Ski Vacation Residence Benefits
- Spacious Accommodations. Residence homes range from studios to four (or more) bedrooms, plus a living room, dining area, and full kitchen. There's plenty of room for the entire family. Having a kitchen means that you can eat at least some meals at "home."
- Proximity to Lifts. What more can you ask for than ski-in / ski-out accommodations?
- Amenities. Wi-fi Internet access, a fireplace, DVD players, flat screen TVS, pools, and a fitness center are usually available. Check on a washer/dryer. If available, they are really useful for all that ski laundry.
- Concierge and Valet Parking Services. It's nice to hand your car keys over to a valet and to be able to store your skis, get restaurant reservations, plan off-slope activities, and even order groceries.
- Shuttle Services. Whether you need to get around town or back and forth to the airport, a shuttle can save on car rental fees or bus fares. All you need to do is tip the driver.
Marriot's Timber Lodge
For example, Marriot's Timber Lodge, in South Lake Tahoe, is located at the base of the Heavenly's Gondola in the heart of the Village. Accommodation range from guest rooms to three bedroom villas.
The villas are complete with a fully equipped kitchen with granite counter tops, spacious living and dining areas, fireplaces, televisions with a DVD players, deep soaking tub in master suite, washer and dryer, wi-fi internet, ski storage and valet parking.
Ski Resort Destination Alternatives
You'll find ski resort residence vacation rentals and home ownership options at just about every major ski resort. Marriott's Vacation Club has properties in Breckenridge, South Lake Tahoe, Park City, and Vail. You'll find other opportunities at both U.S. and international ski resorts.
From Vacation Rental to Second Home
Renting a residence is also a good way to test second home ownership. You can take advantage of a short-term stay to ensure that the ski resort is a destination you would like to ski on a regular basis. You can also decide if the property you're staying in would work for you on a more permanent basis.
Private vs. Fractional Ownership
Many properties have units available for sale - either full private ownership or fractional ownership opportunities. Fractional ownership gives you a certain number of days or weeks when they can use the property without the commitment of a year-round second home. In addition, you may be able to use your time at another participating vacation property.
Fractional ownership offers the advantages of second home ownership with the services and amenities of a fine resort, and a variety of flexible usage options. Depending on the ownership agreement, property management services, maintenance, repairs, health club memberships, and a private ski locker may be provided.
Marriott's Grand Residences Program, for example, offers stays as short as one night allow for quick getaways or longer respites, and year round access to property amenities. Owners can rent their residences through a management company of their choice as an added convenience. That means you may be able to generate some rental income when you're not using the property.
