_Alpine ski resorts and climate change

Switzerland, France and the UK recorded their hottest years on record in 2022. The warmer temperatures are having noticeable effects globally. For one, the start of this ski season was fraught with worry and disappointment over the low levels of snow. We’ve since seen some decent snowfall and, in low resorts like Morzine, a little snow goes a long way. All is not lost, and it’s only the beginning of the season, but it has caused concern understandably.

Laetitia Hodson, International Associate, Knight Frank observes, "We've certainly seen an increase in the number of enquiries since the snow has arrived in the Alps. I also think that this is the time of year buyers are looking to start planning property viewings ahead of February half term."

Our latest Ski Property Report highlights these issues and the results of our sentiment survey. Unsurprisingly, ski home purchasers are mindful of sustainability and climate change. Buyers are considering carefully the overall resilience of a ski resort, the investment plans and future snow provision. 58% of our respondents stated that the long-term resilience of a ski resort is important or very important to them when considering where to buy.

Max Rains, Negotiator, Mountain Base Knight Frank, based in Chamonix observes, “Climate change is absolutely a concern across the Alps, as it is all around the world at the moment. Over the last few seasons, we have seen hotter summers and colder winters.” That said, Max notes that because the resorts benefit so much from that summer and winter tourism, they’re being very proactive.

Future investment in snow provision

Technology is a powerful tool for futureproofing Alpine resorts. An estimated 100,000 snow cannons are used across The Alps to cover the slopes.

An interesting and exciting initiative in Courchevel and Meribel is snow farming. Throughout the winter snow is gathered and moved to a north-facing piste. It’s covered all through the summer with a view to keep it through to the following winter.

Annabelle Common, Alps Sales Director, Naef Prestige Knight Frank notes that a few years ago, all of the snow groomers were replaced in lots of Swiss resorts, like Verbier and in Crans-Montana. The updated versions measure the depth of the snow beneath them which enables them to calculate precisely how much snow needs to be produced and distributed appropriately on the slopes.

Sustainable initiatives in The Alps

In Chamonix, the centre of town has been pedestrianised. There are electric shuttle buses to transport people around, but after 10am it’s pedestrians only. Max says, “it actually makes for a really nice atmosphere as well as a greener town centre.”

There are many initiatives to discourage people from using cars and to take public transport. Annabelle points out that you can get trains from London straight up to Verbier. Now, you don't even need to get on a plane.

Elsewhere, in the Champsaur Valley in the southern Alps, solar panels have been installed on lift apparatus. The aim is to achieve carbon neutral lift systems in the coming years. In Verbier, lifts can be operated at varying speeds. This means that they can assess how many people are on them and economise the amount of energy needed to run them.

Year-round Alpine activities

Around 1 in 4 respondents (27%) to our Ski Sentiment Survey want a year-round resort with a broad mix of ski and non-ski activities. Mountain biking, hiking, trail running and cycling are popular activities in the region. They’re becoming increasing attractive alternatives to a traditional beach holiday in summer.

Resorts in the Haute-Savoie region (Chamonix, Megève, Morzine, Les Gets) are attractive to people wanting to use their property throughout the year. The resorts put on food and music festivals in the summer months to encourage tourism.

Annabelle believes that,

“It’s the winters that will bring you here and it's the summers that will keep you here.”

Max likens The Alps to an “adult playground.” There’s such an abundance of outdoor sports on offer from water-skiing or wakeboarding on the lakes to cycling or running round the incredible trails.

How to be in the best position to buy in the Alps

More than ever, we’re seeing limited stock. Our Alpine advisors’ primary piece of advice is to ensure you have everything arranged to be in the best position to move forward with a purchase. Max advises “it's all about having your ducks in a row.” If you need financing (and we can help with that), it’s paramount to have that arranged before you hop on a plane to discuss properties.

• Do your research

• Speak to our Alpine advisors

• Look into financing options

• Get your paperwork ready

• Conduct virtual viewings

Some of the international rules and regulations can be confusing. Our Alpine advisors can help to demystify the process.

We’re here to help you. Please get in touch to discuss your options.