Welcome to The Mountain Retreat, your cozy year-round escape in the heart of Donner Summit. Perfectly located near Royal Gorge, Sugar Bowl, Soda Springs, Boreal, and Donner Ski Ranch, this inviting mountain cabin offers the ideal home base for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, kayaking, biking, and lake adventures. Just a short walk from Serene Lakes and surrounded by towering pines, you'll experience the best of the Sierra Nevada right outside your door.
Whether you're planning a family ski vacation, summer lake getaway, or mountain retreat with friends, The Mountain Retreat combines rustic charm, modern comforts, and an unbeatable location.
The Space
Nestled in a peaceful forest setting, this warm and welcoming 1,500-square-foot mountain home comfortably accommodates up to 10 guests and offers everything needed for a memorable stay in every season.
After a day exploring the mountains, gather around the cozy gas fireplace, challenge friends to a foosball tournament, stream your favorite movies on the 65-inch Smart TV, or relax with a book while enjoying views of the surrounding pines.
The fully equipped kitchen makes it easy to prepare everything from hearty breakfasts before hitting the slopes to family dinners after a day on the lake. Enjoy meals together in the spacious dining area or step outside to the deck for outdoor dining and grilling during warmer months.
Families will appreciate the selection of board games, books, children's toys, and flexible sleeping arrangements designed to accommodate multiple generations.
Sleeping Arrangements
Main Level
Bedroom 1: Queen Bed
Bedroom 2: Twin-over-Twin Bunk Bed + Twin Bed
Full Bathroom with Tub/Shower Combination
Upper Level
Bedroom 3: Queen Bed + Twin Bed
Loft Area: Twin Bed with Trundle + Double Futon
Full Bathroom with Shower
Home Features
Fully equipped kitchen
Drip coffee maker
Gas fireplace
65" Smart TV
Foosball table
Board games and books
Children's toys
Dedicated workspace
Washer and dryer
Private deck and balcony
Gas grill
Outdoor dining area
Bikes available in multiple sizes
Two kayaks for guest use
Mudroom for gear storage
Garage parking
Outdoor Adventure at Your Doorstep
One of the best features of The Mountain Retreat is its incredible access to year-round recreation.
Nearby Attractions
Upper Serene Lake – 1 block
Serene Lakes Beach & Swimming Area – 4 blocks
Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort – 0.8 miles
Soda Springs Mountain Resort – 1.5 miles
Sugar Bowl Resort – 4.1 miles
Donner Ski Ranch – 4.8 miles
Boreal Mountain Resort – 5.3 miles
Donner Lake Marina – 8.4 miles
Historic Downtown Truckee – minutes away
Tahoe City & Lake Tahoe – 27.2 miles
Winter guests enjoy quick access to some of Northern California's best skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. During summer, spend your days kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, or simply relaxing by the lake.
Guest Access
Guests have exclusive access to the entire home, including the garage, deck, bikes, kayaks, and all amenities.
Parking is available for up to three vehicles:
1 vehicle in the garage
2 vehicles in the driveway
Please note that street parking is prohibited during winter months to allow for snow removal operations.
Things to Know
STR Permit: STR22-6420
Maximum Occupancy: 10 Guests
No air conditioning (typical for mountain homes in this area)
Gas fireplace and portable heaters provide heating
During winter months, 4WD/AWD vehicles or snow tires/chains are strongly recommended
Guests are responsible for confirming seasonal ski resort operating dates
Charcoal grills are prohibited by county regulations and may result in significant fines
Whether you're carving fresh powder, paddling across Serene Lakes, hiking scenic mountain trails, or simply relaxing by the fire, The Mountain Retreat offers the perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and classic Sierra mountain charm.
What this place offers
Bathtub
Shower
Carbon monoxide alarm
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
Smoke alarm
Hair dryer
Board games
Books
DVDs
Where you'll sleep
1/2
Bedroom 1
1 queen, 1 twin
Bedroom 2
1 queen
Bedroom 3
1 twin, 1 bunk bed (2 twins)
Loft
1 trundle bed (2 twins), 1 futon (1 full)
About the neighborhood
The cabin is in the Serene Lakes area of Soda Springs, California. The 2 mountain lakes are located near the top of Donner Summit, (elevation 7200 ft. ) just 12 miles west of Truckee, CA, but can feel like a "million miles" from the congestion of the big resorts. The area is surrounded by National Forest Land and Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Area. It is a small community mixed with 2nd home owners and year round residents. It is quiet and peaceful nearly all the time. The home is one block from the lakes which are used in the summer for swimming, non-motorized boating, and catch and release fishing. This area also provides excellent hiking and mountain biking opportunities. Horseback riding is 15 min away, as is river rafting which can be done individually or with large rafting companies providing guides to help you navigate the rapids. Water skiing on Donner Lake is 15 minutes away. Star-gazing is wonderful year round, but is especially brilliant in August during the annual meteor showers which can be enjoyed right from the deck. In the winter, Soda Springs is said to get more snow than any other town in North America (including Canada) , so it is a superb area for cross country skiing, snow shoeing, and sledding just out the front door. The streets in the community are plowed by Placer County, making the community fully accessible in the winter, but it is always wise to carry chains if you don't have a 4WD vehicle in the winter. The cabin is within 5 minutes of 4 local ski resorts and only 20 min. from Palisades Tahoe, home of the 1960 Winter Olympics, and many other popular California ski resorts for downhill skiing, snow boarding, snow tubing and ice skating. In the summer, many of the ski resorts offer mountain biking down the slopes with chair lift rides up the mountain. Some also offer lifts up the mountain for backpackers and day hikers looking for an easier way to access the high country.
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Getting around
A car is recommended for travel to neighboring towns or attractions, but the Serene Lakes community is very accessible via walking or biking utilizing the many bikes at the home.
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Things to know
House rules
Check-in after 4:00 PM
Check-out before 10:00 AM
10 guests maximum
Safety & property
Carbon monoxide alarm installed
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
Cancellation policy
Add your trip dates to get the cancellation details for your stay.