Picture it…
You awaken to a fresh layer of pristine, untouched snow coating the slopes.
After sipping morning coffee on your porch, taking in the first rays of sunlight as they hit the mountains, you step out the door and clip into your skis. Then, it’s an easy gondola ride to the summit.
You’re ready to take on the mountain…
With a crisp, cold breeze against your face and the sun shining in a clear blue sky, you start your descent, carving turns into the powdery surface. The sounds of skis gliding on snow, and the sight of endless trails unfolding before you, create a feeling of freedom that only alpine skiing can bring.
This is it…a slice of paradise…all yours.
And friends still can’t believe how little your stunning apartment cost here…far less than $200,000.
Europe is home to some of the world’s best skiing communities. But owning a home in one of these destinations can cost less than you might think.
If you’re an avid skier (which to be clear, I am not), you’ll know that it’s around this time each year that the season begins in some of the world’s top skiing destinations.
So, for anyone who likes to take to the slopes, the ski boots are ready to come out of storage…passes are being booked…and the anticipation of snowy mountains, the rush of adrenaline as you whizz downhill, and aprés-ski drinks in cozy bars is palpable.
If you’ve ever looked into buying a home in a ski resort town, it may have felt like an unachievable dream. Dig into the listings on Zillow for properties in top U.S. ski resorts like Aspen and prices can be huge (as I write, the cheapest property listed in Aspen is a studio apartment for $837,500).
But look overseas and things start to become a lot more affordable. Especially if you look at the smaller and lesser-known ski resort towns around the world.
For instance, the French Alps and Italian Dolomites are full of ski towns that are under the radar but still offer excellent amenities and bargain real estate. You’ll find incredible bank for your buck in Eastern Europe too. And don’t forget Japan, which consistently ranks as one of the top destinations in the world for skiing and snowboarding.
These less glitzy ski towns often blend charming village atmospheres with access to excellent slopes, making them perfect for ski enthusiasts looking for an affordable properties in quaint, livable settings.
I asked my team to look into real estate in ski towns overseas like these and they found lots of great options for under $200,000. Check them out below…
Bansko, Bulgaria
Listing price: €51,900 ($56,100)
This one-bed apartment in Bansko, Bulgaria is close to the slopes but in a quiet neighborhood away from the town’s nightlife. Listing here.
Located at the foothills of the Pirin Mountains in southwestern Bulgaria, the town of Bansko has been transformed in the last few years into one of Eastern Europe’s premier ski destinations.
Until the early 2000s, Bankso was relatively unknown among skiers but all that changed when a gondola, linking the charming town to the surrounding ski areas, was built. And as the international ski community took note, huge investment and development of both the town and the ski facilities followed.
Today, the nearby ski area offers over 46 miles of well-groomed slopes suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. With state-of-the-art lift systems, there’s easy access to the slopes, including the highest point on Todorka Peak at 8,500 feet.
The town itself now has a wide range of modern hotels, cozy chalets, and après-ski bars and restaurants. And the area is equally famous for its thermal spas, where visitors can unwind after a day of skiing.
In a quiet neighborhood, just at the edge of town, is this one-bed, one-bath apartment. It’s the ideal location for anyone who wants to be a bit farther from the nightlife, but still close to the gondola station.
Recently renovated, this apartment also has an open-plan kitchen/living area and two balconies. You’ll also have access to a pool and spa during the winter months. The listing price is €51,900 ($56,100) and you can see the full listing here.
Tomanu, Japan
Listing price: 18 million yen ($118,300)
The Japanese ski town of Tomanu is known for its luxury resorts. This ski-in, ski-out apartment is in the area’s most famous community. Listing here.
Though Japan is probably not one of the first places you’d think about when it comes to skiing, it’s home to some of the best resorts in the world. Tomamu is a modern ski resort town, in the country’s northernmost region of Hokkaido.
The town is set against the backdrop of the stunning Hidaka Mountains, providing spectacular scenery and an ideal environment for winter sports. Tomamu’s ski area has around 18 miles of diverse terrain, perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Its wide, gentle runs are perfect for beginners, while more advanced riders can explore challenging backcountry areas and tree-lined slopes.
Tomamu is particularly famous for its luxurious resorts, most notably Hoshino Resort Tomamu, and the town has a mix of chic, contemporary atmosphere and traditional Japanese hospitality. A standout feature of Tomamu is the Ice Village, a seasonal wonderland of ice structures that includes an ice bar, skating rink, and ice hotel. Like many Japanese ski resorts, there is not a big aprés-ski scene here, which makes it popular with families.
Within the Hoshino Resort Tomamu resort, my team found a one-bed, one-bath, ski-in, ski-out apartment. It has an open-plan kitchen/living area, and a loft area with high ceilings and a large window. It can sleep up to six people.
The building itself is connected to some of the resort’s other buildings and the new Hotalu (Firefly) street, with its shops and restaurants, by an enclosed walkway. This makes getting around the resort easy, even in a blizzard. This apartment is listed for 18 million yen ($118,300) and you’ll find more information here.
Le Biot, Huate-Savoie, France
Listing price: €139,500 ($150,700)
In the heart of the French Alps, this apartment in the town of Le Biot is a short drive from some of France’s best ski areas. Listing here.
Although not technically a ski town, the small community of Le Biot in the southeast of France is in the heart of the French Alps. It lies near some of the most well-known ski areas of the Portes du Soleil, such as Morzine and Les Gets, making it easy to access this area’s expansive ski terrain, while enjoying the peace of a small, rural village.
The town itself is surrounded by mountains, with rolling hills and dense forests. And traditional Savoyard chalets, local shops, and family-run restaurants line its streets. It’s known for its welcoming community and relaxed atmosphere and is a tranquil escape from the larger, busier resorts nearby.
Less than a 20-minute drive away from Le Biot is the popular town of Morizne, famous for its wooden chalets and Alpine charm. The slopes here are excellent for all levels of skiers and snowboarders and also offer excellent off-piste opportunities. Morzine also has a range of après-ski options, including lively bars, gourmet restaurants, and wellness centers.
Just outside Le Biot is this two-bed, one-bath apartment. It has a bright kitchen/living area, each bedroom has a mezzanine level, and the entrance hall has a large cupboard that’s perfect for storing ski gear. There’s also a balcony with views of the surrounding mountains and a ski locker is included with the apartment. It is on the market for €139,500 ($150,700) and you’ll find the full listing here.
Aprica, Lombardy, Italy
Listing price: €169,000 ($182,600)
This one-bed apartment in the traditional Italian town of Aprica has its own private garden. Listing here.
Aprica is a ski resort town located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, between the Orobie Alps and the Valtellina valley.
The ski area in Aprica has around 30 miles of varied slopes, accommodating all skill levels, though it’s particularly good for beginners. One of Aprica’s standout features is its long, continuous slopes that lead directly to the town center, meaning you can ski right into the village at the end of the day. The resort also has a modern lift system. With predominantly north-facing slopes, Aprica has consistent snowfall, making it a reliable choice for skiers and snowboarders.
Away from the slopes, Aprica has a welcoming and relaxed village atmosphere. Traditional alpine buildings line its streets, and there’s a variety of dining options, from cozy mountain lodges to family-run trattorias serving hearty Lombard cuisine.
Just outside the center of town, my team found a one-bed, one-bath ground-floor apartment. There’s also another bed located in a recess in the living room (this is common in European ski apartments). And there’s an open-plan kitchen/living area that opens out to a private garden. This apartment is currently on the market for €169,000 ($182,600). The full listing is here.
Verbier, Switzerland
Listing price: 990,000 francs ($1.14 million)
This one-bed apartment is in the heart of the action in Verbier, which has been a top-class ski destination since the end of World War II. Listing here.
Verbier, Switzerland ranks among the most famous ski resorts in the world. Perched on a sunny plateau with views of the surrounding Alps in the Swiss canton of Valais, Verbier is part of the extensive 4 Vallées ski area, with access to 250 miles of slopes.
Verbier is known for its challenging terrain, attracting expert skiers and snowboarders from around the world. Steep descents, expansive off-piste areas, and iconic runs like the Tortin and Mont Fort make Verbier a mecca for adrenaline junkies. It’s also a hub for heli-skiing. But the area does cater to all levels of skier, so beginners are accommodated too.
The town itself has a vibrant après-ski scene, with stylish bars, high-end restaurants, and luxury boutiques. And it’s a favorite of the rich and famous…the likes of Prince Harry, Jude Law, Leonardo di Caprio, and Barack Obama have all taken to the slopes here. Verbier also has numerous wellness centers and spas, many with panoramic views of the mountains.
As a hotspot for the rich and famous, you will need deep pockets if buying here. It’s not unusual to find chalets listing for well over $10 million…like this four-bed on the market for $11.2 million…
But we did find something a bit “cheaper” in Verbier…
This one-bed, one-bath apartment is in the heart of Verbier. Recently renovated, it has a bright kitchen/living area with a fireplace that leads out to a balcony. There’s also a dining area and a guest bathroom. The apartment comes with a parking space and the building has a cellar.
This price for this is a cool $1.14 million. You can see the full listing here.
Ronan McMahon, Founder, Overseas Dream Home & Real Estate Trend Alert
P.S. If you’re interested in any of these listings you should hire an attorney and do your own due diligence. We haven’t done any due diligence on them.
P.P.S. For more listings of affordable overseas dream homes, click here to follow our Your Cheap Dream Home Instagram account.
