Wellness wins over skiing

Knight Frank's Ski Property Report changes its name to Alpine Property Report, with an in-depth look at properties in the French and Swiss Alps. "Through each turn, the Alpine property market has shown resilience. Demand remains high while supply is limited, supported by trends in flexible working, an increase in affluent early retirees, and a growing focus on health and wellness. Indeed, the Alps are increasingly viewed as a year-round destination, with health and wellness now overtaking skiing as the primary lifestyle driver for buyers. This shift reflects evolving buyer preferences and the broader appeal of Alpine living beyond winter sports”, commented Kate Everett-Allen, Head of European Residential Research. 
Key findings: 
Resilient Price Growth. Alpine property prices rose by an average of 3% in 2024, led by Courchevel 1850 with a 9% growth rate. Switzerland outperformed France, with Swiss resorts averaging 3.5% price growth compared to France’s 1.5%.
Shift in Buyer Preferences: Health and wellness amenities are now more important than skiing, with increased demand for properties supporting year-round activities, such as hiking and wellness retreats.
Summer Tourism Boom. Summer lift passes in Chamonix increased by 46% over two years, signalling a strong trend toward year-round tourism and boosting demand for Alpine properties.
Policy and Regulation Impact: Stricter rules around holiday lets, energy efficiency, and planning are reshaping the market. This includes measures like Chamonix’s cap on short-term rental properties.
International Buyer Influence: U.S. buyers, buoyed by dollar strength and access via passes like Ikon and Epic, are showing increased interest in the Alps. Globally, tax changes and political events, like the recent U.S. election, are expected to drive demand.