If you’re considering relocating to a ski town that offers excellent skiing opportunities along with a high quality of life, here are five top options to consider:
1. Whitefish, Motana
Whitefish is home to Whitefish Mountain Resort, which boasts over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and receives an average of 300 inches of snowfall annually. The town offers a charming downtown area with boutique shops, restaurants, and proximity to Glacier National Park, providing year-round outdoor activities. The median home value in Whitefish is approximately $897,092.
2. Bend, Oregon
Located near Mount Bachelor, Bend provides access to over 4,000 acres of skiable terrain with an average of 400 inches of snowfall each season. The city is known for its vibrant craft beer scene, numerous restaurants, and a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and mountain biking. The median home sale price in Bend is around $347,300.
3. Bozeman, Montana
Bozeman offers access to Bridger Bowl and Big Sky Resort, providing a range of skiing options. The city has a strong sense of community, a growing arts and culture scene, and is close to Yellowstone National Park. Bozeman provides access to over 2000 acres of skiable terrain with an average of 350 inches of snowfall each season. The median home sale price in Bozeman is approximately $339,971.
4. Sandpoint, Idaho
Sandpoint is located near Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Idaho’s largest ski area, offering diverse terrain and stunning views. Sandpoint provides access to 2900 acres of skiable terrain with an average of 300 inches of snowfall each season. The town is known for its picturesque setting on Lake Pend Oreille, a walkable downtown, and a family-friendly atmosphere. The median home price in Sandpoint is around $713,000.
5. Park City, Utah
Park City is renowned for its world-class ski resorts, including Park City Mountain Resort—the largest in the U.S. with over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain—and Deer Valley Resort, known for its upscale amenities and meticulously groomed runs. Beyond skiing, Park City offers a lively downtown area with a rich history, diverse dining options, and cultural events like the Sundance Film Festival. The town’s proximity to Salt Lake City International Airport, just a 35-minute drive away, adds to its appeal. The median home price is 2 million.
6. Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky offers breathtaking views of Lone Peak and is known for its vast, uncrowded slopes. The town provides a relaxed mountain lifestyle with growing amenities, including luxury resorts, fine dining, and year-round outdoor activities like hiking and fly fishing. Big Sky Montana access to over 5850 skiable terrain and receives an average of 400 inches of snow annually. The median price for a home is 1.8 million.
7. Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson is home to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, known for its steep, challenging terrain and breathtaking views of the Teton Range. The town offers a vibrant Western culture, a strong sense of community and proximity to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Jackson Mountain resorts provide access to over 2500 acres of skiable terrain with an average of 500 inches of snowfall each season. The median home price is $1.75 million.
8. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is synonymous with luxury ski living, offering four ski areas: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Aspen Colorado offers 5500 skiable terrain and an average of 300 of snowfall annually. It features world-class dining, shopping, cultural events, and a thriving arts scene. The median price for a home is $2.5 million.
9. Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Nicknamed “Ski Town, USA,” Steamboat Springs offers Champagne Powder snow and a laid-back, friendly atmosphere. Steamboat Springs provides access to over 2965 acres of skiable terrain with an average of 315 inches of snowfall each season. The town is also known for its hot springs, western heritage, and strong local community. It provides excellent outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and fly fishing in the summer. The median price for a home is $850,000
10. Taos, New Mexico
Taos is home to Taos Ski Valley, which offers steep chutes and provides access to over 1294 acres of skiable terrain with an average of 300 inches of snowfall each season. . The town is known for its adobe architecture, Southern culture, vibrant arts scene, and year-round outdoor recreation, including hiking, rafting, and hot air ballooning. Taos provides a more affordable option compared to other top ski towns. The median price is $550,000
