- 5 min read
The world’s top 5 most exclusive ski resorts
&w=1920&q=75)
Engel & Völkers presents this year’s ski ranking, highlighting the five most exclusive ski destinations worldwide. According to the latest survey by the globally operating real estate service provider, the most exclusive ski properties are currently found in the Swiss Alps: Gstaad in the Saanenland tops the ranking as the location with the highest real estate prices, followed by the prestigious ski resort of St. Moritz in Graubünden. Aspen, in the U.S. state of Colorado, takes third place, making it the most exclusive ski region in the Rocky Mountains. Neighboring Vail, as well as Park City in Utah, also rank among the five most sought-after winter destinations worldwide.
“Properties in the traditional premium markets of the Swiss Alps remain highly sought-after investment opportunities for high-net-worth individuals, thanks to their proven and long-term attractive value development,” explains Marie di Carlo, license partner at Engel & Völkers Gstaad. The U.S. ski property market also shows strong long-term capital gains, largely driven by current lifestyle trends among high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). Key investment factors often include features that support a wellness-oriented lifestyle, such as easy access to nature. “U.S. buyers not only appreciate the excellent skiing conditions with reliable powder snow, but also the high quality of services and convenient year-round accessibility of top destinations. Places like Aspen and Park City offer diverse leisure opportunities beyond the slopes, along with upscale dining and cultural experiences,” adds Paul Benson, license partner of more than 40 Engel & Völkers affiliated locations across California, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Washington.
1st Place: Gstaad, Saanen Region, Switzerland
Demand in Gstaad has exceeded supply by a significant margin for years. The attractiveness of the real estate market remains high, particularly for multi-generational wealth building and long-term value appreciation. Many properties are held across generations and are often managed through family offices. In addition, regulatory measures such as the so-called Lex Weber, which significantly restricts property purchases by international buyers, shape the local market. In prime locations, top properties can reach prices of over 85,000 euros (70,000 Swiss francs/107,000 US dollars) per square meter.
2nd Place: St. Moritz, Graubünden Region, Switzerland
Demand for properties in prime locations in St. Moritz remains consistently strong, and with limited supply, this drives prices even higher, making real estate investments attractive for multi-generational wealth building and long-term value appreciation. The local property market is characterized by security, stability, and discretion, which keeps international buyer interest consistently high. Top prices for premium chalets here reach 75,000 euros (80,000 Swiss francs/100,000 US dollars) per square meter.
3rd Place: Aspen, Colorado, USA
In the prestigious U.S. ski resort of Aspen, property prices in prime locations reach up to 73,000 euros (60,000 US dollars) per square meter. In addition to excellent snow conditions, including the famous “Champagne Powder,” it is above all the infrastructure – private aviation access, concierge services, and a wide range of culinary and wellness offerings – that attracts a very wealthy international clientele. The real estate market has been characterized by scarcity for years: strict building regulations and limited development opportunities also contribute to maintaining consistently high price levels.
4th Place: Vail, Colorado, USA
With prices of up to 49,000 euros (57,000 US dollars) per square meter, Vail also ranks among the world’s top destinations for ski properties. As a modern resort with a European Alpine style, it attracts international buyers and offers a diverse culinary and cultural scene. Luxury and premium properties in particular stand out for their attractive value appreciation, driven by the variety of lifestyle offerings and a very limited supply. Demand remains consistently high, especially for top-located, high-end homes with proximity to the slopes and unobstructed views.
- New
5th Place: Park City, Utah, USA
An emerging destination for exclusive ski properties is Park City in the state of Utah. Prices currently reach up to 43,000 euros (50,000 US dollars) per square meter. This mountain town, with its Wild West charm, is located in the largest connected ski area in the U.S. and is characterized by a lively town center featuring numerous boutiques, cafés, restaurants, bars, and art galleries. Buyer demand is particularly focused on properties with direct slope access and mountain views.
- New
Outlook: Outlook: Limited supply ensures stable prices at a high level
Engel & Völkers expects a continued positive trend in real estate prices this year in the world’s most exclusive ski destinations. Long-term wealth preservation and lifestyle factors remain the key drivers of purchase decisions for affluent international buyers. In many locations, strict building regulations and local restrictions on property purchases by foreign buyers influence the markets, creating a persistent demand surplus and driving further price growth. In Switzerland, wealth preservation and discretion will continue to shape demand: foreign buyers should be aware of the applicable acquisition restrictions, which vary by canton and can have significant impacts on local real estate markets. In the U.S., on the other hand, lifestyle factors and first-class infrastructure will continue to dominate the choice of ski properties.
You may also be interested in
Moving Checklist: Step-by-Step to a Successful Move- 5 min.
- 12.11.2025
Private Office Market Report 2026- 2 min.
- 03.12.2025
Sustainable, stylish, smart: living and investing in 2025
Guide to investment alternatives
The real estate price development for residential real estate in Switzerland 2025
Guide Insurance - Comprehensive insurance coverage for private residential property
Buying a second home in Switzerland – what you need to know
Relocating to Lugano? Here’s why more and more foreigners are making the move
Contact
Contact your personal advisor
Engel & Völkers Switzerland
Poststrasse 26
6300 Zug | Switzerland
Tel: +41 41 500 06 06