Ski house in Snoqualmie Pass lists at $550K

Traveling over the river and through the woods sounds so quaint in carols. Sleigh bells and all that have been replaced with 4WD and traction control, but that also means you can live by ski slope and drive to the Eastside in about a half hour, and an hour to Seattle (conditions, traffic, and luck providing).

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This two story built in 2003 sits beside the slopes, has four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, and its 2,454 square feet sits on 0.27 acres. Of course, you may not see ground for several months, but that’s the point of this $555,000 house. A white Christmas almost guaranteed.

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A floor to ceiling river rock facade for the fireplace is almost required. Sitting the tree beside it isn’t a tease. The fireplace is gas, another modern twist on old nostalgic imagery. Wood is great, but not having to haul it in then haul out the ash is also great.

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Every ski lodge should be equipped with a kitchen large enough for big meals to match the calorie burn from a day playing on the mountain. This one smartly has a tile floor, just in case someone wears their boots inside.

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Another modern requirement is a hot tub, covered in this case to keep it out of the falling (but probably not the drifting) snow. The deck also has a place for a grill. Finally, a sane way to cook outdoors in comfort. Get some very long utensils and you may not have to get out until it is time to serve.

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You may not be able to wrap a ribbon around it, but a house like this could be just the right gift for a skier - or someone who wants to keep Seattle’s metropolis at arm’s length.

• 61 E Hyak Dr, Snoqualmie Pass [Zillow]