Ski towns are magical places—where the mountains become your backyard, adventure is a daily routine, and the lifestyle is anything but ordinary. While the appeal of fresh powder days and après-ski culture is undeniable, living in a ski town comes with its own set of challenges. If you’re considering making the move, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of ski town life based on my personal experience.
Pros of Living in a Ski Town
1. Your Backyard is a Playground
When you live in a ski town during the winter, the mountain is at your doorstep. No long drives, no fighting for parking—just wake up, strap on your boots, and head straight to the slopes. Whether you’re chasing first tracks in the morning, sneaking in a few runs before work, or catching a sunset ride, the convenience of ski-in, ski-out living is unbeatable. Unlike a typical ski trip, where you have to maximize your time on the mountain in a short span, living in a ski town allows you to ski or ride as much—or as little—as you want, whenever you want.
2. An Active, Outdoor Lifestyle
There’s no avoiding an active lifestyle when you live in a ski town. In the winter, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and backcountry adventures keep you moving, while summer brings hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, rafting, and more. Instead of just hobbies, these activities become a way of life. The biggest challenge? Narrowing down your interests enough to afford the gear and have time to do everything!
3. Meeting People from All Walks of Life
Ski towns attract a unique blend of people—seasonal workers, outdoor enthusiasts, world travelers, and those looking to escape the traditional 9-to-5. Unlike cities where people tend to be from the local region, in ski towns, almost everyone you meet is from somewhere else. The shared passion for mountain life creates an instant bond, whether you’re swapping powder stories on a chairlift or grabbing drinks at the local après spot.
4. Job Opportunities (and Good Money to Be Made)
While ski towns may seem like seasonal destinations, they actually offer year-round job opportunities. The service industry thrives, with restaurants, bars, and resorts constantly hiring. High-paying hospitality jobs, like bartending or serving, can bring in $500+ in tips per shift during peak season. Ski instructing can also be lucrative, especially if you build a solid client list.
Beyond traditional jobs, there are also plenty of side hustle opportunities—landscaping, snow removal, guiding outdoor activities, or picking up short-term gigs for extra cash. If you want to work hard and play hard, ski towns offer the perfect balance.
5. A Simple and Safe Way of Life
Most ski towns are located away from major cities and have tight-knit local communities, making them great places to live. Statistically, crime rates in ski towns are much lower than the national average. Due to the nature of tourism, there are often heightened safety measures in place. This makes ski towns an ideal place for individuals who want a safe environment, whether living alone or raising a family—provided they can afford it.
Cons of Living in a Ski Town
1. The Housing Crisis is Real
Finding housing in a ski town is notoriously difficult. High demand, short-term rentals (Airbnbs), and seasonal fluctuations make long-term housing expensive and competitive. Even if you find a great place, there’s no guarantee you won’t be priced out or lose your lease after a season. Many landlords sell properties with little notice, leaving renters scrambling for new housing.
Competition is fierce, which allows landlords to drive up prices. The rise of remote work has also contributed to increasing rents, as people with high corporate salaries are willing to pay above-market rates. Even with high seasonal wages, rent can take a huge chunk of your earnings, making it tough to save money.
2. The Party Culture Can Be Overwhelming
Ski towns and partying go hand in hand. Après-ski beers, bar crawls, and late-night shenanigans are part of the culture—not just for tourists, but for locals, too. Many people come to ski towns for a “Peter Pan” lifestyle—living for the moment, avoiding responsibility, and partying every night. While that can be fun, it’s easy to get stuck in the cycle, and years can pass before you realize you’ve lost sight of other goals.
3. Seasonal Work Can Fluctuate – You Must Save
While ski towns can be very lucrative, they are also very expensive. During peak season, you can make great money quickly, but when the shoulder season or off-season arrives, earnings drop significantly. However, rent and other expenses remain high year-round. It’s easy to be tempted to go out and party with friends, even when money is tight.
If you work in an industry reliant on tourism, financial planning is crucial. You need to save during the good times to cover costs during the lows.
4. Transient Friendships
While you’ll meet incredible people, many of them are just passing through. Seasonal workers come and go, and even those who stay for a few years might eventually move on. Building long-term friendships takes effort, and maintaining them when you or your friends leave town requires even more. Unlike cities, where relationships tend to be more stable, ski town friendships often have an expiration date.
5. Starting a Business or Your Own Venture is Tough
If your goal is to start a business, ski towns can be a challenging place to do it. High rent, seasonal population swings, and the cost of goods and services make it a high-risk, high-reward venture. Some people find success in niche businesses that cater to the outdoor lifestyle, but breaking into the market requires a significant upfront investment.
Is Ski Town Life for You?
That’s a personal question only you can answer. The beauty of it is, you can try it for a season, a year, or a lifetime. Some people come for a winter and never leave; others realize the lifestyle isn’t sustainable for them long-term.
For me, the experience was 100% worth it. The magic of waking up to fresh snow, the sense of community, and the freedom of an outdoor lifestyle are unmatched. But the challenges are real—especially housing and avoiding the party trap.
If you’re considering ski town life, my advice is: go for it. You won’t regret the experience, and whether you stay forever or just for a season, it’s a chapter worth writing in your story.
