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The world’s most desirable ski resorts have been revealed by a posh real estate agent, who says high-earning bosses who can work remotely are driving up real estate prices.
Savills has identified the top 20 luxury ski resorts around the world based on their appeal and ease of access for home workers.
It ranked the resorts after finding that 60 percent of those who already own a ski lodge stay in their home in the snow for extended periods of time.
Pictured: The ski resort of Whistler Blackcomb, in Canada, tops the list in the Savills study
Savills has identified the top 20 luxury ski resorts around the world based on their appeal and ease of access for home workers
Many of the world’s ski resorts have reopened after closing during the pandemic.
Strong demand for a house in the snow and a low supply of homes for sale push prices up – often to record levels.
Even more affordable European resorts like Chamonix and Morzine have seen value jump 41 percent since 2020, according to Savills.
Even more affordable European resorts like Chamonix (pictured) have seen typical values rise 41 percent since 2020
The research into the most attractive vacation spots for executives was based on connectivity, climate, prime housing market and quality of life.
Working remotely requires connectivity, both physical and virtual, and the top five resorts for home workers all have relatively fast internet connections and are well connected to international airports.
Leading the way is the Canadian Whistler Blackcomb, who performs well in all categories. It offers 8,000 acres of terrain for winter sports enthusiasts, lots of snow, a lively village all year round, attractive real estate prices and close proximity to Vancover.
Jeremy Rollason, from Savills, explained: ‘British Columbia’s most famous resort is the ideal retreat for inept executives.’
Second in the study is Zermatt, which is attractive for two seasons and good connectivity.
Savills has revealed the average asking price per square foot of its top 20 luxury ski resorts
The Austrian resorts of Mayrhofen and Zell are also in the top 10 best ski resorts for executives who work remotely.
For those retreating to the Schmittenhohe mountains, there are plenty of summer activities, including golf, cycling, hiking and water sports on Lake Zeller.
Austrian holiday resorts offer a high quality of life and comparative value for money for first-class real estate, putting Kitzbühel in the top 10 as well.
Despite being well connected and guaranteed snow, the higher price per square foot of US resorts Aspen and Vail pushes them down the rankings.
The French resorts are lower in the ranking. Morzine, Chamonix and Méribel all perform well in terms of air connectivity and top prices.
However, a weaker internet connection in Chamonix and a relatively lower score on the five metrics for the three French resorts means they don’t rank as high as their Swiss counterparts.
Pictured: Zermatt, in Switzerland, is also on the list of 20 luxury ski resorts
Mr Rollason added: ‘Demand for prime residential ski property has remained undeterred despite the impact of the pandemic on international travel.
“The economic headwinds of rising inflation and subsequent monetary policy tightening, as central banks around the world raise interest rates, have not yet been felt within this specialized market segment.
“Compared to broader real estate market trends, ski property buyers generally rely more on equity than debt to finance their purchases.”
He explained that the price growth seen in the ultra-prime ski real estate market over the past year has spread to the prime market.
He said the mountains’ unwavering appeal, lifestyle and open space attract those who want to retreat from city life.
“Prime ski residences are an attractive store for accumulated wealth, but also a sentimental purchase for many,” he concluded.
In the 46 resorts that Savills tracked in this study, asking prices for prime homes have increased by more than 20 percent on average over the past year and more than 30 percent since 2020.
According to Savills, it’s more than double the average rise in national home prices over the same period for ski countries.
It said rising prices were driven by pent-up demand and a lack of inventory, with average prime quotes falling 28 percent year over year and 25 percent since 2020.