Where to Ski And Snowboard - Demand grows for ski properties

Demand grows for ski properties

31st March 2021, by Abi Butcher

In the Swiss ski resort of Andermatt, the latest apartments sold out within three weeks

Interest in buying property in the Alps is higher than usual at the moment, echoing the trend of strong bookings for the ski season next winter.

Where to Ski & Snowboard has this week spoken to several agents who market ski chalets and apartments across the Alps, all of whom report far greater interest in property this year compared to previous years.

In the Swiss ski resort Andermatt, the latest apartments to go on sale in the £1.4billion resort development have sold out within three weeks. Some 33 out of 34 apartments, which include studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments, have been reserved, despite the past winter being effectively cancelled for most ski tourism around the world.

A spokesman for the Andermatt developers say the Covid pandemic has boosted “huge” demand for Alpine living: “With the increase in flexible and remote working, the demand for alpine weekend retreats is booming.”

Simon Malster of Investors in Property which specialises in Swiss, French and Austrian ski property said “perversely, we have had the busiest year ever”.

Julian Walker of SkiingProperty.com concurred, saying the company has received way more enquiries and sales this year when compared to last.

In its 15th Annual Ski Report, released last December, Savills reported a resilience in the skiing property marketing, with Jeremy Rollason, head of Savills Ski commenting that while “much has changed globally, the appeal of the world’s slopes remains the same”. He told Where to Ski & Snowboard that registrations with the firm among people looking for ski properties is up an incredible 169% year-on-year.