Ski-In Condos vs Remote Mountain Lodge: Which Do You Prefer?
Posted by Dave Kotler on Wednesday, December 21st, 2022 at 9:56am.
Having a property in the mountains is a fantastic luxury. Mountainside living allows you to experience breathtaking views every day and helps you create a cozy home within the snowy landscape. Many people love mountain living because of the access to winter sports, scenic vistas, and the break it provides away from the bustle of busy cities.
There are several types of mountainside homes, and knowing which is the best option might not be immediately clear. From homes near ski resorts with ski-in, ski-out access to remote cabins, there is plenty to consider for those looking to purchase one of these options. Here are the pros and cons of ski-in, ski-out condos and remote mountain cabins to help you determine which property best suits your winter wishes.
Pros & Cons of Ski-In, Ski-Out Condos
Buyers should weigh the following pros and cons of purchasing a ski-in, ski-out condo before deciding to buy one.
Pro: Unbeatable Slopeside Convenience
One of the top benefits of a ski-in, ski-out home is the property's convenience and location to the slopes. For avid skiers and snowboarders, there's no better property. As the name suggests, you can get up, put on your ski gear, and get to the lifts without additional transportation like buses or shuttles. And when you're done for the day, you can ski back home to enjoy the evening without having to sit through a long, crowded ride back to a resort. You can make the most of your ski days when the slopes are on your doorstep.
Pro: Higher Rental Rates
Quite often, homeowners use their mountain properties as rentals throughout the year. If this is the case for you, then a ski-in, ski-out home is one of the best properties to own. When travellers rent a home for a ski vacation, they want the most convenience possible. Having a ski-in, ski-out property allows renters to maximize their vacation time and avoid the stressful parts of vacation, like storing equipment and finding rides. The closer one's property is to the slopes, the higher the rental rates you can charge.
Con: Limited Inventory
The biggest con of a ski-in, ski-out home is the availability. Because property near the ski lifts is so popular, there's a limited inventory of these types of condos available to purchase—and the ones that are on the market can be very expensive. Additionally, the square footage of ski-in, ski-out condos is generally smaller than properties that are further away from the slopes, making them less attractive for more extended vacation stays or large groups who want to do more than ski.
Pros & Cons of a Remote Mountain Lodge
A remote mountain cabin provides an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, buyers must remember a few essential things before purchasing this type of property.
Pro: More Space
A remote mountain cabin is the better option for those seeking a mountainside property with more space, as they often have much larger floor plans and acreage. More square footage allows the home to have dedicated, large areas rather than small, dual-use rooms. It's also a better option for larger parties, giving them plenty of space to host overnight guests. Remote mountain cabin owners don't have to worry about storage either, as mountainside chalets offer plenty of room.
Pro: Private Amenities
A remote mountainside cabin also has private amenities to make the stay all the more enjoyable. These homes tend to lean into luxury, offering specialized features unavailable at a ski-in, ski-out home or other smaller property near a ski resort.
Some mountain cabins have amenities like heated ski rooms, saunas, fitness rooms, apres ski bars, and wine cellars, making the time in your private residence all the more enjoyable. Homeowners can also increase their property value by adding amenities like heated driveways, home theatres, bunk rooms, or a hot tub.
Con: Overall More Expensive
If there is one major con of remote mountainside cabins, it's the expense. A luxury cabin has higher upkeep costs, utilities, and maintenance fees. Additionally, because a private cabin is remote, it might not have the same access to power grids and water systems that a condo would have.
A condo typically has an HOA fee that covers many upkeep costs, like snow removal. In contrast, a remote cabin might not be part of an association that helps cover similar costs. It can also be more expensive to travel to a more remote location and might even be inaccessible for parts of the year.
Find the Best Mountain Living Property for Your Needs
Owning a property in the mountains is a beautiful way to interact with nature, make the most of your vacations, and have direct access to your favourite winter sports. No matter which type of property you purchase, there are many benefits to having a home on the mountainside. If you are deciding between a ski-in, ski-out condo and a remote mountain cabin, this list can help you determine pros and cons, so you can find the best mountain living property to suit your needs.
Dave Kotler