Top 7 Spots in the U.S. for a Ski Retreat Home

The mountains are calling, and people are answering! According to the National Ski Areas Association, ski resorts saw a whopping 61 million visits during the 2021-22 season, indicating a thriving U.S. ski industry and a strong appetite for outdoor adventures.

What if your trips to the mountains turned into a permanent escape? Or at least, having a cozy place to return to in your favorite winter wonderland? Here are seven top U.S. towns where you can invest in a ski vacation home.

Newry, Maine

In 2021, Vacasa ranked Newry as the top location for purchasing a winter getaway home, thanks to its impressive cap rate or return on investment. The site noted, “While the Northeast might not be the first place you think of for skiing, the snow at Sunday River Resort contributes to the town’s 12.3% cap rate.” We can overlook the slight against northeastern skiing, as Sunday River certainly deserves a visit. With nearly 900 acres of skiable terrain offering a variety of runs for beginners, intermediates, and experts, this destination caters to skiers of every level.

Lake Tahoe, California

Looking for diverse skiing options? Lake Tahoe has you covered with over a dozen ski resorts, including Heavenly, which boasts 4,800 skiable acres, and Palisades Tahoe, featuring six mountain peaks to explore. The region is divided into North Lake and South Lake, both offering fantastic experiences. Notably, North Lake Tahoe is home to the highest concentration of ski resorts in North America, with 11 downhill resorts all within a short drive of each other, as highlighted by North Lake Tahoe.

Londonderry, Vermont

The New England mountains might not be as towering as those in the West, but they are undeniably stunning. This is particularly appealing for those who prefer a drive over a flight to reach a snowy getaway. That's what makes Londonderry a fantastic option for anyone looking to establish more permanent ski roots.

Londonderry is a quaint town with a population of fewer than 2,000 residents, where everyone knows each other, creating a close-knit community. It also offers more affordable ski homes compared to popular mountain resorts. According to Yahoo! Finance, the median home price was $368,505 in 2022. Additionally, it’s conveniently located within an hour of Killington, 2.5 hours to Stowe, and just 10 minutes from charming Bromley Mountain.

Poconos, Pennsylvania

The Poconos is a quintessential mountain escape. Similar to Tahoe, it boasts numerous ski resorts, albeit on a slightly smaller scale. These mountains are perfect for beginners and those looking to progress to intermediate skiing, with spots like Big Boulder Ski Area offering fantastic park options for riders eager to master new tricks. Tannersville is the most central location for purchasing a winter home, conveniently situated within an hour’s drive of Blue Mountain Resort, Big Boulder Ski Area, and Camelback Mountain, which is right in town.

Santa Fe, New Mexico 

Yes, there is indeed fantastic skiing near Santa Fe. For instance, Ski Santa Fe is one of the highest ski mountains in the country, just a 30-minute drive from downtown. Looking for more? Head to Taos, a premier destination that receives over 300 inches of snow annually and is about a 90-minute drive away. What sets Santa Fe apart is its urban vibe; with around 88,000 residents, it's not a huge city, but it boasts exceptional dining, amazing museums, and a shopping scene that’s hard to beat.

North Conway, New Hampshire

North Conway might seem like a small town, but its close proximity to mountains like Attitash (just 15 minutes away), Loon (under an hour), Bretton Woods (40 minutes), and Cranmore (only four minutes) makes it a hidden treasure for mountain home seekers. However, the market is heating up, with median home prices reaching $425,000 in 2022 and limited inventory, so finding your ideal mountain retreat may require some patience. It’s definitely worth the wait for such fantastic skiing options nearby.

Alma, Colorado 

Colorado boasts some of the finest skiing and snowboarding not just in the U.S., but globally. However, places like Aspen and Vail can be quite pricey, catering to a high-end clientele. If you can afford it, that’s wonderful, but for a more budget-friendly investment, consider Alma. This quaint town offers a more secluded feel while being just a 30-minute drive from Breckenridge, an hour from Arapahoe Basin, and 50 minutes from Copper Mountain, keeping you close to incredible skiing options.