10 Best U.S. Ski Towns to Live in All Year Round, According to Real Estate Experts

Sun Valley, Idaho

“Sun Valley offers a balanced mountain lifestyle rooted in nearly 90 years of resort history, with a relaxed pace that appeals to both full-time residents and second-home owners,” says Bill Fandel, founding broker of Compass Telluride. “A sunny climate, well-developed trail systems, and a strong arts and cultural presence support year-round living, while a range of resort and residential options accommodates varied lifestyles without sacrificing a sense of community.”

In the winter, residents can take to the slopes of Sun Valley Resort; come summertime, skis are replaced with hiking boots, mountain bikes, and golf clubs. While the real estate market isn’t necessarily affordable, the average home value ($1,123,665, according to Zillow) is significantly lower than in a few other towns on this list.

Vail, Colorado

Colorado has more than its fair share of charming ski towns, but it’s safe to say Vail stands out as one of the best. “Vail combines scale, polish, and ease, offering a walkable village lifestyle that works exceptionally well for families and multigenerational living. Eagle County’s schools are consistently well-rated, and the area is known for family-friendly infrastructure, ski schools, recreation centers, youth programs, and seasonal events, making Vail a popular choice for families seeking a turnkey mountain lifestyle,” says Paul Benson of Engel & Völkers.

And if you’re seeking a ski town with—you guessed it—great skiing, look no further. “Vail’s reputation as one of the world’s premier ski destinations is well-earned. From wide-open groomers to iconic back bowls, the mountain offers something for every style of skier, and does it with unmistakable Colorado charm,” says Duke.

Expect sky-high home prices in both Vail Village and Lionshead Village, but Duke says you have options. “Just minutes down valley, communities like Avon, Edwards, and Eagle offer more home variety and a strong year-round rhythm, with pricing ranging from high six-figures into the low-to-mid $2 millions, depending on location and lifestyle goals,” she says.

Stowe, Vermont

The Western U.S. might be known for its ski towns, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find some excellent ones on the East Coast. Case in point: Stowe, Vermont. Known as the “Ski Capital of the East,” Stowe is a historic town in the Green Mountains with a population of just over 5,000. While still expensive—Zillow estimates the average home value is $977,944—you’ll have access to both outdoor activities (skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and fishing) and a close-knit community that bonds through festivals, concerts, and food. In the mornings, swing by Black Cap for a caffeine boost, and dine at Stowe favorites like Harrison’s and The Bench when you don’t feel like cooking at home.

Telluride, Colorado

“People often think of Telluride only for its world-class skiing and some of the finest-groomed runs in North America, but the town’s rich history, extraordinary beauty, and authentic, close-knit community create an exceptional year-round lifestyle,” says Fandel, who describes the ski town as a “high-alpine environment” with “nearly 300 days of annual sunshine.” Like most ski towns, Telluride isn’t cheap; in fact, it was named the most expensive ski town in the U.S. in 2024.

The cost of living in this part of Colorado is about 75 percent above the national average, and the average home value is north of $2 million. But if budget isn’t a concern, you’ll access a life filled with, in Fandel’s words, “quaint yet remarkable restaurants that rival those in the alps, renowned terrain delivering legendary outdoor activities in every season, stunning homes, and a down-to-earth, family-friendly atmosphere.”

Truckee, California

West Coasters don’t have to fly to the Rockies to find a lovely home in a charming ski town. Truckee, California, sits about 20 minutes from Lake Tahoe, and it’s surrounded by ski resorts, including Sugar Bowl, Northstar, Palisades Tahoe, Boreal, and Downhill. Its proximity to both the mountains and the water can’t be beat, so home prices tend to be high; the median sale price as of Oct. 2025 was $996,667. According to the Truckee Chamber of Commerce, average monthly rent is $3,000, and the cost of living is 55 percent higher than the national average.

Park City, Utah

Every single real estate expert we spoke with picked Park City, Utah, as one of the best ski towns to live in. “Park City combines historic character with modern mountain living, where walkable streets, established neighborhoods, and an active outdoor culture define daily life. Its proximity to Salt Lake City provides rare ease of access for a resort town while schools, dining, recreation, and seasonal events make it particularly well-suited for families and those seeking a connected, four-season alpine environment,” says Fandel.

Just named the most expensive ski town in the U.S., a title based on winter 2026 booking data, Park City is not known for affordability. “Neighborhoods are walkable, services are easy to reach, and the community welcomes a diversity of interests and pursuits. The average home value is around $1.5 million, while slopeside and estate-style properties regularly reach $2.5 million to $3 million-plus,” says Duke.

And while you might associate Park City with winter sports, you can rest assured knowing there’s rarely a reason to leave town—and, if you’re buying a home, your real estate choice will be relatively sound. “For investors, demand is consistently supported by a strong summer and fall tourism and an expanding base of full-time residents, plus Park City Mountain is the largest ski resort in the U.S., which helps keep global visibility high,” says Benson.

Whitefish, Montana

Big Sky might have the name recognition when it comes to ski areas in Montana, but the town of Whitefish has it beat in terms of livability. The average home value in Whitefish is $840,304—about $1 million less than Big Sky—making it a bit more accessible to those who want to invest in a forever home. Not to mention, the cost of living in Whitefish is only about 15.7 percent higher than the national average.

While winters are reserved for skiing and snowboarding at Whitefish Mountain Resort, you certainly won’t grow bored in the warmer months. Glacier National Park is just down the road, there’s paddleboarding and kayaking on Whitefish Lake, and you can spend your weekends perusing the shops and galleries in downtown Whitefish.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is made up of the main town of Jackson, as well as smaller communities like Wilson and Teton Village—but it’s compact enough to be considered one ski destination. “Jackson Hole attracts buyers who value authentic mountain character with a protected, low-density feel. Inventory constraints and proximity to Grand Teton and Yellowstone create long-term scarcity value,” says Benson. “Owners also love that it’s not just a winter story. Summers are equally compelling, and the community attracts high-net-worth residents who prioritize privacy, outdoor lifestyle, and a real ‘town’ beyond the resort.”

As a resident, you’ll also be within driving distances of three ski resorts: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village, Snow King in Jackson, and Grand Targhee, located across the Teton Pass in Alta, Wyoming.

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen isn’t a ski town for everyone—it’s certainly one of the more luxe destinations in Colorado—but it does have a number of features that make it a solid choice for a year-round lifestyle. “For families, Aspen offers excellent public schools by national standards, strong arts education, and a community that values outdoor learning and wellness,” says Benson.

If you’re interested in living in this part of Colorado, but you aren’t necessarily swayed by the glitz of Aspen, Duke recommends looking at the greater Roaring Fork Valley, which includes Aspen, Snowmass Village, Basalt, Carbondale, and Glenwood Springs. Here, she says, the skiing is “spread across four distinct mountains on a single pass: beginner-friendly Buttermilk, the steep, expert-loved terrain of Aspen Highlands, and the iconic slopes of Aspen Mountain and Snowmass.”

As far as real estate goes, plan on paying a pretty penny for your home. “Aspen’s median pricing hovers in the $3 million-plus range with ultra-luxury well beyond that, while Basalt and Carbondale offer more attainable (though still premium) options in the low-to-mid $1 millions, along with a more grounded neighborhood feel,” says Duke.

Crested Butte, Colorado

Often billed as “Colorado’s Last Great Ski Town,” Crested Butte is one of those places that hasn’t been completely changed by the glitz and glam of wealth. Downtown Crested Butte is incredibly walkable (and picturesque) with nods to its 19th-century mining town heritage.

And while you may come for the skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, you’ll likely stay for the beauty of the warmer months, specifically, wildflower season. C.B., as you may hear it called, is also the wildflower capital of Colorado, and its meadows come alive when the lupines, glacier lilies, and sunflower varieties peak between mid-June and late July.