Endowed with some of the most impressive mountain ranges in the world, it’s no surprise that the United States also has some of the best ski resorts.
Most of the world-class resorts are in the West, but there are great options in virtually every corner of the country. From Mt. Mansfield in Vermont to Lake Tahoe in California, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a novice skier or an experienced freerider.
If your goal is to build a vacation home near a ski resort, there are lots of factors to consider. For most skiers, snow conditions come first. But the situation off the slopes can be just as important. Ideally, you want great après-ski opportunities in a town with plenty of amenities and a welcoming atmosphere.
We’ll cover more on this ahead and show you some of our top picks for the best ski resorts in the US.
A Few Factors to Consider
There are lots of decisions to make when choosing where to build your log cabin home, from snow conditions around the resort to proximity to a major town or city. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing the best spot for your new log home:
Accessibility to slopes – If your dream is to ski right out the back door, be patient with your search. Vacant land is often in short supply near major ski resorts. But finding the perfect property is possible with dedication, a realistic budget, and a top-notch real estate agent. If you’re open to a short drive to the slopes, you’ll greatly expand your options.
Après-ski opportunities – Love telling tales of epic ski runs and perfect powder after a day on the slopes? Then you’ll want to choose an area with a great après-ski atmosphere. For many people, the after-ski social scene is just as important as skiing itself. Après-ski offerings can range from down-home (beers and burgers) to sophisticated (fine wine and charcuterie). But they’re always merry.
Privacy – Most ski-in-ski-out properties get considerable traffic, so if you want a private mountain hideaway with acreage, your best bet is to search outside the town limits or on the outskirts.
Proximity to the city – Do you need to be near a major town or within a short drive of the city? If so, secluded spots like Sundance Resort in Utah or Crested Butte in Colorado may not be the best fit. Stocking up on groceries, shopping, and access to cultural events and entertainment may require a sizable drive.
Top Ski Resort Destinations
Building a new log home from the ground up means first finding a great piece of real estate. We’ve picked some of our favorite spots in regions across the US. This list is by no means exhaustive, just a snapshot of some of the country’s best offerings.
Lake Tahoe, California
From Palisades to Heavenly to Kirkwood, Lake Tahoe boasts some of the best ski resorts in California. With 300-500 inches of powdery snowfall each year and runs for all skill levels, it’s no wonder Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular ski destinations in the country.
Despite the area’s popularity, there are a surprising number of wooded vacant lots for sale at reasonable prices. You should have no trouble finding a quarter-acre or half-acre lot starting from around $250,000.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
The Grand Tetons are a sight to behold, but Jackson Hole isn’t for the faint of heart. It skews toward intermediate and advanced skiers. The terrain is challenging, but if you’re an experienced skier, you probably already have your eye on Jackson Hole.
With 133 trails and 2,500 skiable acres, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has something for everyone. The resort recently upgraded its lift, cutting ride times in half. The Western-themed town of Jackson is 20 minutes away to the south and has everything you need for essentials.
Real estate in Jackson is some of the priciest anywhere. But if you have a sizable budget, this is one of the most spectacular places to live in the West.
Park City, Utah
The largest ski resort in the US, Park City boasts more than 7,000 skiable acres spread over 17 peaks. If you love long, groomed runs, Park City is the place for you.
Park City offers access to some of the finest skiing and snowboarding in the world for every skill level. And with a thriving arts and culture scene, plenty of shopping and dining, and lots of family-friendly activities, there’s something to do all year round.
You’ll have no trouble finding land to build your mountain hideaway in Park City. Salt Lake City is less than an hour’s drive away, which makes this ski resort an ideal spot for those who need to commute to the city for work.
Breckenridge, Colorado
With more than 180 trails spread over five peaks and 3,000 acres, there’s something for everyone at Breckenridge, or “Breck,” as it’s known locally.
A Gold Rush town with a charming village-like atmosphere, the downtown area features Old West architecture and boasts plenty of shops and dining spots. Just around the bend is Copper Mountain, another popular ski resort known for its family-friendly atmosphere.
Breckenridge is an all-around great choice. It’s an ideal vacation spot for those who live and work in or around Denver. You can easily find a half-acre lot for your ski resort cabin for as little as $200K.
Stowe, Vermont
Vermont has some of the best skiing in the country, bar none. From Stowe to Stratton Mountain, you could spend a lifetime skiing the state’s legendary runs. Stowe Mountain Resort is a historic ski spot boasting 116 runs for all skill levels. A new high-speed six-person lift now carries skiers up the mountain in half the time.
Vacant lots with views of Mt. Mansfield don’t come up very often, so act fast when they do. Burlington is just a 30- to 45-minute drive to the west for those who work in the city or want access to cultural events and entertainment.
Mt. Bachelor, Oregon
Known for its light, fluffy snow and awe-inspiring profile, Mt. Bachelor is home to Oregon’s most famous ski resort. With more than 4,300 skiable acres and 12 lifts, Mt. Bachelor is the 6th largest ski resort in the country and a mecca for skiers from all over the US. The mountain has an extensive network of groomed trails, so it’s a hotspot for cross-country enthusiasts.
Mt. Bachelor doesn’t have the traditional bottom-of-the-slope infrastructure as other ski resorts. It’s a drive-in-drive-out situation. Most people live in Bend, 20 miles to the east. This high-desert city has seen rapid growth in the past decade, but there’s still plenty of vacant land on offer, especially in the northeastern part of town.
Partner with eLoghomes for Your Ski Cabin Build
Whether you’re in the market for a classic vacation cabin or a luxurious multi-story log home for entertaining, eLoghomes is your expert guide.
As the nation’s leading log home manufacturer and builder, we are pros in the log home kit space. Our log home planning specialists will guide you through the home-building process, from choosing the best floor plan for your budget to the construction of your eLoghomes shell package.
Take a virtual tour of some of our most popular models, find your perfect floor plan, and get in touch today to start building your dream ski resort cabin!