Designing a log or timber ski retreat
By Matt Franklin
There’s something magical about stepping out of your back door, clicking into your skis, and gliding straight onto the mountain. For those lucky enough to build a home slopeside, that experience begins long before the first snowfall—it starts with thoughtful design. Creating a ski-in/ski-out log- or timber-frame home means balancing rugged mountain character with the refined comfort and performance that alpine living demands.
Start With The Land
Ski-in/ski-out properties are among the most exciting—and challenging—lots to design on. They often come with steep terrain, irregular boundaries, and specific access routes to lifts or groomed trails. The site itself dictates what’s possible; the slope’s grade, the snowpack depth, and even the location of neighboring runs all influence the home’s footprint.
