Everything You Need to Know About Ski Leases

Here’s everything you need to know about going in on a ski lease.

Ski season may be on, but things will undoubtedly be a little different on the slopes. The mountains under both the Epic and Ikon passes will have their own sets of rules, including reservation systems and new social distancing guidelines. Consequently, making the most of a skiing day trip may be a thing of the past. Therefore, you should consider an extended stay with a ski lease this year. Here’s everything you need to know about extending your ski holiday into a home away from home in the 2020/21 season.

What is a Ski Lease?

Think of a ski lease in the same manner as you’d think of a summer home. It’s a house you rent for the entire season, typically lasting three to four months from December to March or January through April. Renters can either stay for the entire season or, similar to a summer home, head out for extended weeks or long weekends to enjoy the mountains.

Why Is This the Year to Consider an Extended Stay?

This year, both the mountains under the Epic Pass and the Ikon Pass have announced changes regarding how visitors can access the slopes. For example, the mountains under the Epic Pass will require guests to make a reservation ahead of time before they can ski or snowboard. Once on the mountain, strict social distancing guidelines will be enforced. This includes traveling only with your party on chairlifts or waiting for an empty spot. The mountains under the Ikon Pass will not necessitate reservations but will have different social distancing guidelines. Therefore, taking a quick day trip to the slopes might become more challenging if you are traveling a significant distance. However, with a ski lease, you could easily pop over for a few runs during your lunch break or whenever you choose.

Where Can You Get a Ski Lease?

Mountains across the U.S. provide extended stay options. However, those looking for budget-friendly options may want to consider the Colorado mountains or those in Utah. According to Dan Sherman, Chief Marketing Officer of Ski.com, “Stays longer than 29 nights in Colorado and Utah are tax-exempt.”

He recommends starting your search on their site in Aspen/Snowmass. “Ski.com features a variety of properties in the inclusive Snowmass Village that offer either 14+-day or 30+-day rates. In addition to those rates, travelers looking for an extended-stay ski package will be excited by the luxury, longer stay rates we have negotiated at the Viceroy Snowmass.”

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Sherman adds that Ski.com has other options in Colorado, including Beaver Creek with the Ridgepoint Townhomes and Kiva Residences. In Utah, he suggests checking out both Park City and nearby Deer Valley for extended luxury stays. Furthermore, in California, Tahoe remains an extremely popular location for ski leases. The area is filled with rental companies that offer charming winter homes near the lakeside and mountains. However, be cautious: it’s a true all-seasons town, so once you go, you may never want to leave.

What Should You Consider Before Renting with Friends and Family?

“I recommend those hoping to rent a house with friends take a night to sit down on a Zoom call to discuss work schedules, work locations, and logistics related to their group’s workflow in advance,” Sherman wisely suggests. “If they have kids, ensure there is space for them to focus on their remote lessons. If someone is on calls all day for work, it’s essential to have a private area where they can speak freely without disturbing others.” Consequently, this may mean looking for common areas on the property, paying for additional square footage, or coordinating the use of a nearby business center or co-working space.

Where Else Can I Find a Ski Lease?

Beyond exploring sites like Ski.com and local rental companies, consider checking out Airbnb. The home-sharing platform has thousands of listings nationwide that offer month-long or longer stays. Locations like Park City feature a range of options, from cozy two-bedroom, two-bath condos near the slopes, to expansive chalet-style homes ideal for larger groups. Similarly, in Stowe, Vermont, potential renters can discover a similar range of choices, including a stunning three-bedroom retreat in town and a perfect ski-in/ski-out condo on the mountain.

Is the Skiing Really Worth It This Year?

Ultimately, that depends on your commitment to skiing this winter. If you’re a purist, it doesn’t matter if the snow is average, good, or exceptional—you’ll likely already possess the Epic or Ikon pass. Moreover, if you need further persuasion, as Sherman points out, the 2020-2021 NOAA Long Range Forecast is “calling for a mostly average winter across the Western United States and slightly above average snowfall for New England.” Therefore, if you enjoy skiing or snowboarding, this winter might be the perfect excuse to secure that extended ski lease.