One of the best Southern California weekend road trip destinations has to be Big Bear Lake. Whether you’re heading up for Oktoberfest, soaking in summer sunshine at Pine Knot Marina, or carving through fresh powder at Snow Summit, it’s a year-round playground—and one of my favorite places in the world.
On my recent press trip to film our now-viral segment with Big Bear Sports Water School—where we braved their slippery, hilarious floating water park—I had the pleasure of staying in the nicest cabin I’ve experienced in my 15 years of visiting Big Bear.
Tucked right next to Snow Summit, this two-story dream lodge (known as “Summit Ski-Inn Ski-Out”) is everything you imagine a mountain getaway should be: cozy bear-themed décor with vaulted ceilings, space for up to 11 guests, a bubbling jacuzzi under the stars, an open kitchen perfect for group dinners, and even a pool table for late-night fun.
Behind this perfect stay is the incredible Dionne Olsen, owner of Resort Town Rentals. Her dedication to making every guest’s visit unforgettable has earned her a reputation as one of the most trusted and welcoming hosts in the region.
Today, she shares her passion for hospitality, love for Big Bear, and insider tips to make the most of your mountain escape.
Q: How long has Resort Town Rentals been around, and are you the founder?
Dionne: I am the founder. I started Resort Town Rentals in 2012, but I’ve been working with owners of privately owned vacation rentals here in Big Bear for over 25 years.
Q: Why Big Bear? Were you born and raised here?
Dionne: I’ve been coming to Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead my whole life. My family bought a second home here when I was five years old, so even though I lived in Los Angeles for 25 years, Big Bear has always felt like home.
Q: How do you choose the properties under Resort Town Rentals?
Dionne: Interestingly, all the homes I’ve managed have come directly to me. The owners reach out and ask us to manage their property—so I guess you could say they choose us.
Q: Are all the cabins owned by different property owners?
Dionne: Yes, each property is privately owned.
Q: How many cabins do you currently have in your portfolio?
Dionne: We maintain between 25 and 35 properties—never more. I’m 100% hands-on, personally opening and closing every home before and after each guest. Managing more than 35 would make it impossible to give each owner and property the level of care I believe in.
Q: When Airbnb rose to popularity, what challenges did you face, and how did you evolve?
Dionne: I was actually one of the first vacation rental management companies that Airbnb approached here in Big Bear. Back then, they only rented out rooms within homes, not entire houses for short stays. A representative came to my office to figure out how to list multiple full homes through an agency. Within our first year on Airbnb—over 10 years ago—our business grew by 75%.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about Big Bear and its community?
Dionne: I love the forest. To live and hike in the mountains with a lake at the center, surrounded by a good community, and still be just two hours from the beach, Los Angeles, and San Diego—I feel incredibly lucky.
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What sets Dionne and Resort Town Rentals apart is her unwavering commitment to true hospitality—personal attention, open communication, and a genuine care for every guest’s experience. She keeps it old-school and I love that.
In a world where that kind of service is becoming rare, Dionne makes it her standard. If you’re planning your next Big Bear getaway, skip the uncertainty and book directly through her—you’ll feel at home from the moment you arrive.
Book your next Big Bear trip here: https://www.resorttownrentals.com/
