The Best Places to Buy a Ski Property in 2024 (Top U.S. Markets for Investors)

The Evolve Team

June 12, 2024

Every winter, skiers and snowboarders head to the mountains in search of fresh powder and unforgettable alpine experiences. But today’s travelers want more than a bed near the slopes. They’re looking for space to store gear, gather for meals, relax in a private hot tub, and feel at home after a long day outside.

That shift in traveler expectations makes ski vacation rentals especially appealing — both for guests and for investors. Even better, many of the best ski towns have evolved into year-round destinations, with hiking, festivals, charming downtowns, and warm-weather recreation that extend booking potential well beyond ski season.

The key to a successful ski property investment? Finding the right balance of:

Strong access to ski resorts

Reasonable home prices

Activities that attract off-season travelers

And timing matters, too. Historically, June through August is the best time to buy a ski property, when competition is lower and buyers can evaluate a market across all seasons.

If you’re considering a mountain investment, you’re in the right place. Below are the 12 best ski towns to buy a rental property in 2024, based on data-backed performance indicators and long-term income potential.

In This Article:
The Poconos, PA
Shenandoah Valley, VA
Laughlintown, PA
Vernon Township, NJ
Wilmington, VT
Idaho Springs, CO
Boone, NC
Boyne City, MI
Ruidoso, NM
Maggie Valley, NC
Brian Head, UT
Pagosa Springs, CO

How We Chose the Best Ski Towns for Investment

Our rankings are based on a combination of proprietary and public data, with a focus on three key factors:

Vacation rental performance: Focused on ski markets across the U.S., including bookings and median annual revenue

Median listing prices: Using Zillow, Redfin, and internal data

Estimated operating expenses: Approximately 30% of total revenue, used to calculate cap rate

We also evaluated each market’s ability to outperform averages with an Evolve partnership. Throughout the list, you’ll see examples of how top-performing owners significantly exceed projected revenue.

Note: All projections reflect ideal-state scenarios. Owner use, blocked calendars, and unexpected events (such as natural disasters) are not included.

1. The Poconos, PA

Photo of a ski hill near the Poconos mountains in Pennsylvania during winter. Image text reads, "$37,172 median rental revenue. $253,864 median listing price. 10.2% example cap rate."

Home to multiple ski resorts — including Camelback, Jack Frost, and Big Boulder Mountain — the Poconos offer one of the most accessible and affordable ski markets in the Northeast.

Why it works: Strong year-round appeal from skiing, lakes, and fall foliage

Target cities: Albrightsville, Tobyhanna, Long Pond, Lake Harmony, Pocono Lake

Top performers: Larger five-bedroom homes near resorts and lakes

Smaller homes can still perform well with family-friendly features, ski-in/ski-out access, and hot tubs. Local permitting varies by town, making regional expertise essential.

Evolve advantage: We can connect you with local, licensed real estate agents who specialize in short-term rentals to navigate the ins and outs of permitting and other requirements.

2. Shenandoah Valley, VA

Photo of Shenandoah Valley in Virginia at sunrise during winter with snow on the ground. Image text reads, "$39,126 median rental revenue. $319,608 median listing price. 8.6% example cap rate."

An emerging ski destination, Shenandoah Valley blends scenic beauty, rural charm, and reliable performance. It’s driven by Massanutten Resort’s 6,000 acres featuring a ski and adventure park, dining venues, shopping, and a day spa.

Most affordable towns: McGaheysville, Massanutten, and Elkton

Revenue edge: Homes minutes from the resort with slope views

Guest appeal: Family-friendly layouts with game rooms for crowds and mudrooms for gear storage

Cap rates have remained consistent, signaling steady opportunity for long-term investors.

Image text reads, "The Evolve Difference: Our owners have earned up to $89,440 annually!

3. Laughlintown, PA

Photo of a forest covered in fresh snow in Laughlintown, Pennsylvania. Image text reads, "$31,905 median rental revenue. $267,381 median listing price. 8.4% example cap rate."

Located near Laurel Mountain Ski Resort — which has the steepest double diamond slope in the state — Laughlintown attracts travelers from Pittsburgh and the Midwest.

Multi-season draw: Skiing, Linn Run State Park, Idlewild Amusement Park, and the historic town of Ligonier

High-earning amenities: Game rooms, home theaters, and pools

Search tip: Look to Laurel Mountain borough for the strongest performance

4. Vernon Township, NJ

Photo of a ski resort near Vernon Township in New Jersey during summer with green trees. Image text reads, "$35,371 median rental revenue. $325,430 median listing price. 7.6% example cap rate."

Just an hour from New York City, Vernon Township benefits from weekend demand and four-season attractions.

Anchor resort: Mountain Creek Ski Resort

Top homes: Properties within the resort or with ultra-easy shuttle access

Year-round bookings: Festivals, hiking on the Appalachian Trail, waterpark, skiing

Some Evolve owners earn nearly triple the market median revenue here, up to $96,976 annually.

5. Wilmington, VT

Photo of a ski resort near Wilmington, Vermont during winter on a blue bird day. Image text reads, "$33,289 median rental revenue. $342,678 median listing price. 6.8% example cap rate."

Wilmington delivers classic New England charm with easy access to Mount Snow. There’s plenty of hiking and biking for the warmer seasons, along with a quaint collection of shops and cozy restaurants in town.

Best locations: Within 10 miles of Mount Snow or Timber Creek Cross Country Ski Area

Top property type: Four- to five-bedroom, pet-friendly homes

Expansion option: Nearby Dover offers similar upside

Image text reads, "The Evolve Difference: Our owners have earned up to $89,353 annually!

6. Idaho Springs, CO

Photo of the Rocky Mountains during winter near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Image text reads, "$51,059 median rental revenue. $571,371 median listing price. 6.3% example cap rate."

Tucked into the Rocky Mountains, Idaho Springs is a gateway to world-class Colorado ski resorts, attracting travelers who want to hit the slopes without the high daily rates and tourist congestion of the major ski towns. It also features plenty of warm-weather outdoor activities, a vibrant downtown scene, and is just a 45-minute drive from Denver.

Nearby resorts: Loveland, Winter Park, Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain, and Echo Mountain

Strong performers: One- to two-bedroom homes with views and hot tubs

Investor note: STR permitting applies; local guidance is recommended

Cap rates have increased thanks to rising rental revenue, pointing to growing demand.

7. Boone, NC

Photo of a winter scene with snow on a pine tree near Boone, North Carolina. Image text reads, "$37,628 median rental revenue. $423,825 median listing price. 6.2% example cap rate."

Boone offers Blue Ridge scenery and activities within easy reach of Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain, and Appalachian Ski Mountain. Downtown Boone’s vibrant music and arts scene draws visitors all year long.

Year-round appeal: Skiing, hiking, arts, breweries, and festivals

Top homes: Pet-friendly cabins with decks, hot tubs, and private backyards

Performance edge: Properties within 10 miles of at least one ski resort earn nearly double the median rental revenue for Evolve owners, up to $80,062 annually

8. Boyne City, MI

Photo of a chairlift on top of a hill near Boyne City, Michigan during the off season. Image text reads, "$33,724 median rental revenue. $383,845 median listing price. 6.2% example cap rate."

The Midwest’s standout ski market, Boyne City pairs lake life and a small-town atmosphere with access to world-renowned Boyne Mountain Resort. Aside from skiing, winter activities include things like snowshoeing and ice fishing.

Guest base: Families and large groups

High-earning homes: Spacious cabins near the resort with hot tubs, fire pits, and kid-friendly amenities
- Evolve owners have earned up to $107,389 annually

Strategy note: Strong management can outperform dropping market averages despite rising prices

9. Ruidoso, NM

Aerial image of snow-capped mountains in Ruidoso, New Mexico during winter. Image text reads, "$27,885 median rental revenue. $362,411 median listing price. 5.4% example cap rate."

Ruidoso’s alpine charm, vibrant arts and culinary scenes, and Wild West history offer year-round appeal to all kinds of travelers.

Winter draw: Ski Apache Resort and Winter Park Recreation Area

Off-season recreation: Sierra Blanca Mountains, White Sands National Monument, Lincoln National Forest

Top property features: Mountain views, wraparound decks, and hot tubs

10. Maggie Valley, NC

Photo of a winter scene with snow covered trees and thick fog near Maggie Valley, North Carolina. Image text reads, "$31,323 median rental revenue. $419,009 median listing price. 5.2% example cap rate."

Set in the Smoky Mountains, Maggie Valley offers easy access to Cataloochee Ski Area and Tube World. Aside from offering all-seasons fun and beautiful scenery, it’s also conveniently situated right between Bryson City and Asheville.

High earners: Homes within 10 miles of the slopes earn Evolve owners more than double the median revenue (up to $67,456 annually)

Standout amenities: Fire pits, saunas, and game rooms, traditional log cabin aesthetics

Ideal for: Multi-generational travel and group stays

11. Brian Head, UT

Photo from the top of a trail looking down at a ski resort in Brian Head, Utah covered in snow. Image text reads, "$22,228 median rental revenue. $324,689 median listing price. 4.8% example cap rate."

At 9,800 feet, Brian Head is often called the “highest resort town in America.” Its location in Dixie National Forest makes it great for both skiers and hikers visiting popular national parks.

All-season appeal: Brian Head Resort plus access to Zion and Bryce Canyon

Top properties: Slopeside cabins with four to five bedrooms and rustic decor

Operational ease: Straightforward permitting, with required snow removal

Image text reads, "The Evolve Difference: Our owners have earned up to $79,296 annually!

Snow removal is just one of the best practices owners should implement for winterizing a vacation rental.

12. Pagosa Springs, CO

Aerial photo of Pagosa Springs, Colorado with the sun hitting the tops of mountains during winter. Image text reads, "$32,134 median rental revenue. $539,099 median listing price. 4.2% example cap rate."

Near Wolf Creek Ski Area — known for Colorado’s highest snowfall — Pagosa Springs is a laid-back ski town in the San Juan Mountains that offers a quieter alternative to busy destinations like Breckenridge and Vail.

Year-round attractions: Hot springs, lake and river activities, hiking, and golf

Best homes: Three- to five-bedroom properties near a body of water, within 30 miles of skiing, featuring amenities like hot tubs and on-site trail access

Regulatory note: Local contact and zoning compliance required

Evolve advantage: We connect our owners with local service partners to keep properties running smoothly all year long.

Buy the Perfect Ski Property with Evolve

Investing in a ski vacation rental is a major decision, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Whether you’re drawn to a beachfront escape, a mountain cabin, or a family-friendly lake house, our experts help you:

Clarify personal and financial goals

Understand market-specific earning potential

Connect with trusted local real estate agents

Manage your property to maximize income

Helpful Resources for Investors

Benefits of Investing in Vacation Rentals

Vacation Rental Market Analyses

Vacation Rental Income Calculator

With the right guidance, owning a ski property can be both profitable and rewarding. Connect with our team to take the first step toward investing in one of the best short-term rental markets in the U.S.