Colorado has more than 30 ski towns – but not all are created equally. Sure, every ski town offers skiing, but if you research, you’ll find that some are better than others, especially when deciding where to purchase your second home. Buying a second home in a ski town is a wise investment that pays off handsomely. Ski towns are one of the best real estate investment opportunities, and the overall real estate market is significantly less crowded than larger cities in Colorado like Denver or Colorado Springs.
Before you decide on your future ski home, check out where the best investment opportunities are. So read on, and you’ll find the best ski towns to buy a second home in Colorado.
Breckenridge
One of Colorado’s most popular year-round resorts, Breckenridge, is known for its excellent winter skiing and many fun summer activities. Breckenridge combines a small-town vibe with lively nightlife for you to enjoy after packing up your skis for the day. With nearly 3,000 acres of trails and five distinct peaks, Breckenridge has ski runs for all skill levels. The town of Breckenridge offers stunning views of the Ten Mile Mountains. The resort’s gondolas run directly from town, making access to the ski slopes a breeze if you live nearby. At 9,600 feet, Breck is home to the highest lift in North America and an excellent place for night skiing.
If you’re looking for an all-encompassing mountain lifestyle, consider buying a second home in Breckenridge. Its one of the great ski towns in the state. Not only can you use it when you want to take a Rocky Mountain vacation, but you can also earn extra money by renting it out to other vacationers at different times of the year. Ultimately, it could be your vacation home.
With supply tight and demand seemingly uninterrupted, experts say now is the right time to buy. This includes purchasing a second home in Breckenridge. As with any other significant investment, there are pros and cons to buying luxury real estate in Breckenridge. According to Redfin, home prices in Breckenridge have risen 51 percent over the past year. Experts say the market was already higher before the pandemic, as buyers from other states and big cities were looking for less crowded spots to work remotely while enjoying a higher quality of life in a beautiful natural setting.
Beaver Creek
There are several beautiful locations around Vail to purchase your second home, but Beaver Creek might be the best. Known for its breathtaking views, welcoming atmosphere and a World Cup downhill course, Beaver Creek is suitable for skiers of all skill levels. You’ll love the meticulously groomed corduroy track as you explore over 2,000 acres of terrain and immerse yourself in the three distinct base areas. In the heart of Beaver Creek, discover the charming mountain village and enjoy an extraordinary simple time together. There are elegant dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Although often referred to as Vail’s little sister, Beaver Creek is not in Vail’s shadow. Instead, it is known as a quaint village where one can enjoy the many gifts of nature. Beaver Creek is a fully developed resort with 25 gondolas and a three-mountain village-to-village experience (via its gondolas, skiing, and hiking trails) connected to Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead Resort. It’s why people consider it one of the great ski towns in the world. A place where people get away from the the rest of the world, it offers privacy and an intimate mountain setting and is known for arguably the best guest service in the world. You can’t beat this mountain gem for second-home buyers looking for luxury, comfort, and superb relaxation.
Keystone
Keystone homes and condos are ideal for second homeowners who want a mountain lifestyle with endless skiing. Here you can ski seven to eight months of the year. Keystone has long been a stable market. Larger retailers and excellent health care are in Summit County, making Keystone attractive to retirees and retired families. The resort also has a long track record for great skiing.
Keystone has all kinds of real estate for sale, including mansions and estates, upscale townhouses, ski condos, and timeshares. Residences for sale include smaller two- or three-bedroom homes and larger homes with seven or more bedrooms. Larger homes often feature stunning mountain views and many high-end amenities, such as extended master bedroom suites with whirlpool tubs or steam showers.
Keystone is the only ski area in Summit County that offers night skiing. Night skiing in the River Run Valley area is provided on Friday and Saturday nights in January and February and on select holidays, including the week of Christmas through New Year’s. You’ll certainly get your fill of skiing during the day and night.
Vail Village
Future homeowners buy houses and condos in Vail for a variety of reasons. Some choose to buy a small condo near the slopes to ski in the winter. If you want to be in the center of the action and ski easily, consider buying a condo in the legendary Vail Village. The Austrian-style village of Vail has warm cobblestone streets and unique architecture reminiscent of European ski villages. The village has upscale boutiques and some of the best restaurants in the state. It is also home to après-ski and nightlife, as well as significant events throughout the year.
Vail Mountain is extensive, with 5,317 acres of terrain, suitable for all skill levels. Many visitors to Vail Mountain never leave the Front Side and don’t see the greatness of skiing in Vail, considering the area is only 1,655 acres. The famous Back Bowls are seven largely treeless, south-facing bowls with massive powder and 2,000 vertical feet of thrills.
Vail’s private homes can be near the slopes or off the beaten track. Those who buy a private residence in Vail want an entire mountain lifestyle. Owning a house lets you entertain guests and enjoy living in all four seasons. According to Zillow, the average home is worth about $2.7 million, but prices are expected to rise 4.7% next year.
Telluride
Telluride has a reputation as one of the most popular ski resorts in the region. It is regularly featured in Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Top North American Ski Resorts, chosen by skiers worldwide. Telluride isn’t just a skier’s paradise; you can feel the town’s charm even before you ski. The majestic mountains towering over the city add drama to any view. The town complements this daunting beauty with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Telluride prides itself on never giving up on its classic ski town roots, and a commitment to this history can be seen on every street. In Telluride, you feel like you are looking over a decades-old mountain town. The city’s buildings have an old west façade with large windows and warm lighting that draws you in.
From luxury ranches to modern upscale condos, Telluride homes emphasize comfort, style, and views. Stunning mountains are almost always in sight, and many homes and condos in the area have beautiful mountain views, which you can enjoy from balconies, patios, and living room windows. Furnishings range from cozy mountain lodge vibes to stylish elegance. You can find homes with garages, hot tubs, and wine cellars to enhance everyday life.
