The most resilient ski resorts in the world – where is the best place for snow retention?

Whether you’re drawn to the slopes for the exhilarating red and black runs, the chance to dine with spectacular mountain views, or the opportunity to unwind in some of the world’s best hotels, there’s something magical about a ski holiday.

But in the past few years, things have changed. Once considered seasonal mountain retreats, ski resorts are now positioning themselves as year-round sanctuaries for alpine living.

It also means more buyers are looking at real estate opportunities in these ski resorts. According to the latest Savills Ski Report, average prime property prices across ski locations have surged by 150% over the last two decades, since the report’s inception.

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While Switzerland’s ski property market is the most stable with 94% growth over two decades, demand in the US has skyrocketed, particularly in the last ten years.

North America now hosts the most ski visitors – 61.5 million in 2024/25, according to the National Ski Areas Association. This represents a 1.7% increase year-on-year.

But looming climate change has led to increasingly volatile snowfall patterns and prolonged dry spells, posing a threat to the winter sport enjoyed by many Brits and holidaymakers around the world.

However, some skiing hotspots have shown resilience. We take a look at which resorts rank highly for altitude and snow retention capabilities.

The most resilient luxury ski resorts in the world

What makes a ski resort resilient? According to the Savills Resilience Index, the top five ski resorts have the answer: high altitudes and the ability to maintain consistent snow coverage, which ultimately extends the ski season.

We reveal the top 20 ski resorts that are best equipped to weather the storm, below.

Source: Savills Ski Report

Claiming the top spot is the Vail Ski Resort in Colorado, US. It’s consistently ranked among the world’s top ski destinations thanks to 285 inches of snow, a five-month season, and high elevation.

Other notable ski resorts include Mont Tremblant in Québec, Canada, which recorded snowfall levels 35 inches above average, gaining five extra days of snow. As a result, it jumped 26 places to the 17th position this year, despite a relatively modest altitude.

Switzerland’s dominance reveals a mixed picture. While Zermatt rose to second place, other resorts, such as St. Moritz and Crans Montana, experienced a significant decline due to climate volatility.

Another strong region is France, particularly the ski resorts in higher altitude areas such as Val Thorens, La Plagne and Tignes. All of these benefit from late-season snowfall, but it was Val d’Isère which emerged as a standout performer. The ski resort in the French Alps climbed into the top three thanks to around 368 inches of snow – the result of an intense snowstorm in April this year.

Kelcie Sellers, associate director, Savills World Research, says: “The 2024–25 ski season underscored the growing importance of altitude, geographic positioning and snow retention capabilities in determining resilience.

“While some destinations capitalised on favourable conditions and strategic advantages, others struggled with declining snowfall and increasing climate volatility. As the industry looks ahead, the ability to adapt to changing weather patterns and invest in sustainable infrastructure will be key to maintaining long-term viability.”

The top ski resorts to buy prime property

Ski resorts command some of the highest asking prices for prime real estate – residential properties priced above €750,000 – due to sustained demand and limited availability.

Alpine living, access to clean air and nature, outdoor sports, and opportunities for remote working all contribute to buyers looking for a second home that can be both a place of work and recreation.

This has resulted in average prime prices rising by 150% in two decades. Some areas have seen even greater growth, such as Aspen, St Moritz and Courchevel 1850, where prime prices have risen by an average of 200% since 2006.

We look at the top prime ski resorts with the highest asking price per square metre.

Source: Savills Research, based on properties with asking prices greater than €750,000 with the exchange rate as of August 2025.

*Courchevel includes Le Praz, 1550 and 1650.