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Owning a Ski Chalet
We love skiing, and we love building ski chalets! Over the years, our team has stayed in many chalets built by others, and we have also designed and built many custom chalets for our clients. Weninger Construction is proud to be part of the Big White Ski Resort community here in Kelowna, and a major contributor to the ski hill’s development ever since our first build at the ski hill in 1991.
We especially love how unique ski chalets can be, and how they can really reflect the interests and needs of the owners, families, and guests who use them.
We have learned over the decades we’ve been in the ski chalet designing and building business that some things can really make the difference in terms of successful design and functionality of a chalet. Whether you’re designing your own custom chalet from scratch, looking for a chalet to purchase, or considering renovating an existing chalet, here are three things that are worth considering.
First, storing gear!
Bootroom: A bootroom or mudroom entry designed for equipment storage is a must. After a long day out on the slopes, a bootroom set up to store and air out your gear means a comfortable return to your chalet and a comfortable day out skiing or snowboarding the next day, too.
Hooks: Large, solid hooks are worth their weight. We love custom steel hooks for the look and quality, but also because custom means specific to you and your space. This personal touch is a difference that can be felt more than you might expect when it comes to keeping a gear room organized and user friendly. Regardless, whether going custom or buying off the shelf, make sure your hooks are durable, real metal, and built to hold multiple items. Vary your mounting height for hooks to allow for snow pants and jackets. Think about where your heat source is and if it can be utilized more effectively to help dry gear out. Consider adding a dedicated boot dryer, and ensure that any benches you have planned are the right height to store boots underneath.
Wall Finish: If you’re skiing or snowboarding hard, your gear is covered in snow which turns into water! Make sure you pick a wall finish that can stand up to the stress of frequent moisture. We love a wood tongue and groove finish. Rustic barnboard with a clear coat seal on top is also a great option. Painted drywall can work when done right – aim for a traditional eggshell finish or even semi-gloss for increased protection and cleanability.
Doors: Add doors to close off the mess if you can. This helps to reduce visual chaos and keep the outdoor gear contained where it should be so that you can enjoy the rest of your chalet in calm comfort.
Storage: Where are your skis going? Make sure you have a space to secure your snowboards and skis, whether this is an outdoor locker or an indoor ski rack. We all know as soon as you have a chalet, you have friends who want to join you — so adding some extra storage for company is always a good idea. Putting a lockable ski rack in the garage or outside can provide much needed space. If you plan to rent out your chalet, then creating an owner lock up can be a meaningful convenience as well, as it gives you the freedom to securely leave your belongings at your chalet even when you aren’t there and others may be using the space.
Second, après ski amenities!
Hot tubs and saunas are a beautiful addition to any winter getaway or vacation home. After a day on the slopes, a relaxing sauna or hot tub can be the ticket to soothe sore muscles and enhance the vacation vibes. There are some things to consider with respect to both.
Before adding a hot tub, make sure your electrical panel has capacity. There are many hot tubs on the market, and all have different power requirements. Before you purchase, make sure to check in with an electrician to ensure your chalet is ready for one! Hot tubs, when filled, are also heavy. Before you have one delivered, make sure you have a solid and level spot for one. If you plan to add it to a deck, check to ensure your deck has enough structural support to bear the weight. A structural engineer may even be needed to review this for you.
When it comes to saunas, there are different considerations depending on the type of sauna you’re interested in. Electric saunas are the most common and versatile, and infrared options can help you make great use of a small space. For any electric sauna, confirming your electrical panel capacity is important as well. If you’re leaning towards a traditional wood-burning sauna option, then be sure you have enough wood storage and ventilation clearance. In all cases, ensure your sauna is set up in a way that makes using it, cleaning it, and maintaining it easy, with a water source nearby.
Be sure to think about how you expect to use your amenities, because there are many features and products available on the market for you to customize your après skiing space for maximum enjoyment and relaxation.
Third, entertaining guests!
There are a lot of different ways to make a ski chalet functional for large groups of people, and it will depend on what matters to you. Do you want multiple living spaces so kids can hang out in one area and adults in another? Do you want an open-concept great room and kitchen to keep everyone together in the heart of the home? These are questions you’ve probably considered, but here are a few little tips you may not have.
Adding a wet bar can create a perfect entertaining environment for your guests, and it doesn’t need to take up a lot of additional space. Utilizing underused spaces, such as the area beneath staircases, is one of our favourite ways to add a bar to your chalet.
Also consider how many guests you may want to be able to accommodate at one time. Everyone will need space to sleep, and bunk beds are a great way to pack in extra friends or family members. Custom built in bunk beds maximize your space and create a solid foundation for the perfect guest experience. We love designing unique bunk room spaces that can function for adults, children, or teens to keep your ski vacation fun.
Spending wintertime at a ski hill is an amazing way to build memories, have fun, and stay active. Whether you use your chalet every weekend, or save it for a yearly getaway, considering these three things can really help you customize your space to maximize your experience.
After all, a ski chalet is meant to be enjoyed!
