1 / 36

Ute Cabin by AvantStay | Vintage Cabin + BBQ Deck | Ski Donner Summit + Lake + Truckee

House in Truckee, CA

6 guests·2 bedrooms·2 bathrooms
5.0 · 4 reviews

Why you'll love this stay

Outdoor Living

Outdoor Living

Open-air deck with BBQ for relaxed evenings under the pines.

Entertainment & Amenities

Entertainment & Amenities

Well-equipped kitchen and thoughtful concierge services streamline mountain getaways.

Location & Accessibility

Location & Accessibility

Steps from Donner Lake; easy drives to skiing, hikes, and Truckee.

Property details

Some mountain cabins feel like they were built for a photo feed. This one was built in 1953, and it still has the bones to prove it: exposed ceiling beams, a vintage stove that adds the right amount of character, and a simplicity that's genuinely hard to find these days. At 1,341 square feet, Ute Cabin is cozy by design, a place where you set your phone down, pour something cold or hot, and remember why you came to the mountains in the first place. The two bedrooms and loft sleep up to six comfortably. The primary bedroom has a queen bed, the second bedroom has a twin-over-full bunk, and the loft offers a full bed that suits kids or anyone who doesn't mind a little extra charm. Two full bathrooms keep mornings easy, and the fully equipped kitchen is stocked and ready so you can cook in as often as you'd like. When the plates are cleared, take it outside to the open-air deck, where seating and a BBQ grill make for slow evenings under the pines. What sets this cabin apart is where it sits: the quiet west end of Donner Lake. The water is right here, not a drive away. West End Beach and its sandy, family-friendly shoreline are within easy reach, with a roped-off swimming area, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and water that runs noticeably warmer than Lake Tahoe through the summer. Public piers along the shore are made for lazy fishing afternoons or simply taking in the pine-framed views. Come winter, you're sitting at the foot of Donner Summit, home to some of the most storied skiing in the Sierra. Sugar Bowl and Donner Ski Ranch are just up Old Highway 40, roughly fifteen minutes away, with Boreal and the cross-country trails near Soda Springs close behind. Historic Downtown Truckee is about four miles east on Donner Pass Road, with morning coffee, dinners out, and the kind of small-town wandering that rounds out a trip. And when the pull of Lake Tahoe gets too strong to ignore, you can be on the water near Tahoe City in around twenty-five minutes via Highway 89 South. This is a place that doesn't try to do too much, and that, honestly, is the whole point provides an upscale experience with services that elevate your stay and save time so you can enjoy every moment. Guests have access to a 24/7 support team and a tech-enabled concierge to book services, such as fridge stocking, mid-stay cleanings, and private chefs. For anything you need (or never knew you needed), we're at your service! Situated in the snowy Sierra Nevada Mountain range straddling the border between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe offers stunning panoramic scenery and year-round adventure. Visitors flock here especially to ski and snowboard on dramatic slopes that seem to fall into the abyss of the lake's cobalt blue water. Whether you're looking for a day in the mountains or a cruise on the lake, you can have it all in Tahoe. Local Attractions: The Pub at Donner Lake, West End Beach at Donner Lake, Donner Lake Watersports & Marina, Donner Memorial State Park, China Cove, Donner Lake Rim Trail, Donner Pass, Sugar Bowl Resort, Boreal Mountain Resort, Historic Downtown Truckee. Home Truths: - This home allows pets for a fee. If undisclosed pets are brought into the home without approval, there is a fine of $500 per pet. - Property is in the Truckee/Donner Lake area with standard wildlife/bear activity warnings applicable. - Induction stove — guests should be aware that standard cookware may not work on induction. Parking Details: - Parking is limited to 3 cars in winter. - Garage exists but is NOT available for guest use. --- The room configuration is as follows: Primary Bedroom / Queen bed Bedroom 2 / Full bed, twin bed Loft / Full bed --- This is a smoke-free property.. As part of our commitment to being good neighbors, occupancy limits and quiet hours (9pm-8am) are strictly enforced. No speakers or sound systems will be provided for use in our properties. Violation of any noise ordinances will be subject to fines that can reach up to $10,000 per violation. Events or parties are not allowed without prior written approval and an additional fee. Any unauthorized parties or events will be shut down and a fine will be assessed. Please inquire for more information about our event policies and fees. IDs will be requested for verification after booking. All bookings over 28 days require a security deposit. We report and prosecute all Credit Card Fraud. STR Permit Number: 003196 Pets - allowed

Sleeping arrangements

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

1 Single Bed

Livingroom

1 Double Bed

What’s included

  • Self check-in

    Self check-in

  • Parking

    Parking

  • Washer and dryer

    Washer and dryer

  • Washer

    Washer

  • Dryer

    Dryer

  • Heating

    Heating

  • Kitchen

    Kitchen

  • Wi-Fi

    Wi-Fi

Guest reviews

Star icon 5.0 | 4 reviews
5
4
3
2
1
R

Rois

Star Icon 0 0Star Icon 0 1Star Icon 0 2Star Icon 0 3Star Icon 0 4

September 2026

This was a cozy, beautiful cabin. My bed in the main bedroom was very comfortable. A very peaceful location right on the west end of Donner Lake. The kitchen was completely stocked and updated, and the Cabin was very clean! I would give an A+ to the AvantStay customer service. Very professional, communicative, responsive, and handled my concern with the central heating promptly (the temperature turned cold quickly, the first week of September). I would recommend this Cabin to anybody. Tip: be sure to use the bear- proof containers out at the driveway for your trash— not the plastic bins on the side of the cabin that are designed for grass clippings and recycling.

M

Michael-Shaughnacey

Star Icon 1 0Star Icon 1 1Star Icon 1 2Star Icon 1 3Star Icon 1 4

September 2026

Place was great. Me and my family enjoyed our stay! Kitchen is fully set up and kids toys to take to the beach!

K

Karly

Star Icon 2 0Star Icon 2 1Star Icon 2 2Star Icon 2 3Star Icon 2 4

August 2026

Great location, easy to find and easy to check in. Walking distance from West End Beach and easy drive to great hikes. Bedrooms are on the first floor, living spaces and kitchen on the second floor. Kitchen is very well stocked. The one loft bedroom can get hot as it's at the top of the house. As the listing describes, no frills but is comfortable.

J

Justin

null

Star Icon 3 0Star Icon 3 1Star Icon 3 2Star Icon 3 3Star Icon 3 4

August 2026

AvantStay’s Lake Tahoe cabin was a wonderful place to stay! Tucked nicely into Donner Lake’s west end neighborhood, the property’s location is perfect. It is less than a two minute walk to the lake. The block is peaceful and comfortable. I was impressed with how stocked the kitchen was, and I do not normally comment on appliances, but the appliances were stunning, in great condition, and made cooking pleasant. The highlights for my family were the deck and the grill. I strongly recommend staying at this property, and I hope it is available again for my next Donner Lake trip.

Know before you go

Self check-in

House rules

Check-in: 4:00pm

Checkout: 11:00am

Pets allowed

Min. age to rent: 25

No smoking

No parties

Have a question about this property?

Site Footer

Get deals directly in your inbox:

© 2026 Whimstay, Inc. All Rights Reserved. “SEIZE THE STAY” and “WHIMSTAY” are registered trademarks of Whimstay, Inc. and the W Logo is a trademark of Whimstay, Inc.