Once considered seasonal escapes, luxury ski chalets are now experiencing a surge in buyers, and tourists are flocking to the Alps and other destinations around the world, including rising popularity in Japan. Investors are seeking a more permanent life in the mountains, and according to a new report by real estate consultants Knight Frank, “Ski home purchases have surged 23%, cementing the Alps as one of Europe’s most resilient investment sectors.”
As Kate Everett-Allen, Head of European Residential Research at Knight Frank, tells me, “The alpine property market has evolved from seasonal playground to year-round sanctuary, with prime resorts like Courchevel 1850 and Verbier commanding $35,000-$40,000 per square meter – making them among Europe’s most exclusive mountain destinations – although the exclusive Swiss enclaves of Gstaad and St Moritz still command the highest prices.”
“Traditional French favorites like Chamonix and Megève are experiencing a renaissance as buyers increasingly prioritize year-round appeal over pure altitude,” she adds, “In fact, Chamonix’s summer lift pass sales have also surged 46% since 2022. Meanwhile, compelling value plays are emerging in markets like Cortina d’Ampezzo, where prices of $23,000-$25,000 per square meter still sit 30-40% below comparable Swiss offerings, although this gap is likely to shrink with the Italian resort playing host to the 2026 Winter Olympics.”
For those of us who may never own a mountaintop villa but still dream of life in these elite retreats, the World Ski Awards has unveiled its shortlist for the Best New Ski Chalets and Hotels. Selected by Ski enthusiasts and professionals from around the world, the awards highlight the finest ski resorts, hotels, and chalets in the most exclusive destinations for everyone to experience.
The Best New Ski Hotels range from a sustainable retreat in Austria to a dramatic resort in Japan.
Eriro – Austria
This secluded boutique property on the edge of a mountain features only nine suites with the intention of establishing the smallest Alpine hideaway in the Alps, located at a high elevation in Ehrwald/Tyrol. There are two sides to the hotel: small and intimate, while well connected to its dramatic surroundings. Everything is included at this property as shuttles and ski passes take you up the mountain during the day and a luxury spa awaits your return.
Built sustainably, with every element crafted with the natural world in mind, bedrooms are hewn from local forests, and glass curtain walls open to stunning Tyrolean views. The rooftop suite even has its own private sauna. There is also a destination restaurant on the property. This is a meditative retreat, and there are no TVs, and Wi-Fi is limited.
Experimental Chalet Val d’Isere- France
This new hotel in the French Alps located in the heart of the old town is home to 113 rooms, two restaurants, cocktail bar and spa with indoor pool.
Located at the foot of the mountains, with views of the Vanoise massif, the rooms are designed with rich heirloom timber, snow‑white marble and playful ski motifs: twig‑shaped handles, elk antler door fittings and signature headboards inspired by wooden snowboards.
Hotel Elements Tratanska Lomnica – Slovakia
Located in the largest village in the High Tatras, on the edge of the Tatra National Park, the hotel is just steps away from the cable car to Skalnaté Pleso and Lomnický Peak. The five buildings are symbolically named after the elements. The resort offers a total of 45 design rooms and suites.
The “Fire” building is the center of all events, with the main reception and lounge bar, while the “Water” building features a wellness area with several types of saunas, a hydromassage bathtub, and a pool with views of the mountains. The restaurant serves brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Hotel Recort – Italy
This new adult hotel is located right in front of the Dolomites of the Sella Group and the slopes of the Ju de Frara/Passo Gardena mountains. The property features 20 rooms with wood and stone features, a restaurant and bar and spa with a stunning indoor swimming pool.
Nikko Style Niseko Hanazono – Japan
Located in Hanazono Resort, one of the Niseko United ski areas that spreads out at the base of the Annupuri mountain region. The hotel offers 234 guest rooms, including 13 suites, and is situated next to the mountain gondola. There is a natural hot spring and fitness room available to all guests, and rooms on the top two floors have their own private hot-spring tub. The restaurant serves Hokkaido cuisine, along with a club lounge, fitness center, and a bar with a DJ.
Best New Ski Chalets
The best new ski chalets include a unique group of four luxury offerings from Japan to France and a stunning remote property in Switzerland.
Cabane Tortin – Switzerland
Cabane Tortin is perched above the famed Tortin glacier. With access to the Swiss resorts of Nendaz/Verbier, this is an extraordinary, secluded escape. Accommodations serve 8 people: with three double bedrooms on the main floor and a twin bedroom on the upper floor.
The private chef will prepare gourmet cuisine for your group, starting with a substantial breakfast, while you eat lunch in a mountain restaurant, or the chef will create packed lunches for skiers. In the evening, the staff will serve cocktails and canapés and wait on you to ensure dinner is to perfection.
The expert staff will attend to your every need. From a barbecue for dinner, a massage or a facial after skiing, or a day out in Verbier for shopping. The expert mountain guides will take you to hidden powder fields and the best places to have lunch across the vast 4-Vallées ski area, along with private ski instructors to heli-skiing, husky-dog sledding, and tandem paraglider flights.
Chalet Escapade – France
Located two hours from Geneva and in Saint-Martin de Belleville, this 6,500-sf exclusive retreat offers dramatic views of the French Alps and direct access to skiing within Les Trois Vallées. The dramatic interiors feature vaulted ceilings, an open living area, and state-of-the-art amenities, including a private movie theater, spa, and gourmet kitchen.
There are four bedrooms, a private lounge with a wine cellar, a terrace, and an indoor swimming pool. The staff and Chef are included for dinner on six nights of your stay, giving you the chance to enjoy some incredible culinary experiences at home.
Corniche Hirafu – Japan
This brand-new designer property on Millionaires’ Row is just a 3-minute drive to Ace Gondola and Niseko’s top restaurants in Hirafu. Corniche is an exceptional 6,200 sf chalet in Hirafu, and is nestled within a silver birch forest with scenic cliff-edge views of Mount Yotei. The chalet features impressive high ceilings and spacious living and dining areas, along with four ensuite bedrooms, including two master suites.
The property is located near the gondola, ski lift, and vibrant restaurants and bars in Hirafu’s Middle Village. There is a private hot-spring bath, sauna, plunge pool, home theatre, wine cellar, elevator, ski room, and heated driveway. All bookings come with a dedicated butler to cater to your every need.
Yuzen – Japan
Yuzen-Niseko was designed for larger groups of families and friends to get together, with its expansive space and six bedrooms. Located in the quiet neighborhood in St. Moritz in Kabayama, it is only a 15-minute walk to Niseko-Hirafu village.
The chalet has an open-plan living area on the upper floor. On one side is a living area around the fireplace; adjacent is the separate media room; and on the other side is a dining area with a custom camphor wood table. In the center of it all is the kitchen with an expansive U-shaped counter and breakfast bar to bring everyone together. There is an onsen-style bath, and guest services will ensure guests can enjoy the chalet to the fullest. They can help organize anything from a private in-home chef sushi/sukiyaki dinner, or a chef-prepared Hokkaido-style BBQ.
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Best new ski chalet