_Winter escapes: beautiful homes in Alpine Ski World Cup locations
For 55 years, the Alpine Ski World Cup has been the top international circuit of skiing competitions. The 2023-24 event launched in Sölden, Austria, on October 28, and races take place in top skiing locations, including Canada, USA, France, Northern Italy, Switzerland and Sweden.
This year’s competition sees Charlie Raposo, the British alpine ski racer sponsored by Knight Frank, return to compete. Charlie’s skiing career started at age seven in the Swiss mountain resort of Verbier, Switzerland. The area remains one of his all-time favourite ski spots, with what he describes as an "incredible ski terrain and a town that has a vibe of understated luxury about it. It's very true to ski culture.
"Whether you're a tourist visiting for the season or a local with one of the beautiful chalets, everyone is there to have a good time." At 14, he moved to the US to attend a ski academy in Vermont before returning to Europe to ski with the British team.
Charlie’s 2022-23 season saw him finish 17th place in the World Championships in the Giant Slalom in Courchevel. "17th at World Championships was special, that’s for sure," he tells us. "That only comes around once every two years, so to deliver on that day and bring out some of my best skiing was an amazing feeling.
"The rest of the season has had many highs with its fair share of lows, but we wouldn’t have it any other way in the sport."
On how Charlie mentally prepares for big competitions, he admits, "Most of the pressure is coming from yourself because all the people around me are trying to keep the stress to a minimum.
"But when you hold yourself to a high standard, that pressure feels very, very real. For me, it’s about trying to remain calm and making sure I’m having fun, and you can't force fun.”
Below, Charlie shares his favourite ski spots for a winter escape. Find out how these locations are evolving into year-round resorts and the latest insights into the Alpine market in our Ski Property Report 2023.
Courchevel
Courchevel is linked to the largest ski area in the world, Les 3 Vallées, which has 600km of slopes and breathtaking views of the most beautiful peaks in the Alps.
“It has an unbelievable level of terrain on offer,” Charlie explains, “but it also has a town full of luxury restaurants and shopping that almost feels like being in Mayfair. The famous Le Cap Horn restaurant is a must-visit in the area, while 1850 is the place to go shopping for high-end fashion. I’m looking forward to being there in February 2023 for the World Championships.”
5 bedroom chalet for sale in Courchevel, price on application
Val-d'Isère
Famous for its variety of slopes, beautiful hotels and buzzing nightlife, Val-d'Isère is one of the most exciting ski resorts in France. With 18 ski schools, it’s popular with beginners and professionals. Away from its thriving centre, the hamlet Le Fornet is an idyllic spot for hiking.
“I love that the main town is right at the foot of the slopes - you can ski right down into the valley and get to any of the main hotels,” Charlie says. “There’s a very British culture and atmosphere to the area; it’s full of people who enjoy good skiing, good food and great hospitality.”
5 bedroom chalet for sale in Val-d'Isère, asking price: €10,300,000
Verbier
A long favourite with experienced skiers, Verbier now also attracts beginners and intermediates, who come to explore its four valleys and take on over 250 miles of skiing.
"Verbier is an amazing town situated on this croissant-shaped face of a mountain that gets so much sunlight," Charlie explains. "It has the most incredible ski terrain plus a town with a brilliant vibe. It's high-end and luxurious but also quite understated.
"There's a long list of places worth visiting in the area. Just a few are Le Carrefour, an incredible Swiss-French restaurant with spectacular mountain views, and 67 Pall Mall, a fantastic members club in the main town."
2 bedroom chalet for sale in Verbier, asking price: CHF 6,290,000
Chamonix
Chamonix has upheld its reputation as one of Europe’s premier ski resorts ever since it hosted the Winter Olympics in 1924. It caters to all levels of ski enthusiasts, but Chamonix has lots more going for it: excellent hiking, rock climbing, golf, tennis and paragliding have made it an international hotspot.
“The mountains here, including Aiguille Verte and Mont Blanc, are just unbelievable,” Charlie explains. The culture is very much one of people who are faithful to mountain activities. That makes it feel different to many of the other resorts. Here, it’s all about enjoying the experiences of being outdoors.”
5 bedroom chalet for sale in Chamonix, guide price: €1,975,000
Aspen
Aspen has long held a reputation as the glitziest ski resort in the US, but there’s still a magical quality to the area, particularly during the winter months, when the fresh snow shimmers against the town’s twinkling lights.
Between December and April, Aspen is all about downhill skiing and snowboarding at its four key resorts - Buttermilk, Aspen Mountain, Snowmass and Aspen Highlands.
“I always describe Aspen as the Verbier of the US,” Charlie says. “It’s high-end and chic, but there are also parts that are very true to ski culture and skiing heritage. I love the balance of the two."
5 bedroom house in Aspen, asking price: $21,900,000
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