Procuring a property in one of America’s many ski towns in a bid to live out your alpine dream comes—more often than not—with a hefty price tag.
Big-name resorts like Vail, CO, Park City, UT, or Big Sky, MT, boast an array of beautiful and incredibly expensive homes, with prices in these areas typically ascending into the millions, if not more.
However, it is possible to find a budget-friendly snowy oasis mere minutes from the slopes if you are willing to look at one of the lesser-known locations across the U.S.
The 12 Most Affordable Areas to Buy a Ski Home
By examining listing prices and slope quality at dozens of ski towns in the country, the Realtor.com data team has compiled a list of the 12 most affordable areas where buying a ski home doesn’t have to break the bank.
Median List Price: $137,200
Only 10 miles from the Canadian border, Malone provides family-friendly skiing in the Adirondacks. Titus Mountain Family Ski Center offers day and night skiing and is a short drive from Lake Placid and Northern Vermont.
Malone, New York
The city itself has a rich history, with more than 400 properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Median List Price: $164,500
Harrison, with a population of 2,150, is a peaceful small town in Central Michigan with an incredibly low cost of living. The town slogan is “Twenty lakes in twenty minutes,” as 20 different lakes are within a 20-minute drive.
Harrison, Michigan
But perhaps the biggest draw of the town is Harrison’s Snow Snake Mountain, which offers incredible skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snow tubing.
Median List Price: $179,900
Mansfield ranked No. 23 on the Realtor.com list of the Hottest ZIP Codes of 2024. In the first half of the year, properties spent just 27 days on the market, which was 26 days less than the national average.
Mansfield, Ohio
The skiing at Snow Trails is a major draw for locals, who enjoy beginner to advanced slopes that are lit up for night skiing. There’s also a snow tubing park that features colorful LED lighting for “glow tubing.”
Median List Price: $189,900
Snowshoe is an idyllic ski town nestled in West Virginia’s Appalachian mountains. Its tight-knit community treasures its quiet and remote slice of paradise.
Snowshoe, West Virginia
Snowshoe residents love the fact that the largest ski resort in the state, Snowshoe Mountain Resort, is practically right in their own backyard. It celebrated its 50th anniversary this year and is home to 60 trails and 257 acres of skiable terrain.
Median List Price: $199,000
Scranton is famous for being the setting for the comedy classic “The Office,” but many people aren’t aware that another thing it’s famous for is its top-notch skiing.
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Montage Mountain ski resort, just 8 miles from downtown Scranton, features 26 trails for all skill levels, a 1,000-foot vertical drop, and full mountain night skiing.
Median List Price: $221,900
Wisconsin Dells—known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World”—is an affordable city that offers a bevy of family-friendly activities.
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
One of the most popular is Christmas Mountain Ski Resort, which has a variety of beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain, as well as a terrain park.
Median List Price: $264,400
Just 50 miles from New York City, Vernon feels like it’s worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple.
Vernon, New Jersey
This peaceful town of 22,711 residents is home to the largest ski resort in New Jersey, Mountain Creek Resort—which has terrain parks, over 40 trails, and the region’s highest vertical.
Median List Price: $317,000
Harrisonburg is a vibrant college town located near Shenandoah National Park. With James Madison University in the heart of the city, Harrisonburg is a popular home base for many young residents.
Harrisonburg, Virginia
Skiing is a big draw for students and locals who love to hit the slopes. Nearby Massanutten Resort offers 14 runs for skiing and snowboarding, and it has 6,000 acres of Blue Ridge Mountain fun.
Median List Price: $327,000
Anaconda is a small town near the Rocky Mountains with a population of around 9,600. It’s popular with those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle and access to outdoor activities.
Anaconda, Montana
Discovery Ski Area, located in what’s known as the “Anaconda-Philipsburg Area” of Montana, offers great snow conditions, uncrowded slopes, and steep terrain that keeps skiers coming back for more.
Median List Price: $339,250
Brian Head gets more snow than any other city on our top 12 list, with about 360 inches per year. Located in Southern Utah, Brian Head combines small-town living with world-class skiing.
Brian Head, Utah
Brian Head Resort delivered 174 days of skiing and snowboarding last season, which was a new record.
Median List Price: $365,000
People move to Albuquerque for its mild weather, affordable cost of living, and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Sandia Peak Ski Area is Albuquerque’s sole ski resort, offering 25 miles of slopes and 35 trails. The resort fosters a family-friendly environment, providing free skiing for children 12 and under.
Median List Price: $484,950
Maggie Valley is a charming small town with magnificent views of the Smoky Mountains.
Maggie Valley, North Carolina
The Cataloochee Ski Area gets 50 to 60 inches of snow per year, and it offers both beginner and intermediate runs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the most affordable ski towns in the US?
A: According to Realtor.com, the 12 most affordable areas to buy a ski home are Malone, NY; Harrison, MI; Mansfield, OH; Snowshoe, WV; Scranton, PA; Wisconsin Dells, WI; Vernon, NJ; Harrisonburg, VA; Anaconda, MT; Brian Head, UT; Albuquerque, NM; and Maggie Valley, NC.
Q: What are the median list prices for these towns?
A: The median list prices range from $137,200 to $484,950.
Q: What are the highlights of each town?
A: Each town offers a unique combination of affordable living, access to skiing and snowboarding, and family-friendly activities.
Q: How did Realtor.com compile this list?
A: Realtor.com analyzed listing prices and slope quality at dozens of ski towns in the country to compile this list.
