The
Steady Popularity of Skiing Highlights Enduring Enthusiasm for Winter Sports
Skiing remains one of the most popular winter sports worldwide, with over 120 million people hitting the slopes each year, according to Worldmetrics.org. Worldmetrics also reports that skiing and snowboarding participation in the U.S. has remained steady over the past decade, with approximately eight million participants annually.
This stability underscores a strong and ongoing interest in winter recreational activities, reflecting the consistent demand for outdoor sports and leisure across the country.
Insights From Engel & Völkers’
Lifestyle Experts
As a renowned luxury real estate brand, many of the Engel & Völkers advisors specialize in working with ski enthusiasts, helping them find the perfect homes in some of the most sought-after ski destinations. They too live the ski lifestyle their clients aspire to and specialize in the nuances and markets of these sought-after destinations year-round.
We recently spoke to the advisors who specialize in ski properties across the U.S. and Canada to gain insights about the current trends they’re seeing in the residential ski market. Here’s what they had to say about today’s buyer preferences:
Homebuyers Are Affluent and Investment-Oriented
The typical ski property buyer in the U.S. and Canada is generally in their mid-40s to mid-60s, with annual incomes ranging from $500,000 to $1 million or, in some cases, boasting much higher net worths.
These buyers are often professionals in fields such as finance, technology, or entrepreneurship. They’re passionate about outdoor activities like skiing or snowboarding, hiking, fishing, and golf, and they often seek a property that enhances their active lifestyles. Many buyers are focused on creating family bonding experiences, looking for a place where they can gather with loved ones and enjoy everything mountain life has to offer.
Luxury Homebuyers Dominate
Ultra-luxury homes are selling faster than midpriced homes in some markets, signaling that high-
net-worth individuals are increasingly viewing ski homes as status symbols or the optimal personal retreats. This reflects the growing demand for top-tier amenities and exclusive ski experiences that come with a higher price tag.
Investment Focus
Many middle to high-end buyers are now approaching ski property purchases with an eye on investment potential, especially in markets like Sun Peaks, British Columbia. Properties zoned for short-term rentals are particularly appealing, as buyers look to capitalize on rental income when they aren’t using the property. This shift underscores a blending of lifestyle and financial goals.
Luxury, Convenience, and Investment:
The Must-Have Amenities in Today’s Ski Properties
Lifestyle and investment potential are a priority. While proximity to great skiing, especially with ski-in ski-out access, is highly desirable, people expect a more immersive experience that includes other outdoor activities like snowboarding, as well as access to high-end dining and shopping.
There’s strong demand for ski-in ski-out developments, with many buyers gravitating toward the convenience and experience of living directly on the slopes. These properties offer the ultimate mountain lifestyle, allowing residents and guests to step right into their skis or snowboards and access the hill without the need for transportation. These homes tend to command substantially higher prices and appeal to both homeowners and investors seeking strong rental opportunities.
However, in many of the prominent ski markets Engel & Völkers serves in the U.S., on-mountain developments are less common because many resorts are located on both privately held and leased U.S. Forest Service land, a fact that limits the development of new projects. This scarcity has led to increased popularity in nearby towns and cities, especially those within close proximity to the resorts.
Properties located along shuttle and bus routes also attract interest, as they still provide ease of access to the slopes, though they don’t carry the same premium as ski-in ski-out homes.
In terms of the home itself, buyers are focused on properties that have mountain views, privacy, and design elements like large windows that bring the feeling of the outdoors inside. For luxury homebuyers, new construction with high-quality finishes and modern design, along with features like spacious indoor and outdoor entertainment areas, are highly desirable. Practical elements like mudrooms and ample bedroom counts are in demand to accommodate families or hosting guests.
Additionally, amenities that blend relaxation with functionality — such as saunas, hot tubs, and access to resort-style facilities like spas — further elevate the property’s appeal, especially when targeting vacation renters.
“Ultra-luxury homes sell faster, prioritizing privacy, views, and indooroutdoor living.”
Paul Benson License Partner Engel & Völkers Park City
Impact of Multi-Resort
Lift Passes
While there has always been an organic connection between signature mountains and their visitors, the introduction of multi-resort lift passes like Epic and Ikon has been a significant driver of visitor traffic across markets. While these passes have boosted tourism and brought more exposure to ski destinations, the impact has been mixed:
Positive Impact
These passes have expanded the market reach, attracting skiers from outside traditional regions, such as California and Colorado, and even international markets. Buyers now see greater value in purchasing ski properties that allow access to multiple resorts.
Challenges
Overcrowding has been a common complaint. Many markets report longer lift lines and higher visitor numbers, which, while benefiting the local economies, can detract from the traditional, exclusive on-mountain experience that some buyers seek.
Park City, Utah
Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
Aspen, Colorado
Popular Destinations
People are drawn to ski markets represented by Engel & Völkers for the combination of exceptional snow conditions, varied terrain, and unique resort experiences.
Thanks to Pacific Coast weather patterns, in Washington State (at Mt. Baker and Crystal Mountain) and in Oregon (at Mt. Bachelor and Mt. Hood), resorts are known for their significant snowfall, consistent powder days, and plenty of challenging terrain. These destinations attract both adventure-seekers and those looking for bigmountain skiing with diverse terrain.
Aspen and Utah’s Deer Valley (one of only three U.S. resorts to prohibit snowboarding) and Park City are renowned for their pristine powder, unmatched light, fluffy snow, and luxurious accommodations; the latter two are within a short drive from Salt Lake City’s international airport. Big Sky Resort, Moonlight Basin, and Yellowstone Club in Montana combine incredible skiing with a complete luxury lifestyle, including family-friendly outdoor recreation and exclusive mountain communities.
Idaho’s glamorous Sun Valley, America’s first purposebuilt destination ski resort (circa 1936), is renowned for its Hollywood homeowners, steep fall-line trails on Bald Mountain, and charming Ketchum, the town it towers above. In Wyoming, challenging Jackson Hole Mountain Resort boasts a leg-wearying 4,139-foot vertical drop (defined as the difference in elevation between a resort’s base area and the top of its highest lift), the largest in the U.S. and second-largest in North America.
Whiteface Ski Mountain in New York’s Adirondacks stands out as a premier destination for skiers and snowboarders, offering the greatest vertical drop in the Eastern U.S. at 3,430 feet. Its 90+ trails provide a diverse range of terrain, from beginner-friendly groomed runs to challenging steeps and glades, ensuring a memorable experience for all skill levels.
With one of the most advanced snowmaking systems in the Northeast and exceptional grooming, the mountain offers reliable conditions throughout the season. Adding to its allure is Whiteface’s historic Olympic legacy, as the site of the 1980 Winter Games alpine skiing events, giving visitors the chance to experience world-class slopes steeped in history.
In Maine, resorts like Sugarloaf, Sunday River, and Saddleback offer consistent snow and large base areas, providing both great skiing and vibrant nightlife.
In Canada, Big White Ski Resort, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, and SilverStar Mountain Resort are among the most popular destinations for luxury properties, offering breathtaking mountain landscapes, consistent snowfall, and a wide array of winter activities.
Also in Canada, Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding outside the Rockies, with ski-in ski-out accommodations, luxury townhomes, and a vibrant, European-flavored pedestrian village filled with fine dining, entertainment, and boutiques. The resort is also popular for its range of winter activities beyond skiing, including snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding.
The Impact of Recent Economic Conditions on the Ski Property Market
Recent economic conditions have had a mixed impact on the ski property market. While the broader economy has faced challenges, demand for ski properties has remained strong, particularly as the desire to “get outside” became a significant theme during the pandemic.
Many high-net-worth individuals have sought out luxury mountain retreats, driving up price points and making ski homes less affordable for those outside of this demographic. Additionally, the rise of remote work has led more buyers to invest in ski properties as both recreational escapes and year-round homes.
The pace of sales has slowed compared to the postpandemic surge, and international buyer restrictions, such as the foreign buyer ban in Canada, have introduced new limitations. Despite these factors, the ski property market continues to thrive, fueled by the lasting appeal of the outdoor lifestyle and the unique luxury that mountain living provides.
Future Outlook
Over the next 5-10 years, the ski property market is expected to see continued growth, with increasing property values and demand, particularly among highnet-worth buyers. As costs associated with the sport continue to rise, the market may narrow, catering more to affluent buyers seeking premium experiences.
Developers will likely include more amenities with properties to attract a younger crowd, including fractional ownership models. Additionally, in markets with limited available land for new ski developments, we anticipate a focus on remodeling existing properties.
Ski resorts that limit ticket sales to reduce crowding and enhance the overall experience will likely command higher premiums. Finally, as climate change continues to impact snowfall, we may see a shift in how ski areas manage their terrain and attract buyers.
Living the Dream: Ski Properties and the Engel & Völkers Lifestyle
At Engel & Völkers, we are more than just a real estate brand — we are a lifestyle brand, and the ski property market is a key facet of that lifestyle. The real estate advisors in the Engel & Völkers network aren’t simply selling homes; they’re sharing their passion for mountain life and introducing clients to a world where luxury meets adventure.
Whether it’s skiing from one stunning property to another or living in vibrant resort towns year-round, Engel & Völkers advisors embody the essence of living the dream. The ski market offers the perfect blend of work and play, where helping clients find their dream ski retreat is as rewarding as the lifestyle itself.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming