at Disneyland, California Adventure, and Knott's Berry Farm. There is one thing you need to know about the Disneyland Hotel and that is that hotel is very expensive during the summer, but very enjoyable if you have the extra money. If you live outside of Orange County, California, this is a great family friendly Labor Day vacation that you and your family will love. The Disneyland Hotel is right next to the Downtown Disney District and has over 969 rooms. The Disneyland Hotel has added 19 new rooms that have a theme to either Mickey Mouse or the Disneyland Princesses. The character rooms have two twin beds that are available adjoining a standard room. The Disneyland Hotel has a beautiful Never Land themed pool for your family to enjoy. If you love the mountain air, the Golden Bear Cottages in Big Bear, California has historic mountain cabins that is family friendly Labor Day vacation and is AAA approved. The world famous Golden Bear Cottages has 28 cabins with prices ranging from $89 for a one-bedroom cabin up to $799 for a seven-bedroom retreat cabin per night for your family weekend or weeklong family vacation getaway. Some of their cabin rentals are pet friendly with fenced yards. The Golden Bear Cottages is a quiet mountain resort that has a heated pool, spa, and many year-round outdoor activities for your family. Take a look at the beautiful photos from the Golden Bear Cottages Gallery of cottages, special pictures of families, events and groups. The beach is always a great place to get away for a family friendly Labor Day or Memorial Day vacation. The world famous historic Hotel Del Coronado, which was built in 1888 on beach front property, is a great family friendly Labor Day vacation in San Diego, California, especially for kids. They have a year round Kids Camp for ages 4 - 12. The Hotel Del Coronado has a pool, a Jacuzzi, surfing and kayaking lessons. There is a spa treatment for teens; a Coast Club Teen lounge during the summer; kid bikes, boogie board, and wet suit rentals. For two adults and two children, the price is around $295.00 to $630.00 for 2 adults and 2 children each night. You can view photos of the Hotel Del Coronado Photo Gallery or the Hotel Del Coronado Consumer Photo Gallery. SoCal and Big Bear vacation and lodging information is brought to you by the Big Bear Lake Marketing Association. Family Friendly Vacations in California article from eXaminer.com   　 　____________________________________________________________________________

USA Top 20 Family Vacations award

Story Posted February 05, 2009

. Golden Bear Cottages has just been named to USA Top 20 Family Vacation Resorts by RusticVacations.com  again for 2010. Four straight years: Top Big Bear Family Vacation Lodging Spot!   Golden Bear Cottages resort received the first award while they were celebrating their 80th anniversary. They have received many other family lodging and group awards over the years: 1977 AAA approved lodging facility. In 1999 Diamond Rating from AAA. In 2000 AAA Travel guide top rating. In 2004 SkiTown.com Best rating in Big Bear. In 2005 Las Vegas Tribune's Top Travel award, and also in 2005 Platinum lodging award from ResortsandLodges.com and the Better Business Bureau AAA top lodging award. Golden Bear Cottages is also a founding member of the Big Bear Lake Resort Association and they have been a proud member of the Big Bear Lake Chamber of Commerce for many decades: family vacation: a top selection in best family vacation spots.   Golden Bear Cottages is the only resort or cabins in Big Bear to be named to this Top 20 list. They are also the only Southern California Resort cabin property to make the Top 20 Family Vacations award list.  Want a great fishing spot? Golden Bear Cottages has been named to the list of TOP 12 FISHING LODGES in America by WorldwideFishing.com

Hwy 18, JUST 8 Miles West of Big Bear Lake
Running Springs, CA 92382

See Lodging Locations

Overall: 5 of 5

Family Friendly: 5 of 5

Downhill Terrain: 5 of 5

Terrain Park: 4 of 5

Apres Ski: 4 of 5

REVIEWED BY: Don Ald

January 11th, 2007

We took our whole family to Snow Valley ski resort last weekend. We were going to go to BearMountain, but when we saw the special ski ticket deals offered at Golden Bear Cottages on the internet we tried Snow Valley. The experience was fabulous. We had a quick drive from Golden Bear Cottages (our resort cabin lodging site) and then snow boarded all day long. We had so much fun, we purchased tickets at Snow Valley to return the next day. We had another great time the next day and the conditions were superb. This was a great way for Golden Bear Cottages guests to be introduced to another great snowboard and skiing option. Thank you, the Ald family.

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Sal Satori,from:So Cal...Review for Snow Valley Ski Resort
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 *****Jan. 4, 2007

This hill is a gem, often passed by those on the way to Big Bear. For the better advanced terrain, make sure to proceed to the very back/top of mountain. You can't see this area from the lodge.

You can ride some nice steeps all day here without any lines, even on very busy weekends and holidays. I prefer this resort over Big Bear Mountain.

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Karen D.,from: So Cal...Review for Snow Valley Ski Resort

Overall Rating: 4.8 out of 5 *****Jan. 29,2007

Very family friendly. I liked the Ski/Snowboard learn package that Northwoods Resort offered. Being a beginner it was nice to have all in one information. The mountain was perfect. We were able to go at our own pace and relaxed on the deck area where you can watch all the fun. The shop at the resort had everything you need and is also priced family friendly. I strongly recommend this ski resort and Northwood Resort for lodging.

Reviews of Bear Mountain Ski Resort lodging are available here
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