Winter RESERVATIONS

Policies are subject to change at any time. The version of the website published on the day of your arrival will be considered the most current and may supersede any information on this receipt.

Early Arrival & Cabin Access

• You are welcome to park your snowmobiles and place secured bags (NO FOOD OR COOLERS) on your cabin deck beginning at 2:00 PM. Food, coolers, or any items that may attract wildlife must never be left unattended on cabin decks or anywhere on the property.
• Please keep walkways clear so housekeeping and maintenance staff can safely move equipment and supplies while preparing cabins. Do not unload or leave personal belongings inside the cabins before check-in.
• Cabin access begins after 4:00 PM, allowing our team the time and space needed to clean and prepare your accommodation.
• Any items left inside cabins before the 4:00 PM check-in time will be considered belongings left by the previous guest and may be removed. Any items left on cabin decks before 2:00 PM may also be considered belongings left by the previous guest and may be removed.
• Early check-in and late check-out are not offered during the winter season or in our campground.

Cabins

• Check-in: After 4:00 PM
• Check-out: 10:00 AM

Campground  (Camping Cabins)

• Check-in: After 1:00 PM

• Check-out: 10:00 AM

**All Guests MUST check in at Front Desk before entering any cabin or camping cabin.**

General Policies

Smoking/Vaping
To help keep Elk Lake Resort peaceful, clean, and safe for all guests, smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere on the property, including beaches, snowmobile areas, campground areas, or snowcat equipment.

Fire Safety

• Campfires must never be left unattended and must be fully extinguished before leaving. A fire is considered completely out only when it is cold to the touch. Portable fire pits and charcoal grills are not permitted on the property. Guests may uncover and use an existing cabin fire pit (if available); however, due to staffing limitations, we cannot guarantee that fire pits will be uncovered or available during winter conditions.
• Please do not burn trash or leave garbage in fire pits. Additional cleaning charges may apply if fire pits require excessive cleaning or debris removal.

Property Care, Guest Conduct & Snowmobile Use

• Quiet hours are strictly enforced from 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Please be respectful of other guests. Excessive noise, yelling, outdoor drinking that disturbs others, parties, or gatherings exceeding the maximum occupancy of your cabin are not permitted.
• Additional cleaning fees may apply if excessive trash or debris must be removed from your cabin or outdoor areas.
• Snowmobiles must not be raced, revved, or operated unnecessarily throughout the main drive, campground, or other areas of the property.
• After-hours snowmobile use on the property is strictly limited to traveling to and from your cabin and accessing the trails. We do not recommend snowmobiling at night.
• Please help protect our trees and natural surroundings by not hanging items such as helmets, towels, laundry lines, trash, or other belongings from trees.

Snowmobile Guests

• Snowmobile guests are welcome to enter the Lodge during open hours to warm up and hang helmets, gloves, and gear. Please do not use dining tables for gear storage, as these tables are reserved for guests who are actively dining. A designated floor area in the back room is available for gear storage.
• Gasoline for snowmobiles is available for purchase during open Lodge hours only.

Sauna Use
Sauna reservations and payment must be completed before use.

Winter Pet Policy
Dogs are not permitted on the property during the winter season due to safety concerns related to extreme temperatures, snowmobiles, and snowcat operations. Guests may occasionally see specially trained, pre-approved dogs on-site; however, this does not mean pets are permitted during winter stays. Please note that Summer 2026 will be the final season that dogs are permitted in cabins.

Damage & Excessive Cleaning Policy

• Guests are responsible for any damage to cabins, campsites, snowmobile equipment, or other resort property during their stay. Charges will apply for damage, missing items, evidence of smoking, pet-related damage, or excessive cleaning beyond normal turnover standards. A minimum fee of $250 will be assessed for damage or excessive cleaning, with additional charges applied as needed to cover the full cost of repairs, replacement, restoration, or cleaning services.
• Damage related to snowmobile rentals is covered separately under the Snowmobile Rental Waiver and is not included in this policy.

Plan Your Visit

For additional information, including arrival times, day-use beach access, and other trip details, please visit our Before You Visit page. Be sure to check our website and The Taste of Elk Lake page for the most up-to-date Lodge and restaurant/bar hours, as they may vary based on operational needs.

Travel Insurance Recommendation

We understand that plans can change, and we do our best to be as fair and flexible as possible while balancing the unique logistics of operating a remote mountain resort. Due to the unpredictable nature of weather, wildfires, and life in general, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to help offset the cost of last-minute cancellations or changes.

These updated cancellation policies supersede any previous emails, invoices, receipts, or other promised cancellation rules.

We understand that plans can change, and we do our best to be as fair and flexible as possible while balancing the unique logistics of operating a remote mountain resort. Due to the unpredictable nature of weather, wildfires, and life in general, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to help offset the cost of last-minute cancellations or changes.

Cabin and Campground Cancellation or Change Policy

30+ Days Before Arrival

A full refund will be issued minus a $100 cancellation fee (per cabin), or $20 cancellation fee (per campground site).

• A one time reservation date change can be made with no penalty

7–30 Days Before Arrival

A $100 cancellation/change fee (per cabin), or $20 cancellation/change fee (per campground site) applies and the remainder amount paid remains on file and must be used within one calendar year from date of issue and may be used one-time only towards a new (not currently made reservation) lodging reservation. No refunds will be issued. Credits cannot be used for other rentals or in the Lodge.

Within 7 Days of Date of Arrival

All payments and deposits are forfeited and cannot be refunded or applied to a future stay. Date changes and lowering reservation quantity is not allowed.  Example: If your reservation is on a Saturday, you must cancel the Saturday prior, not on Sunday.

Summer Marina Rentals, Snowcat Transport, and Winter Activity Rentals Cancellation & Refund Policy

More Than 7 Days Before Scheduled Arrival or Activity

• You may cancel or change your reservation (including changing the date or number of items booked).
• You will receive a full refund to the original form of payment, minus any applicable cancellation or change fees.
• A $50 cancellation or reservation change fee applies to the following rentals: Pontoon Boats, Day Docks, Cabanas, Snowmobile Rentals, and Ride & Dine Packages.
• Other rentals—including kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, the sauna, and snowcat transport—do not have a cancellation or change fee if canceled more than 7 days in advance.
• Example: If your reservation is on a Saturday, you must cancel by the Friday prior (more than 7 days in advance) to qualify for a refund.

 7 Days or Less Before Scheduled Arrival or Activity

• Cancellations or changes to your reservation including changing the date or reducing the number of items booked (ex: Number of snowcat seats, number of snowmobiles)—are not allowed and will not receive any refund or credit and are subject to the Operations Changes listed below.
• Example: If your reservation is on a Saturday, you must cancel by the Saturday prior (not Sunday) to fall outside the 7-day window.

Operational Changes

While we strive to honor all reservations as booked- pricing, operating hours, and reservation times may change due to seasonal conditions, weather, or other operational adjustments. Please note that no credits or refunds will be issued as a result of these changes.

Mountain Environment & Uncontrollable Conditions
Elk Lake Resort operates in a mountain environment, where weather and natural conditions can change quickly and unpredictably. Circumstances beyond our control may include, but are not limited to, weather conditions, lack of snow, rain or lightning, excessive heat or sun exposure, wildfire activity or smoke, road closures, or other environmental events. If these conditions affect travel plans, recreational activities, guest comfort, or personal preferences, refunds or credits will not be issued.

Travel Insurance Recommendation
We strongly recommend that guests purchase travel or experience insurance to protect against unexpected disruptions, cancellations, weather impacts, medical emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances. Travel insurance may provide reimbursement when cancellations occur for covered reasons under the policy. Guests who decline to purchase travel insurance acknowledge that no exceptions to our cancellation or change policies will be made.

Guests may wish to explore providers such as Allianz Global Assistance, Travel Guard, World Nomads, or Travelex. Guests are responsible for reviewing coverage details and selecting a policy that best meets their needs.

Winter Stay Reservations

Our lodge is located 11 miles from Dutchman Flat Sno-Park near Mt. Bachelor and is accessible only by snowcat, snowmobile, or cross-country skis. Upon booking a stay, guests are required to arrange separate snowcat transportation (unless arriving by ski or snowmobile). Transportation must be booked in advance online and is billed separately.

There is limited parking available at Dutchman Flat Sno-Park, and we strongly recommend using Shuttle Oregon for transportation to and from the gate at the Dutchman parking lot.

Guests are solely responsible for securing transportation to the Dutchman Sno-Park pickup area and ensuring timely arrival. The resort does not provide last-minute transportation services.  No refunds or credits will be issued for lodging, rentals, or other services resulting from a guest’s failure to arrange transportation to the pickup area or arrive on time.