Not all snowbirds fly toward Florida and Palm Springs. In fact, many are opting not to wing south, but rather to plot a northward flight path toward cooler mountain regions removed from the bustling, throng-packed, household name ski regions.
In emerging ski destinations, they can savor the best of winter ski season, but also partake of favored summer activities from hiking and golfing to kayaking, boating and horseback riding. Moreover, within these newer ski meccas, away from crowds they might find in traditional communities like Aspen and Vail, there exists no shortage of resort communities with abundant second home-buying opportunities.
“It’s not necessarily that buyers are favoring new resort towns over old,” says Tina Necrason, executive vice president residential with Montage International, with ski real estate properties in Big Sky, Mt., and Park City and Deer Valley, Utah.
“It’s about the lifestyle offered and individual appeal to that particular buyer, ranging from perhaps a particular affinity to a location or family tradition. These ski real estate destinations have shared appeal and cater to a variety of demographics, from couples to families with children of all ages, empty nesters and more, but have distinguishing factors.”
Among the emerging second-home communities in ski country are the following:
Clear Creek Tahoe, Carson City, Nev.
Access to both winter and summer sports makes this a four-season favorite with many second-home buyers. Clear Creek Tahoe is a new private residential community set on more than 2,100 acres bordered by the largest national forest in the lower 48.
Lake Tahoe’s average 300 sunny days per year means more opportunity to partake of the Coore & Crenshaw-designed golf course, and the Summit Camp family campus. Nearby, the Julia Morgan-designed Twin Pines Lake & Ski House offers a haven for Clear Creek members to kick back after a day on the slopes at Heavenly Ski Resort.
Proximity is a key factor for many members, says Christopher Appling, director of membership. “Clear Creek Tahoe is an easy drive to the Bay Area and close to Reno- Tahoe International Airport,” he observes. “Members are shuttled just four short blocks to the gondola at Heavenly Ski Resort and can expect to come back to a crackling fire, a warm drink and welcoming clubhouse while taking advantage of trails on foot, snowshoes, or cross-country skis.”
Tributary, Driggs, Idaho
Located in Idaho’s Teton Valley, an under-the-radar ski destination, Tributary’s four-bedroom homes start at $3.25 million. Inside of an hour are two world-class ski meccas, Jackson Hole Ski Resort and Grand Targhee Ski Resort. “We are seeing a trend of buyers looking for the next quiet mountain town,” says Jeff Heilburn, director of real estate for Tributary.
“Teton Valley is still relatively undiscovered, although it sits only 45 minutes away from Jackson Hole. You have access to all the best outdoor recreation that you would search for in a mountain town, but in a quaint, slower-paced setting.”
Montage Residences, Big Sky, Deer Valley
“Montage’s target buyers encompass an exclusive group of well-accomplished, seasoned travelers featuring a commonality,” Necrason says, adding buyers are not priced out of Aspen or Vail, given that second home prices are not that different.
“It’s less about being priced out and more about selecting a location that best aligns with their lifestyle. Aspen and Vail offer their own unique charm and are beloved by many. However, while the destinations are highly sought, they can give the feel of being more densely populated. In addition to a range of factors, our buyers are typically looking for the exclusivity element that comes with added privacy, which sometimes can be more challenging to find in these markets.”
