Historic ski chalet on last large parcel in Squaw Valley asks $15M

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Location: Squaw Valley, California

Price: $15,000,000

Ski town real estate is notoriously expensive, with homes in Aspen, Vail, and Jackson Hole often topping the list of some of the priciest properties in the country. With much of the land marked for preservation and a robust vacation home market, it can be hard to find large, undeveloped plots close to iconic ski resorts.

That’s what makes this four-bedroom, four-and-a-half listing in California so unique. Located at the base of Squaw Valley, the 29.6-acre property was purchased by Squaw Valley founders Wayne and Sandy Poulsen in 1946. In 1976, one of the Poulsen children built the wooden European Chalet-style home that sits on the property now, a classic ski home with stone fireplaces, wood paneling, clear-heart redwood beams, and wrought iron accents. The house also boasts an attached garage with an additional two-bedroom unit, workshop, and indoor swimming pool.

The 5,425-square-foot Poulsen home is a work of ski history by itself; included in the acreage is the original campsite along the banks of Squaw Creek that Wayne and Sandy called home as newlyweds. The Poulsen’s influence in Squaw Valley is immeasurable, and the home’s decor and trophy room showcases awards and paraphernalia from the decades. After an attempt to sell the property in 2014, the Poulsen children re-listed their family’s homestead this past summer.

But additional value comes from the listing’s 29.6 acres of mixed zoning. The property consists of aspen, pine groves, and a wide-open meadow near the entrance to the ski resort, making it extremely private while still being within walking distance to the lifts.

Comprising 14.74 acres of high density residential, 13.66 acres of conservation preserve, and 1.2 acres of forest recreation, the property offers options for construction of a new residence as well as multiple development sites. This much land so close to the base of the ski area makes the listing one of the most significant properties currently on the market in ski country.

Whether you want to own a piece of ski country or build your own dream home close to the slopes, 325 Squaw Valley Road is on the market for $15,000,000.