The world’s top ski resorts for executives revealed by Savills

The world’s most desirable ski resorts have been revealed by an upmarket estate agent, which says high-earning bosses who can work remotely are driving up property prices. 

Savills has identified the top 20 luxury ski resorts around the world, based on their appeal and ease of access for remote workers.

It ranked the resorts after finding out that 60 per cent of those who already own a ski lodge are staying for longer periods of time at their home in the snow.

Pictured: The ski resort of Whistler Blackcomb, in Canada, has been ranked top 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 remote workers

Savills has identified the top 20 luxury ski resorts around the world, based on their appeal and ease of access for remote workers

Many of the world’s ski resorts have reopened after closing during the pandemic. 

Strong demand for a home in the snow, and low supply of properties for sale, is pushing up prices – often to record levels. 

Even more affordable European resorts such as Chamonix and Morzine have seen values rise 41 per cent since 2020, according to Savills.

Even more affordable European resorts such as Chamonix (pictured) have seen typical values rise 41 per cent since 2020

Even more affordable European resorts such as Chamonix (pictured) have seen typical values rise 41 per cent since 2020

Its study of the most appealing resorts for executives was based on connectivity, climate, prime residential market and quality of life.

Working remotely requires connectivity, both physically and virtually, and the top five resorts for remote workers all have comparatively fast internet connections and are well connected to international airports.

Leading the way is Canada’s Whistler Blackcomb, which performs well in all categories. It offers 8,000 acres of terrain for winter sports enthusiasts, plenty of snow, a year-round vibrant village, attractive prime property prices and close proximity to Vancover.

Jeremy Rollason, of Savills, explained: ‘British Columbia’s most famous resort is the ideal retreat for footloose executives.’

Ranked second in the study is Zermatt, which has dual season appeal and good connectivity.

Savills has revealed the average asking price per square metre of its 20 best luxury ski resorts

Savills has revealed the average asking price per square metre of its 20 best luxury ski resorts

Austrian resorts Mayrhofen and Zell are also in the top 10 best ski resorts for executives who are working remotely.

For those retreating to the Schmittenhohe mountains, there are plenty of summer activities, including golf, biking, hiking and water sports on Lake Zell.

Austrian resorts offer a high quality of life and comparative value for money for prime property, helping Kitzbühel also into the top 10.

Despite being well connected and having guaranteed snow, the higher price per square metre of American resorts Aspen and Vail pushes them lower down the rankings.

French resorts are dispersed further down the rankings. Morzine, Chamonix and Méribel all perform well on their air connectivity and prime prices.

However, a weaker internet connection in Chamonix and a comparatively lower scoring across the five metrics for the three French resorts means they do not rank as highly as their Swiss counterparts.

Pictured: Zermatt, in Switzerland, is also included in the list of 20 luxury ski resorts

Pictured: Zermatt, in Switzerland, is also included in the list of 20 luxury ski resorts

Mr Rollason added: ‘Prime residential ski property demand has remained undeterred despite the impact of the pandemic on international travel.

‘The economic headwinds of rising inflation and subsequent tightening of monetary policy, as central banks acrossthe world increase interest rates, are yet to be felt within this specialist market segment.

‘Compared with wider property market trends, ski property buyers are generally more reliant upon equity than debt to fund their purchases.’

He explained that the price growth seen in the ultra prime ski property market during the past year has filtered through to the prime market.

He said that the unwavering appeal of the mountains, lifestyle and open spaces, attracts those seeking to retreat from urban life.

‘Prime ski residential property is an attractive store for accumulated wealth, as well as a sentimental, life-aspiration purchase for many,’ he concluded.

Across the 46 resorts tracked by Savills in this study, prime residential asking prices grew by more than 20 per cent in the past year on average and by more than 30 per cent since 2020.

It is more than double the average national house price growth over the same period for skiing nations, according to Savills.

It said that increasing prices were being driven by pent-up demand and a lack of stock, with average prime listings falling 28 per cent year on year and by 25 per cent since 2020.

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