Just for I've attached a very random selection of what a half million dollars will get you around Ski Country USA as of June 2008. Sort of focused on sgl fam homes a short drive from resorts, this seemed to provide significantly more value. If you're thinking slopeside, only condos are available in this price range. Hope links work. Vote for your favorite.

1. Sgl Fam, 4bdrm, 2000 sq ft, Dillon Colorado, 10-15 miles from Copper Mtn, Breckenridge, and Keystone:
http://www.cisdata.net/bin/web/real_esta...start=0&grp=ALL

2. Sgl Fam, 6 bdrm, 3200 sq ft, Summit Park Utah, about 10 miles from PCMR, the Canyons and Deer Valley:
http://www.utahhomes.com/Property/proper...00000&WT.srch=1

3. Condo/Twn Hse, 1700 sq ft, The Canyons Utah, next to cabriolet ski lift at resort:
http://parkcityut.yahoo.4utahhomes.com/details/start.aspx?propid=141P009975532&VIP=ClassYahoo

4. Sgl Fam, 4 bdrm, 2900 sq ft, Whitefish Montana, 6 miles from Whitefish Mtn Resort (Big Mtn):
http://www.coldwellbanker.com/servlet/Pr...rty_id=13553798

5.Sgl Fam, 3 bdrm, 1350 sq ft, South Lake Tahoe California, about 10 miles from Heavenly and Sierra at Tahoe ski areas:
http://theresasouers.point2homes.biz/Lis...b=YC&Cc=1564656

6. Sgl Fam, 3 bdrm, 1600 sq ft, Littleton New Hampshire, frontage on small lake, about 10 miles from Cannon Mtn, a little further to Loon and Burke Mtn:
http://www.coldwellbanker.com/servlet/Pr...rty_id=13704134

7. Sgl Fam, 3 bdrm, 2300 sq ft, Kellogg Idaho, 7+ acres, very near Silver Mountain ski area:
http://www.homesandland.com/Listing.cfm?RefererId=Yahoo&ListingId=10496898&MagId=0769

8. Sgl Fam, 4 bdrm, probably 3000+ sq ft, Kingfield Maine, riverfront, about 10 miles from Sugarloaf ski area:
http://www.cisdata.net/bin/rea.php3?ZKEY...0765711&yahoo=1

The one in Tahoe was a close 2nd!!!!!!!

- yeah the one in Park City is Park West it is right across Canyons Resort Dr. when i lived there ... funny thing is if you bought that in 2003 you could have snagged it for $240K - i looked at one back then, but the price was too high for me - so i settled on my $170K Red Pines unit than probably is worth $375K now ... my friend N. got a one bedroom for $128K in park west and now they are close to $200K

Idaho, pure Idaho. 7 acres in northern Idaho. Come to daddy, baby!

The house in Maine is the most impressive in size/construction, but I went for the one in Tahoe based on the neighborhood

The one in Maine was incredible but a bit too much for me. Who really needs a 36' fireplace or a pool in Maine? For $500K, I think I'd like option 9, a $300K house in Maine and $200K in cash.

But since that wasn't an option I chose the one in Whitefish,. Tahoe was a close 2nd and the lake put the New Hampshire house in the running.

.. yeah but - i researched living around tahoe a few years ago (my plan was to work for IGT as a programmer and ski there) but as i found out the traffic/growth situation sucks. like big time. just be careful, even in your pipe-dreams (you stoner-gits !!)

I voted for the condo at The Canyons simply because I will NOT drive once I'm in the resort and this offering is next to the lift. And next to the FREE bus route to take me into town for shopping etc. Having said that, the one in Maine was the most imposing.

Even though the one in Maine was imposing, however, a couple of things bothered me... next to the Carrabassett river, which could mean a flood plain location. Which could mean Spring or Fall Nor'easter flooding and the fact that flood insurance for a second home could be a costly nightmare... Is that a dehumidifier next to the basement bar? And even if I had flood insurance, basements are not covered in flood insurance. Something to think about...

For those who think Vermont is the place for New England snobs, how about this? 26 grand and you get two acres!

Sugarbush Real Estate

Lou, JUST 2.4 acres? You totally forgot about the gem that sits on those 2.4 acres. I'm sure you could make your money back in 1 season of renting that beauty...

Nice Lou, I thought that was in Tucker County at first but upon further inspection realized it couldn't be...... if it was in Tucker County the realtor would have it listed for 86000.00 and it would be a historic property with tons of charm and potential.

Based on the skiing opportunity and nice ness of the unit, i think i'm most interested in #4, Montana here i come.

Septic unknown? Perhaps it's hooked to one of the storage buildings. Gee, they pay more in taxes than I do on both my valley area places. I agree w/Jimmy. Historic!