Mountain luxury real estate is experiencing an exceptional period. Sustained international demand, the scarcity of quality supply in the most sought-after resorts, and the rise of four-season activities are fuelling sustained price increases.
1. Aspen-Snowmass, Colorado | USA
Aspen Snowmass, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2021, is the most popular and most expensive ski resort in the US. Reputed for its legendary ski slopes, Aspen encompasses four separate ski areas for all levels. When the snow melts, the landscape transforms into a paradise for hiking, mountain biking and fly fishing. Aspen's elegant lifestyle and cultural vitality sets it apart, boasting an unrivalled selection of 5-star hotels, gourmet restaurants and world-class events.
2. Swiss Alps — Crans-Montana, Verbier, Gstaad, Zermatt and Andermatt
The Swiss Alps constitute the world's premier luxury mountain property market. Verbier, Gstaad, Crans-Montana, Zermatt and Andermatt each have their own identity and a loyal clientele stretching back generations. Property prices were stable and even slightly up in 2024, with rising demand fuelled by lower mortgage rates, the tax system, security, and the destination's guaranteed quality of life.
3. French Alps — Megeve, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Courchevel and Meribel
The French and Swiss Alps remain sought-after destinations not only for skiing but also for their unique setting and high-end infrastructure. Climate change is altering expectations: clients are looking for properties offering year-round activities. The award of the 2030 Winter Olympics to France offers the resorts a return of alpine skiing at Courchevel and Meribel.
4. Lech Zurs, Austria
Lech Zurs am Arlberg is both one of the most beautiful resorts in the world and one of the most discreet. This former rural village of Vorarlberg converted to winter sports in the 1920s and 30s without ever losing its character or authenticity. The Arlberg ski area is the largest single domain in Austria: 85 ski lifts, more than 300 kilometres of runs.
5. Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
120 kilometres north of Vancouver, the ski resort of Whistler Blackcomb, which hosted several events at the 2010 Winter Olympics, is one of the most reputed in the world. With snowfall ensuring between 9 and 10 metres each winter, it offers the two highest elevation drops in North America within the continent's largest ski area.