12 Warm and Cozy Ski Chalets for the 21st Century

Dreaming of a wintry escape? Book a stay at a chalet. These houses and cabins have prominent roofs with overhanging eaves, giving the whole structure a cozy yet welcoming vibe. Many chalets have timbered ceilings and fireplaces in the main living space, and luxe properties also offer hot tubs and, if you’re lucky, a sauna to call your own. Even if skiing isn’t your thing, you’ll want to experience chalet living for a long weekend or holiday retreat. The mountain air and stunning views are worth every penny.

Believe it or not you can head South for ski-worthy accommodations. Located in Beech Mountain, North Carolina, Creekside Ski Chalet offers a slope-side cottage, with room for up to 20 people.The Tudor-revival style chalet is close to a pond and hiking trails. After a long day, make a meal in the full kitchen, then relax under the timber-beamed ceiling, in front of the fire.

Of course, you really can’t beat Colorado when it comes to skiing—or chalets. This brand-new designer home is built to impress, inside and out. The exterior is sleek, black, and sexy, while the interior boasts a luxe master bath with incredible views, massive windows throughout, and light-toned wood paneling, which is a contemporary twist on traditional timbered chalets.

Built in 1969 and recently renovated, the Cottonwood Chalet in Brighton, Utah, is a traditional wooden A-frame, ideal for families and small groups. Timbered beams are shown off to best effect inside, with contrasting white walls, modern furnishings, and, best of all, an upstairs bedroom with a completely charming pitched roof. It may be hard to get out of bed to go skiing.

Rent the Mad River Valley Chalet in Fayston, Vermont, and get a taste of ski-style as it was meant to be. Known as the “Stars Hollow” (perhaps in tribute to Gilmore Girls’ hometown), the exterior is dominated by a beautiful tin and timber roof. Inside, this roof turns into an eye-catching, wooden ceiling in the living room, where a stone fireplace and plenty of plush furniture awaits.

Just a few minutes from legendary Sundance, this handsome cabin in Provo, Utah, comes with two full kitchens and, of course, a gorgeous timbered roof. Enjoy family-style meals at the large dining table, or perch on a bar stool at the kitchen counter for a quick bite before hitting the slopes. If indoor sports are more to your liking, check out the downstairs family room, complete with flat-screen TV and a full kitchen.

It’s called Big Sky for a reason—and you’ll want to take in those breathtaking views in true Montana style. The Hoos Views luxury lodge comes straight off a postcard, with all-timber construction and a two-story balcony. Inside, this fairytale cabin truly comes to life, with ample furniture and all-wooden accents, plus luxe modern amenities in the kitchen and beautiful bathrooms. There’s even a moose head over the stone fireplace, a nod to lodge living writ large.

A classic chalet has a pitched roof with overhanging eaves, like this slate blue cabin near Big Bear Lake, California. Big windows bring in plenty of light, filling the open plan living space with sunshine. Every detail is meant to please, from the modern eat-in kitchen to the four bedrooms that each have their own character. The wrap-around porch has a BBQ and private hot tub, for delicious meals and quiet evenings spent in peace.

Treetop Cabin is nestled among pine trees outside Park City, Utah, with beautiful views, inside and out. This chalet offers seven bedrooms, plus kitchen and living spaces filled with warm, wood paneling. Note the straight lines that echo throughout this home, giving the interior a bold, clean, modern look. Perfect for a family getaway or a creative retreat—the Sundance Film Festival is close by, with indie film screenings every January.

A-frames offer soaring ceilings plus a sense of embrace. Nordic Haus in Salt Lake City, Utah, hugs guests as soon as they enter. A dramatic pitched roof engulfs most of the building. Inside, this feature is played up to perfection: with a palette of wood tones, black, and light neutrals echoing throughout. There’s even an at-home, wood paneled sauna and hot tub for deep relaxation after hitting the slopes.

Blend a Swiss chalet with an all-American log cabin and what do you get? The Cabin, a picturesque vacation spot in Alta, Utah. When snow crusts the eaves, stay inside by the wood-burning fireplace or explore one of the three stories of this compact yet spacious cabin. All the rooms are wood paneled, and there’s a hot tub on the deck, where you can soak and enjoy the snowy views.

Also in Alta, Utah, Black Bear Chalet is this massive, 9-bedroom property, constructed in chalet style, with log cabin bones. The glass and wood structure rests on a stone foundation and has a wrap-around deck, complete with hot tub, for year-round enjoyment. Inside, you still feel part of the forest, surrounded by wood beams and peaceful views of the surrounding mountains. It feels like a treehouse, but much warmer.

If log cabin style isn’t your thing, check out the Summit, in Breckenridge, Colorado. This updated chalet welcomes a maximum of 10 guests at a time, and is decked out in thoroughly modern elements, from the light-toned wood ceiling in the living room to the sleek, black fireplace in the library. De-stress in the luxurious stand-alone bathtub, with big picture windows facing the slopes.