Looking for a good place to retire to ski . . .

[Sandstorm214]

You might consider the Santa Fe area. It is a little pricey, but has lots of amenities and has a decent ski area very nearby. Plus, you aren't far at all from excellent skiing at Taos, Red River, and even Durango (which I believe is very underrated). I think it would be a good fit for you politically as well. Some of the Santa Fe establishment tend to close themselves off from outsiders, but they will warm up to you over time.

[nigelst.hubbins]

perhaps (Truckee) but I am under the impression it is really expensive. While Frisco are the other few towns I listed are by no means cheap, the combo of real estate prices and taxes is probably too much for us.

Mammoth has tremendous skiing, but in addition to the expense strikes me as pretty hard to get to. I didn't specifically mention this in my original post, but we would be planning on maintaining some sort of residence on the East Coast as well, so would be doing some shuttling back and forth. Moreover, we're hoping to have family and friends visit often. An expensive and arduous flight to Sacramento followed by a 4+ hour car ride is a pretty big disincentive no matter how good the skiing!

[truckeepups]

There are many new expensive areas in Truckee, but some housing deals in some of the "older" neighborhoods. I don't know the price range you are seeking, but it seems you would need a place with some room for family and friends. If you don't mind the higher snow level, Tahoe Donner is great and has wonderful amenities. and there are many other neighborhoods at a lower altitude that do not get the snowpack.

The Reno airport is a 45 minute drive from Truckee, and a bonus is Lake Tahoe is so close as well as many world class ski resorts. I would suggest checking out the website Trulia.com and net-cruise through the different areas.

If you find something that interests you, I know a great local real estate agent who skies with the best of 'em! Best of luck!

[bigdave01]

I actually think Reno, NV would be perfect. It is relatively inexpensive. Great for outdoorsy stuff! Awesome kayaking, awesome dirtbiking, camping, boating, hiking, a half hour from tahoe, an up-and-coming downtown.

It may not have the best reputation, but it is perfect for what you're looking for.

[Hometown Josie]

You might consider Cascade, Idaho (Tamarack). Tamarack is currently undergoing some financial based changes as it is a new resort that has struggled with bankruptcy, but my understanding is that they have excellent skiing and outdoor opportunities and a drop in property values might make it more affordable. Might be worth investigating....It is about 2 or 3 hours away from me, so someone closer might have more info. It is a rural, not urban area, however, and amenities are limited.

[Hometown Josie]

You might also look at Sun Valley, Idaho for skiing with a community with less of a "conservative bent". Housing can be expensive in this area, though. It is a ski and outdoor getaway for more than a few celebrities.

[johnnyjohnjohn]

What is the best ski town in the world to retire cheaply. I have a very very small budget.

[Chriscross309]

I second upstate NY. The Glens Falls area is an awesome town very close to some great outdoor attractions including top notch skiing. You are only 45 mins from Albany, and Vermont is within sight (literally). The Adirondacks have some amazing recreational opportunities, including IMO the best hiking in the East. The High Peaks Area of the Adirondacks are breathtaking. Glens Falls has pretty much everything you'd need, except for an airport (but Albany in only a short drive).

Next I would suggest Lewisburg or Elkins, WV.

[Sam1999]

Stay on the east coast with the rest of the liberals