Morning runs on freshly groomed slopes. Quiet, snowy landscapes. Swapping stories around the firepit, hot chocolate in hand. This is what vacations at a ski condo are made of.
Here’s the good news: Ski condos aren’t just for winter warriors. Many mountain destinations offer fun and adventure across all four seasons. With attractions like ziplines and alpine coasters and activities like fishing, mountain biking, hiking, golfing, and boating, several ski towns across the country have become year-round hotspots. Depending on where you buy your ski condo, hitting your occupancy and revenue goals beyond winter may be easier than you think.
Before purchasing that ski property you’ve always wanted, here are tips to help you choose the right property.
Perks of buying a ski condo
1. Amenities that attract guests
Unlike stand-alone mountain cabins or ski chalets, condo owners aren’t responsible for investing in big amenities that tend to entice guests. That’s because most mountain condo buildings already have them. When searching for a ski condo, first look at properties that offer the top 7 vacation rental amenities that guests look for. Then, focus on additional perks that give you an advantage over the competition. Some ski condo amenities to look for:
- Ski-in/ski-out access
- Heated pools
- Hot tub
- Outdoor fireplaces and firepits
- Game rooms
- On-site concierge
- Heated garage
- Seasonal bike rentals
- On-site snack shops
- Fitness center
- Resort shuttles to town and ski lifts
2. A leg up on mountain cabins
According to Vacasa’s Top Ski Travel Spots in Winter 2022, condos emerged as the accommodation of choice across the board, representing 55% of bookings this past winter (and a jump of 15 percentage points from summer).
Only a few ski destinations show standalone homes and cabins capturing the majority of bookings all year round, namely Lake Tahoe, CA; McCall/Valley County, ID; and Mt. Hood, OR.
3. A turnkey vacation spot
Planning your own getaway to your ski condo will be a cinch. Simply check in and unpack. No need to winterize your vacation rental, as you would for a stand alone mountain cabin or chalet. No shutting down of gas lines, insulating pipes, or clearing your gutters. Your condo’s HOA will handle those responsibilities on your behalf.
Plus, if you rent out your vacation home with Vacasa, there are no limits to how often you can book your condo for personal use.
4. Guests who book longer stays
According to Vacasa’s 2022 Ski & Winter Search Report, bookings in our 15 most popular North America ski destinations—from California to Vermont—were significantly longer in winter than in summer. Last year, we averaged about twice as many 4- to 7-day trips during ski season.
