Best Places to Retire
Embracing Retirement in the Mountains
For many, retirement is a time to pursue long-held passions and enjoy a more relaxed pace of life. For those who love skiing, retirement can be the perfect opportunity to live in a picturesque ski town, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the thrill of the slopes. Ski towns are increasingly popular retirement destinations due to their unique blend of tranquility, outdoor recreation, and community spirit.When considering a ski town for retirement, several factors come into play. Accessibility, property prices, and the type of lifestyle one wishes to lead are crucial. Proximity to international airports and reliable transport links are essential for easy travel and for visiting friends and family. Places like Heber City in Utah, with its rural and relaxed feel but vibrant slate of events, offer an ideal balance.
Heber City, Utah: A Retiree's Paradise
Located near the posh resorts of Deer Valley and Sundance Mountain Resort, Heber City stands out as a top choice for retirees. This small town boasts a young median age and a low-crime rate, keeping residents active and engaged. Sundance Mountain Resort, with its 450 skiable acres and 42 runs, offers a boutique skiing experience with smaller crowds and a significant amount of advanced terrain. The resort also features art classes and a state-of-the-art spa, ensuring there's always something to do, even when snow conditions are less than ideal.
Middlebury, Vermont: A College Town with a Skiing Heart
Middlebury, Vermont, is another attractive option for retirees who want to be part of a close-knit community. The town is home to Middlebury College, which operates the Middlebury Snowbowl ski area. This ski area is just 20 minutes from town and offers 28 runs, glades, and night skiing from Wednesday to Friday. Students and locals alike enjoy the slopes, and retirees can benefit from the vibrant community and various Nordic ski trails in the area.
Affordable Skiing in the U.S.
While some ski towns can be pricey, there are several affordable options in the United States. Places like Bridger Bowl in Bozeman, Montana, offer excellent skiing without the high costs. Bridger Bowl boasts a vertical drop of 2,600 feet and 2,000 acres of terrain, including expert-only backcountry-esque terrain. Lift tickets start at around $82 when purchased online, making it an affordable choice for frequent skiers. Another affordable option is Whitefish Mountain Resort in Montana. Known for its wide-open spaces and lack of crowds, Whitefish offers 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and 15 chairlifts. Lift tickets are around $100, but frequent skier cards can save you even more money.
East Coast Affordability
On the East Coast, Wildcat Mountain in New Hampshire is a standout for affordability. With 225 skiable acres and a vertical drop of 2,112 feet, Wildcat offers some of the steepest skiing on the East Coast. Lift tickets can be purchased for less than $75 when bought early, making it a great value. Mad River Glen in Vermont is another affordable option, though it has a more laid-back and challenging skiing experience. With no high-speed chairs or machine-made snow, Mad River Glen is perfect for those who enjoy a traditional skiing experience. Mid-week tickets can be found for less than $50, and weekend tickets are under $100 when purchased ahead of time.
Family-Friendly Options
For retirees who want to be in a family-friendly environment, places like Jiminy Peak Mountain in Massachusetts are ideal. Jiminy Peak offers 45 trails and 9 lifts, with snowmaking covering almost all the terrain to ensure reliable conditions. The resort also features night skiing and snowboarding until 10 pm, making it a great spot for families and beginners. Shawnee Mountain in Pennsylvania is another family-friendly option, with 23 trails, two terrain parks, and a snow tubing park. Tickets range from $50 to $120, and the resort offers a compact, family-friendly atmosphere and learning programs.
Affordable Ski Destinations
Retiring in a ski town can be a dream come true for many, offering a perfect blend of outdoor recreation, community spirit, and serene living. Whether you choose a bustling college town like Middlebury or a luxurious but affordable spot like Bridger Bowl, there is a ski town that fits every retiree's lifestyle and budget.