The ranch real estate market continues to remain hot. Investors are on the prowl for property that boasts great on-site assets, like trout water and good wildlife habitat. But some are taking location into consideration when considering a purchase.
One question many investors ask when taking a look at ranch real estate?
“How close is the nearest ski resort?”
That’s one nice thing about owning acreage in the West if you love to ski or snowboard. No matter where you choose to invest, you’re almost always close to a world-class ski hill.
These large properties presently on the market check a lot of boxes for potential investors. And, each one is within a day-trip drive to a really nice ski resort. Check them out:
Harrower Ranch
Nestled in the wild country of southeast Wyoming, Harrower Ranch on Fontenelle Creek is a legacy ranch of exceptional quality. The ranch consists of 5,000 deeded acres and another 200,000 acres of leased Bureau of Land Management land.
It boasts eight miles of fishable water and unparalleled elk, mule deer and pronghorn hunting. It also has the capacity for a 600-head cattle operation..
How close is the nearest ski hill? Park City is an easy two-hour drive and Jackson Hole is just a bit farther. It would tough to find a ranch of this size with better access to world-class skiing.
Trapper Divide
Situated perfectly in the heart of the elk-hunting capital of North America near the northwest Colorado town of Craig is Trapper Divide Ranch. It’s an elk-hunting paradise, true enough. And, at 3,000 acres with several water sources, it can be a solid seasonal cattle ranch.
But, for investors who love to hunt, there may be no better ranch on the market today. The 2,700 square-foot lodge is a fantastic home base for an investor with an itch to chase big game. In addition to elk, the ranch is home to mule deer, pronghorn and even moose.
Mountain lions and black bears also roam the hills.
But what if you love to ski? You’re a quick 45-minute drive to Steamboat Resort, one of the best ski hills in the West.
Bearslide Ranch
There aren’t very many turnkey ranch real estate investments on the market today. But Bearslide Ranch near Cedaredge, Colo., on the southern slopes of the Grand Mesa, is exactly that.
The ranch boasts a beautiful, fully-furnished, 6,000 square-foot lodge on more than 900 acres of deer and elk paradise. Black bears, lions and the occasional moose call the ranch home, too.
But for skiers, the ranch really shines. The Grand Mesa is a winter playground, with miles of Nordic and groomed snowmobile trails. And, on the north-facing slopes is the amazing Powderhorn Mountain Resort. This hidden gem of Colorado ski hills is a short 45-minute drive from Bearslide.
Other options
The nice thing about being a skier in the West is that you’re almost always within a quick drive of some of the world’s best skiing. And sometimes, it’s the smaller resorts that offer avid carvers and boarders the best experiences.
If you’re looking for ranch real estate and love to ski the smaller resorts, consider the following:
- Broadacres Ranch near Creede, Colo., is about an hour’s drive from Wolf Creek Ski Area and about two hours from Monarch Mountain.
- Independence Mountain Ranch near Walden, Colo., is within a couple of hours of both Steamboat and Winter Park.
- Haystack River Ranch in southern Wyoming is a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Steamboat.
Final word
Ranch real estate property investors who love to ski have some great options in today’s white-hot ranch market. From smaller spreads close to “secret” ski hills to vast legacy ranches within striking distance of world-class resorts, there are some great choices.
And, winter is a great time to consider a big real estate purchase. Often, sellers are motivated to get property off the books before a new season begins on the ranch. Buyers, too, might see better pricing options during the colder months.
For sellers, there’s less competition for large ranches on the market in the winter. This gives them a real opportunity to highlight their properties.
And for avid skiers? Well, you just can’t lose.
