by Robert Borges on April 26, 2025
If you're a skier eyeing retirement, you're likely asking: What are the best ski towns to retire in? Whether you’re an alpine enthusiast or prefer a leisurely snowshoe stroll through the trees, the best ski towns in the U.S. for retirees combine stunning scenery, year-round recreation, access to world-class ski resorts, and vibrant, age-friendly communities. From the majestic mountains of Utah and Idaho to the charming slopes of New Hampshire, these destinations offer the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and peaceful living.
This post spotlights three of the best ski towns to retire in, each with a featured community that caters to active adults, retirees, and second-home buyers. These communities offer ski-in/ski-out access, Nordic centers, golf courses, lakefront amenities, social activities, and homes in various styles and price points.
Why Retire in a Ski Town?
Top ski towns are not just for thrill-seeking powder hounds. Today’s best ski towns for retirees offer:
- Four-season recreation with skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, golfing, and boating
- Resort-style amenities like fitness centers, spas, community events, and fine dining
- Low crime, fresh air, and scenic surroundings
- Proximity to medical services, shopping, and cultural events
- Age-inclusive communities with opportunities to meet like-minded neighbors
Whether you're looking to settle into a mountain home full-time or find a second home for ski season, these three towns and communities stand out.
Heber City, Utah
A Charming Swiss-Themed Town with Access to Utah’s Best Slopes
Why it’s one of the best ski towns to retire in:
Heber City, located in the stunning Heber Valley just outside Park City, is an emerging favorite for retirees. Offering easy access to the iconic Deer Valley Resort and Sundance Mountain Resort, it combines small-town charm with world-class skiing. And it’s not just about winter—Heber City is a four-season haven with golf, fishing, horseback riding, and lakeside adventures nearby.
Featured Community: Red Ledges
Red Ledges is a premier private mountain community just minutes from Park City. Spread across 2,000 acres, it offers:
- Two Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses
- Easy access to skiing at Deer Valley via club partnerships
- Cliff Drysdale Tennis School and award-winning aquatic amenities
- Over 400 acres of preserved open space for wildlife and views
- A vibrant social scene with curated member events
For retirees seeking a blend of luxury, adventure, and scenic serenity, Red Ledges is one of the best ski resort communities for seniors in the U.S.
Grantham, New Hampshire
A New England Gem for Cross-Country and Alpine Skiers
Why it’s one of the best ski towns to retire in:
For those who love East Coast skiing or the peaceful beauty of the woods blanketed in snow, Grantham offers a charming retreat in the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region. The area is dotted with ski resorts and trails ideal for both downhill and Nordic skiers.
Featured Community: Eastman
Eastman is a four-season lake and golf community set on 3,700 acres of protected land. Here’s what retirees love about it:
- An onsite Nordic Ski Center with 37K of groomed trails
- Cross-country ski lessons, rentals, and a sledding hill
- A 345-acre lake with beaches, docks, and boating
- Tennis, pickleball, and an 18-hole golf course
- A welcoming mix of retirees and active families
With its close proximity to Boston and a strong sense of community, Eastman is ideal for those wondering what are active adult communities that combine nature, recreation, and social engagement.
Donnelly, Idaho
A Mountain Escape with Year-Round Recreation
Why it’s one of the best ski towns to retire in:
Nestled in Idaho’s West Central Mountains, Donnelly offers unspoiled beauty, a laid-back lifestyle, and access to Tamarack Resort, one of the top ski destinations in the state. With Lake Cascade nearby and Boise just 90 miles away, retirees enjoy both convenience and seclusion.
Featured Community: Tamarack Resort
This year-round resort community is a haven for adventure-loving retirees and families. Highlights include:
- 3,600 acres with 50 ski runs and 300” of annual snowfall
- Ski-in/ski-out residences, turnkey condos, and luxury estate homes
- A Robert Trent Jones II championship golf course
- Pickleball, ziplining, mountain biking, and lake access
- Dining, shopping, and spa services at The Village at Tamarack
Tamarack is the ideal blend of rustic charm and modern luxury, making it one of the best ski towns in the U.S. for an active retirement lifestyle.
FAQs: Best Ski Towns to Retire In
What makes a ski town ideal for retirement?
The best ski towns to retire in offer easy access to skiing, healthcare services, year-round amenities, low crime, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Are there ski towns with 55+ or active adult communities?
Yes. Many ski towns feature communities like Red Ledges, Eastman, and Tamarack that appeal to active adults and retirees, with lifestyle programming, recreation, and social opportunities.
Can I live in a ski community year-round?
Absolutely. Today’s top ski resort communities are four-season destinations with amenities and activities ranging from skiing and snowboarding to hiking, fishing, and boating.
How do I compare ski communities?
Visit PCR to browse and compare hundreds of lifestyle communities—including the best ski towns to retire in—with detailed amenity lists, photo galleries, real estate listings, and direct contact options.
Find the Perfect Ski Community
These towns represent just a small sample of the many incredible ski towns across the U.S. that welcome retirees and active adults. Whether you're searching for communities with boating amenities, golf communities in Virginia, or ski resorts designed for senior living, PrivateCommunities.com is your go-to resource.
As a trusted authority on lifestyle communities, PCR showcases hundreds of the country’s best resort-style neighborhoods. Visitors can explore communities by amenity or location, view photos, compare real estate listings, and request information directly from community representatives.
About the Author
With over 20 years of experience as a seasoned content creator, Robert Borges is the senior writer for Private Communities Registry (PCR), specializing in real estate trends and master-planned communities. He works closely with builders, developers, and real estate pros to create helpful content that guides homebuyers in finding the perfect community, ensuring they have the information needed to make confident, informed decisions.
