A season in the Alps
Ski chalets used to be a place to spend a few short weeks a year, but more buyers are investing in Alpine property to enjoy from early summer through to deepest winter. If you’re contemplating spending a season in mountains, here’s how to do it
Having recovered from several interrupted ski seasons, the Alpine property market hit new heights in the past two years. The post- pandemic world of hybrid working, a desire to be close to the elements and enthusiasm for wellness have inspired buyers to treat the mountains as a place to spend more than a couple of weeks.
Plus, strong demand coupled with limited supply equalled a 5.8 per cent jump in the prices in the Alps’ most desirable resorts in the past 12 months, according to Knight Frank’s latest annual Ski Property Index. Outperformers included Crans-Montana and St Moritz, Switzerland, which both saw price growth of 14 per cent.
In this new landscape, buyers are seeking out ski villages with year-round appeal. Resorts have capitalised on this by starting to invest heavily in ‘out of (ski) season’ attractions, such as Cuisine Mon Village, an annual summer food festival in Megève, or the Verbier Music Festival, an extensive annual two-week music programme held in churches, concert halls and in the open air.
Opportunities for sports abound too. The thrilling month-long TIME Megève Mont Blanc gives cyclists a choice of mountainous routes through some of the Alps’ finest passes. Or, you can compete in the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, or the Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon, which saw 1,600 super-fit competitors take part in the 42-plus kilometre high altitude race this July. A special train service allows spectators to watch the event without breaking a sweat.
Courchevel, Savoie, France
A traditional ski-in, ski-out chalet in the heart of exclusive Courchevel 1850, France. Think cozy interiors, south-facing terraces, and an indoor jacuzzi to soothe aching limbs after a day on the slopes. An office allows for comfortable working from home, there is staff accommodation, and the chalet is set on a heated road. Guide price: €15,000,000
Nivalia, Zermatt, Switzerland
Overlooking the Matterhorn, this luxury development of seven chalets feels like a five star hotel. Each chalet has its own sauna, hammam and jacuzzi with access to a private dining lounge, pool, gym and wellness treatments. Each boasts an exceptional standard of finishing, with contemporary materials and interiors. Prices from: CHF 9,390,000
Chalet Florentine, Megève, France
A newly built five-bedroom chalet in Demi-Quartier, five minutes’ drive from the centre of Megève, France. The ski-in, ski-out property has plenty of luxurious extras, from the sauna, Nordic-style spa, cinema room, games room, massage room, and gymnasium. Outside, there is a spacious terrace overlooking the piste. Guide price: €9,950,000
To explore how we can help you find your ideal home in The Alps, go to knightfrank.com/alps