Top 7 Reasons to Buy Real Estate in a Ski Town

The words “ski town” evoke a whole collection of positive emotions and memories for many. Maybe it’s a first college ski trip, maybe mom and dad are teaching you how to ski, or maybe your first time hiking on a real alpine lake. Ski towns are unique in many ways, so here are the top 7 reasons to own a piece of your favorite ski town.

1. Nothing brings families together like a ski vacation. The younger generations traditionally learn from the older generations and those lessons are passed down along with the memories. Throw in the family-focused end-of-the-year festivities, including Thanksgiving and Christmas, and President’s Weekend and Spring Break, and what goes together better than families and snow? Most ski houses and condos are designed around the “great room” with accommodations for multiple generations. And many aging skiers want to leave properties “inherited” to the family for even more generations of enjoyment and memories.
2. Ski towns, or more commonly known as “mountain resort communities” these days, are great places to retire or semi-retire. Year-round recreation is abundant. So are the special entertainment events and fine dining. And “duality” (having more than one house in varied but unique settings) is becoming more and more popular; mountain and tropical for example.
3. Summer!! While winter adrenaline sports like skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, alpine skiing, etc. they are the initial attraction of ski towns, many new owners discover the splendor of summer; wonderful climates, even more scenic beauty, even more recreational opportunities, a variety of cultural events and relaxation. The old adage in mountain resort communities is “Come for winter, stay for summer.”
4. These places typically represent some of the most pristine areas in the country; think of the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, The Tetons, etc. As the world becomes increasingly polluted, many mountain resort communities are protected by levels of government ownership and land use controls, watershed rights, and powerful environmental groups. These layers of protection are often the obstacle to the expansion and degradation of the tourist city. This protection will keep the quality pristine for generations to come.
5. Large ski resorts are successful business ventures. Gone are the days of the family ski resort. Today they are owned by listed companies or equity funds. Modern corporate ski resort management focuses on the best customer experience while making a profit, and they perform very well. Add real estate development and property management for higher profits. And they are increasingly aligned with the major hotel companies and their franchises.
6. Ski town ownership traditionally attracts a wealthier clientele, making the market less susceptible to the vagaries of the economy.
7. Most ski towns have a wide range of affordable prices. It is true that places like Aspen are quite expensive. But most ski towns across the United States have a wide variety of properties and price ranges that make the dream a possible reality for many.

Ski towns remain a unique experience in America, a reminder of our European ancestors and old world traditions of adventure, recreation, social interaction, and the appreciation of our family generations. Combined with depressed values, low interest rates, and the need to recreate, now is a great time to shop in your favorite ski town.