Posted on 05 May 2023
What exactly do ski property buyers look for when choosing the perfect resort for their international property investment? This article will explore essential factors that make ski property purchases stand out, ensuring the ideal experience for the buyer and seller. From previous research articles, understanding buyer preferences to highlight the top features, buyers will find valuable insights into investing in this niche of international property.
To cater to ski property buyers seeking winter retreats, it is critical to understand what buyers want from investment properties. While preferences like the purchase price may vary, certain purchasing decisions universally contribute to successful experiences. By understanding these purchasing decisions and delivering on them, destinations set themselves apart from the competition and stand out to potential purchasers seeking international property.
What Buyers Want from a Ski Resort
Destination Features
There are several features’ buyers of ski property prioritise when searching for international property. These include quality and variety of ski slopes and terrain, accessibility, quality ski schools and instructors, and overall ambience. Additionally, international property buyers are increasingly concerned with environmental impacts and seek destinations prioritising sustainability and eco-friendliness in ski property markets. With many of the working generations, now able to complete remote working, the impact of the town or village is a strong preference.
Buy Property in Convenient Locations
The important locational factor is accessibility of ski properties. Buyers are more likely to choose resorts within reasonable proximity to an airport or central transportation hub rather than high-altitude resorts that take longer to reach. Additionally, for international buyers, the flight frequency is another major factor, with buyers now looking at the year round flight schedules rather than just one season.
What Buyers Want for Comfortable Stays
When considering ski properties, buyers want comfortable and luxurious properties. Therefore, high-quality chalets, or ski apartments with space and facilities are highly sought-after. Additionally, buyers value ski-in/ski-out access, allowing them to conveniently hit the slopes without needing additional transportation. Read more about what to look for in a ski chalet.
On-mountain Alpine Amenities and Services
The on-mountain experience is crucial to what international property buyers want from a resort. High-speed ski lifts, well-groomed slopes, and varied ski terrain are essential. Additionally, buyers appreciate quality ski schools, rental shops, and professional instructors who enhance skiing or snowboarding experiences.
Off-mountain Alpine Activities and Attractions
While skiing and snowboarding are undoubtedly the main attractions at any resort, property buyers are also interested in off-mountain activities and interests. These include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and sleigh rides. Additionally, buyers appreciate wellness centres, spas, and fitness facilities, which offer opportunities for relaxation after the slopes. Cultural attractions like museums, art galleries, and local events can also enhance the appeal.
Dining and Nightlife
Dining and vibrant nightlife are essential to what buyers want in ski resorts. Restaurants, from casual to fine dining, allow guests to enjoy various culinary experiences during their stay. Bars, pubs, and clubs provide opportunities for socialising and entertainment. At the same time, après-ski venues offer fun and relaxed atmospheres after the slopes. By prioritising diverse and high-quality dining and nightlife, resorts cater for all tastes and preferences and ensure memorable and enjoyable stays.
Family-friendly resorts: What buyers want for memorable family vacations
For buyers with families, resorts catering for all ages are essential. By prioritising family-friendliness, resorts attract buyers with children and create lasting memories for the entire family.
Knight Frank Ski Report
Knight Frank’s Ski Property Report evaluates existing real estate market conditions in the French and Swiss Alps. It comprises results on the Ski Property Index. When queried regarding their top priority while selecting a resort, 27% of those buying properties declared they wanted locations with varied skiing and non-skiing activities to enjoy year-round. The most important factor for 18% of those surveyed was accessibility, with 30% noting they preferred the property to be within a 90-minute drive of an airport. Seventeen per cent of buyers prioritised having a first home before lengthy ski season.
In contrast, fifteen per cent felt restaurants and bars for après ski were essential. The most sought-after destination among property respondents is the French Alps, with 75% of existing homeowners having property there and over half of all future buyers intending to buy there. The Alps dominate, with Switzerland as the runner-up, with other European countries like Austria and Italy being popular choices. Overall, of those making property purchases, 30% want dual-purpose assets as a holiday home and for rental income. Yet 26% want a second one-third, or co-primary residence for their exclusive use.
Dual Season Ski Resorts
When buying a ski property, every buyer should ask what is the best dual season ski resort to invest in. Of course, other criteria ensure a wise investment, but dual season resorts drive the property market. After all, you can now get away from Spring through summer to Autumn rather than using your ski home just for the winter months. Additionally, anyone investing in a buy-to-let now has more months to maximise their occupancy rates.
So, you might be asking what is there to do because skiing is off the agenda once the snow falls away. Well, certain resorts invest heavily in outdoor activities like golf, mountain biking, trekking, hiking, parasailing, and the list goes on and on. The French Alps are the world’s best outdoor playground, and this article looks at the best resorts that lead the way for year-round holidays off the slope in the alps.
Favoured Destinations to Invest in Ski Properties
Oh, the thrill of skiing down the snowy slopes, the crisp mountain air kissing your cheeks, and the unmatched beauty of nature surrounding you! Where better to invest in international property than in France and Switzerland, home to the top destinations. France and Switzerland offer perfect blends of picturesque landscapes, famous resorts, outstanding facilities, and diverse skiing terrains.
Starting with France, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is the right resort for ski property buyers. Nestled at the foot of the Alp’s highest peak, Mont Blanc, Chamonix boasts a rich history dating back to 1924 when it hosted the first Winter Olympics. This vibrant town offers traditional charm and modern amenities, catering to ski enthusiasts worldwide. With various slopes catering to beginners, intermediates, and experts alike, Chamonix is one of the best ski resorts in France for those seeking an unforgettable skiing experience.
Next up for international ski property is Val d’Isère, another iconic French town renowned for world-class skiing facilities and stunning alpine scenery. In the heart of the Tarentaise Valley, Val d’Isère attracts skiers and snowboarders from across the globe with its diverse terrain spread across 300 km of pistes. The resort also offers an excellent après-ski scene, with several bars, restaurants, and shops to entertain you off the slopes.
Now let’s dive into Switzerland, synonymous with mountain vistas buyers and home to some of Europe’s best ski resorts. Verbier easily attracts avid skiers or snowboarders with an extensive network of pistes. Known for vibrant nightlife and luxurious accommodations, Verbier is ideal for those seeking exhilarating ski runs and lively après-ski atmospheres.
Zermatt is another popular destination. With the iconic Matterhorn as its backdrop, Zermatt offers unique skiing experiences combining breath-taking scenery with exceptional skiing facilities. This car-free village is an idyllic destination for prospective buyers looking to escape the hustle of city life and immerse themselves in tranquil beauty.
Find Out More
Knowing what buyers are looking for can be the difference between success and failure. Buyers are primarily attracted to resorts offering unique experiences, convenience, value, access to amenities and activities, and real estate options. However, these features must then be backed up with quality, personalized experiences. Ski resorts must also keep up with the latest technology, trends, and changes in the industry to appeal to an ever-changing ski crowd.
If you are looking to buy a ski property, browse our portfolio here or contact our experienced estate agents today and let us guide you through the process. We’ll help you find your dream home or achieve the best possible price for your property. With our expertise and dedication, we can show you what buyers want in a resort and help you to find the same.
