How Proximity to Ski Resorts and Trailheads Affects Ski Town Property Values

Ever wonder why one mountain property may have a higher price tag than the place down the road? There are several reasons two similar homes in the same neighborhood might be worth different values. The mountains attract a variety of buyers who place value on different features and amenities. More often than not, homes with easier accessibility to the outdoors come at a higher price. Unlike markets in the city where pricing is based on a variety of characteristics like square footage, number of rooms and lot size, in the mountains, a property’s location adds much more value than that extra bedroom. 

There’s the age-old saying in real estate that the top three most important things to keep in mind are: location, location, location. Not only does this apply to where the home is situated, but also the amenities that location provides. With all the varying lifestyles the mountains attract, that can mean something different to each buyer. Winter months will attract buyers focused on ease of accessibility to the ski resort. While summer months may attract those who want a home on the golf course with a view of the surrounding peaks. 

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For most buyers, when looking for a mountain property, their goal is to more easily enjoy the outdoors no matter their choice of recreation. In ski towns, the choice usually involves proximity to ski resorts. Homes closer to the mountain will be valued higher than those with a bit of a commute. However, just because a property is close to the resort doesn’t always mean it’s “ski-in ski-out”. Properties where residents can put their boots on and gear up in their living room, walk outside, and immediately hit the slopes usually come at a premium. Even if that home is older and needs some updates, it will be valued differently than a newer home a few miles from the resort. 

Some mountain towns have private gated communities. While these homes might not be ski-in ski-out, oftentimes they’re within proximity to a ski shuttle. This allows residents the benefits of gearing up inside and hopping on a shuttle to be dropped right at the resort. Forget worrying about leaving early to secure parking, or putting your boots on at the tailgate of your car. The convenience of resort access via shuttle is another added benefit buyers look for that will boost property value. 

Access to ski resorts isn’t the only amenity that drives buyers. Some will place value on how easily they can enjoy the town itself and its aprés scene, or taking in mountain views. Maybe they take into account their summer activities. Are there hiking trails nearby? Do they prioritize a round of golf each week? These unique amenities are more than just features. 

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These interests will attract certain buyers to different neighborhoods, creating micro markets. Before listing a home, real estate agents will pull comparable listings and analyze them as data to back up list prices. Using these comps to set a price and preparing properly allows for easier negotiations with buyers. Say one comp is in the same neighborhood but not quite ski-in, ski-out.  It won’t be valued as high as a home with easier accessibility to the slopes. The same goes for homes with views. Even properties right next to each other can have drastically different views, changing the value between the two. 

Towns like Frisco, Avon, Fraser and even Tabernash are examples of micro markets within ski town communities of Colorado. While Frisco has a small local’s hill for skiing and riding, it is also within a few miles of some of Colorado’s most popular ski resorts along the Interstate 70 corridor like Breckenridge, Copper Mountain and Keystone. Homes and condos in Frisco hold value differently than those close to resorts. The same goes for homes in Avon, Colorado, just outside of Vail. Avon’s market is slightly more affordable than properties directly in Vail because of Vail’s accessibility to the ski resort. Fraser and Tabernash are similar examples. They’re not home to a ski resort but are both located within easy reach of Winter Park Resort as well as other outdoor recreation access points. Homes in Tabernash may have similar prices to those ski-in ski-out condos at the base of Winter Park Resort.

These micro markets allow for more opportunity for buyers. While everyone may dream of a ski-in ski-out property, for most it’s just not feasible. Micros markets within a ski town offer more affordability for a wider range of buyers to enjoy all that mountain town has to offer.

In general, mountain properties come at a premium. Location and amenities make a big difference, especially as you get into the luxury markets. Buyers want ease and accessibility all in one when they’re spending more. The more amenities and access to the outdoors a property has to offer, the more value it will hold.