When it comes to ski resort property, probably the most coveted piece of real estate on the mountain is a ski-in/ski-out home. If you want it all, then this is the prize…upscale lodging on a wooded or wide trail that is immaculately groomed daily by the resort. When you tell people that your house in Mt. Crested Butte is ski-in/ski-out, it’s hard not to say it with a grin on your face.
But of course, this type of property is desirable for a number of reasons. You already know the main reason…just step in your skis and glide elegantly down to the lift line. When the day is over and you are happily tired after a great day of carving, you can just glide back to your home, step out of your skis and walk in your front door. If your lodging happens to be near the main lifts, you are just a short walk away from the base area experience…restaurants, saloons, shops, outdoor fireplaces, music, and all types of day and night entertainment.
There are many things that affect real estate pricing, but with resort property there seem to be three: location, amenities and availability. Generally speaking, and all else being equal, the farther away from the ski slopes you get, the less expensive property becomes. There are exceptions to every rule, but if the main reason a resort exists is skiing, then it is property closest to the ski slopes that will be the most desirable…and command the higher prices. True ski-in/ski-out homes are usually in short supply. In other words, you have many buyers competing for limited inventory…supply and demand; short supply and high demand equals a high price. And usually, slope side homes are built with elegance in mind…top quality finishes.
A study done recently by USA Today using MLS listings and county sales figures, listed the 10 most expensive properties in the towns of Aspen, Vail, Telluride, Copper Mountain, Park City and Big Sky. Not surprisingly, the top 10 properties in each location were ski-in/ski-out homes.
History shows these homes will also hold their value because they will always be rare.
So, when someone asks if it is really worth it, you can say…yes, ski in/ski out homes really are worth the extra money (if you can find them).
For a complete list of homes and condos on the slope, contact us. We specialize in Crested Butte real estate and fine properties.