So…a few votes for Vermont. BUT here’s my advice since I’ve lived in Vermont for decades including ski towns. Vermont is not the best option in my opinion for a second home. Property taxes are absurd and even higher for second homes. Real estate values were inflated before Covid19 due to low inventory and now it’s insane. We have one of the lowest cases of infection rates and outsiders are flocking to Vermont. Houses that should really cost $500K around Stowe are close to 1 mill. Anything under $400K is a dive or serious fixer-upper at the moment. If you are very rich than maybe a Vermont ski town will work for you.
The VT roads are not as safe as they used to be. Certain counties are super dangerous to ride. We recently moved out to a very rural area of Vermont and I’m still not riding on the paved roads as people drive fast, give you little room and it only takes a second. The dirt roads are better and I only ride a mountain bike and my cross bike in the summer. My tri bike sits on the trainer permanently now. I have a triathlete friend who also lives in Vermont and claims she’s been hit 7 times by cars. She’s fearless. I guess I have a bit more self preservation built into my personality…but I’m digressing…
If I were to buy a second home near a ski area, I second Mont Tremblant. I have done IMLP and really liked the area as well. Both Mont Tremblant and IMLP give you access to amazing open water swimming, riding and running. MT also has a newer Olympic pool. You would always find like minded people to train with in the summer months.
Not all Vermonters are friendly. Many do not want outsiders buying up property and driving up real estate values even further. As it is many locals can’t afford housing in Vermont anymore. Yes, outsiders bring in income, but it’s a double edge sword. Many locals rely on-out-of state money but at the same time, do not like outsiders and look forward to when return home. There is definitely resentment towards the rich outsiders buying up property here.
Another tidbit - in Vermont you will suffer many different types of bugs and flies. This summer the deer flies were nuts. Worst anyone has seen in years. Yes it’s pretty here but it’s not the utopia described by others who don’t live here all year round.