Charcoal gray. It will compliment your black kitchen cabinets and natural wood furnishings.

It is very dramatic but I suggest BM Hale Navy. You will notice that they show it looks good with gold. Your beam looks very gold to me.

I would agree with a wash. It will make it more neutral but you will still maintain the character of the brick. It will vary in tone rather than being one flat color.

maybe a washed out white or grey

If you paint that thing Navy or the grey of the cabinets (as have been suggested above), it will look massive and heavy and bulky. If you want a big, dark lump of masonry, go ahead; but I bet you don't, and I can't imagine why you would.

Personally, I'd leave it as is. Maybe--maybe--a light wash, but no more. The variegated colors and textures of brick are what make it what it is; painting it a solid color removes that visual interest.

I think it looks great as is! Maybe see what you think after you have made the other changes and go from there. I personally love its charm and think you should do nothing to it!

I would recommend a gloss white. It will still be a strong focal point with contrast to the slightly darker walls. It will give it a bright clean feeling and I think the beautiful wood beam will be better accentuated. The white will show nice shadows in the brick pattern to give the fireplace texture without overwhelming the space with the existing brick color. To give a sense of rustic, you may want to add a distressed wood mantel and/or an interesting stone slab for the hearth.

Don't touch that fireplace with a remuddle! Paint is a horrible idea.

I like the idea of the charcoal gray (on the lighter side of charcoal). When you get rid of the 'busy-ness' of the mottled brick, you can hang a gorgeous painting above the fireplace which will break up the color of the brick. Perhaps a beautiful simple mountain scene or aspen forest. I live near Park City and I love the more 'modern rustic elegance' with simpler lines that I see now. I also like Nordic patterns for blankets and pillows which will give your cabin a simple Scandinavian feel. Good luck with your project!

There is no way I would paint that brick! It will ruin the natural look that you have, and that is appropriate for a ski cabin. If you really hate brick, consider resurfacing with some kind of stone. I think the natural element adds warmth and character. Paint it white or gray and it'll look like any old suburban house. At the very least, first decorate around it and see how you like it once everything else is in place.