A chalet (pronounced “sha-LAY”) is a type of wooden house originally built in the Swiss Alps, designed to handle heavy mountain snow and cold winters. Traditional chalets have wide, sloping roofs that hang far over the walls, letting snow slide off easily while protecting the wood underneath. Many feature carved wooden balconies and decorative trim that show off the builder's craftsmanship.

These sturdy mountain homes were built by Swiss farmers and herders who needed shelter during long, harsh winters. The design worked so well that people around the world started copying it. Today, you'll find chalet-style buildings at ski resorts from Colorado to Japan, where vacationers rent them for winter getaways.

The word also refers to any small wooden cottage or cabin, especially one used for vacations in the mountains. When someone says they're staying at a chalet for the holidays, they usually mean a cozy mountain retreat, whether it's actually Swiss-style or not. Some modern chalets are quite luxurious, with stone fireplaces, large windows overlooking snowy peaks, and enough room for several families.