FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the differences between the Bear Valley Mountain Resort and Lodge, Bear Valley Residents Incorporated (BVRI), Bear Valley Mountain Co-op (the Co-op), and the Bear Valley Adventure Company?
The Bear Valley Mountain Resort and Lodge comprises the ski area itself, the Bear Valley Lodge and some of the other businesses located in the commercial center, and various undeveloped properties surrounding the lodge. Bear Valley Resort is part of the California Mountain Resort Company, a for-profit entity that owns several ski areas in California. Bear Valley Resort’s primary operation is the ski area, although in recent years it has also conducted some summer business including lift-served mountain biking, weddings, “glamping,” and food services in the village.
BVRI is a non-profit organization formed for the benefit of Bear Valley property owners, essentially a homeowners’ association. It owns and maintains the two beaches at Bear Lake; administers the covenants, conditions, and restrictions of the New Subdivision; and represents the interests of Bear Valley residents on community and local governmental issues. BVRI also financially supplements the Bear Valley Post Office so that it can remain open.
The Bear Valley Mountain Cooperative is a community-owned cooperative corporation that works with both these entities. There is no relation between being a member of the Co-op and owning property in Bear Valley — members include homeowners, business owners, locals, visitors, and outdoors enthusiasts throughout Bear Valley and the Highway 4 corridor who ski, hike, boat, or bike in and around Bear Valley and want to see the area grow and thrive. The goal of the Co-op is to pursue investments in sustainable recreation in Bear Valley that will benefit this entire broader community.
The Bear Valley Adventure Company is a C-Corporation wholly owned by the Co-op. BVAC operates the store, gas station, and bike shop at the village entrance at 1 Bear Valley Road, operates the winter cross-country ski area, and provides summer recreation services related to boating, bicycling, hiking, and camping.
Do I have to own a home in Bear Valley to join the Co-op?
Nope! The Co-Op is open to anyone who cares about the future of Bear Valley.
What are the benefits of being a Co-op member?
Besides being a voting owner, giving you a voice in the projects that the Co-op takes on and how they are managed, you will have access to individual member benefits, including offers from participating Co-op businesses.
Co-op/Bear Valley Adventure Company Savings and Rebates Program
Co-op members are eligible for:
● a 10% rebate on store purchases and rentals
● $0.20 per gallon discount on gas
● discounted rates on cross-country season pass purchases
● Additional 10% discount on special-ordered bikes, kayaks and SUPS
For full details on the BVAC Rebate & Savings Program, visit the BVAC website.
How much does it cost to become a shareholder?
A share in the Bear Valley Mountain Cooperative currently costs $2,500 for an individual. This share provides you with the right to vote; receive member benefits; and have a say in designing the future of Bear Valley. A share can be purchased with a single $2500 payment, or with an initial payment of $225 followed by 12 monthly payments of $200.
Can I get my money back out if I want?
Yes. You can sell your share back to the cooperative if you decide that you no longer want to participate in building the future of Bear Valley, perhaps because you sell your home or move away from the area. Your membership fee will be returned in full minus a $250 transfer fee. Although the Co-op bylaws limit the number of shares that can be repurchased in each year and repurchase is subject to availability of funds, to date all repurchase requests have been honored. Often, members leaving the Co-op arrange to have their share repurchased by a friend or family member.
Am I personally liable for any financial or other risks incurred by businesses in which the Co-op invests?
No. Your liability and financial risk is limited to your $2,500 share cost. The cooperative is a California Cooperative Corporation, which protects the individual investors from liability and financial risks associated with any business. In addition the Co-op does not have any operational or P&L responsibilities itself. It only owns partial or full interests in operating companies.
What happens if the Co-op is ever sold?
If the Co-op is sold, we will return nearly your complete share investment and/or any pro-rata premium over the established value of the Co-op.
How many shareholders are there?
As of August 2024, there are approximately 440 shareholding members. The Co-op is actively looking to expand its membership, as a large Co-op has strength in numbers and diversity.
I’m already a member — how can I contribute and/or help expand the Co-op?
● Talk up Co-op membership to neighbors, ski partners, and friends and family!
● Buy Bear Notes, essentially an above market rate loan to the Co-op that pays a dividend each year redeemable for merchandise at the BV Adventure Company!
● Educate yourself on the issues and participate when the Co-op holds votes.
● Volunteer to serve a term on the board of directors
● Offer your expertise when the need arises: engineering, fundraising, financial analysis, web design, etc.
Can a business become a member?
No. Although the Co-op originally offered an option for business membership, this is no longer available.