Resorts reacting to change

The fears surrounding a lack of snow in the run up to the 2017/18 season proved to be unfounded. Following three rather warm and/ or dry winters, huge snowfalls hit the Alps in December 2017 and many resorts reported their biggest snowfall for decades.

In some cases, there was even talk of too much snow, as the storms resulted in logistical problems and the risk of avalanches. The unpredictable weather continues to add to the challenges faced by the winter-sports industry.

But with challenges comes innovation. Resorts are finding ways to stay relevant in the face of a changing global landscape. There are new lifts, hotels, festivals, sporting events and more to broaden the appeal of (both traditional and new) ski resorts to a wider demographic and to create year-round destinations.

This investment is starting to pay off. The number of skier visitors across the globe has increased for the first time in four years. However, the rise is predominantly being driven by more visitors to emerging markets, such as China, while the traditional ski areas have seen little change.

The ski industry must continue to innovate. In this report, we assess how resorts are adapting to change, where the most resilient resorts are located and highlight the key drivers influencing prices in the ski property market.

To hear more from Sophie Chick, director in Savills world research, and Jeremy Rollason, head of Savills Ski, discussing our latest research into the ski property market, listen to our Real Estate Insights Podcast: the ski report 2019.