Posted on 01 August 2024
Ah, to look inside lives of the rich and famous is to look at the most expensive ski resorts in the world. Exclusive ski resorts and prime locations for hotels, chalets and apartments maintain an air of charm, that only attracts those who can afford them. Indeed, these resorts host millionaires, and billionaires worldwide.
From five-star hotels to modern real estate and traditional chalets with private chefs and wine caves, they are a world apart from mainstream property markets, and travel niches.In these resorts, high-end properties sell in private social circles, and travellers can expect to pay a fair amount to book into a hotel for the night. Let’s see which other towns promote luxury at its finest.
Most Expensive Ski Resorts in the World
1: Aspen Luxury Ski Resort – Most Expensive Ski Resort
Engel & Völker ranked Aspen Centre in Colorado, the USA, as the world’s most expensive resort for real estate, and it likewise, ranks that way for travel. With four mountains: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass, over 5,500 acres of skiable terrain, and 320 trails, Aspen receives roughly 300 inches of snow annually.
Famous people who own or have owned stunning chalets in Aspen include Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Kevin Costner, Mariah Carey, and Antonio Banderas. Arnold Schwarzenegger has also visited to experience the epitome of luxury. Of course, the town matches luxury lifestyles, so expect high-end boutiques, Louis Vuitton shops, heated outdoor pools, and cultural events.
In April 2024, the Denver Post reported that a home sold for 108 million, making it the most expensive sale in Colorado history. The private deal saw the 22,000-square-foot 11-bedroom mansion sold to two billionaires.
2: Val D’Isère in France for Fine Dining and Elite Slopes
This exclusive resort, in a central location with two Michelin-starred restaurants is known for over 300 kilometres of slopes and runs. The former mountain village sits at 1850 meters, with some slopes reaching 3,450 meters high. As part of the Espace Killy area, including neighbouring Tignes, it offers 300 runs, two snow parks, and a fantastic mountain panorama.
Latest reports put prices of homes for sale between 13,000 and 43,000 Euros per square meter. Apartments and lofts account for 78% of all sales, and to understand more, we have a ski-in, ski-out penthouse for sale on our books for more than six digits.
The home in the highly sought-after Rond Point des Pistes neighbourhood lies at the intersection of slopes called “Le Plan” and “Santons” at the base of the Solaise. Hence, skiers ski down to the main snow front, where the Solaise and Bellevarde pistes are, and return home in the mornings.
3: Verbier Swiss Ski Resort for Exclusive Experiences
Verbier, a renowned town in Swiss Valais, belongs to Four Valleys, one of Switzerland’s largest ski areas, and attracts many international buyers. Sitting approximately 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) above sea level, Verbier earns fame for off-piste routes like the Tortin and Mont Fort and those stunning mountain views.
International visitors enjoy exclusive hotels with indoor swimming pools, vibrant apres-ski scenes, numerous bars, excellent restaurants, and clubs, but without press attention. To give you an idea of prestige, celebrities who visit here include Nick Jonas, Prince Harry, Ronan Keating, Barack Obama, and Leonardo di Caprio. For rentals, an average week in a luxury chalet with all modern amenities easily costs €120,000.
4: Colorado – Vail’s Resort for Mountain Adventures
Vail Village in Colorado, with 5,289 acres of terrain and a vertical drop of 3,450 feet, offers plenty of exciting runs. But don’t forget the Sun Up Bowl, Mongolia Bowl, and Blue-Sky Basin, which offer the best powder skiing. Head to restaurants for fine dinners, shop at chic boutiques, hire a private mountain guide to explore this popular destination or relax in your heated pool. The world is your oyster!
When it comes to ski property for sale, expect a charming alpine village with European-inspired mansion architecture. To live in this popular ski resort, expect to pay 57% more than the US average.
Yes, this is, indeed, an exclusive enclave. Luxury rental properties market themselves at an average of $19,000 per night, and Vali’s most expensive home went up for sale at the beginning of this year, priced at $50,000,000. The real estate market of this luxury destination is perfect for alpine settings, so accept nothing less.
5: Courchevel 1850 for Luxury Ski holidays and Natural Beauty
This 1850-meter-high French ski resort, within the Trois Vallées of Savoie, offers breathtaking views. However, if prices per square meter are a bit hefty for your wallet, potential buyers should look at nearby Courchevel 1300 and Courchevel 1550.
When judging the skiing potential, expect 600 kilometres of slopes, approximately 150 runs, serviced by 63 ski lifts, and two dedicated snow parks.The average annual snowfall is around 5 to 7 meters, and ski seasons run from early December to late April. Courchevel region is easily reached by Geneva Airport and Lyon, Grenoble, and Chambery airports. Alternatively, use Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-les-Bains train station (about 30 km away)
Celebrities favouring this French Resort include David and Victoria Beckham, Elton John, and Robbie Williams. Many people say Courchevel is the world’s most luxurious ski resort, and your private jet or helicopter even has an airstrip. Sitting on the eastern side of Three Valleys, there is rarely anything for sale under six figures.
Still, suppose you want to visit but can’t afford to buy property. In that case, many people book into five-star hotels with private suites, then head out to the designer boutiques and five-star wellness centres and take private day trips to the other Courchevel places that make up the largest ski resort in France.
6: St Moritz for Pristine Slopes
St. Moritz in Switzerland attracts national buyers with gourmet dining experiences and alpine traditions in the centre of town. Located in the Engadine Valley of Graubünden, at 1,856 meters (6,089 feet), the town’s population of around 5,000 residents increases significantly during peak seasons.
Chalets, covering thousands of square feet and often featuring traditional architecture with modern comforts like wine cellars, are in more secluded areas or within walking distance of town. Features typically include high-end finishes, panoramic views, spas, and private garages.
Both international and Swiss buyers drive the market, and demand for outstanding property is consistently high. Non-Swiss residents can buy property in St. Moritz with restrictions. Foreigners typically require a permit to purchase residential property, often limited to holiday homes or properties intended for personal use.
In 2018, an elite mansion called the “Ice Palace” made the rounds on social media with a listing price of 185 million Euros. At that time, it was the world’s sixth most expensive home for sale. The house, which some call a castle, uniquely features an underground lake, a private fitness suite, and a fantastic kitchen for gourmet dinners.
7: Lech in Austria for Panoramic Mountain Views
In the Austrian Alps, Lech boasts picturesque scenery and luxurious atmospheres. At 1,450 meters (4,757 feet) in the Arlberg region of Vorarlberg, this small town has 1500 residents. The Arlberg ski area includes neighbouring resorts such as Zürs, St. Anton, and St. Christoph and 88 lift service skiing networks.
Listings for sale highlight spacious, traditional architecture with high-end finishes and private spas, and homes easily hold their value, hence the high demand for the perfect property. To understand the luxury status, Lech is a favoured destination for European royalty, and Princess Diana also kept returning year after year with her boys.
Harry wrote in his book “Spare” that he wanted to live there, having had fond childhood memories. Known as where the wealthy people go for holidays, most locals buy houses in neighbouring resorts because prices for ski properties set you back roughly 1800 euros per square foot.
8: Swiss Zermatt for Plenty of Fun
Car-free Zermatt, one of Switzerland’s luxury resorts, boasts of three hundred sixty kilometres of slopes and 54 lifts for skiers who flock to Matterhorn Paradise, which connects with Cervinia-Valtournenche in Italy. (Another place with exceptional property.)
The high altitude (up to 3,883 meters on the Matterhorn Glacier) ensures excellent snow conditions throughout the ski season, generally from late November to early May. While, Matterhorn Glacier allows year-round skiing, attracting avid skiers and snowboarders even in summer.
When looking around resort, expect luxury hotels and fine-dining restaurants. Several Michelin-starred restaurants and gourmet dining options enhance the luxury experience, but to become a homeowner in Zermatt, expect to shed 2.6 million Euros off your bank account to invest in the poshest property. After all, national buyers are tapping into exclusive experiences, and there is nothing budget about this Swiss enclave.
9: Gstaad in Switzerland for Alpine Beauty
Gstaad, a popular destination in Bernese Oberland, is close to Sion airport and easily attracts affluent visitors. At 1,050 meters (3,445 feet) and with approximately 7,000 residents (including nearby villages), the town belongs to the Gstaad Region but connects to Verbier-Saas Fee through the “Saanenland” network. It also earns fame for the Glacier 3000.
Think Valentino Garavani, Elizabeth Taylor, Madonna, Audrey Hepburn, William Holden, and Sophia Loren to understand the level of richness. Gstaad Palace is a popular hotel for those who don’t own property. With daily housekeeping, afternoon tea, and master suites, it is one of the world’s best hotels.
Often called the billionaire’s secret ski town, Gstaad is all about refinement. All chalets feature traditional Swiss-style architecture with views of pristine slopes. Overdevelopment or mass construction also doesn’t happen. Hence, there is more demand than supply, and prices per square metre often reach $70,000.
10: Andermatt in Switzerland for Exceptional Property
Last in our list of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, this Swiss town in the canton of Uri has undergone significant development to become a central destination with style and finesse. Recent developments have introduced expensive ski chalets, detached chalets, modern apartments, and high-end residences, and compared to other major Swiss resorts, the low density, boosts the exclusive reputation even further.
Developing the finest hotels enhanced the village’s appeal to affluent buyers. Notable projects include the Chedi Andermatt, a five-star hotel and residential complex with outdoor and heated indoor pools.
But recent investments stretch much further, and Andermatt shows no sign of making sure its real estate market is the best of the best. With an average chalet price fetching 2.8 million, Andermatt is exempt from restrictions for foreigners buying property in Switzerland until 2030.
Also About Ski Resorts
Where to go for Summer Skiing: Forget about the winter season because the best resorts for summer skiing showcase different sides to this niche of sport. Summer ski seasons worldwide see people flocking to snow conditions at high altitudes to continue the thrill of skiing among fantastic scenery.
Best Michelin Starr Restaurants in the Alps: If you plan to visit Michelin Star restaurants in the French Alps, be prepared for a fantastic journey into French gastronomy. The culinary experiences are nothing short of amazing, and easily match the fine dining experiences seen in Paris or Lyons. Whether you own property, or just visit the alps on holiday, the restaurants are a prime part of the experience. But while some, specialise in local cuisine, Michelin star restaurants are a completely different ball game.