Why Vail Ski Resorts Could Be the Perfect Airbnb Lifestyle Investment

Hello STR Scout Members,

Here’s this week’s STR insights and opportunities:

🔑 STR Classifieds: Explore Today’s Top 10 Trending STR Homes for Sale.

⛷️ Why Vail Ski Resorts Could Be the Perfect Airbnb Lifestyle Investment. Scouting for 1-Bedroom Ski Condos in the Vail Valley.

🏠 News Nuggets: Trending Airbnb, Housing, and Economic News to stay ahead in today’s market.

Happy Scouting!

Andy Thoms
Editor, STR Scout

🏡 $389K | Pocono Lake, PA: 4BD, 2BA chalet in Arrowhead Lakes. Turn-key STR with 2 decks, outdoor fireplace gazebo, chef's kitchen, and top-tier community amenities. View Post

🌊 $525K | Tobyhanna, PA: 4BD, 2BA lakefront home in gated community. Private beach, deck, 73 ft waterfront. Successful vacation rental in Pocono Country Place. View Post

🏡 $585K | Boyne City, MI: Two STRs on one lot. Main house: 4BD, 1BA. Garage apartment: 2BD, 1BA. Near Lake Charlevoix and Boyne Mountain. Great rental income potential. View Post

🌲 $600K | Sevierville, TN: 1BD, 1BA treehouse cabin on 0.6 acres. Unique retreat with hot tub, loft, air hockey, and $80K gross revenue (2023). Excellent STR potential. View Post

🏜️ $729K | Marfa, TX: 7BD, 4BA STR complex with 4 units on main thoroughfare. Fully furnished, flexible C-3 zoning, fenced yard, and storage building. Turnkey investment. View Post

⛳ $775K | Panama City Beach, FL: 4BD, 3.5BA STR backing to a golf course. $83K gross revenue (12 months). Huge game room, 6-hole putting green, and modern decor. View Post

🏕️ $960K | Broken Bow, OK: 5BD, 5BA modern farmhouse cabin on 1.07 acres. Sleeps 14 with hot tub cabana, game loft, swing bed, and seasonal creek views. STR-ready. View Post

🌾 $1.09M | Centralia, WA: 2 custom homes on 35 acres. Main: 3BD, 3BA, theater room, vaulted ceilings. 2nd: 2BD, 2BA + 3-bay shop. Pond, timber, and organic farm. View Post

🌅 $1.099M | Miramar Beach, FL: 4BD, 5BA waterfront home with private dock, 360° tower, quartz counters, fire pit, and no HOA. STR-ready with luxury design. View Post

🏜️ $1.1M | Zion National Park, UT: A-frame cabin with $110K revenue (2023), 83 reviews, and Instagram/website included. 2nd cabin opening Jan. '25. STR-ready with growth potential. View Post

STR Loan Quote? Contact Host Financial.

Why Vail Ski Resorts Could Be the Perfect Airbnb Lifestyle Investment

Scouting 1-Bedroom Ski Condos at Vail Resorts (CO): Discover why Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, and Keystone could be your next Airbnb investment. Balancing lifestyle and income in a world-class destination.

Our mission had two goals: to find investment opportunities for our members and to secure a primary residence to establish Vail Valley as the new home base for the STR Scout newsletter. We’re excited to share that we have a contract pending and, if all goes well, this stunning area will soon become our headquarters.

Set in the heart of the Rockies, Vail Resorts (CO) offers stunning landscapes and year-round recreation, from premier skiing in winter to summer festivals and outdoor adventures. For investors, it’s a unique opportunity to enjoy a property in a world-class destination while generating rental income during peak seasons.

While higher cash flow markets exist, Vail Resorts shines as a destination that balances quality lifestyle and financial returns.

Why Vail Resorts? A Gateway to the Bleisure Lifestyle

Vail Resorts are more than just a collection of world-class ski destinations—they represent a lifestyle that blends business, leisure, and adventure seamlessly. As global leaders in ski tourism, Vail Resorts attract millions of visitors each year, drawn to their premier locations, year-round activities, and unmatched amenities.

For investors, owning a property near one of these destinations means tapping into consistent rental demand from affluent guests around the world, while accessing a lifestyle asset that’s perfect for both personal use and income generation.

The “Bleisure Appeal”

Imagine finishing up a remote work session with stunning mountain views before hitting the slopes, exploring vibrant après-ski scenes, or hiking scenic trails in the summer. This is the bleisure lifestyle—a perfect harmony of investment, business and leisure. Owning near a Vail Resort gives you the best of both worlds: a property that could offset ownership costs through high rental demand and a personal retreat for work and play.

Epic Pass: A Passport to Global Adventure

What sets Vail Resorts apart is their Epic Pass program, offering access to a vast network of ski and mountain adventure destinations across the U.S. and beyond. For property owners and renters, this creates an incredible opportunity to attract affluent travelers who value experiences and continue to visit these world-class destinations, regardless of economic shifts.

A property near a Vail Resort becomes more than just a vacation spot—it’s a gateway to endless adventure.

U.S. Resorts:

• California: Northstar, Heavenly, Kirkwood.

• Utah: Park City Mountain Resort.

• Vermont: Stowe, Okemo, Mount Snow.

• Michigan: Mount Brighton, Alpine Valley.

• Minnesota: Afton Alps.

• New Hampshire: Wildcat, Attitash, Crotched.

• Wisconsin: Wilmot Mountain.

• Washington: Stevens Pass.

International Resorts:

• Canada: Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America.

• Europe: Premier destinations in Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and France.

• Australia: Perisher, Falls Creek, and Hotham.

• Japan: Hakuba Valley and Rusutsu Resort.

With the Epic Pass, ownership near a Vail Resort connects you to a global network of premier destinations, enhancing the value of your property beyond a single location. For renters, it’s a game-changer, making Colorado’s Vail Resorts an ideal home base for travelers looking to maximize their skiing, snowboarding, and adventure experiences.

Building an Airbnb portfolio centered on world-class destinations can truly create an epic lifestyle—no pun intended!

The Vail Resort Vibe

Exploring the unique vibes of Colorado's ski towns can help you find the perfect match for your lifestyle and investment goals. Here's a closer look at each:

Vail

Renowned for its elegant, cosmopolitan atmosphere, Vail blends European-inspired alpine charm with upscale dining, shopping, and world-class skiing. The village’s sophisticated ambiance attracts luxury seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike, making it a prime destination for those who value refinement in a stunning mountain setting.

Beaver Creek

Intimate and serene, Beaver Creek is a tranquil escape ideal for families or those seeking understated luxury. With a smaller village feel, heated walkways, and fewer crowds than Vail, it offers a peaceful retreat with attentive service and top-tier amenities.

Breckenridge

Vibrant and historic, Breckenridge is the perfect mix of small-town charm and energetic adventure. The Victorian-era Main Street, lively nightlife, and adventurous terrain make it a hub for thrill-seekers and social explorers who enjoy a bustling après-ski scene.

Keystone

Keystone provides an accessible, family-friendly environment with affordability and a laid-back vibe. Known for night skiing, great blue runs, and a highly rated terrain park, it’s a welcoming choice for families and freestyle enthusiasts looking for fun without the fuss.

Each of these ski towns delivers a distinct experience, catering to a wide range of preferences. Whether you're drawn to upscale luxury, serene retreats, adventurous energy, or family-friendly fun, Vail Resorts offers something special for everyone.

1 Bedroom Condo Trends (2023 - 2024 YTD)

Price Trends

Days on Market

Sales Volume

Inventory Change

Key Investment Insights

Balancing Lifestyle and Cash Flow

• Personal Use: Enjoy your property for vacations while offsetting costs with rental income.

• Rental Potential: High ADRs during peak seasons and growing year-round demand create strong income opportunities.

Global Demand

• Vail Resorts' prestige and the Epic Pass attract affluent renters from around the world, ensuring consistent demand.

Long-Term Value

• These resorts have very limited growth potential as they are already built out. The restricted inventory and lack of new supply continue to drive property appreciation.

• 1-bedroom condos, in prime locations, offer a more reasonable entry point with excellent ROI rental potential.

Final Thoughts

What sets Vail Resorts apart is their Epic Pass program, drawing millions of annual tourists. Their vast network of ski and mountain adventure destinations across the U.S. and beyond is the best in the world.

For investors, properties near Vail Resorts offer a rare opportunity to attract affluent travelers who value unique experiences and return to these premier destinations year after year, even during economic shifts.

Owning here is more than just having a vacation spot—it’s a gateway to endless adventure. With limited supply and high global demand, these properties are perfect for those embracing the "bleisure" lifestyle, seamlessly combining work and leisure.

Keep an eye out as we continue scouting properties in Vail Resorts, uncovering prime opportunities, hidden gems, and actionable insights for savvy investors!

Mortgage Rate Watch

As of December 19, 2024, Freddie Mac reported the following average mortgage rates:

These rates reflect an increase from the previous week, with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rising by 0.12 percentage points and the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage increasing by 0.08 percentage points.

Over the past month, both rates have risen by the same amounts, indicating a trend of increasing mortgage rates.

For the most competitive DSCR loan interest rates for STR purchase and refinance, contact our trusted partner Host Financial for a quick quote.

Short Term Rental

🌐 Airbnb’s growing pains in Spain highlight overtourism challenges. Spanish authorities are cracking down on short-term rentals, with new investigations targeting Airbnb hosts accused of contributing to overtourism and housing shortages. This move could lead to stricter rental bans, reshaping the industry in popular tourist hotspots. Airbnb hosts

⚖️ Hawaii Cracks Down on Airbnbs with New Law. A recent Hawaiian law bans short-term rentals in residential areas, aiming to preserve housing for locals and address over-tourism. While the move protects residents, it’s sparking debates over property rights and tourism’s future. Read details

⚠️ New FTC Rule Targets Hidden Fees in Rentals and Hotels. The Federal Trade Commission is cracking down on "junk fees," requiring full price transparency for accommodations. This move aims to protect consumers from surprise charges while booking vacations. Get insights

🚀 Hostaway Secures $365M to Expand STR Platform. Short-term rental software Hostaway has raised $365 million to enhance its tech offerings and expand globally. The investment highlights growing demand for streamlined property management solutions in the booming STR market. Read more

Housing

🏘️ First-Time Real Estate Investors Turn to Fractional Ownership. A growing trend sees new investors buying partial stakes in properties, reducing barriers to entry in the real estate market. Platforms offering this option are thriving, catering to those seeking passive income with lower risk. Investment trends

📉 Bank of America forecasts a 2025 home price slowdown. With housing affordability already stretched thin, experts predict home prices could flatten or drop modestly in certain regions by 2025. While this may relieve some pressure for buyers, sellers might face tougher negotiations ahead. Home price forecast

💹 Rising rent puts landlords in the driver’s seat. Despite cooling home prices, rental markets are heating up as demand for leasing grows. Some cities are seeing sharp rent increases, leaving tenants scrambling to keep up. Rental market 

🌆 Top 10 housing markets to watch in 2025 revealed. The National Association of Realtors highlights cities like Boise, Chattanooga, and Tampa as emerging hotspots. These areas promise growth thanks to job opportunities and relatively affordable prices, attracting both investors and families. Hot housing markets

📊 Insurance woes could trigger a housing crisis worse than 2008. Rising premiums and coverage restrictions in disaster-prone areas are creating financial strain for homeowners, sparking fears of widespread defaults. This could ripple across the market in unexpected ways. Insurance crisis

🔮 Looking back: How housing market dynamics evolved over 20 years. From the 2008 crash to pandemic-era booms, the housing market has seen dramatic shifts. Understanding these patterns could provide insights into what’s next. Housing dynamics

📈 Mortgage rates rise despite Fed's easing stance. Homebuyers face sticker shock as mortgage rates creep up, defying expectations of a decline after rate cuts. Experts blame lingering economic uncertainty and market dynamics. Mortgage rates

🏡 Why housing demand could double by 2025. A leading mortgage lender predicts a surge in buyer interest as millennials and Gen Z hit peak homebuying years. But will inventory keep up? Challenges remain for builders to meet this potential boom. Housing demand

✈️ Top spots to visit as housing trends influence tourism. Many of the fastest-growing U.S. cities are becoming travel destinations too. Cities like Tampa and Nashville are attracting both real estate investors and tourists looking for vibrant experiences. Housing-driven tourism

💡 New rules shake up how homebuyers work with realtors. A recent push for transparency has introduced mandatory commission agreements before working with real estate agents. This aims to demystify costs but could confuse first-time buyers navigating the market. New rules

Economy

📉 Fed chair Jerome Powell cautions on inflation and housing. The Federal Reserve signaled a slower pace of rate cuts, casting a shadow over the housing recovery. Markets remain volatile as Powell underscores the challenges of taming inflation without harming the economy. Fed warning

🎓 Biden Forgives $4.28 Billion in Student Debt for PSLF Borrowers. Nearly 54,900 public service workers are seeing their loans wiped clean under expanded forgiveness measures. This move underscores the administration’s focus on relieving student debt for eligible borrowers. Debt relief

📈 Consumer Spending Rises, Inflation Eases. U.S. consumer spending grew 0.4% in November, driven by strong demand for goods and services. Meanwhile, inflation showed signs of cooling, with the PCE price index rising by just 0.1%. The Federal Reserve now projects only two rate cuts in 2025, reflecting economic resilience. Spending grows

Destinations

🏡 Top U.S. Vacation Home Markets See Surging Demand. Scottsdale, Arizona, takes the crown for 2024, with its sunny charm and thriving STR appeal driving a massive spike in interest. Other rising stars include Cape Cod and Asheville, showing how lifestyle investments are shaping buyer preferences. Buyer trends

🌍 Top 20 Airbnb Places to Visit in 2025 Revealed. Airbnb’s latest travel list highlights trending spots like Kanazawa, Japan, and Punta del Este, Uruguay, as must-see destinations for 2025. These locales blend cultural richness with unique experiences, signaling shifts in global travel preferences. Discover more