Dreaming of a home in a Colorado ski town? Each mountain community has its own personality, price range and lifestyle. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular Colorado ski towns, and what to think about before you buy.
Breckenridge
A historic mining town in Summit County with a lively Main Street, Victorian buildings and a large ski resort right above town. About two hours from Denver via I-70, Breckenridge is popular with both full-time residents and second-home owners. Short-term rental licenses are regulated and limited in some areas, so check the rules carefully. See our guide to STR rules in Colorado ski towns and our Breckenridge buying guide.
Keystone, Frisco, Dillon and Silverthorne
Also in Summit County, these towns offer a range of condos, townhomes and single-family homes, often at lower prices than Breckenridge or Vail. Lake Dillon, a short drive to several ski areas and easier I-70 access make Summit County a favorite for Denver buyers.
Vail and Beaver Creek
World-famous resorts in Eagle County with luxury slope-side properties and charming villages, plus more affordable options down-valley in Avon, Edwards and Eagle. Read our Vail home buying guide.
Winter Park
In Grand County, about 90 minutes from Denver over Berthoud Pass. Winter Park offers a more laid-back feel and a mix of condos and cabins, and the seasonal Winter Park Express train connects it to Denver Union Station.
Steamboat Springs
A true western ranching town in Routt County with famous “champagne powder,” hot springs and a strong year-round community. It’s about three hours from Denver, and the nearby Yampa Valley Regional Airport offers seasonal flights.
Aspen and Snowmass
Colorado’s most exclusive ski destination, in Pitkin County, with four ski mountains, a vibrant arts scene and some of the highest home prices in the country. Aspen/Pitkin County Airport offers direct flights.
Telluride and Crested Butte
Remote, beautiful and less crowded. Telluride sits in a dramatic box canyon in southwestern Colorado, and Crested Butte is a colorful former mining town in Gunnison County. Both are a longer trip from Denver but beloved by those who want a quieter mountain lifestyle.
What to consider before buying in a ski town
- How you’ll use it: full-time home, second home or rental. This affects financing, insurance and which towns fit.
- Short-term rental rules: many towns and counties require licenses and some cap how many are issued.
- Transfer taxes and HOA dues: common in resort communities and important for your budget.
- Access: distance to lifts, winter road conditions and travel time from Denver or the airport.
- Water, septic, wildfire and radon: especially for homes outside town limits.
Read our guide to buying a mountain or ski home in Colorado for more details.
Let’s find your mountain home
We help buyers and sellers in Colorado’s mountain and ski communities. Browse our current listings or call us at (720) 403-2940 to talk through which town fits your lifestyle.