Chamonix Top for Ski Property Investment

Knight Frank’s Ski Property Index reveals that Swiss resorts lead the rankings for the second year running, with three German-speaking resorts – Klosters (16%), Davos (13%), and Andermatt (9%), occupying the top spots, reports Abode2. A severe lack of stock and infrastructure improvements in each resort are pushing prices higher.

Chamonix (7%) retains its title as the top-performing resort in the French Alps, a true year-round resort whose population surges from 10,000 to 130,000 during peak season. The resort attracts a broad demographic, from skiers to mountain bikers, and plays host to a busy calendar of sporting events which also drives investor demand.

In 2023, two trends emerged in the Alps, high-altitude resorts (e.g. St. Moritz, Val d’Isère, Courchevel 1850) and year-round resorts (e.g. Chamonix and Verbier) outperformed. Buyers either prioritised snow-sure resorts with longer ski seasons or targeted locations offering a broader mix of ski and non-ski activities and a livelier resort during the summer months.

Kate Everett-Allen, head of global residential research at Knight Frank, said: “The pandemic-induced Alpine mini boom is ending with a fizzle rather than a bang, as limited supply keeps a floor under prices in most markets. Across three key French resorts, listings are down 56% on average compared to before the pandemic and this is set against a backdrop of robust demand.

“There are clear challenges ahead for ski resorts, not least climate change, the need to upgrade infrastructure and strict planning rules. But the market is evolving, attracting buyers from further afield (Asia and the Middle East) and from southern Europe, as recent heatwaves prompt some second homeowners to pivot northwards.”

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