Hitting The Heights: The World’s Top Ski Resorts 

For two decades, the annual Savills Ski Report has analysed the prime property market in the world’s top ski resorts – reviewing price changes, ranking the reliability of snow conditions and assessing future trends. It’s a period that has taken in peaks and troughs, including a global financial crisis, the UK’s departure from the EU and significant legislative changes for homebuyers. So what’s happening this ski season? 

As Jeremy Rollason, head of Savills Ski, notes, over the past 20 years the Swiss franc has more than doubled in value against sterling, while prime prices in US resorts have increased by 228% and those in France by 197%. New developments in Europe include the rise of five-star branded residences such as the Six Senses resorts in Courchevel and Crans-Montana, and the W Residences in Verbier – though the trend arguably kicked off with the opening of The Chedi in Andermatt in 2014.

“Aman Resorts recently opened Aman Rosa Alpina in San Cassiano, Mandarin Oriental will launch in Cortina d’Ampezzo in time for the 2026 Winter Olympics, and Four Seasons is selling exclusive residences in the Park Gstaad,” says Rollason. “Global hotel brands want a foothold in these high-value, exclusive mountain resorts and this growth trend is likely to continue.”

The Savills Ski Report 2025-26 shows that the mountain lifestyle remains a firm focus for property buyers. Prime property prices across the 44 markets surveyed rose by an average of 3% year-on-year, with values for ultra-prime properties in the top 10 global ski resorts increasing by 9%. 

“In the face of global economic headwinds, the resilience of property prices is the main headline,” says Kelcie Sellers, associate director at Savills World Research and the author of the report. “In many resorts, supply constraints, coupled with sustained demand for mountain living, continue to underpin and influence pricing. Remote working and an increasingly mobile global clientele have strengthened demand for mountain homes that blend workplace and a healthy outdoor lifestyle.”

The Resilience Index, an annual comparison of snow reliability across 64 resorts, emphasises the importance of altitude, with the top five – Vail, Zermatt, Val d’Isère, Aspen and Breuil-Cervinia – all offering super-high skiing. “But the index also includes resorts in the Nordic states, where high latitude enables good snow retention, an additional factor to consider,” Sellers says.

The report includes an overview of markets in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific, with a detailed look at several, including Val d’Isère and Cortina. There is a comparison of Gstaad and Aspen, two coveted ultra-prime locations, with an analysis of each resort’s strengths. A year-round lifestyle, privacy and a focus on health and wellness are key features for high-net-worth individuals, but so, too, are a favourable fiscal environment and capital preservation.

“The past season marked the third consecutive year of exceptional performance for the global ski industry,” says Sellers. “Visitor numbers have consistently exceeded pre-pandemic benchmarks, signalling a revitalised enthusiasm for Alpine experiences.”

JEREMY ROLLASON, HEAD OF SAVILLS SKI
JRollason@savills.com

KELCIE SELLERS, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, SAVILLS WORLD RESEARCH
kelcie.sellers@savills.com