The best Swiss mountain resorts for year-round Alpine living
Explore three remarkable resorts that not only offer world-class skiing but also provide an exceptional year-round lifestyle.
In the heart of the Swiss Alps, where majestic peaks meet quaint villages, the joy of living in the mountains is an experience unlike any other. Recently, Alpine retreats have seen a shift in the preferences of property buyers. Gone are the days when a chalet was a winter-only escape. Now, buyers are embracing year-round living in their chalets, especially the work-from-anywhere workforce, who seek chalets that feel like home, emphasising a well-rounded lifestyle.
While proximity to the slopes remains important, the spotlight has shifted to convenient access to shops, restaurants and amenities. Buying a property in the Swiss Alps may pose challenges, but those willing to navigate the regulations will be rewarded with beautiful homes in breathtaking landscapes within spirited, like-minded communities.
Alex Koch de Gooreynd, a Partner at Knight Frank within the International Residential Sales Team and Alpine expert, shares his insights into the three exceptional Swiss mountain resorts – Verbier, Crans Montana, and Villars-sur-Ollon. These destinations not only boast world-class landscapes but also offer a year-round lifestyle beyond the thrill of skiing.
Verbier
Verbier is perhaps the most international resort in the Swiss Alps. Its appeal stems from its easy accessibility – a train from Geneva airport to Le Châble and the bubble transport to Verbier eliminates the need for a car and means you can be on the slopes in under two hours.
The resort's south-facing aspect offers breathtaking open views and abundant sunshine, while its north-facing slopes ensure excellent snow retention. For social skiers, Verbier is a hub of activity – the best après-ski scenes can be found at Hotel Farinet and Le Rouge. The renowned Farm Club goes on through the night and is an institution.
Verbier is a sports-focused destination; no high-end brands, just a place to ski hard, play hard, and party hard, making it a favourite among the international community. The recent addition of a second International School has attracted more global families and Swiss residents looking to make Verbier their year-round home.
The ongoing infrastructure investments, including a new sports centre due to open in 2026, have contributed to the growth of a thriving community throughout the year. Beyond the winter and summer seasons, Verbier remains lively with golf courses, cycle routes and summer music festivals, showcasing its commitment to a year-round lifestyle.
Three bedroom chalet for sale in Verbier, Valais. Asking price: CHF9,500,000
Crans-Montana
One of the larger resorts comprising two neigbouring villages, Crans-Montana offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Crans, with its designer shops and smart high street, exudes a more classic ski resort charm. The south-facing slope basks in sunshine for much of the year and has exceptional views of the Valais mountains.
The resort was recently acquired by luxury US mountain company Vail Resorts, who are investing around CHF 30 million over the next five years, focusing largely on ski domain infrastructure. While Crans was long considered the more upmarket of the two villages, Montana has undergone significant recent investment, transforming into a trendy and vibrant destination with an excellent International School.
Crans-Montana benefits from being easily accessible, around two-and-a-half hours by car from Geneva or 55 minutes from Sion. There are several excellent hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants – one of my favourite places for lunch is at Chetzeron. Get a table on the terrace and soak in the spectacular surrounding mountain views. Although its après-ski scene is not as extensive as Verbier, ZeroDix at the bottom of the hill is a popular spot. There’s also an excellent spa at the newly opened Six Senses hotel.
Four bedroom penthouse for sale in Crans-Montana, Valais. Asking price: CHF2,690,000
Villars-sur-Ollon
This pretty resort around one-and-a-half hours from Geneva underwent a remarkable transformation about five years ago, with significant investments and acquisitions by major international investors. The result is a rejuvenated resort with top-notch facilities, including the recently refurbished Villars Palace Hotel, now a popular high-end destination. Several others have joined the revamp, introducing exciting new restaurants and attractions to the resort.
What sets Villars apart is its year-round appeal, fueled by a community of 800 students across three international schools. This constant activity makes it a vibrant destination no matter the season, offering something for everyone.
Situated at a lower altitude, Villars provides a different skiing experience. The ski pistes meander through meadows, reducing the need for extensive snow coverage. The resort has invested heavily in infrastructure, creating lakes at the mountain's peak to supply snow cannons, ensuring a reliable source of artificial snow for skiing back into the resort. Efforts are underway to improve the accessibility to the neighbouring Les Diablerets resort, known for its direct access to high skiing on the snow-sure Glacier 3000.
Five bedroom chalet for sale in Villars-sur-Ollon, Vaud. Asking price: CHF2,050,000
Gstaad, Zermatt, St Moritz
Three other resorts - Gstaad, Zermatt, and St. Moritz – each hold a unique charm in the Alpine scene. Gstaad, more a mountain village than a ski resort, is packed with designer stores and elegant restaurants. Its favourable tax arrangements attracts a lot of international buyers to the area. The famous Institut Le Rosey school also has a winter campus at the resort, adding to its appeal.
Zermatt, a skiing Mecca with some of the highest slopes in Switzerland, is renowned but challenging for foreign homebuyers due to limited availability. Meanwhile, St. Moritz is also popular among the international community and offers a diverse range of mountain pursuits beyond skiing, from ice skating to polo. While not a bustling après-ski hub like Verbier, St. Moritz's allure lies in its elegance, privacy and breadth of alternative mountain activities.
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