by Lisa Marie Mercer

Created on: August 17, 2007   Last Updated: September 19, 2007

The Perks of Paradise: Life in a Ski Town

Can you imagine a lifestyle that allows you to engage in four spectacular seasons of exciting outdoor activities? Could you envision yourself saying "adios" to crime, air pollution and congestion? Do you long to live a life less ordinary? If you answered, "yes" to any of these questions, you should consider starting a new life in a ski town.

There are both obvious and subtle advantages of being "moved by the mountains." The obvious perks are what bring people here. The subtle perks are what make them stay. For example, the folks who seek cheap ski passes and season-long easy access to the mountains are the ones that come for the winter. They soon discover that just a few hours of work at the resort can get them a free pass for themselves and their family. But wait. It gets better. You can also get free lessons, as well as discounts on gear and meals. Some places have reciprocal arrangements with other mountains. For example, Copper Mountain employees can ski free at Aspen, Steamboat, Loveland and many other resorts.

Even if you don't work at a ski area, there are locals' discounts, such as restaurants, gear and clothing stores that are not available to the general public. As if that wasn't enough, ski towns also offer an adventure for the mind, as well as an adventure for the body. Breckenridge and Sundance have film festivals. Aspen has a famous writers' workshop. Park City has an abundance of art galleries.

These perks are obvious. It's the subtle perks, such as the incredible sense of community, that inspire people to stay for the summer. As a result, ski towns combine small town congeniality with big city intelligence. There's a sense of caring for your neighbor that is rare in other areas. If there's an article in the local papers about someone suffering from a devastating adversity, locals will usually put together some sort of fund raising benefit on their behalf.

Tempted? As Warren Miller says "Remember. If you don't do it this year, you'll be one year older when you do."

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