Direct answer. Six things decide whether a ski home in Aspen or Vail works for a trip: its distance to the lift or the town core, the true bedroom and bed count against your group, whether it is staffed or self-catered, the hot tub and drying room, parking and transport, and the owner's cancellation and damage terms. The Colorado Concierge checks each of these against the home before it is proposed, and does not propose a home it has not verified with the property manager or owner.
1. Ski access versus town access
"Ski-in/ski-out" is used loosely. In Aspen the four mountains sit in different places: Aspen Mountain rises from downtown, while Snowmass, Highlands, and Buttermilk are a drive away. In Vail, homes in Vail Village and Lionshead walk to the gondolas; homes in East Vail, West Vail, and Beaver Creek do not. Decide first whether the group wants to walk to the lift or walk to dinner, because in both towns very few homes do both.
2. Bedrooms and beds
Ask for the bed configuration, not the bedroom count. A "six-bedroom" home may have two bunk rooms and one king. Confirm how many rooms have en-suite baths, where the primary suite sits, and whether any bedroom is a converted space with no window.
3. Staffed or self-catered
Staffed estates in Aspen and Vail include a house manager and often a chef; most homes do not. If the home is unstaffed, a private chef, in-home breakfast service, grocery pre-stocking, and daily housekeeping are arranged separately. Confirm what the nightly rate includes before comparing homes on price.
4. Hot tub, ski storage, and drying
Confirm the hot tub is outdoors and working in the week you travel, that there is a heated boot room or ski storage near the entry, and that the home has a proper laundry. These are the items most often missing from listing photos.
5. Parking, transport, and altitude
Aspen has limited parking and restricted vehicle access in the core. Vail Village and Lionshead are largely pedestrian. Confirm the number of garage spaces and whether the home is on a shuttle route. Aspen sits at about 7,900 feet and Vail at about 8,150 feet; homes with supplemental oxygen or humidification are worth asking about for guests sensitive to altitude.
6. Terms
Read the cancellation policy, the damage deposit, the occupancy limit, and any restriction on events. Homes in both towns are subject to local short-term rental rules. Ask the manager or owner to state in writing that the home is licensed for your dates; a home that is not can be cancelled by the town.
How the home is vetted
Before a home is proposed, the property manager or owner confirms in writing: availability for your dates, the bed configuration, ski or town access, what is included, staffing, and cancellation and damage terms. Homes are then presented as a short list, usually two or three, with the trade-offs stated.
What it costs
A single-home Aspen or Vail week is planned under the Getaway tier, $1,000, which covers the home search, chef, transport, lift passes, instructor, and reservations, with two rounds of refinement. A $500 deposit starts the search and is applied to the fee. The home itself is billed under the owner's terms.
FAQ
Is Aspen or Vail better for a large group?
Vail has more large homes within walking distance of the lifts. Aspen has more homes in the town core and a stronger restaurant scene. Groups that want to ski from the door tend toward Vail or Beaver Creek; groups that want to walk to dinner tend toward Aspen.
How far ahead should I book a ski home?
Christmas week and Presidents' Week: nine to twelve months. Other winter weeks: four to six months.
Do you charge a fee for finding the home?
The home search is part of the planning fee. There is no separate booking fee, and the home is billed at the owner's rate.
Can you guarantee a specific home?
No. Availability is confirmed with the owner or manager at the time of booking and is not guaranteed before then.
What if the home does not match its listing?
The Colorado Concierge is your contact throughout the stay and handles the issue with the property manager directly.
Get started
Send your dates and town at thecoloradoconcierge.com or text (970) 295-3022. Reply within one business day.
Begin planningCall or text (970) 295-3022The Colorado Concierge is a JAE Luxury Travel brand, Fora affiliated, IATA 33520476.