Tour this inviting ski house retreat with splendid Sierra Nevada Mountain views

Aerial view of modern mountain home nestled in pine forest, Olympic Valley, CA

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Designed by Tahoe architect and interior designer Ryan Borman, this contemporary ski retreat is nestled in Palisades Tahoe, a ski resort community in Olympic Valley, California, northwest of Tahoe City in the Sierra Nevada range. Encompassing 5,489 square feet of living space, the residence features natural materials, expansive glass, and thoughtful design to showcase sweeping views of the ski resort and surrounding alpine peaks.

The home blends stone, steel, and warm wood to create a luxurious yet inviting alpine residence. Open interiors, high ceilings, and carefully crafted finishes provide a sophisticated mountain living experience. Nearly 3,000 square feet of terraces wrap the home, offering abundant outdoor access and stunning views of Olympic Valley. Continue below to see the rest of this spectacular home tour…

DESIGN DETAILS

ARCHITECT Ryan Borman Architecture
BUILDER In House Builders
INTERIOR DESIGN Interior Design by JJH
LANDSCAPE DESIGN Rock & Rose

Modern ski retreat exterior with stone, steel, and glass in Olympic Valley, California

This home was originally constructed in the mid-1990s, set on a 3-acre property, and it boasted mesmerizing views of the local ski resort. The 3,200-square-foot house, perched high above the valley floor, was expanded and updated to meet the lifestyle needs of its current occupants.

Rear exterior of modern mountain home with dark gabled roof and upper deck

What We Love About This Home

This spectacular ski retreat strikes a rare balance between rugged mountain character and refined modern living. The use of natural materials like stacked stone, warm walnut millwork, white oak flooring, and custom concrete countertops feels genuinely rooted in its alpine setting. We love the seamless connection between indoors and out, with nearly 3,000 square feet of terraces ensuring the breathtaking views of Palisades Tahoe are never far from reach. Perhaps most impressive is how thoughtfully the home accommodates large groups without ever feeling like a lodge, from the built-in ski lockers and bunk room to the lower-level media room and custom 17-foot sofa. This is mountain living at its very finest.

Tell Us: Which space in this stunning Sierra Nevada ski retreat would you most love to spend time in: the panoramic great room, the spa terrace, or the cozy lower-level media room? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Note: Check out a couple of other fabulous home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of California: This modern refuge has peaceful forest views in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and See this rustic mountainside home with amazing Sierra Nevada views.

Side exterior of ski retreat at golden hour with cantilevered roof overhangs

Ski Retreat Entry

Dramatic front entrance with cantilevered steel canopy and wood pivot door

Mudroom entryway with walnut wall panels, black coat hooks, and large wood pivot door

Above: Step through the front door to be greeted by black flamed granite tiles underfoot. The Shinnoki walnut wall paneling brings warmth to the space. A built-in offers seating for putting on outdoor gear, while hooks offer convenient storage of coats, bags, and hats.

Ski Locker Room

Walnut ski locker room with open cubbies, ski boots, helmets, and jackets

Above: The mudroom with built-in ski lockers.

Living Room

Great room with stacked stone fireplace and panoramic mountain views

During the cold months, this home can be warm and inviting courtesy of a hydronic heating system, several fireplaces, and a layering of warm textures and materials.

Living room with stone fireplace, leather sofa, and open glass walls framing mountain views

Above: The main living area showcases amazing views of the Palisades Tahoe ski resort. This space features a custom-fabricated, 17-foot sofa and swivel chairs that seat ten people. There is also an 85-inch retractable TV cabinet. Grounding this space is a custom area rug.

Open-plan great room with stone fireplace, leather sofas, and expansive glass walls

Above: The luminous main level has a wonderful indoor-outdoor flow, allowing large groups to congregate in different spaces.

Vaulted interior with floor-to-ceiling glass and walnut built-in cabinetry

Living room corner with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and panoramic mountain and forest views

Living room with open glass walls and panoramic mountain views

Kitchen & Dining

Open-plan kitchen and dining area flowing into living room with mountain views beyond

Open-plan kitchen with long island, leather bar stools, and pendant lights

Above: The kitchen features custom walnut cabinetry, white oak flooring, exquisite light fixtures, and a tile backsplash. Structural beams help this space to feel grounded and purposeful, their exposed presence adding a sense of architectural authenticity that balances the kitchen’s refined finishes.

Kitchen island with cognac leather stools and glass cylinder pendant lights

Above: In the kitchen, the large island has a sink, and the five stools are Four Hands Hannah Swivel Counter Stools. The custom concrete countertops are by Clastic Designs. The Shinnoki walnut-wrapped custom cabinetry is by S&S Millworks. Short, matching staircases bookend the kitchen on both sides and lead to the upper hallway and bedrooms, making the space feel more open and airy.

Dining room with curved cream chairs, walnut sideboard, and starburst chandelier

Owner’s Bathroom

Primary bathroom with freestanding soaking tub, stone fireplace wall, and double walnut vanity

Above: In the owner’s bathroom, a freestanding tub is ideally positioned next to a dual-sided fireplace, providing a spa-like experience. On the other side is the bedroom. This suite also has a private patio with access to the spa and, beyond, the hiking trails (which connect to the Pacific Crest Trail).

Bathroom vanity with gray stone countertop, black framed mirror, and glass sconce lighting

Bunk Room

Built-in walnut bunk beds with plaid bedding and under-bed storage drawers

Lower-Level Media Room

lower-level media room with a fireplace and tv

Above: This lower-level media room features a comfortable custom sofa set in front of a fireplace, a TV, and a decorative paneled wood wall. There is also a wet bar, a foosball table, bean bags, and bi-fold doors that open onto a spacious patio with outdoor furnishings.

Terraces & Decks

Terraced patio with ornamental grasses, concrete planters, and rocky mountain backdrop

Covered deck at sunset with lounge chairs, steel railings, and pine forest views

Covered outdoor lounge with stone fireplace wall and plunge pool

Above: This covered outdoor living area of this ski retreat in the Sierra Nevada mountains is situated just off the great room, featuring cozy outdoor furniture in front of an in-wall fireplace and recessed TV.

Spa & Pool

Hillside hot tub with stone surround and pine forest mountain views

Outdoor spa area with stacked stone walls and concrete bench

Outdoor plunge pool with stacked stone walls, striped towels, and pine forest setting

Rear exterior of ski retreat at dusk with stone cladding, spa, deck, and pine forest

Above: The outdoor living space on the residence’s main level serves as the ultimate entertaining area. There is an abundance of seating, a fire pit, a recessed television, and a custom in-ground spa.