What to Consider When Buying a Ski Chalet

What to Consider When Buying a Ski Chalet

Buying a ski chalet is both a financial and a lifestyle investment. As a result, if you’ve been thinking about buying a ski chalet this year, then you may have found the process a little daunting; particularly because there are so many stunning chalets to choose from. 

Thankfully, help is at hand. In this blog, we’ll outline everything you need to consider before you buy a ski chalet, including the top reasons for doing so, the best places to buy a ski chalet in Europe, and how we can help you find the perfect alpine property.

Top reasons to buy a ski chalet

There are hundreds of reasons why buying a ski chalet is a magnificent option. But, here are three of our favorites:

Skiing experiences

As we mentioned, buying a ski chalet is a financial investment. However, it’s also a place where your family can retreat and create everlasting memories together. As a result, as well as thinking about the financial aspects of the deal, it’s vital that you consider where the chalet is located, and choose a ski resort that best suits your needs.

Many of Europe’s best skiing destinations offer unrivaled access to thousands of kilometers of pistes. However, the experiences offered by each resort are slightly different. So, when choosing a location you’d like to buy a ski chalet, make sure you consider all the following points:

  • Resort ambience: while some resorts have a lively après-ski scene, others are slightly quieter, or are more suited to families
  • Slope difficulty: if you have children or novice skiers in the family, you’ll need to ensure your chosen resort is home to easier runs where they can work on their skills
  • Proximity to the airport: if you’re looking to buy a ski chalet that you can use regularly throughout the year, then it’s worth considering how close your chosen resort is to the airport. As long as the distance isn’t too great, it’ll be easy to use the chalet for weekend trips, as well as longer getaways

Beautiful views

Generally speaking, ski chalets sit on the edges of a ski resort, while apartments are located closer to the center. Due to their more remote locations, chalets provide enviable views of the slopes, the skies and the scenery beyond.

Invest in a chalet with enviable views, and you’re more likely to attract non-skiers as part of your group (and potential renters). Remember that although some people like to spend dawn until dusk on the slopes, others are happy to relax and soak up the mountain atmosphere.

If this sounds like you, then consider buying a ski chalet that’s more elevated. These chalets will provide further reaching views and vistas. It’s also worth considering whether you’d like a chalet with its own balcony or sun terrace.

Investment opportunity

If you buy the correct place, a ski chalet is an excellent investment opportunity. But, if you’re thinking about renting out your ski chalet for periods of the season, you’ll need to consider two key factors in order to maximize rental income: location and specification.

By way of example, high-spec ski chalets in popular destinations like Verbier have increased in value by more than 10% over the past year. Properties in these sought-after locations can also generate a net rental yield of around 2-3%.

However, if you purchase a lower-spec chalet in a less desirable location, you may find these returns are out of your reach.

Top ski chalet locations

Unsure where to purchase your chalet and looking for inspiration? Here at Steiger&Cie | Sotheby’s International Realty, we think Zermatt, Verbier and Crans-Montana are the three best places to buy a ski chalet in Europe. Here’s why…

Zermatt

Zermatt lies at the foot of one of the world’s most iconic mountains, the Matterhorn. Known for its picturesque alpine streets, bustling nightlife and focus on well-being, Zermatt is the ultimate alpine destination. Plus, away from the pistes, Zermatt is a thriving cultural hotspot. It’s home to the annual Zermatt Unplugged music festival and the Swiss Food Festival, as well as exceptional dining and shopping opportunities.

As the resident of a ski chalet in Zermatt, you’ll enjoy access to more than 50 ski lifts. From here, you can enjoy more than 360 km of marked runs and pistes. Plus, the destination offers year-round skiing.

Verbier

The iconic Swiss resort of Verbier is known around the world for its world-class terrain and legendary après-ski. Located in a sunny, south-facing bowl, chalets here provide stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

Verbier is a favorite with ski lovers because it’s the main gateway to Les 4 Vallées ski area. As a result, it provides easy access to 410 km of marked runs, as well as some of Europe's best lift-served off-piste skiing. To top it all off, Verbier is less than two hours away from Geneva airport and sits in close proximity to the borders of France and Italy.

Crans-Montana

Known for its picturesque views of the Swiss Alps, Crans-Montana offers something to chalet owners all year-round. From golfing and skiing to shopping and nightlife, chalets in this beautiful area provide something for everyone. Plus, it’s less than an hour away from Sion International Airport.

Something of a celebrity hotspot, Crans-Montana is also home to world-class events such as the Audi FIS World Cup, Longines Horse Jumping Championships and the Omega European Golf Masters.

On top of this, the skiing facilities in Crans-Montana undoubtedly make the area one of Europe’s finest skiing destinations. From your chalet, you’ll have easy access to more than 140 km of pistes.

What do we have on offer?

At Steiger&Cie | Sotheby’s International Realty, we have a passion for alpine real estate. As a result, our offices are situated in the extraordinary landscapes of the Swiss Alps.

With locations in Crans-Montana, Verbier and Zermatt, we pride ourselves on exceeding the needs of our international clients. We have a great deal of experience in: 

  • property acquisition and sales via our boutique brokerage services in partnership with Sotheby’s International Realty
  • consulting in luxury property conception, design, development and renovation
  • management of property developments and real estate ventures, including boutique hotels in Switzerland
  • discrete and bespoke concierge services

Plus, when you choose to work with us, you’ll experience a number of unique benefits. For example, due to the fact that we work with a range of interdisciplinary collaborators, we are uniquely positioned to consult on all facets of the real estate life-cycle. With years of combined experience and a track record of excellence, you can trust us to deliver your dream property.

Interested? Reach out to our team                            

Dreaming of owning your own European ski chalet in Zermatt, Verbier or Crans-Montana? Take a look at the idyllic properties we have available today.

If you’ve found your dream property or you’re interested in learning more about any of our listings, then reach out to our team. Buying a ski chalet with us couldn’t be simpler, and we’d love to help you find your dream alpine home.