Shall We Chalet?
Our inbound inquiries at HUTS tend to follow the seasons.
In the summer, we hear from people fresh off a beach or lake stay, looking to recreate that experience for themselves. In the fall, the focus shifts to small towns, walkable main streets, and places that feel cozy as the days get shorter. This time of year, the emails start coming in from Vermont, New Hampshire, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, and other ski destinations. People are thinking about snow, winter weekends, and what it really means to own a house in a cold, high-snow environment.
When we’re designing ski houses or homes in places with heavy snow loads, a few priorities come up again and again.
Materials that can take abuse, especially at the entry
The entry does a lot of work in a ski house. Snow, ice, salt, grit, wet boots, and skis all get dragged inside. We focus on durable flooring, wall finishes that can be wiped down, and details that are meant to get beat up without looking worse for it. This is not the place for precious materials or delicate transitions.
Roof eaves and overhangs
Snow management starts at the roof. Thoughtful eave depths and overhangs help keep snow away from entries, protect siding, and reduce ice buildup where people are actually walking. These decisions also improve durability and comfort over the long term.
Remote temperature control
Most ski houses are not occupied full time. Being able to monitor and control temperature remotely is critical. It lets owners warm the house up before they arrive, protect plumbing during cold snaps, and avoid surprises when no one is there.
Gear storage that’s sized for real use
Skis, boots, helmets, layers, and wet gear need a real home. We design mudrooms and gear rooms that are properly sized, easy to clean, and set up for drying and organization. When this works well, the rest of the house stays calmer and cleaner.
Winter amenities
In cold climates, amenities are not an afterthought. Saunas, hot tubs, outdoor showers that actually work in winter, and places to transition from cold to warm are often central to how the house is used. We think carefully about siting, privacy, snow clearing, and year-round functionality so these spaces are enjoyable, not aspirational.
If you’re starting to think about a ski house, now is a good time to get in touch. We love hearing how people imagine using their place, how often they’ll be there, who they’ll share it with, and what winter looks like in their ideal scenario.
