Why Ski Towns Are Becoming Year-Round Homes
Forget the idea that ski towns are just for winter vacations. As Travel + Leisure points out, towns with great snow often deliver amazing quality of life year-round — from hiking and biking in summer to community events, arts and culture, wellness opportunities, and a slower-paced, nature-focused lifestyle that appeals to full-time residents and remote workers alike.
But there’s a flip side: desirability has driven prices up sharply, so most of the places on this list skew toward premium housing markets.
🌄 The Top 10 Ski Towns You Might Actually Live In
1. Sun Valley, Idaho — Balanced Lifestyle in the Mountains
Sun Valley tops the list as a town with deep resort history (90+ years) and a sunny, outdoor-centric culture that works all year. Winters are all about skiing; summers bring hiking, mountain biking, and golf. Though home values are high (around $1.1M), it’s more attainable than some of the pricier ski towns.
Why it’s special: Classic mountain town feel with cultural offerings and great trail systems.
2. Vail, Colorado — Iconic and Family-Friendly
Vail is ski-town luxury with a very walkable village and top-tier amenities — from youth programs to recreation centers. It’s perfect for families, though housing prices in Vail Village and Lionshead are steep. Nearby towns like Avon or Edwards offer more variety and slightly more reachable price points.
Why it’s special: Legendary skiing + community infrastructure = year-round appeal.
3. Stowe, Vermont — East Coast Classic
Known as the “Ski Capital of the East,” Stowe blends traditional New England charm with plenty of outdoor fun — from fishing to mountain biking. With a small-town population and strong local character, it’s a great choice for those who love community festivals and cafe culture.
Why it’s special: All-season activities meet cozy New England community vibes.
4. Telluride, Colorado — Sunshine + Alpine Beauty
With nearly 300 days of annual sunshine, Telluride offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Rockies. It’s also one of the most expensive mountain towns in the country — a reflection of its extraordinary setting and year-round outdoor lifestyle.
Why it’s special: Stunning setting and unmatched outdoor variety — if you can afford it.
5. Truckee, California — Mountains and Tahoe Proximity
Truckee sits close to Tahoe and is surrounded by multiple world-class ski areas. The combination of mountain life plus easy access to lakes and water sports — paired with a vibrant downtown — makes it a standout choice, though cost of living is high.
Why it’s special: Best of Tahoe world with multiple ski options nearby.
6. Park City, Utah — Big Mountain + Big Town Energy
Everyone the article spoke with agreed: Park City is a top pick. It balances historic charm with modern living, awesome outdoor culture, and easy access to Salt Lake City. But — and it’s a big but — it’s very expensive, especially slopeside.
Why it’s special: Excellent mix of mountain lifestyle and urban convenience — with a luxury twist.
7. Whitefish, Montana — More Affordable Mountain Life
Compared with other ski towns, Whitefish is surprisingly accessible, with home prices lower than many peers and a cost of living only modestly higher than the national average. Add Glacier National Park nearby and summer water activities, and you’ve got year-round appeal.
Why it’s special: Great outdoor scene without the astronomical price tag.
8. Jackson Hole, Wyoming — Outdoor Culture Central
Jackson Hole draws outdoor lovers who want world-class skiing and wide open spaces. It’s a compact region that includes Jackson, Wilson, and Teton Village — all rich in outdoor access (including Yellowstone and Grand Teton nearby).
Why it’s special: Authentic western mountain lifestyle with a strong community feel.
9. Aspen, Colorado — Luxe, Cultural, and Outdoor Lifestyle
Aspen is a classic luxury ski destination with excellent schools, strong arts culture, and four distinct mountains nearby. It’s incredibly pricey, but living here means top-tier access to culture, skiing, and all things mountain living.
Why it’s special: World-class culture and skiing in a tight community.
10. Crested Butte, Colorado — The “Last Great Ski Town”
Crested Butte brings a charming, historic vibe and a strong sense of community that many ski towns lose as they grow. It’s got fantastic winter sports and equally lovely summer wildflower seasons.
Why it’s special: Quiet character with all-season appeal.
Final Thoughts: What Makes a Great Ski Town to Live In
Just visiting a ski resort isn’t the same thing as living there. Travel + Leisure’s list highlights places with:
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Outdoor access year-round (not just winter slopes).
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Community and cultural life beyond skiing.
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Varied lifestyles, from ultra-luxury to relatively attainable (for ski towns).
Whether you’re drawn by epic powder days, summer hiking trails, or simply being part of a close-knit mountain community, there’s a unique flavor to each of these towns — but be prepared for a potentially steep price of entry.