Ski property is booming. Despite the pandemic, despite the complexities of Brexit - more people want ski property than ever before. This year’s Knight Frank report shows resorts such as St.Moritz achieving a huge 16.5% growth, and records property in Chamonix as commanding record sale prices of £20,000 per square metre. These aren’t just fluke figures - property prices are higher in many alpine resorts and despite travel restrictions, the desire to own a home in the mountains is growing stronger and stronger.
What is behind the growth in demand for ski properties?
People want to ski, and people want to ski safely and conveniently. A home in the mountains is the way to achieve it. A home in the mountains means being able to enjoy your passions and enjoy the myriad health benefits of mountain life without being fettered by travel restrictions. It means having a space to call your own, a space to enjoy time with family and friends, and a space to truly live the life you seek to lead.
Yet none of this is new - the mountains haven’t changed, the joy of being able to access the slopes with ease isn’t a great revelation. Why is growth experiencing a supercharge in the middle of a pandemic?
A recent article in the Financial Times cites increased local interest as a key driver. They draw comparisons with the exodus of Londoners to the beleaguered Cotswolds - people want to be sure they can enjoy what they like, even if public health protection is in place. Worries about demand falling were quashed as local buyers stepped in to fill the gap. Combine this with a whole load of skiers eager to ensure they have a space to call home should lockdowns reoccur, or another variant of concern rears its head and your have a market made up of people keen to secure their own part of mountain paradise.
Where is best to buy a ski property?
Ah the eternal question. If your prime aim is to snag a property in one of the ski property hotspots then property in Switzerland and France still leads the way, with huge growth and continued investment in infrastructure across many key resorts. What if you prefer somewhere away from the big name resorts though? Is there any opportunity elsewhere?
The answer is a resounding yes. How about taking a look at Trentino ski area. Resorts are dotted over 800km² of slopes and you’ll enjoy the chance to ski beneath the stars, as well as huge opportunities for cross country skiing at the Viote-Monte Bondono ski centre. Something like this spacious apartment in Canazei is a great base to immerse yourself in everything this fabulous part of Italy has to offer. The resort has easy access to the Sella Ronda, as well as fabulous food and a lively apres ski scene.Another gorgeous spot is Madonna di Campiglio. It’s close to the Brenta Dolomites, host to world class events and the and as the largest ski area in Trentino it’s home to 156km of slopes, including the famous Tulot run.
We can’t leave this part of Italy without talking about the Queen of the Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo. This beautiful town has been a ski resort since the 1930s and is brimming with restaurants, bars and streets that are just made for honouring the tradition of La Passegiata. With Basilica Minore dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo at its centre and countless ways to enjoy and absorb the beauty of the surrounding mountains, this is a superb palace to consider for a mountain home.
There are countless lesser known options in France too. Places like Sainte-Foy, justifiably described as a hidden gem offer superb skiing and whole sleds of alpine charm. Views of Mount Pourri and the Tarentaise Valley are spectacular, and you can find beautiful chalet style apartments as well as sleek new developments. If you’re looking for a quiet family retreat to truly get back to nature,it’s hard to imagine a more idyllic spot.
How to find the perfect ski property
SnowOnly is a specialist ski property portal. We’ve listings from hundreds of agents across the globe, which means you can find a home in whichever type of resort will work best for you. We’ve detailed buyers’ guides, investment info and useful articles about buying a ski property. Whether you want to be part of the boom in Swiss owned ski property, join the thousands that enjoy the beauty of the French Alps each year, or fancy seeking out somewhere a little different, SnowOnly can help make your mountain dreams come true. Our property alert service allows you to stay ahead of the market and our customisable search facility means you can pinpoint exactly the property you’re looking for in exactly the right location.