The Mysterious Case of the Aspen Lodge (The Big Bear Resort)
All images by Sarah Tonin, rights reserved
Please welcome guest reviewer Sarah Tonin to the SL Hotel Inspector for her evaluation of High Life Destinations' Big Bear Winter Resort.
Sarah brought her characteristic wit and eye for detail to this review of one of Second Life's newest winter destinations, blending traditional hotel review elements with her own unique narrative style. Accompanying Sarah was Violet Voxel. Join us to see what this luxury mountain retreat has to offer:
Sarah’s “Lazy Summary” of the Big Bear Resort
Staff member Alu’s commitment to immersion and roleplay was a highlight
Wide range of activity options, there’s a lot to do
Fun dining experience that felt a little too structured
Pretty, detailed build that is low on lag but suffers from too much white and a few glitches
Communication could be streamlined for people without a SL-facing IG or FB
Recommended
From the Paranormal Investigation Files of Sarah Tonin
I should have known something strange was afoot when Dirk texted at 3:23 AM on a Saturday. In terms of beginnings, “u awake” is hardly the most auspicious – and that’s before I cracked the attachment: “URGENT – Cryptozoological Phenomena at Big Bear Resort”.
Violet and I had looked into some mysterious occurrences around the grid before, but something told me this wouldn’t be our usual investigation.
According to the dossier, Big Bear Resort was a new addition to the Aspen slopes. And once you peel back the various shell companies, trusts, and tax shelters, all signs point to the involvement of High Life Destinations. But more surprising were the photographic specimens.
A tall, blurry figure in the foliage. Overlarge footprints in the snow, bare feet, careless about frostbite.
“Two nights, that should do it.” Typical Violet, brimming with confidence. “Maybe even time for a lazy lunch.” Somehow, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this wouldn’t be so simple.
A few clicks later and our reservation was confirmed. Suspiciously, we were instructed to meet the resort’s concierge at a private airport. Little did I know that within 48 hours, I would be on crutches. Few days on, and I’m still not walking right. Some secrets are best left buried in the snow.
Investigation Note: Reservations for High Life Destination’s Big Bear Resort are made through a remarkably authentic online booking portal. Unfortunately, at the time of review, the website indicated that inquiries could be made via Facebook, Instagram, a contact form, or in-world; however, no contact form or in-world contact information was posted.
With some effort, I was able to reach a representative via the in-world management group, but only after making petitions under the Freedom of Information Act. High Life managers were friendly and quick to respond to notecards, but communication with the High Life team in-world before a reservation could be improved.
Check-in
Investigation Note: The resort’s staff were very flexible about arranging an early check-in to accommodate our less-than-accommodating time zones.
Violet and I arrived at the airport four hours ahead of schedule. Wouldn’t want to miss that flight. We were greeted by Alu, a cheerful Big Bear employee who showed no obvious sign of having been terrorized by cryptids.
The security screening seemed routine enough. I breezed through, but Violet triggered the metal detector. “Whoops! Empty your pockets!” Alu chimed.
Violet’s best Mary Poppins impression followed, her Cryptozoological Investigation Equipment forming a pile on the floor. It took some explaining; not everyone knows Bigfoot is helplessly attracted to a steady, persistent buzz. Restraints and cages in the event of successful capture were almost easier to explain. But only almost.
Investigation Note: Big Bear’s staff maintain consistent roleplay throughout the check-in process using both voice and text, creating an immersive experience.
After landing at the resort, Alu escorted us to the main lobby of the lodge, where we made lunch reservations and discussed particulars. I noticed the check-in counter and surrounding furniture in the lobby were a little bit large – perhaps a sign of Wendigo activity?
Anyway, it turned out our room was still being cleaned. “Perhaps you would like to explore the grounds while you wait?” I exchanged a meaningful glance with my partner in paranormal investigations. This was clearly an opportunity to conduct an initial survey of the property without arousing suspicion.
Investigation Note: The resort includes several outdoor and indoor activities: an amusement park, hiking trails, hunting, skiing, skydiving. There are also RP experiences hosted by High Life staff that can be booked at check-in: dinner, cooking classes, artmaking, and a spa. We opted to have lunch, knowing that Sasquatch research can work up an appetite.
The Chalet
A short while later, Alu texted to tell me our chalet was ready. The timing seemed suspicious as we had not seen any sign of Bigfoot yet, even after thoroughly canvassing the area. Was she trying to distract us from our search?
Investigation Note: The shared environment settings were quite bright, even borderline harsh during the day. With all the snow, the result was somewhat flat and monochromatic. Visitors might prefer to experiment with different environment settings, but don’t miss out on the shared environment at night – it’s stunning.
Our remote research station included many of the amenities of home: bedroom, bathroom, living area. The bar was well-stocked; however, the kitchen was without a sink. Everything but the, indeed.
As we settled in, the wind picked up and the chalet was soon wrapped in a flurry of snow. The bathroom lights flickered, an ominous and cryptic (or even cryptid) sign.
Investigation Note: Our chalet had a few glitches. The outside particle snow found its way through the walls, and the bathroom lights shut off a moment after being activated – energy savings?
Paranormal Research After Dark
Violet went to bed early – after the ordeal with airport security, who could blame her – but on a hunch that Bigfoot might be nocturnal, I left for fieldwork. Fresh snow crunched underboot as I patrolled the streets of Big Bear in relentless search of our quarry.
Minutes turned into a few more minutes, and I began to lose all hope. A warm glow and the bustle of activity in the distance, I found the light of the main lodge. There was a line of couples checking in. I sat a polite distance away and impolitely eavesdropped.
My fellow guests wore outfits so similar they could have been standard issue: white bodysuits, white puffy parkas, white Ugg boots. As camouflage in the snow it was too perfect.
No longer smug, I became certain they were competing cryptozoographers in search of totally real imaginary creatures, discovery, fame, and fortune. The race was on.
Investigation Note: No really, what’s with the Ski Resort Uniform?
I rushed back to the chalet to rouse Violet, but in my hurry, I fell through a poorly built bridge. A snowbank broke my fall and also my ankle. I was about to scream, but realized this might attract the attention of the ferocious Wendigo, which is known to be carnivorous.
Worse yet, I was shivering from the cold, which is similar enough to the humming vibration of its mating call that I became nervous.
Somehow, I crawled back to the chalet without blacking out from pain and fainted in the bathtub. The next morning, I awoke to find my head in an Oxycontin haze and my foot in a splint improvised from skis.
Laid out on the chaise longue was a set of all-white camo – uggs, sweatpants, faux-fur coat. “Looks like you had a rough night.” There was Violet, sipping her tea and reading my field notes. “C’mon, we’re almost late for lunch.”
Investigation Note: There was one bridge that we consistently kept falling through while exploring the resort – something about how it was placed on the snowbank.
Attempted Guilt Trip Threatened Litigation Lunch
I ambled into lunch on crutches and was surprised to find Alu was also our server. Promotion? Demotion? Distraction? It felt too pat, too connected, a series of coincidences too unlikely to be accidental.
Her concern for my injury seemed genuine, at least until I threatened litigation. (Let’s be real, I was angling for comps.) The mention of a lawsuit caused her to become colder than the snowbank that destroyed my ankle. She retreated to fine print, waivers on booking and check-in, limitations of liability. It was open and shut, all sewn up. I would be lucky to get Sympathy Dessert.
Investigation Note: Throughout our stay, Alu was patient, fun, and pleasant. Props to Alu for putting up with us.
Four drinks and three courses later, I had learned and forgotten what a Hasselback was while managing to avoid eating either red onions or garlic. Clearly unable to risk further cryptozoological research in this state, we took the long way back to the chalet. Avoiding the bridge.
Investigation Note: Lunch was a fun experience overall. One interesting thing was how clearly Alu communicated the timing of courses. “I’ll be back in ten minutes for…” If you have a tight schedule this might be helpful, but I found it a little jarring.
The rest of the day was a blur, with all the research effort focused on the interior of the chalet. (If a Sasquatch lived under that bed, we did our best to scare it off.)
Investigation Note: Dirk always talks about the beds, so I guess people care about beds? This one had a few different bed engines, ranging from normal to Ruckus. Once you figure out how to sit on the thing, you will probably find something that works for you and your partner(s)
Conclusion
While we never did find solid evidence of Bigfoot's presence at Big Bear Resort, our investigation was not without its results. If you’re a couple in search of a romantic winter getaway (or a cryptid with expensive taste), it’s a nice place to spend a few days.
Still, I can't help but wonder if we might have missed something crucial. After all, could there be a better home for Sasquatch than a resort where everyone wears oversized white parkas? Or where the furniture is suspiciously large? Or where strange noises can be easily attributed to "the wind" or "couples in adjacent chalets" or “the couple in your chalet”?
Violet insists we file this case as "inconclusive" but I’m less sure. It could be that Bigfoot isn't hiding in the woods at all. Maybe he's running the place and doing his best to make sure every guest goes home walking a little funny.
Booking Details
Highlife Destinations’ Big Bear Winter Resort is a closed resort, with access restricted to hotel guests. For details of how these kind of resorts work, click here.
Bookings can be made through the website.
Rooms and chalets range in price from 2500-3500L a night. RP activities can be booked as an add on, when you choose your room.
Note that Highife’s Resorts only stay open for several months, so in all probability Big Bear Winter Resort will shut in February.
