7 Snowy Scenes That Define Vintage Ski House Decor

Vintage ski house decor is all about capturing that warm, wintry charm that defines life in the snowy mountains of New England. In this post, I’m sharing seven styling snapshots, from a naked Christmas tree on the porch to antique snowshoes and crisscrossed skis, that tell the evolving story of our ski lodge-inspired spaces over the years. Whether you’re decorating for the holidays or just love a nostalgic winter look, these snowy scenes are sure to spark ideas for your own vintage ski house style.

I’ve spent over 14 winters styling our New England homes with antique skis, snowshoes, and vintage sleds I’ve found at flea markets and New England antique stores. This post is a personal diary of the snowy styling moments that have brought our ski house porches to life each year. In this post, I’m sharing some of my favorite vintage ski lodge decorating ideas from our homes in Vermont and Maine.

A Vintage Ski House Decor Diary: 7 Winter Vignettes from Vermont to Maine

Each winter brings a fresh layer of snow and a new layer of vintage ski lodge charm to our homes in Vermont and coastal Maine. Over the years, I’ve styled everything from rustic ski boots and naked Christmas trees to antique snowshoes and industrial sleds, each season telling its own story on our porch or front door.

In this vintage ski decor diary, I’m sharing my favorite winter vignettes, from the early days of crisscrossed skis in Vermont to the charming front door moments in Maine. Whether you’re decorating a chalet, cabin, or your own cozy porch, I hope these nostalgic scenes spark a few vintage-inspired ideas of your own.

1. The Year of the Naked Tree and a Crate Full of Evergreens

After Christmas one year, our Vermont evergreen tree was still looking so full and healthy, not a needle dropped. Instead of tossing it, I leaned it bare and beautiful against our front porch wall, and it instantly became one of my favorite winter porch looks. The “naked tree,” paired with a vintage crate overflowing with evergreen clippings, created the coziest little New England Christmas vignette. It felt both rustic and fresh, a quiet nod to the charm of vintage ski house decor after the hustle of the holidays. Ever since, a bare tree on the porch has become one of my go-to winter styling tricks.

2. Vintage Ski House Style on a Classic New England Snow Day

There’s nothing quite like waking up to a fresh foot and a half of powder blanketing the porch and mountains beyond. Low-hanging clouds kiss the peaks, while our split rail fence barely peeks out beneath the weight of three snow-draped garlands. A jack jumper sled with a burgundy bow sits proudly on the freshly shoveled steps, ready for fun or just to charm passersby. A DIY planter filled with birch stems and evergreens stands nearby, framed by a garland and another rich burgundy bow, perfectly setting the tone for the holiday season ahead. On these snow days, we light the fire, wave to neighbors mid-shovel, and maybe even sneak in a soak in the hot tub. These are the cozy, quiet, joy-filled moments that define vintage ski house decor in New England.

3. A Vintage Wagon Wheel, Framed by the Green Mountains

Sometimes, the simplest finds become the most iconic decor moments. This vintage wagon wheel came with our Vermont home, unearthed from the backyard and now lovingly displayed on our split rail fence with the Green Mountains as its stunning backdrop. Adorned with nothing more than a single burgundy bow, it quietly captures the essence of vintage ski lodge decor: nostalgic, rustic, and effortlessly charming. Over the years, I’ve wrapped it in white lights and shaped it into a peace sign for the holidays, but lately, I’ve let it speak for itself. Whether hung on a barn, leaned against a tree, or tucked along a snowy path, a vintage wagon wheel brings timeless character to any winter porch or mountain lodge landscape.

4. Crisscrossed Vintage Skis in Classic Ski House Porch Decor

Few things say vintage ski house decor like a bold pair of crisscrossed skis, especially when they’re a bright pop of red against a snowy Vermont backdrop. I’ve tucked these antique skis under the porch beam, styled with simple evergreens and a classic burgundy bow during the holidays. After Christmas, I swap the bow for a cozy winter scarf, keeping the charm alive all season long. Framed by fresh snowfall and evergreen planters, this vignette brings vintage alpine warmth right to the front step. It’s a timeless way to celebrate winter’s beauty while giving new life to old ski gear.

⟶ Looking for more ways to decorate with vintage skis? Visit the full post: Vintage Skis for Decoration: How to Style Old Skis Indoors & Out.

Looking for More Vintage Christmas Decor Ideas?
From nostalgic ornaments to New England-style porch scenes, explore my favorite holiday decorating posts filled with charm, creativity, and vintage magic. Tap into these ideas to carry your vintage ski house style straight into the Christmas season.

5. Vintage Ski House Front Door Decor with Rare White Snowshoes

There’s nothing quite like a front door decked in vintage ski house charm to welcome guests all winter long. At our cedar shake home in coastal Maine, I styled our antique Essex green door with a rare find: white crisscrossed military snowshoes, sourced from a local antique shop. Unlike the traditional wooden varieties, these white snowshoes offer a fresh pop against the snow and shake siding, and they’re harder to come by, making them a true collector’s gem.

If you ever spot a pair, don’t hesitate to snag them. Their military origins add a bit of history and uniqueness to your winter porch styling. I paired ours simply, letting the crisp white frames speak for themselves.

→ See more ways to decorate with vintage snowshoes in this full guide Antique Snowshoes for Decoration: Seasonal Vintage Styling Ideas for Your Home.

6. Cozy Après-Ski Porch Moments with a Wood Pellet Outdoor Heater

Some of our favorite vintage ski house memories are made after the slopes, right on our snowy Vermont porch, wrapped in cozy layers with an antique bar cart filled with mugs of hot cocoa. On sunny winter days when the temps begin to rise, we fire up our wood pellet outdoor heater by Big Timber Stove and settle into the season. It keeps us warm and toasty, even after the holidays have passed.

This scene was one of my favorites: Ella, our Bernese Mountain dog, curled up on the outdoor couch in her winter scarf, vintage ski pillows scattered around her, evergreens still lining the space, and cocoa mugs waiting on the table. Just enough snow to dust everything in winter magic.

→ Learn more about this incredible outdoor heater in this Wood Pellet Outdoor Heater: Why Big Timber Stove post.

7. Where to Find Vintage Ski House Decor (New England Favorites + Tips)

Hunting for vintage ski house decor is half the fun, and in New England, the options are as charming as the finds themselves. My favorite sources include Vintage Market Days Vermont, an event brimming with snowshoes, sleds, and ski gear ready for a second life in porch styling. Sage Farm Antiques in New Hampshire is another seasonal stop that never disappoints, especially during their holiday pop-ups.

Beyond that, check your local antique stores, vintage shops, and even online vintage marketplaces. I’ve gathered many of my favorite places to shop in this online guide, which you can explore anytime. And don’t overlook flea markets, estate sales, and good old-fashioned yard sales, where you can often scoop up vintage skis, toboggans, thermoses, or even retro ski boots for a steal. Whether you’re decorating a porch, entryway, or interior ski lodge nook, these treasures add authentic charm and timeless winter style.

👉 Love this cozy ski house style?
Explore more vintage ski lodge decor inspiration, from antique snowshoes to rustic sled styling and everything in between. Whether you’re decorating a winter porch or a holiday hearth, these posts are packed with creative ideas, styling tips, and stories from snowy New England homes. Tap into the full series below and bring that charming alpine feel home this season:

Frequently Asked Questions About Vintage Ski House Decor

How do I decorate a porch in vintage ski lodge style?
To decorate a porch with vintage ski lodge flair, layer in classic winter gear like antique skis, wooden or metal snowshoes, and old sleds. Add cozy elements such as plaid pillows, evergreen planters, and rustic touches like vintage crates, garlands, and thermoses. Look for snow-dusted items and weathered wood to bring that alpine lodge feel right to your doorstep.

Where can I find authentic vintage ski decor items?
Start your hunt at Vintage Market Days Vermont, Sage Farm Antiques in New Hampshire, and local New England antique stores. Flea markets, yard sales, estate sales, and online vintage shops are also great places to find authentic ski lodge pieces like skis, snowshoes, sleds, ski poles, and boots. Don’t forget to check out my online vintage shopping guide for trusted sources.

What are some easy vintage ski decor pieces to start with?
Crisscrossed vintage skis, snowshoes, toboggans, and Jack Jumper sleds make great statement starters. Pair them with plaid throws, lanterns, enamel mugs, or retro winter signs for a simple but nostalgic look. Even one or two carefully placed vintage items can create a charming ski lodge vibe.

Can I use vintage ski decor after the holidays?
Yes! Vintage ski house decor transitions beautifully into the post-holiday winter season. Remove the red bows and Christmas garlands, and swap in neutral scarves, evergreen clippings, and natural textures. Elements like a bare evergreen tree, snow-covered porch steps, and rustic ski gear keep the look cozy and seasonal well into February.

What’s the difference between ski lodge and ski house decor?
“Ski lodge” decor often leans into rich, rustic, and dramatic interiors, think roaring fireplaces, antlers, and log cabin details. “Ski house” decor, like what I share from Vermont and Maine, is a more casual, cozy take, layered with vintage finds, plaid patterns, nostalgic gear, and lived-in comfort. It’s more cottage than chalet, and it tells your story through collected pieces and seasonal charm.

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