Real Estate Industry News

With many COVID-19 forcing many to reevaluate their living arrangements, it’s safe to say that traditionally second-home markets are having a moment in the spotlight. That goes double for new construction in resort mountain areas, which continue to be among the hottest draws in luxury real estate today.

In resort ski areas, developers have taken notice and are designing residences that pair proximity to the mountains with flexible, curated spaces for year-round living. Here are three transformative ski-in/ski-out developments to know about in 2021:

Electric Pass Lodge in Snowmass, Colorado

Breaking ground this spring is Electric Pass Lodge, an all-electric development located on the slope-side of Snowmass Base Village. The first-of-its-kind ski-in/ski-out condominium development was designed and engineered for sustainability and will be completely powered by renewable energy.

In addition to ski-in/ski-out access to Snowmass Ski area, Electric Pass Lodge will feature 53 residences with prices starting at $1.4 million. Drawing from Scandanavian and contemporary elements, the residences will feature either two or three bedrooms. Natural tones, clean lines and playful patterns feature prominently in the sophisticated yet laid-back design done by 4240 Architecture in collaboration with interior design firm River + Lime.

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Eco-conscious details run the gamut and include triple-pane windows, robust insulation and earth tubes for passive cooling. The development will source its electricity from a rooftop solar array and the purchase of off-site renewable sources.

According to Andy Gunion, managing partner for the Roaring Fork Valley branch of East West Partners, confronting climate change head-on is top-of-mind in the Colorado community, which is handling the development.

“If you own a home at a ski resort, you’re inherently invested in the preservation of snow,” Gunion said. “Nobody wants their ski home to contribute to climate change, but the reality is most do – either through the burning of natural gas in the home itself or by receiving electricity generated from fossil fuel sources. With Electric Pass Lodge, we’re thrilled to offer buyers beautifully designed, high-performing, healthy residences that come with the piece-of-mind that when you turn up your heat, you’re not melting our precious snow.” 

Guernerés Exclusive Lodge in Grimentz, Valais, Switzerland

Of the Alpine resort areas, few offer the timeless architecture and old-world traditions found in the village of Grimentz in the heart of Valais, Switzerland. Pair that with Guernerés Exclusive Lodge, an all-new ski-in/ski-out community, and it’s the perfect combination of mountain bliss.

Encompassing some two acres of grounds next to the village, Guernerés Exclusive Lodge features 36 residences spread across 16 modern chalets and a separate complex with 40 apartments. Prices for the chalet residences run upwards of about $6 million, according to a listing with Quentin Epiney of Comptoir Immobilier.

“The standard model of mountain properties is currently being redesigned to better cater for both housing and work,” Comptoir Immobilier said in a release. “The apartments and chalets aim to provide the same characteristics as a principal residence whilst preserving their rustic charm at the same time.”

Designed to fit seamlessly with the Alpine landscapes, each of the residences incorporates high-end materials and energy-efficient details. Curated living spaces are outfitted with aged oak hardwood floors, burnt wood doors and tilework inspired by rough stone. Made-to-measure furniture comes standard and lends a contemporary yet minimalist touch to the interiors.

Resident amenities include a swimming pool with a spa and wellness area, a ski and boot room and an on-site restaurant that provides room service. Private underground parking is available with each residence. 

The Havens in Snowmass, Colorado

Electric Pass Lodge isn’t the only hot new community in Snowmass Base Village. Positioned among the slopes on Fanny Hills is the Havens, a walkable enclave featuring 10 single-family, ski-in/ski-out homes.

Presented as the modern mountain chalet, each Havens residence pairs a range of high-end amenities with living spaces tailored for indoor-outdoor living. Flexible floor plans come standard with each residence; each of the homes have either three or four bedrooms, a flex den and bonus space for a home office, gym or media/game room.

Interiors inspired by European chalets display a fresh contemporary aesthetic with light hues and high-end materials that complement the area’s natural beauty. The cabin-like designs were imagined by architectural firm Lake|Flato in collaboration with Colorado-based designed studio Design Workshop.

The homes start at $5.7 million and run upwards of $8.4 million. Since the project launched in January, three of the 10 properties in the community have sold for a combined $22 million-plus, including two side-by-side homes that were purchased by the same buyer.

Smith & Frampton Real Estate’s Steve Harriage, the listing broker for the new development, said that it’s no surprise to see the interest in the new ski-in/ski-out community.

“The most sought-after real estate in ski country is always ski-in/ski-out and The Havens is a never-to-be-repeated opportunity on Fanny Hill – the hub of ski runs in Snowmass,” Harriage said. “For anyone who knows and loves Snowmass, this just might be the most special place to own property, and an opportunity like this will never come along again.”


Comptoir Immobilier and Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate are exclusive members of Forbes Global Properties, a consumer marketplace and membership network of elite brokerages selling the world’s most luxurious homes.