Location: Pinecrest, Gold Country & High Sierra, California, USA (30 min. E of Sonora;10 min. to Pinecrest & 15 to Dodge Ridge) View Map
Accommodations: Cabin, 3 Bedrooms + Loft, 2.5 Baths (Sleeps 8-11)
RIFUGIO DI MONTAGNA IS ITALIAN FOR "MOUNTAIN REFUGE" ~ Our refuge in the Dodge Ridge/Pinecrest area at 5,300 ft elevation is the perfect place for you and your family and friends to spend together in a unique combination of brand new construction infused with traditional memorabilia.
THE PINECREST TRADITION BEGAN WITH GRANDPA AND GRANDMA ~ This 2,200 square foot mountain home was lovingly constructed in 2007 as a place to recharge and relax, and is located on a quiet street in Cold Springs. Having grown up with grandparents who owned a cabin in the area for many years, this home was built after thoughtful planning and much creativity to use and enjoy some of the furnishings that were located in the old cabin. Rifugio di Montagna was actually designed "around" the grand old dining room table which can seat up to 12 and is the focal point of the home.
A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF RIFUGIO ~ The slate floors and granite countertops of the interior are combined with the natural colors of the outdoors making for a warm and cozy refuge for your mind and spirit. The living areas were specifically made to be the largest rooms in the cabin and to flow together. The spacious kitchen has an island and a breakfast bar which opens to the dining room, which in turn is connected to the 24' high ceilinged Great Room. The Master Suite is also located on this floor and has it's own entry. You will feel as though you are showering outside under a waterfall in the oversized, full slate shower in the Master Bathroom.
The loft upstairs with the double futon overlooks the Great Room and is flanked by two bedrooms. There is also a full bathroom on this floor with a tub/shower combo. All of the beds are fitted with 400 thread count sheets and 100% goose down comforters. The two raised Deluxe AeroBeds can be automatically inflated in three minutes and can be used in any room where there is carpeting allowing families great flexibility for sleeping.
The 560 square foot front deck wraps around three sides of the house, bringing the outdoors right to your feet. And who wants to eat indoors when the perfect Summer weather calls you outside to dine on our custom-made, bar height picnic table? As an alternative, sit out on the back deck which offers a view of the landscaped area and the undeveloped forest beyond. In the Winter you will be glad you've chosen to rent a newly-constructed, well-insulated cabin with double-paned windows plus two sources of warmth - the fireplace and central heat.
THE PINECREST/DODGE RIDGE AREA CAN BE YOUR TRADITION, TOO! ~ Or, maybe it already is and you want to make wonderful new memories at Rifugio! There are many fabulous things to do in the area - great family skiing/snowboarding at Dodge Ridge and sledding at High Sierra Snowplay in the Winter, and in the Summer, the great fishing, hiking, and boating choices are endless. We've prepared a book at the cabin - just for you - which lists all of the wonderful things to do/places to see, with Rifugio as your home base. Come ~ relax, refresh and recharge ~ experience Rifugio di Montagna for yourself!
Check In 3:00 P.M.; Check Out 11:00 A.M.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer: Brand new European style washer on pedestal located in kitchen
- Dryer: Brand new European style dryer on pedestal located in kitchen
- Linens Provided: All sheets on beds are 400 thread count, and 100% down comforters are provided.
- Off Street Parking
- Gas Fireplace: w/remote control
- Beds
- King Bed (2) : Brand new mattresses! There is a King bed in the Master Bedroom, and a King bed in one of the upstairs bedrooms.
- Double Bed: Brand new mattress! The double bed is located in the other bedroom upstairs.
- Twin/Single Bed (2) : There are two Deluxe raised AeroBeds complete with bedding for your use. These can be used in any bedroom or in the loft to allow for sleeping flexibility with families.
- Convertible Bed: A futon in the loft converts to a double size mattress. There is a Serta 4" Memory Foam topper for this mattress which makes it incredibly comfortable! There are also curtains to separate the loft from the Great Room for privacy.
- Crib: Brand new Pack-and-Play that can be used as a crib, with quilted padded sheet.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library: Many CD's are on site with varying styles of music. We also have an i-Pod dock, so bring your own music with your i-Pod!!!
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: All new stainless steel appliances with a gas stove that has five burners and a convection oven. Beautiful granite counter tops and slate tile! There is an island and a huge breakfast bar ~ great gathering place!
- Cooking Utensils Provided: More dishes, pots & pans, and glasses than you'll ever use! Mr. Coffee coffe maker, a small expresso machine, and a coffee grinder are also availble for your use.
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio: Front deck wraps around three sides of the house; small deck out back kitchen door has barbeque.
- View/Location
- Mountain View: The cabin is on the last street in the subdivision (very quiet) and looks over a vast forest area. The property directly behind the cabin is undeveloped so neighbors only on two sides and across the street. The cabin sits tall, so when looking out the Great Room, all you can see is trees, trees, trees!
- Communications
- Telephone
- Computer w/ Dial-up Internet
- Other Amenities
- There are five ceiling fans in the cabin. The two in the Great Room operate by remote control. The other three are located upstairs; one in each of the bedrooms and the third in the loft. Blow dryer is provided. Bath & Body Works soaps and body washes are also provided. No need to bring toilet paper or paper towels - we provide. DO Bring you i-Pod - we have a dock stereo system!
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly: Large, wrap-around front deck has complete railing and a gate that locks.
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters: Must be at least 25 years old to rent this property.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Sightseeing
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snowmobiling
- Sledding/Tubing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Rock Climbing
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Winter rates ~ Dec 16, 2009 thru April 15, 2010 ....... $225/night $1300/week
Summer rates ~ May 22, 2009 thru Sept. 7, 2009 ....... $225/night $1300/week
Off-season ~ Apr 16 thru May 21st & Sept. 8 thru Dec. 15 $200/nite $1150/week
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Holiday Weekends Require Three Night Minimum Stay ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Security Deposit (Refundable) - $200 due within 7 days of booking cabin.
Cleaning fee $150. Ask us about our optional "clean it yourselves" policy.
Full amount of rent and cleaning deposit due two weeks prior to stay.
We also accept PayPal. Credit card and PayPal transactions - add 5%.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:



Map & Owner's Profile
Brand New Construction ~ Rifugio Di Montagna
Year Purchased: 2007
Why the Owner Chose Pinecrest
In addition to it being Paul's playground when he was young, the Pinecrest/Dodge Ridge area is a hidden treasure. It is the closest Sierra experience for Bay Area and Valley residents, yet is still quite untouched by the swarms of people who flock to other mountain locations. Additionally, the elevation of 5,300 feet is perfect; while we don't get inundated with snow in the Winter, we certainly get our fair share to enjoy the magic. And in the Summer, the higher elevation definitely makes for a cooler experience than those areas that sit at 4,000 feet or less. Skiing at Dodge Ridge is only 15 minutes away, and did we mention the lack of crowds and the cheapest lift ticket around? Pinecrest Lake in the Summer is great for fishing, and we have yet to explore all the hiking trails in the area. Rifugio is centrally located to so many beautiful spots, and there are many day trips that are very do-able.
The Unique Benefits at this Cabin
We love the deep night's sleep we get at the cabin. Not only are the linens soft and luxurious, but the beds are super comfortable. And because the cabin sits high, the windows can be safely left open at night letting in that wonderful fresh mountain air. Our street is very, very quiet. We love cooking in the kitchen, but we also enjoy going to Mia's for a fabulous eating out experience. We always come away from Rifugio feeling refreshed and recharged, and we know our guests will have the very same result.
Rent a boat for the day, hike around the lake, or just swim at the beach! Fish are planted weekly in the summer, and in the winter, you can sled down the boat ramp!
The best family-oriented skiing in the Sierra's, and still the cheapest lift ticket around.
Owner's Map of Pinecrest
Paul is an avid fly fisherman and duck hunter. He spent most of his Summers in the Pinecrest/Dodge Ridge area as a kid because his grandparents had a cabin in the Cow Creek Subdivision just a few miles from Rifugio. It was always Paul's dream to own a place of his own in the same area, and that dream came true in 2007. He built two "Rifugio's" in Cold Springs and retained one for himself. While not spending time in the mountains, he is involved in the construction industry in the Stockton area.
Pam enjoys the outdoors almost as much as Paul. The scenery in the Pinecrest area never ceases to amaze her, and days spent on Pinecrest Lake and at Kennedy Meadows are treasured. She works for a large local accounting firm in Stockton.
Paul and Pam used to date back in the '70's when Paul played football for UOP. After a 30-year break, they came back together and found in each other great compatibility and friendship. They were married in 2005 - just in time to take on the great adventure of building two cabins!
Property Photos
- Climb the stairs for a little piece of Mountain Heaven! - Dodge Ridge Cabin
- Summer outdoor dining high amongst the trees on the bar height custom-made table - Dodge Ridge Cabin
- Beautiful new granite countertops and stainless steel appliances - Dodge Ridge Cabin
- View of kitchen from the corner sink looking towards front door and great room
- A view of the spacious Great Room with 24' high ceilings & remote control fans
- View from the Dining Room looking towards the Great Room
- The Master Bedroom, located on the main level, has a private entrance & bathroom
- The "fish" bedroom upstairs has a double bed and room for one of the Aerobeds
- The "deer" bedroom upstairs with open-beamed ceiling and comfy King-size bed.
- The loft with futon and computer overlooks the Great Room with Great Views!
- View to the left off the back deck . . .
- And the view to the right . . . note - no cabins behind us!!
Guest Comments (24)
First (10) of (24). View all comments
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #139424
There have been 13828 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2007.
This listing was first published here in 2007.
Date last modified - November 24, 2009


Positive Rating
ken olsen , Santa Barbara, Ca.
Positive Rating
Bruce and Leah , Martinez, CA
Positive Rating
Jill and Phil Cembellin , San Jose CA
Positive Rating
Positive Rating
Julie Marx , Liberty, MO
Positive Rating
The Dotinga Family , Oakdale, CA
Positive Rating
Erin , San Mateo, CA
Positive Rating
Rich, Judy & Maylah Williams , Santa Barbara, CA
Positive Rating
Jocelyn Plummer & Family , Yorba Linda, CA
Positive Rating
Natalie and Dries Pruis , Brentwood, Ca