It's estimated that over 1.5 million Britons take a ski holiday every year. Skiing became more popular after the first Winter Olympics in Chamonix in 1924 and it’s easy to understand why, as it offers something for everyone. As well as fresh air, crisp white snow and plenty of exercise, you’ll have access to shopping, spa days, entertainment, excursions, après-ski and nightlife. The world’s most prestigious resorts go one step further, offering everything from private butlers to Michelin-starred restaurants, designer boutiques, private airstrips, heated sidewalks and art galleries. There are also plenty of family friendly resorts around. It’s little wonder then, that the rich and famous are flocking to buy second property within easy access of the ski slopes.
We explore some of the most prestigious resorts in the world and what they have to offer.
Gstaad, Switzerland
Gstaad is a picturesque village offering pretty views of the Bernese Alps. With its crisp mountain air, designer shops, award-winning restaurants and 200km of slopes, including cross country slopes and winter hiking trails, the resort attracts guests year-round from all across the globe.
In the Alps, skiing is a deep-rooted cultural way of life that’s been around for hundreds of years, with the earliest record of skiing depicted in rock carvings dating back to 3,000–4,000 BCE. It was adapted from a means of transportation to a recreational sport around 1850, and Gstaad’s first ski resort was opened in the early 1900’s. Roger Moore, Sophia Loren, Julie Andrews, Richard Burton, and Elizabeth Taylor have all famously visited the slopes here.
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Unsurprisingly, property in Gstaad doesn’t come cheap. It’s one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, with house prices averaging around CHF 33,000 per square meter (approximately $36,000). At the top end of the scale, prices can reach as much as CHF 65,000 per square meter ($71,000)2.
Property supply is limited here, especially in ultra-prime destinations, and Switzerland has restrictions on foreign property ownership. Real estate in Gstaad is highly coveted therefore, hence the price tag. A property close to a ski lift, or within proximity of the slopes is likely to set you back several million. If you’re considering buying in this region, Savills have many beautiful chateaus and chalets for sale.
Courchevel 1850, France
Set in the Tarentaise Valley, Courchevel is surrounded by pine forests and offers views of the Vanoise peaks and Mont Blanc. This is a truly luxurious destination with nine five-star hotels, several Michelin-starred restaurants, and access to the Three Valleys ski area. Courchevel has over 600km of pistes connected by hundreds of ski lifts. Because most of the valley faces North, snow reliability is excellent all season.
Courchevel has many high-end hotels and chalets, some of which are ski-in ski-out, and a lively nightlife scene with famous clubs like Les Caves de Courchevel, Le Coyotte, and La Grange. Buying in this area is considered a strong investment opportunity because of its popularity for seasonal rentals. Luxury chalets here can cost up to €31,670 per square meter.3
Aspen, USA
Aspen encompasses four main ski areas; Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass, with skiing available for all abilities.
The resort features a ski-in ski-out restaurant, Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, which brings a European influence, and a number of prestigious hotels, including the legendary Hotel Jerome, built during the silver boom in 1889 and recently renovated.
Although Aspen is primarily known as one of the best ski towns in the US, it’s also beautiful during the summer months as it’s surrounded by nature. If you like to hike, there’s an option for almost everyone including Maroon Bells, Hunter Creek and Smuggler Trail. Water sports, including white water rafting, floating, kayaking, and canoeing are all available here. There are plenty of places to shop, and if you like nightlife try The Snow Lodge, Escobar or W Rooftop. O2 Aspen is a health and wellness centre that offers yoga, Pilates, fitness, spa services, and a boutique shop.
Aspen is considered the most expensive ski resort in the world, with average asking prices for prime residential property reaching over €35,000 per square meter.
Whistler, Canada
Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada, is a world-class ski resort with over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain. It has 200 marked runs, including 16 alpine bowls and 3 glaciers as well as some family friendly zones. The resort has a large network of high-speed chairlifts, and the Peak 2 Peak Gondola which connects the two mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb. Be sure to take a visit to the Longhorn Saloon at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb; rated one of the best après-ski bars in North America.
A number of celebrities frequent this resort. David Beckham came here with his family to learn how to snowboard in 2017 and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle celebrated Valentine’s Day here earlier this year.
In the summer, Whistler Blackcomb offers hiking and biking trails as well as ziplining, or enjoy a 4x4 tour, go bear watching, or pop down to the local farmer’s market.
A chalet in Whistler will set you back, on average, in the region of $3,500,000.
Cairngorm Mountain, Scotland
Perched on Scotland’s sixth highest mountain, Cairngorm Mountain Resort stands at 1,245m, an excellent destination for skiing and snowboarding, with a reliable snow record and a variety of runs for all ability levels. The mountain railway offers panoramic views of the Cairngorms National Park and Loch Morlich. Nearby Aviemore has a lively après-ski scene with a variety of cosy pubs, cafes and restaurants. The Cairngorm Hotel, known locally as ‘The Cairn’, is a popular spot for live Scottish music.
Part of the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland, the resort offers 30km of skiable terrain, and is one of the most popular skiing destinations in the UK, earning a reputation as a top resort for advanced skiers, with 22% of its runs being black runs.
You can pick up property here much cheaper than at some of the other ski resorts featured in this article, with the average house price in nearby Aviemore sitting at less than £300,000. However, a detached luxury country house in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park will set you back a couple of million pounds or more.
Whichever resort you choose, a property in one of these prestigious ski areas is likely to prove a very lucrative investment for the future, but they all have very different features to offer, so thorough research is key. A dedicated international mortgage broker can help you navigate the complex legal jurisdictions of different geographical locations and the intricacies of buying real estate in mountainous areas.
The views and opinions expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not constitute advise or a recommendation. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Enness and are not intended to indicate any market or industry viewpoints, or those of other industry professionals
Islay Robinson, a founder of Enness, is widely regarded as one of the UK's leading mortgage brokers. He has been instrumental in delivering some of the most complex and high value mortgages in the UK.
