10 Best Places to Buy a Mountain Vacation Home in the U.S.

Outdoor recreation, cool breezes, and lush views await in these beautiful mountain communities.

Waking up to views of snow-capped peaks and lush forests can be a reality if you invest in a mountain vacation home. With dozens of mountain ranges, including the Appalachian Mountains, the Rocky Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, strewn across the country, there is no shortage of idyllic communities nestled among scenic hillsides.

Winter sports enthusiasts, of course, don't need any convincing — what could be better than being able to hit the slopes any time you feel like it? But the best thing about owning a mountain chalet or a cabin is having access to year-round outdoor recreation, be it hiking, skiing, kayaking, fishing, or bird watching.

“Employers' increased flexibility regarding remote work has really increased demand for homes in mountain towns. High-speed internet makes it possible for many people to work from home, or their home away from home,” Geordie Romer, managing broker at Windermere Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International, explained, adding that sometimes people choose to make the mountains their full-time residence.

So whether you're looking for the quintessential A-frame cabin with scenic views or are ready to invest in a sprawling home at your favorite ski resort, these 10 mountain communities are worth considering, according to top real estate agents.

McCall, Idaho

Whether you live full-time in McCall or come here occasionally for a vacation, this peaceful small town on the southern shore of Payette Lake is a four-season destination that offers access to top-notch winter resorts, quaint sandy beaches, and the spectacular Ponderosa State Park, all two hours north of Boise. And if that's not enough, the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness area, the largest contiguous wilderness area in the Lower 48, lies just east of McCall.

"The town, which is very pedestrian-friendly, still maintains its small-town feel with only two traffic lights, shops along the lake, lakeside city parks, and an amazing ice rink…in short, all anyone could want," Steve Jones,  a realtor at Amherst Madison Real Estate Advisors/Luxury Portfolio International, told Travel+Leisure.

Jones added that now is the perfect time to invest in a vacation home because prices have been on the rise since July this year.

"There are many options for buyers, including numerous condos – some on the lake with docks – as well as homes in town and homes on larger parcels," he explained.

The current median home value in McCall is almost $775,000, according to Zillow.

Leavenworth, Washington

One step inside the Bavarian-themed village of Leavenworth in the Cascade Mountains of Washington, and you might think you've teleported to Germany. Charming half-timbered houses line the streets of downtown Leavenworth, and restaurants offering traditional German delicacies, breweries, and small shops await travelers. However, the main draw for repeat travelers lies elsewhere.

"Abundant sunshine and a mountain location provide for unlimited outdoor recreation. Winter brings alpine skiers to Stevens Pass, Nordic skiers to numerous groomed trails, and snowmobilers. Summer and spring bring rock climbers, hikers, river rafters, golfers, and mountain bikers to town," Romer explained.

Romer added that there are two more benefits to owning a vacation home here that most people don't know about: relatively inexpensive electricity provided by the local hydroelectric dams and the widespread availability of high-speed fiber optic internet.

The current median home value in Leavenworth is about $695,000, according to Zillow, but Romer added that buyers looking for waterfront homes and parcels — the Wenatchee River passes through town — should be ready to pay a premium.

Park County, Colorado

If you're looking for Breckenridge-style amenities without the million-dollar price tag, then consider this area southwest of Denver, known for its scenic drives and variety of outdoor recreation like fishing (a favorite past-time here), off-roading, and hiking.

"Park County is a unique mountain destination with the charming towns of Alma — the highest incorporated town in the U.S. — and Fairplay, as well as multiple neighborhoods of mountain homes on acreage with stunning views," Soley Maria, a realtor at Kentwood Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International, said. "It's located just 30 minutes from the town and world-class ski area of Breckenridge, but being on the 285 Corridor, it avoids the heavily trafficked Interstate 70."

Maria also noted that Park County allows for short-term rentals, which can help offset mortgage and home maintenance costs. She explained that inventory has risen 27 percent since last year, and prices remain affordable for this part of the Centennial State, with a median price of $635,000 last month, according to Redfin.

Stowe, Vermont

"Stowe has it all… it's a treasure," Pall Spera, the owner and president at Pall Spera Company Realtors LLC/Luxury Portfolio International, said of one of Vermont's best small towns, famous for its bucolic fall foliage views and world-class winter sports facilities. According to Spera, Stowe's location is another draw — just seven miles off Interstate 89, which connects several New England states and Quebec. And while many travelers choose to visit in the fall and winter, there's plenty to do here in the warmer months, too, including hiking, exploring nearby waterfalls and lakes, catching a show in the town's performing arts theater, or enjoying a pint at the award-winning Alchemist Brewery.

"Stowe is really a 365-day carousel of enjoyable memories," Spera added.

As a result, the town's vacation home market fully reflects the increased demand, which ramped up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Homes here don't come cheap — the median home value is around $980,000, according to Zillow.

Flagstaff, Arizona

Arizona is home to nearly 200 named mountain ranges, with the highest peak towering 12,633 feet above sea level. Flagstaff, just two hours north of Phoenix, offers the perfect blend of year-round activities and urban amenities. In 2001, Flagstaff became the first International Dark Sky City, and has since emerged as a premier stargazing destination.

"Because of its climate, diverse landscapes, and central location in the heart of the Southwest, Flagstaff is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise year-round, ideal for hiking, running, biking, golfing, horseback riding, and camping," Amy Haight, a realtor with Arizona Best Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International, explained, adding that the town gets about 100 inches of snow each year, making it possible for residents and visitors to ski, snowboard, and ice skate.

The current median home value in Flagstaff is about $655,000, according to Zillow.

Lake Placid, New York

"I think the value in the Lake Placid Adirondack region is unsurpassed. Where else can you combine the storied history of the Gilded Age with incredible mountain and lake views?" Caroline Rupp of Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty said, also highlighting the town's appeal with winter sports enthusiasts. Lake Placid is a quick 15-minute drive from Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort, which hosted two Winter Olympics and continues to be one of the top winter destinations in the Northeast.

Potential buyers can find a variety of home styles here.

"There are historic 'Great Camps' built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and there are modern 'green' homes with a contemporary flair for even the most discerning buyer," Rupp added. "In other words, there is something for anyone, although, as in any market, the best properties move quickly."

Best of all, even though home prices can range from $500,000 to $28,000,000, according to Rupp, you don't have to spend millions to snatch your dream home.

"For example, currently, there are properties in the lower end of that range that are on the water in Saranac Lake or condo units in Lake Placid," she explained.

Big Sky, Montana

Big Sky is definitely having a moment. The Montana resort town, known for its world-class winter sports facilities, draws naturalists and national park enthusiasts thanks to its proximity to Yellowstone National Park and easy access to thousands of acres of public land and wildlife.

"The serene beauty of the mountains, forests, rivers, lakes and endless sky calm and refresh the soul. It is common to see elk, moose, deer, bear, and big horn sheep right in Big Sky," Laura T. Sacchi of Big Sky Sotheby's International Realty explained.

The good news for potential homebuyers is that the pandemic-caused home shortage is now over. The Big Sky real estate market "has become more balanced," Sacchi explained, with over 100 land offerings and even more condos, residences, and townhomes available. Prices range from about $445,000 for a one-bedroom/one-bathroom condo close to the resort's ski lifts to a couple million dollars for a single-family home.

"NOAA and the Farmers Almanac are predicting a very big snow year in Montana; an exciting thought for prospective buyers and locals alike," Sacchi added.

Brian Head, Utah

Brian Head might not be a household name like Park City or Deer Valley, but this is exactly what makes it the ideal vacation destination. As the highest winter resort in Utah, it receives over 300 inches of snow every year and offers eight chair lifts and 71 runs. But you may want to hurry up and invest in real estate now because the 650-acre resort is set to double its size in the next 30 years, local real estate agent A. Flint Decker of Summit Sotheby's International Realty explained.

"Brian Head is still largely an undiscovered gem, and the market reflects that, but not for much longer. By all indicators, the ski-in/ski-out property market in Brian Head appears poised and ready for growth," he said, explaining that the resort's proximity to Utah's Mighty Five national parks adds to its appeal as a year-round destination.

Prices for new condos start from $300,000, and the current median home value is about $283,000, according to Zillow, well under that of Park City (over $1.5 million).

Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

Earlier this year, home rental and management company Evolve ranked Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley the second best destination to invest in a ski home due to its consistently high cap rate of 8.6 percent and affordable home prices. Evolve highlighted towns like McGaheysville, Massanutten, and Elkton "for the most promising profit potential" and their short-term-rental-friendly policies. The towns are less than 20 minutes from Shenandoah Valley's premium ski destination, Massanutten Resort, which offers a large variety of winter sports facilities as well as a family adventure park and a day spa.

However, if you've been to this part of Virginia, you know that Shenandoah is a four-season destination with stunning fall foliage views and endless opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and kayaking. Another draw? The region is near Virginia's wine country, so you'll be a short drive away from some of the region's best wineries and scenic vineyards.

Teton Village, Wyoming

This small community, developed in the 1960s, is home to several hundred full-time residents, and it's the gateway to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

"Jackson Hole is one of the most special places in the world, having only three percent of the entire valley available for free market housing. This creates a beautiful valley with surrounding conservation land, Grand Teton National Park touching Teton Village, and plenty of wildlife in your backyard from the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem," Rob DesLauriers of Jackson Hole Sotheby's International Realty said.

Properties vary from original 1960s European-style chalets to modern residences with every single resort amenity you could think of. However, prices are pretty steep because of the limited supply of homes in Teton Village; DesLauriers explained that a one-bedroom condo could sell for around $1 million. Nevertheless, your investment could pay off.

"Teton Village is one of the few areas in Teton County that allows short-term rentals as well, which can be very attractive to some buyers," he added. "In my 25 years based in Teton Village, I have never seen buyer remorse. The norm here is the owners never wanting to leave because it's one of the most special places on Earth, and if you sell, it can be frustrating to get back in."

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