Snowboarder wanting to move to CO, where should we look? (Denver: ski resorts, rental)

[everclimbingivy]

My husband is a very good snowboarder, and we may eventually move to Colorado. Since he loves snowboarding so much and has his own gear, I really want to know where the best places to live are. He would want the most access to slopes throughout the seasons. The trouble is, I know that in places like Aspen I'm sure it would be very expensive to find a home there. So where could we look into living that isn't expensive and has good access to ski/snowboarding areas? Thanks!

[flyonpa]

Where do you plan to work?

[Dogmama50]

Access to the slopes and inexpensive do not go hand in hand. A one bedroom lock off in my neighborhood (15 minutes from Vail) goes for about $1200. Look at the local papers for the areas you are interested in and craigslist for the High Rockies to get an idea for rental costs and for what job options exist. On the subject of jobs, most are seasonal, if you want a real career those are tough to come by and I would suggest you have something lined up before moving. Mountain culture and access to things like shopping are very different than most areas of the country, I suggest visiting to see if you will truly like living in a ski resort.

[jazzlover]

Another clueless dreamer.

[CosmicWizard]

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.....Henry David Thoreau

If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours.....Henry David Thoreau

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.....Henry David Thoreau

[Sobe Itsavized]

Originally Posted by jazzlover

Another clueless dreamer.

Better clueless than harboring illicit intentions on a forum for states, specifically for Colorado.

[Colorado^]

Originally Posted by jazzlover

Another clueless dreamer.

I do not like this comment. Poor form

Originally Posted by CosmicWizard

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.....Henry David Thoreau

If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours.....Henry David Thoreau

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.....Henry David Thoreau

Right on!

[Colorado^]

If money is an issue, you could always get into the back country. Make sure your well equipped AND have an avalanche beacon and know how to use it.

Back country skiing or boarding really opens up a lot more housing options since you don't have to be close to the resorts.

[Xplorer]

Originally Posted by jazzlover

Another clueless dreamer.

Are you kidding me? Hundreds if not thousands move to ski resorts every winter to snowboard/ski. They get jobs at the mountain or wherever else and live perfectly fine. I have been moving around ski towns since I graduated back in 01 and have never had a problem. You rent a room, get a job and enjoy your season!

[delta07]

Originally Posted by everclimbingivy

My husband is a very good snowboarder, and we may eventually move to Colorado. Since he loves snowboarding so much and has his own gear, I really want to know where the best places to live are. He would want the most access to slopes throughout the seasons. The trouble is, I know that in places like Aspen I'm sure it would be very expensive to find a home there. So where could we look into living that isn't expensive and has good access to ski/snowboarding areas? Thanks!

The reality is, to find an "affordable" area in Colorado with access to the slopes you are going to have to expand on your definition of affordable and access. More than likely, you will have to accept a commute to the slopes to find something affordable. For most people, this is the Denver Metro area. For others, you can look into some of the small mountain communities, such as Fairplay, Kremmling, Idaho Springs, etc. However, with those, come the problem of jobs. If you need one, you'll end up commuting to the slopes or the city for work. If you absolutely have to live as close to the slopes as possible, then you either need to have a buttload of money, have some kind of specialized skill that is sought in those areas and paid well for it, or, do like most young (and sometimes old) people, and live in a condo, apt, or home with several roommates (sometimes up to 5-6 people in a 2 bedroom apt) to afford rent. If you have pets or children, well, then the issue is a lot more complicated.

If you are both young, and want to ski/snowboard, then look at the resorts for jobs that have housing and provide you a season pass. Of course, you will end up giving up all your weekends/holidays/etc. for work, but hey, you'd be living in the mountains and snowboarding on your days off!