A chalet is known for its sloping roofs and simplistic designs.  Besides being found on ski resorts and mountainous slopes, they are also popular with lakeside communities in a rural woodsy setting.  

The word chalet is Swiss French from the Old French word 'chasel',  meaning a farmstead.  That came from the Latin 'casa', meaning a hut or a cottage. 

6 minutes ago, drpaladin said:

Someone I know has one as a lake house. I always thought it was silly to have a ski chalet in the South. I suppose it's more practical than the castle someone else built.

It's the simplistic design and aesthetic appeal of the architecture that is making chalets to be more appealing than merely on the ski slopes.   

Gilbert Stanley Underwood was the architect of Timberline Lodge.  It was a blend of Chalet and Craftsman styles although missing the overhanging eaves.  This is one of my favourite places in the world.  I grew up near Mt Hood and it was always in view everywhere I lived until I moved to Thailand.

further downhill from the lodge is Government Camp.  Most homes there are traditional chalets like this.  Must admit that not all are top-end like this one.