Breuil-Cervinia takes first place in the Savills Ski Resilience Index, proving itself the most climate-resilient ski resort in the world. Thanks to a longer season and more consistent snow conditions, the renowned Italian destination also surpasses Zermatt, historically at the top of the ranking, which this year drops to fifth place.

This is what emerges from one of the rankings of the last Savills Ski Report 2024, which highlights how global prime residential markets have proven remarkably resilient. After a post-pandemic boom, price growth has slowed, but ski resort real estate remains buoyant: the median value of residential properties has risen 3,8% over the past year, with significant variations across destinations. While still 2% below their 2022 peaks, average prices are up an impressive 36% from pre-pandemic levels.

Again Aspen Confirms Most Expensive Resort, at the top of the rankings Savills Ski Prime Price League, with average prices of almost €40.000/m85.000 (for ultra-prime properties close to €9,3/m2023), up XNUMX% compared to XNUMX values. Courchevel 1850 climbs to second place, with an average price of €34.600/m47.200 (€29.200/m42.100 for ultra-prime properties) and Val d'Isère completes the podium (€XNUMX/mXNUMX for prime residences and €XNUMX/mXNUMX for ultra prime properties). In Italy, Cortina d'Ampezzo ranks 19th, with an average price of 14.800 euros per square meter; however, with the 2026 Winter Olympics it will host, increased attention is expected to the local real estate market.

Swiss resorts account for nearly half of the top 10 and French resorts for more than a third.

The Resilience Index – Savills Ski Resilience Index

A crucial aspect that emerges is the impact of climate change on ski resorts, in the face of which resort resilience becomes a particularly important factor in ensuring the economic sustainability and vitality of the resorts. The 2023-2024 winter season has seen significant variations in its duration and snowfall, which have led to increased investments in snowmaking technology and infrastructure, such as new ski lifts to improve the guest experience. Ski resorts are also offering new après-ski services, such as Val Gardena which ranks fourth after Vail and Aspen in the Après-Ski Index-, and are expanding their offerings to attract visitors throughout the year, thanks to wellness centers, events and outdoor activities ranging from trekking to cycling.

According to Savills Ski Resilience Index, which analyses locations based on their resilience to climate change, now in its sixth edition, variability in snowfall and temperatures has influenced the rankings. Breuil-Cervinia in Italy has climbed four positions to first place, also thanks to a longer season and more consistent snow conditions.. Zermatt, consistently at the top in previous years, instead falls to fifth place. In France, Val Thorens climbed ten places to third place, while Tignes jumped 17 places to tenth.

Danilo Orlando, Head of Residential Savills comments: "Overall, the global ski industry is gradually returning to some stability, although challenges remain significant. Two key words stand out from the report: unpredictability and sustainability. The market is showing signs of resilience in adapting to climate change, with continued growth prospects and increasing demand for luxury real estate in Alpine resorts. Sustainability is a key theme for leading resorts, which are working to improve their green credentials. This includes installing solar panels and creating sustainable communities that can attract not only tourists but more importantly permanent residents, with diverse amenities such as international schools and wellness centres. In short, the landscape of the ski market is changing, with new challenges and opportunities that require continued adaptation and a commitment to more sustainable practices.”