Chalet Inspo: Design of the Winter Retreat Home

When winter arrives, cozy visions of snowy mountain cabins and warming après-ski festivities are quick to follow. Whether you love skiing the steeper slopes, snowshoeing through the snow-packed forest, or just appreciate the warm and comforting amenities of a good chalet, there’s nothing like coming in after a long winter day to enjoy some good food and beverage—preferably in the glow of a crackling fire.

Among cozy winter chalets, we’re prepared to argue that there’s nothing more classic than the A-frame. First designed in the 1930s as an affordable, easy-to-build vacation getaway, the unique layout has made a comeback in recent years as more people seek a retreat from their daily grinds. The classic floor-to-ceiling windows of an A-frame offer residents the chance to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with surrounding nature, and the distinctive design is perfect for weathering snowier climates.

In that spirit, we’ve gathered some of our favorite A-frames for your winter mood board—from mountain escapes to Northwoods getaways.

Tantalizing Tahoe

This modern retreat near Lake Tahoe, California offers the best of both worlds. Thanks to its rustic A-frame layout and a fresh, modern interior (complete with wood accents all around), the home feels both new and old.

The home’s unique roofline is accented with knotty wood ceilings and thick wood beams, playing up the layout while creating a calm, slopeside haven.

Designed by architect Todd Mather, owner Carol Bastek told Mountain Living “the A-frame’s bold, sharp exterior belies the inside, which is cozy and inviting.”

Northwoods Nice

Deep in the Northwoods of Minnesota’s Arrowhead region alongside Lake Superior is the Minne Stuga, a home with a unique layout that’s part rustic chalet, part A-frame, and all charm. Located near the beautiful town of Grand Marais, the home’s unique design allows for three balconies overlooking Devil Track Lake.

The interiors are almost fully paneled with classic knotty cedar, combining rustic charm with some modern accents to make the space feel both fresh and lived-in—staying true to its Scandinavian inspiration.

Catskills Cool

This adorable 1950s A-frame in the Catskill Mountains outside of New York City got a much-needed refresh from its new owners. They added some warm white paint to the wood walls, which, in turn, brought out the natural wood accents in the beams and ceilings (and made the space feel cozy and bright). Complete with an old-school gas stove, vintage touches, and shades of deep brown and light ivory in the finishes, this space is simultaneously unique, classic, and comfy.