BLOG NOTE: This blog post is from a previous season. To view our most recent blog posts, click here.
Snowmass Village offers condominiums in all shapes and sizes to buy, and the most slope-side home sites in the area. Luxury homes at Wood Run, Divide, The Pines, Horse Ranch and Two Creeks highlight some of Snowmass' best. But Snowmass is also one of the best family-oriented ski areas and towns in America. Snowmass Base Village includes the Viceroy Hotel and the Residences at Viceroy Snowmass, with 122 ski-in, ski out luxury residences and a 7,000-square-foot wellness spa.
The Village has The Treehouse, a state-of-the-art children's center, parking and easy access. The Snowmass Club offers world-class golf, tennis and health facility, all surrounded by fractional and single-ownership condominiums. Just down the road at Old Snowmass, the landscape opens up with the stunning panoramas of Mt. Sopris. The Snowmass and Capital Creek Valleys offer homes in Gateway of Snowmass Mesa, Little Elk Creek Village and Lazy O Ranch. The spirit of the West is alive and well on numerous horse ranches that dot the landscape throughout the area.
This week, our blog team sits down with broker Andrew Myatt to discuss the allure of Snowmass, and if the time is right to buy real estate.
Q: Why do people like Snowmass?
A: "Snowmass is a great location for families and offers a lot of ski-in, ski-out homes and condos that you cannot find in Aspen. Also, the prices are a little more affordable which allows access into the market for a wider range of buyers."
Q: How close to Aspen is Snowmass?
A: "Snowmass is about 10-12 miles from Aspen and takes about 15-20 minutes by car or bus. Snowmass Village and Aspen work together to provide free buses between the two towns and they are very convenient."
Q: Tell us about the recreational opportunities in and around Snowmass.
A: "Snowmass has all the Colorado recreational activities. Snowmass is the second largest ski resort in the continental United States. It offers world-class skiing. It also offers mountain biking, hiking, golfing, fly fishing, tennis, swimming, hot air balloon rides, and much more."
Q: What amenities and activities are located in Snowmass?
A: "Snowmass has a wide variety of shops and restaurants located on the Village mall as well as the new Base Village, which is still being developed."
Q: If you were to describe Snowmass to a friend who has never been to Aspen, how would you describe it?
A: "Snowmass is a great resort onto itself, and a nice little Village about 20 minutes from Aspen. Yes, the nightlife might be a little slower, but the terrain that the mountain offers is second to none. There currently are a bunch of great investment opportunities in Snowmass as well."
Q: Are the homes in Snowmass original, mostly remodeled or overall new builds?
A: "There is a mix of new and old in Snowmass. The Village was developed in the mid '60s to be a true ski-in, ski-out resort and about 85 percent of the homes and condos have direct ski access. The Viceroy Hotel, Capital Peak, and Haydon Peak are all new, and the Westin Hotel is a complete remodel of the old Silver Tree Hotel. Snowmass has a lot going on, and a few new hotels and condos are coming soon."
Q: Are there a lot of full-time, live-in residents in Snowmass or is it mostly second-home owners?
A:" For the most part, second-home owners. However, due to the availability of affordable housing options, a lot of young people and families have been moving to Snowmass as well as second-home owners who make Snowmass their permeant residence in retirement."
Q: Is there solid rental potential if I buy in Snowmass?
A: "Yes. Snowmass properties have solid rental potential with the properties closest to the slopes having the best return in the wintertime. During the summer months, occupancy is a little lower, but the Village has been putting a lot of time and money into marketing and summer rental market has picked up over the past two years."
As Warren Miller once said, "It is always a great time to buy property in a mountain town." And with Snowmass being so family friendly, it's no wonder it's popular with families. When you add that it's also in the Aspen School District, which is one of the best public schools in the state, it only adds to its allure in the eyes of a real estate investor, or a family.
Andrew is available to help you buy or sell, and he can give you an update on the current status of the market. Andrew is available to discuss Snowmass or Aspen real estate by calling (970) 429-2410.
