As a global real estate company, Engel & Völkers proudly serves communities in more than 30 countries. From here in the Americas, through Europe and Asia, and down to Africa, Engel & Völkers advisors serve their communities not only as local market experts but also as global advisors with an understanding of the real estate market on a global scale. In part, Engel & Völkers has gathered information about the top skiing markets around the world, which since the beginning of 2020, the demand for has not faltered. The pandemic has, however, altered buyers’ priorities and the features they desire in their ski homes.
“Chalets and ski apartments that are equipped with additional rooms to accommodate a home office, nursery, or entertainment space are particularly suitable and in high demand.”
Sven Odia
CEO, Engel & Völkers AG
In the future, buyers will increasingly be looking for ski properties that can be used as retreats throughout the entire year, not just seasonally. Current buyers attach particular importance to the year-round usability of the property, the safety and convenience of the location, the privacy afforded by the property, and the integration of reliable technology for seamless work-from-home offices.
When evaluating the highest priced ski markets worldwide, Engel & Völkers categorized properties as apartments or chalets and ranked them separately. Here are those rankings:
Top 10 Ski Destinations Worldwide – Apartments
| Ranking | Ski Resort, Country | Highest Price Per Square Meter in the Top Segment for Apartments* |
| 1 | Gstaad, Switzerland | $41,200 USD |
| 2 | Vail, USA | $32,750 USD |
| 3 | Kitzbühel, Austria | $30,430 USD |
| 4 | Aspen, USA | $27,860 USD |
| 5 | St. Moritz, Switzerland | $22,520 USD |
| 6 | Zermatt, Switzerland | $22,520 USD |
| 7 | Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy | $19,480 USD |
| 8 | Davos, Switzerland | $15,540 USD |
| 9 | Whistler Blackcomb, Canada | $14,890 USD |
| 10 | Courmayeur, Italy | $14,610 USD |
* The data used in the ranking is based on transactions recorded by Engel & Völkers or properties listed in ski resorts in 2020. The ranking takes top prices per square meter for freehold apartments in countries where Engel & Völkers is represented into consideration. All prices quoted in CHF and USD have been calculated on the basis of the current exchange rate with the Euro.
For the apartment segment of ski markets, Switzerland, the USA, and Austria took first, second, and third for the highest-priced locations, respectively. Gstaad, Switzerland ranked highest with a top price per square meter of $41,200 USD. Vail, Colorado took second at $32,750 USD per square meter in its top segment, and Kitzbühel, Austria came in third place with asking prices in prime locations reaching $30,430 USD per square meter. These high prices are reflected by the demand that both Europe and the Americas’ ski markets have been managing.
“Europe’s ski regions, along with those in the USA and Canada, are seeing stable prices at a very high level. The excess demand at the moment is prompting many buyers to turn their attention to nearby resorts in areas surrounding the ski hotspots. Similar sharp price rises are being registered here as a result too.”
Sven Odia
CEO, Engel & Völkers AG
Top 10 Ski Destinations Worldwide – Chalets
| Ranking | Ski Resort, Country | Highest Price for a Private Residence** |
| 1 | St. Moritz, Switzerland | $56.3 mill. USD |
| 2 | Kitzbühel, Austria | $36.5 mill. USD |
| 3 | Zermatt, Switzerland | $24.7 mill. USD |
| 4 | Aspen, USA | $23.7 mill. USD |
| 5 | Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy | $23.1 mill. USD |
| 6 | Gstaad, Switzerland | $14.6 mill. USD |
| 7 | Vail, USA | $13.3 mill. USD |
| 8 | Whistler Blackcomb, Canada | $10.5 mill. USD |
| 9 | Courmayeur, Italy | $7.3 mill. USD |
| 10 | Davos, Switzerland | $4.4 mill. USD |
** The data used in the ranking is based on transactions recorded by Engel & Völkers or properties listed in ski resorts in 2020. The ranking takes the highest prices for a residential property in countries where Engel & Völkers is represented into consideration. All prices quoted in CHF and USD have been calculated on the basis of the current exchange rate with the Euro.
An asking price of $56.3 million USD for an exclusive residence in the Suvretta area put St. Moritz, Switzerland, in first place for chalet prices. In Kitzbühel, Austria, (second place in the ranking), a luxury property is currently on the market through Engel & Völkers for $36.5 million USD. Zermatt, Switzerland, ranked in third place with a top asking price of $24.7 million USD. Meanwhile, Aspen comes fourth in the list with a top price of $23.7 million USD for a ski residence in a prime location.
From Europe to the Americas, Engel & Völkers advisors are honored to represent a number of luxury ski homes, including these two stunning chalets located in Aurach, Austria, and Courmayeur, Italy.
Aurach, Austria
Engel & Völkers Kitzbühel is listing this extravagant chalet that boasts over 5,400 square feet of living space across its four bedrooms, four bathrooms, living room, kitchen, spa, and indoor pool. Located in Aurach, a town only five minutes from Kitzbühel, the ski property offers a 180-degree panoramic view of the Hahnenkamm and the Jochberg mountains. Equipped with a fireplace, wraparound terrace, wine cellar, and home cinema, the chalet impresses not only with its luxury amenities but also with its modern country style.
Courmayeur, Italy
Engel & Völkers Courmayeur is representing this 4,843 square foot chalet in the popular ski market of Aosta Valley. The property impresses with both its exclusive, secluded location and its staggering views of Mont Blanc. The private garden and external terraces surrounding the property are perfect for enjoying the sites of Aosta Valley. Inside, the recently renovated home features five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a sitting room, a dining room, two kitchens, a study, and a home cinema. Listed at $7.2 million USD, this chalet is the perfect family home.
