Summit Crossing Residence

Designed for a third-generation member of a skiing family, this mountain-top home sits among towering pines near the historic Donner Summit wagon route and transcontinental railroad line, where the “Snowball Special” trains once delivered skiers to the West Coast’s oldest ski resort.

Built for year-round use at 7,000 feet, the house responds to extreme mountain conditions with thoughtful design. The main entrance and primary family spaces occupy the second floor to accommodate up to eight feet of snow, while the ground floor houses bike storage and additional bedrooms. A covered second-floor deck offers tree-filtered views on summer evenings.

Thick walls and deep-set windows provide shade from intense mountain sun and protection from harsh weather. A super-insulated envelope and heat-recovery ventilator maximize comfort while minimizing energy use. To improve air quality, no wood-burning fireplaces were included.