Shakespeare once said, “Now is the winter of our discontent,” but he obviously had never met a ski or snowboard enthusiast. With the fall of the first snowflake, winter is a promise of contentment—captured in the simple thrill of gliding down the slopes on fresh powder.  Those with discretionary income will most assuredly find a way to take their annual pilgrimage to their favorite resort this season, whether it be Aspen, Vail, Sun Valley, Tahoe or Whistler—but some may not be able to resist the urge to stay more permanently in a vacation residence of their own. Previews Inside Out tempts them with seven luxury properties in some of the most prestigious winter destinations.

20 S. Meadow Lane
Aspen, CO 81611
$13,850,000

This Robert Trown designed residence features rare unobstructed views of Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain and the Maroon Creek Valley. The open and inviting floor plan, touched with rich wood floors, exposed beams and trusses, granite counters and stone fireplaces create a warm and inviting mountain aesthetic. private and gated, this charming mountain estate is only a short walk to Tiehack chairlift.

790 Fairview Blvd
Incline Village, NV 89451
$6,895,000 USD

When Mark Twain first viewed Lake Tahoe, he remarked, “Surely this is the finest view the world affords.” It is still true today—especially if you happen to live in a residence of this caliber, resting on over an acre of land with sweeping panoramic lake and forest views. The exquisite home offers a private, park-like setting and over 9,400 square feet for the ultimate in entertaining.

119 Ptarmigan Road
Vail, CO. 81657
$19,500,000

Here’s an opportunity to own one of Vail’s most esteemed estates set on the edge of the Vail Golf Course and just minutes from the heart of the village. This residence is pure ski luxury, comprised of a main house and guest house with stunning Gore Range views…and even a pool for the gorgeous Vail summers–if you so choose.

1018 Mogul Hill Rd.
Sandpoint, ID 83864
$1,600,000 USD

Why travel thousands of miles to ski the Austrian Alps when you can have the charm of your own alpine castle in Idaho? Set on a half-acre lot at Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort, this castle features panoramic views, beautifully handcrafted woodwork, stained glass throughout and ski-in/ski-out access.

Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
$1,495,000 USD

Let us count the ways: an immaculate four-bedroom, three-bath contemporary in over 4,283 square feet situated a 1/2 mile from the Steamboat Ski Resort, which was voted no. 6 Best Ski Resort in North America in Outside Magazine’s November 2012 issue and no.12 ski resort in North America in Conde Nast Traveler’s Best Ski Resorts.

2013 Serene Road
Soda Springs, CA 95728
$3,100,000 USD

No detail was overlooked in the creation of this mountain masterpiece, located across from Lake Serena and 5 minutes from Tahoe’s Sugar Bowl ski resort, arguably one of the best ski resorts in California. Predominantly built from salvaged standing dead timber and locally quarried granite, the three-bedroom luxe retreat is accompanied by a huge loft, 7-seat theater, game room, ski-tuning shop and an exquisite great room that takes full advantage of the views of the water and Castle Peak.

238 Timber Trail Road
Breckenridge, CO 80424
$6,499,000 USD

This Breckenridge property offers the ultimate après-ski lifestyle as the Rocky Mountain’s first and only net-zero luxury ski home. From the gourmet kitchen and great room, this 7,200 square-foot residence offers 6 bedrooms, 6 baths, a lavish master suite with walk-in closets, office, media room, wine cellar and elevator. And did we mention that it’s all on your private neighborhood ski trail?