Hotels have historically been unbranded in many global ski markets; however, as land, building, operational and labour costs continue to rise, competitive international brands are entering and expanding in the ski resort sphere. Of the 42 prime global resorts we analysed, the market share for branded hotels is growing through the pipeline forecast period. Branded properties comprise half of the hotels opened in ski locations since 2015, and account for 85% of the future pipeline, demonstrating a trend towards larger hotel group brands.

High-end hotels offer luxury, tailored and experiential stays to their clientele. One way in which hotels are strengthening their brand and enhancing their customer experience is through branded residences.

In principle, branded residences are residential properties that are affiliated, usually by servicing or design, with a well-known brand, typically a hotel and are available to buy in the open market. Hotels have always had a presence within the ski resort market whereas the branded residence concept is comparatively in its infancy within this segment, particularly in Europe and the Asia Pacific markets. Branded residence units currently number over 2,500 in North American ski resorts, yet supply in the Alps and Japan is much lower, creating ample opportunity for expansion within these locations. Focusing on deepening their relationship with their clients and following them from the beach to ski-in and ski-out, brands such as the Four Seasons, Rosewood Group and Sixth Senses have all expanded into mountainous locations.

Further information

Global Residential Development Consultancy