The Best High-Altitude Investments in the Alps
Introduction
After a few mediocre winters, high-altitude, snow-sure resorts have become a priority for many investors in the Alps.
In this guide, we will explore six of the most resilient high-altitude ski resorts in the Alps, covering both Austria, France and Switzerland - Kaprun, Sölden, Les Deux Alpes, Val d'Isère, Grimentz, and Andermatt.
We will discuss the importance of altitude, how climate change is influencing investment strategies, and what makes each resort a compelling opportunity for those looking to future-proof their Alpine property investments.
Why Altitude Matters for Alpine Property Investment
When it comes to ski property investment, altitude is more than just a number on a piste map, it’s one of the most reliable indicators of long-term value. The higher a resort sits, the more resistant it is to the pressures of climate change. For investors, that means stable rental demand, longer ski seasons, and more security when it comes to property values.
Over the past two decades, the Alps have seen warmer winters and shorter ski seasons at lower altitudes. This may not matter if you are one of the growing converts to summer in the Alps but if your primary focus is skiing, then higher is often better.
Many of these higher ski resorts also benefit from glaciers, which provide reliable snow conditions even in the warmest winters. For property investors, this snow security is crucial: reliable snow guarantees tourism, ensuring rental occupancy remains strong and resale values stay strong.
Austria’s Best High-Altitude Ski Investments
Austria remains one of the most attractive markets for international ski property buyers. With its mix of world-class resorts and year-round appeal, it offers strong opportunities for investors seeking reliable, long-term returns.
Of course, the Arlberg region stands out as one of the most snow-sure regions in Austria, but it is very difficult to find property for sale in its two most famous resorts - Lech and St Anton. Investors are better to focus on the relatively more affordable areas such as Kaprun and Sölden, which stand out for their altitude, glacier access, and resilience to climate change.
Kaprun: Glacier Reliability and Year-Round Appeal
Sitting at the base of the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, Kaprun is one of Austria’s most snow-sure resorts. With skiing possible at altitudes up to 3,000m, Kaprun has some of the most reliable conditions in the Austrian Alps. Even during warmer winters, the glacier guarantees consistent snow cover, ensuring that the resort remains busy throughout the season.
For investors, this has a clear advantage: a longer rental season and strong year-round demand. In recent years, Kaprun has benefited from significant infrastructure investment, including the 2019 opening of the K-onnection gondola, which links the village directly to the glacier. This has boosted its appeal not only for skiing but also for summer tourism, as visitors flock to the area for hiking, biking, and water sports in nearby Zell am See.
Several upgrades are planned to the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier for 2025, including the addition of snow cannons now that the lease from the national park has expired. This will increase their ability to ‘snow harvest’ during the Autumn with the usual aim of opening for the winter season in early October.
Chalet Rudolf in Kaprun, Austria. Price € 1,549,000.
Sölden: High-Altitude Skiing and International Recognition
While Kaprun is prized for its glacier, Sölden offers not one but two glaciers, Rettenbach and Tiefenbach, with skiing at altitudes up to 3,340m. This makes it one of the most snow-sure ski resorts in the entire Alps. The resort is internationally famous, regularly hosting FIS World Cup ski races and attracting a large global audience.
From an investment perspective, Sölden’s appeal goes beyond just snow reliability. The resort has built a reputation as a lively, high-energy destination, with a thriving après-ski culture, a strong international presence, and excellent transport connections from Innsbruck. This broadens its rental market to include both serious skiers and younger, lifestyle-driven visitors seeking entertainment as much as sport.
Philipp Apartments in Sölden, Austria. Prices From € 1,060,560.
France’s Best High-Altitude Ski Investments
France has long been a magnet for international ski property buyers, thanks to its vast ski domains, strong rental markets, and reputation as a premier global skiing destination. For investors concerned about climate change and long-term snow reliability, resorts such as Le Trois Vallées, Les Deux Alpes, Alp d’Huez and Val d’Isère stand out as some of the best high-altitude options.
Les Deux Alpes: High Glacier Access and Rental Strength
Les Deux Alpes is one of Europe’s highest ski resorts, with lifts reaching 3,600m on the Mont de Lans Glacier. This altitude ensures year-round skiing. In fact, Les Deux Alpes is among the few resorts in Europe where summer skiing remains popular. Such reliable snow conditions make it a safe investment for investors looking to mitigate the risks posed by shorter winters.
From an investment standpoint, Les Deux Alpes is currently in a transformation phase. Significant infrastructure projects, including lift modernisations, are set to expand the ski area and increase its international appeal. These upgrades are expected to drive property demand and capital appreciation, while strengthening its already strong rental market.
Luminescence Apartments in Les Deux Alpes, France. Prices From € 585,000.
Val d’Isère: Prestige and Long-Term Security
When it comes to global recognition and proven track record, few resorts rival Val d’Isère - France’s premier ski destination. As part of the vast Espace Killy ski area, which extends up to 3,450m on the Grande Motte Glacier, Val d’Isère guarantees snow reliability throughout a long season running from late November to early May. Its reputation as one of the world’s top ski resorts ensures consistent international demand.
Property in Val d’Isère is at the premium end of the global alpine market and a ‘trophy’ asset for many HNWIs. Prices can exceed €40,000 per m² for prime ski-in/ski-out chalets and apartments. Yet for investors, the high entry cost is offset by exceptional rental demand with a shortage of supply supporting prices. Luxury chalets can rent for EUR 200,000 + a week in high season.
Chalet Du Jardin Alpin in Val d’Isere, France. Price € 12,000,000.
Switzerland’s Best High-Altitude Ski Investments
Switzerland is well-known for its alpine luxury and stability of its economy and property market. For property investors, it presents an appealing mix of reliable snow conditions, high international demand, and a reputation for exclusivity. While resorts like Verbier and Zermatt are widely recognised, Grimentz and Andermatt are becoming increasingly popular for investors looking for high altitude skiing and potential for capital value growth.
Grimentz: Traditional Charm with High-Altitude Security
Located in the Val d’Anniviers, Grimentz is a resort that perfectly blends authentic Alpine character with modern skiing infrastructure. With slopes reaching up to 2,900m, the resort is among Switzerland’s most snow-sure destinations, supported by modern lift connections to Zinal. This ensures reliable snow cover even in the warmer years, giving investors confidence in its long-term resilience.
Grimentz’s charm lies in its traditional wooden chalets and picturesque village setting, which attract families and international buyers seeking a more authentic alternative to Switzerland’s busier resorts. Demand for property here has surged in recent years, particularly since the opening of the Grimentz-Zinal cable car, which expanded its ski domain.
Residence de la Cordee in Grimentz, Switzerland. Prices From CHF 2,280,000.
Andermatt: A Modern Success Story
Few alpine resorts have undergone a transformation as dramatic as Andermatt. Once a quiet mountain village, it has been reinvented into one of Switzerland’s premier ski and lifestyle destinations thanks to significant investment from international developers. Today, Andermatt boasts modern infrastructure, luxury hotels, high-end dining, and a ski area that extends up to 2,961m at Gemsstock.
For investors, Andermatt’s appeal goes far beyond snow reliability. It is one of the only Swiss resorts where foreign buyers can purchase property without restrictions, making it highly attractive to international investors who are otherwise limited by Switzerland’s Lex Koller laws. This has created a vibrant property market with strong global demand, driving both rental yields and capital appreciation.
Val Val Apartments in Andermatt, Switzerland. Prices From CHF 1,650,000.
Conclusion:
For investors focused on altitude, notable resorts such as Kaprun, Sölden, Les Deux Alpes, Val d’Isère, Grimentz, and Andermatt emerge as some of the most resilient and future-proof options in Austria, France, and Switzerland.
By targeting markets that offer a combination of altitude, accessibility, and strong rental demand, buyers can achieve both lifestyle satisfaction and strong financial performance.
Of course, for some buyers high altitude skiing might not be the number one priority. Buyers focused on the summer season or year-round living are often comfortable with a short bus or car ride in order to access the higher altitude pistes.
Whatever your priorities are, please do get in touch with one of our experts at Alpine Property Finders - we are always happy to share our insider tips of which resort might be best suited for you.
