Ski Lodge Christmas Decor: 19 Cozy DIY Ideas That Make Any Home Feel Like a Pricey Mountain Chalet

Ski Lodge Christmas Decor is the coziest look of the season, and you do not need a mountain chalet to pull it off. Apres ski style is everywhere this year, with search interest for the look still climbing, and trend reports keep pointing to vintage skis, wooden sleds, plaid and sheepskin. The good news is that most of it is hiding at the thrift store, in the garage or out in the yard. Old skis, a forgotten sled, a pile of pinecones and a few wool throws can turn any living room into a snowy hideaway. Here are 19 easy ideas, from a crossed ski door swag to boot planters, that bring the full Ski Lodge Christmas Decor feeling home on a small budget..

Ski Lodge Christmas Decor That Starts in the Living Room

Pick one corner and give it the full chalet treatment first. A tree trimmed with plaid bows, a pair of old skis leaning against the wall and a sheepskin over a wooden chair do most of the work. Add a red check throw and a bowl of pinecones and the room suddenly feels like the end of a long day on the slopes. Our plaid Christmas decor ideas show how far a few yards of tartan go. Once this corner looks right, the Ski Lodge Christmas Decor look spreads easily to the rest of the house..

You will need: Old wooden skis, plaid ribbon, sheepskin, pinecones, a wooden bowl, a wool throw.

How to make it: Lean the skis in the corner beside the tree. Tie plaid bows on the branches every 30 cm. Drape the sheepskin over a chair and fold the throw on the seat. Fill the bowl with pinecones and set it close by.

Hang Old Wooden Skis on the Wall

Vintage wooden skis are the single piece that says mountain cabin the fastest. Thrift shops and garage sales often have them for a few dollars because nobody uses them anymore. Hung flat on a plank wall with their poles, they become instant art with real history. Pine boards behind them make the wood grain glow. Old sports gear makes great holiday decor, just like these bike wheel Christmas ideas.

You will need: Old wooden skis, poles, two sturdy hooks or brackets, Mod Podge Matte, a soft cloth.

How to make it: Wipe the skis clean with a damp cloth and let them dry. Brush on a thin coat of Mod Podge Matte to seal flaking paint. Fix two hooks into a stud. Rest the skis on the hooks at a slight angle and hang the poles beside them.

Park a Vintage Sled Out Front

A wooden sled sitting in the snow out front tells every visitor that winter is welcome here. It is one of the easiest Ski Lodge Christmas Decor pieces to find. You can find old sleds at farm sales and antique malls, and even a wobbly one works because it only has to stand still. For more ideas that last past the holidays, browse our winter porch decor roundup.

You will need: A wooden sled, outdoor Mod Podge, a brush, pine sprigs, twine.

How to make it: Brush the slats with outdoor Mod Podge to protect them from melting snow. Let it dry fully. Set the sled at an angle near the steps or path. Tie a bundle of pine sprigs to the front rail with twine.

Ski Lodge Christmas Decor Over the Front Door

Crossed skis above the door are the welcome sign of every alpine lodge. Two old skis make a bold X, and a pine swag with a big bow covers the spot where they meet. It works on a plain suburban door just as well as on a log cabin. If you love decorating doorways, our Christmas garland arch ideas pair nicely with this one. Use lightweight skis if you can, and mount them securely so wind cannot move them.

You will need: Two wooden skis, heavy duty hooks, a pine swag, wide ribbon, wire.

How to make it: Cross the skis on the ground and wire them together at the middle. Fix two hooks into the door frame trim. Hang the crossed skis so they sit level. Wire the pine swag over the joint and finish with a big ribbon bow.

Old Wooden Snowshoes With a Second Job

Bentwood snowshoes with rawhide lacing are some of the prettiest pieces of winter gear ever made. Hang a pair on the wall, prop them by the fireplace screen or lay them across a bench, and they instantly add that backcountry feeling. Tuck small evergreen sprigs into the lacing for the holidays. If you rent and cannot drill, try the hanging tricks in our renter friendly Christmas decor guide.

You will need: Old wooden snowshoes, evergreen sprigs, removable strip hooks, jute twine.

How to make it: Clean the frames with a dry brush. Loop jute twine through the top of each snowshoe. Hang them side by side on strip hooks. Slide short evergreen sprigs under the lacing so they point down.

Sheepskins Tossed Over Every Chair

Nothing says apres ski like sinking into a chair covered in thick, soft sheepskin. Draping one over a plain dining chair or a simple armchair adds warmth and texture in seconds. Mixing creamy white with honey brown skins looks more relaxed than a matching set. This is the easiest part of Ski Lodge Christmas Decor because there is nothing to build. For the backs of dining chairs, add one of our Christmas chair swags too. Faux versions wash easily and cost less.

You will need: Real or faux sheepskins, chairs, a basket of logs (optional).

How to make it: Shake out each sheepskin. Drape it over the chair back so it falls onto the seat. Let one corner hang over the side for a casual look. Set a basket of logs nearby to finish the scene.

Ski Lodge Christmas Decor on the Tree: Mini Skis and Felt Mittens

Tiny wooden skis and red felt mittens turn an ordinary tree into a little mountain lodge. The mini skis are just craft sticks with a curved tip, crossed and tied with twine. Felt mittens take a few minutes each and look sweet next to pinecones and buffalo check ribbon. A tree like this has the handmade charm of Grandma’s Christmas tree, with a sporty twist. Make a dozen of each and you have a complete theme for very little money.

You will need: Jumbo craft sticks, red felt, twine, buffalo check ribbon, Mod Podge, glue gun, pinecones.

How to make it: Soak the stick tips in warm water and bend them over a jar to curve. Let dry, then brush with Mod Podge. Cross two sticks and tie with twine. Cut two felt mitten shapes, glue the edges and add a twine loop. Hang with pinecones and ribbon.

Apres Ski Cocoa With Snowball Cookies

The real point of apres ski is a warm drink after a cold day, so give cocoa a starring role. A pale blue mug with marshmallows and a plate of powdered snowball cookies looks like it came straight from a ski hut. Set out a tray so guests can help themselves after sledding or shoveling. Want a full station? Our Christmas coffee bar ideas adapt easily into a cocoa bar.

You will need: Mugs, cocoa, marshmallows, snowball cookies, a tray, a knit cloth.

How to make it: Line the tray with a knit cloth. Stack the mugs on one side. Fill a jar with marshmallows and a plate with cookies. Keep a pitcher of warm cocoa nearby so the tray stays ready all evening.

An Enamel Mug Rack for the Cocoa Crowd

Speckled enamel mugs are pure cabin camp style, and they look even better hanging in a row. A small wooden rack with a few hooks keeps them ready for cocoa and doubles as wall decor. Chipped ones are fine, since they add to the old lodge mood that makes Ski Lodge Christmas Decor feel lived in. Find more ways to use those mugs in our enamelware Christmas decor post. A vintage kettle on top makes the display feel complete.

You will need: A spare wood board, 3 to 4 cup hooks, Mod Podge Matte, enamel mugs, picture hanging kit.

How to make it: Sand the board and brush on Mod Podge Matte to seal it. Twist in the cup hooks evenly along the bottom edge. Attach the hanging kit on the back. Hang the rack on the wall and add the mugs.

A Red Ribbon Evergreen Swag on Weathered Wood

A loose evergreen swag tied with a long red ribbon is classic mountain style. Hung on weathered wood siding or a plain wall, it looks fresh and simple without any glitter. A few real pinecones tucked into the greenery give it that just picked from the woods look. Keep the ribbon tails long so they read from across the yard. If you want a fancier version for inside, try our ornament wreath ideas.

You will need: Evergreen branches, floral wire, pinecones, wide red ribbon, a sturdy hook.

How to make it: Stack the branches with the longest at the back and wire the stems together. Wire pinecones into the gaps if you like. Tie the ribbon around the stems with long tails and hang the swag from a hook.

Stacked Logs Give Ski Lodge Christmas Decor Its Texture

A neat stack of logs is one of the most beautiful things in any chalet. The round ends create a natural pattern that feels warm even without a fire. Fill a tall niche, the space beside a bookcase or a metal tub with cut logs for instant mountain texture. Birch and pine both work, and many tree services give rounds away. For a container idea, see our galvanized Christmas decor roundup.

You will need: Cut logs of similar length, a metal tub or crate, a dry brush.

How to make it: Brush off loose bark and let the logs dry indoors for a week. Lay the biggest rounds on the bottom. Stack them tightly with the cut ends facing out. Fill gaps with smaller pieces so the face looks even.

Old Ski Boots Turned Into Tiny Tree Planters

Old leather boots make the cutest planters for tiny pine trees. Line them up on the front steps, tie on plaid bows and they look like a family of skiers just came home. The worn leather and laces add so much character. Small potted pines or rosemary trees from the grocery store fit right in. Love quirky planters? Our clay pot Christmas crafts have more ideas.

You will need: Old leather boots, small potted pines, plastic bags, moss, plaid ribbon.

How to make it: Line each boot with a plastic bag to protect the leather. Slip the potted tree in, pot and all. Tuck moss around the top to hide the pot. Tie a plaid bow through the laces and set them on the steps.

Crochet Snowflakes for Mittens and Packages

White crochet snowflakes look lovely against soft blue wool, and they work everywhere in a mountain home. Tie them on gifts, clip them to a window or tuck one into a pair of mittens set on a bench by the door. Even beginners can make a simple six point flake in an evening. If you like working with string, our macrame Christmas decor ideas are a fun next step.

You will need: White cotton thread, a small crochet hook, Mod Podge, wax paper, pins.

How to make it: Crochet a basic six point snowflake. Pin it flat on wax paper. Brush a thin coat of Mod Podge mixed with a little water over it. Let it dry overnight, then peel off and add a loop.

A Found Antler for a Natural Mountain Touch

Deer drop their antlers every winter, and a single shed antler is a lovely natural piece for a mountain theme. Set one on a bookshelf, a tray or the mantel next to small bottle brush trees. Its curves and color look great against white and green. Shed antlers are sold at craft fairs and nature shops, and no animal is harmed. For styling tips, see our tiered tray Christmas decor post.

You will need: A shed antler or faux antler, a small tray, bottle brush trees, moss.

How to make it: Wash the antler with mild soap and let it dry. Set it on the tray with the tines pointing up. Add two or three bottle brush trees around it. Fill the gaps with a little moss.

Wood Slice Risers With Bottle Brush Trees

A big pine slice shows off its rings beautifully, and it makes a perfect backdrop or riser for little trees. Stand it upright on a shelf, set a frosted bottle brush tree in front and add a few pinecones and red berries. It looks like a tiny forest scene from a lodge gift shop. For more, see our wood slice Christmas crafts.

You will need: A large wood slice, Mod Podge Matte, a small easel, bottle brush trees, pinecones.

How to make it: Sand the face of the slice lightly. Brush on two coats of Mod Podge Matte to seal it and bring out the rings. Stand it on the easel. Arrange the tree, pinecones and berries in front.

Ski Lodge Christmas Decor for the Porch Bench

A bench by the door is the perfect spot for a little winter vignette. Fold a red plaid blanket on the seat, add a basket full of pinecones and lean a pair of crossed skis on the wall behind. It looks like the lodge porch where everyone stops to kick off their boots. For more ways to style one, read our Christmas porch bench ideas.

You will need: A wooden bench, a plaid wool blanket, a wicker basket, pinecones, two old skis, evergreen sprigs.

How to make it: Set the bench against the wall. Lean the skis behind it in an X. Fold the blanket in thirds and lay it on one end. Fill the basket with pinecones and evergreen sprigs and set it beside the bench.

Pinecones and Berries Scattered on a Wood Table

Sometimes the best table decor is just what you gather on a walk. Pinecones, a few sprigs of orange berries and some acorns scattered on a wood table feel warm and casual. Add a mug of cocoa with a cinnamon stick and the entire scene says mountain morning. If you want to corral it, our Christmas vase fillers post shows how to put it in glass.

You will need: Pinecones, berry sprigs, acorns, a wooden board or table.

How to make it: Bake the pinecones at a low heat for 30 minutes to clean them. Let them cool. Scatter them along the table in a loose line. Tuck berry sprigs and acorns between them.

Simple Linen Curtains on a Cabin Window

Chalets keep the windows simple so the snowy view does the decorating. Plain linen curtains tied back on a wooden rod frame the window without blocking light. A deep sill becomes the perfect spot for a small pine or a bowl of pinecones. This calm backdrop is what lets the rest of your Ski Lodge Christmas Decor shine. For tiny rooms, try the ideas in our small space Christmas decor post.

You will need: Linen panels or drop cloths, a wooden dowel rod, two brackets, jute tiebacks.

How to make it: Hang the brackets above the window frame. Slide the panels onto the dowel. Set the rod on the brackets. Pull each panel to the side and tie it back loosely with jute.

An Alpine Bell to Finish Your Ski Lodge Christmas Decor

An old bronze bell by the door is the final touch that makes a home feel like an alpine inn. Hang it on an iron hook next to the coat rack and give it a ring when guests arrive. Vintage cow and sleigh bells turn up at flea markets in all sizes. Tie a sprig of pine or a plaid bow to the strap for the holidays. Pair it with our Christmas coat rack decor ideas for an entry that says welcome.

You will need: An old bell, a wrought iron hook, wall anchors, a pine sprig, ribbon.

How to make it: Fix the hook into a stud near the door. Hang the bell by its strap. Tie a pine sprig and a small bow to the strap. Polish the bell lightly with a dry cloth.