Where to buy in the Alps: the best ski resorts to suit every lifestyle

Best Alpine resorts for year‑round living

Gone are the days when the Alps were considered just a winter destination: 73% of those surveyed would now consider living there full time. In turn, destinations are adapting to expand their offerings throughout the seasons, with more established resorts becoming increasingly compelling options for those seeking a sense of community year‑round.

Home to the highly regarded Le Régent International School as well as numerous local schools, the Swiss resort of Crans‑Montana brings with it a lively mix of families and residents, and activities that span the seasons. “It will host the Alpine World Ski Championships next year, yet the Swiss Open golf tournament is also held here annually,” says Alex Koch de Gooreynd, a Partner in Knight Frank’s International team. “It has access to great skiing, but with everything from local restaurants to Michelin‑star establishments and boutique shopping, it has it all covered.”

This combination of amenities and year‑round outdoor activities is also what makes the French resort of Chamonix a popular choice for those seeking a more permanent Alpine home. “As a mid‑altitude town with high‑altitude skiing, it means you can ski late into March and even possibly April,” explains Roddy Aris, a Partner in the International team. “But then when the snow melts, you’re perfectly positioned for other mountain pursuits, from hiking, via ferrata and mountain biking to lake swimming.”

Best Alpine resorts for families

Villars‑sur‑Ollon’s array of international schools makes it a natural choice for families, and even for those seeking a shorter stay it offers plenty of child‑friendly activities and a relaxed atmosphere. “It can be quieter and offer better connectivity to Geneva Airport compared to some of the larger resorts,” says Koch de Gooreynd. Part of the expansive Villars‑Gryon‑Les Diablerets ski area, it provides reliable conditions and diverse terrain that caters to skiers of all levels, along with a wide range of outdoor activities to keep all ages entertained.

In the heart of the Portes du Soleil, one of the largest linked ski areas in the world, Morzine offers beginner slopes, excellent ski schools, extensive childcare options and a welcoming atmosphere, all within just over an hour of Geneva Airport. “It’s convenient and easy to get around, with hassle‑free skiing - all essential for a successful family trip,” says Aris. In the summer, activities range from adventure parks and hiking to kayaking and paddleboarding on Lac de Montriond.

The fun doesn’t stop on the slopes, and for many, unwinding after a hard day’s skiing is just as important - if not the most important - part of the holiday. “You go to Val d’Isère first and foremost because you love to ski and you party hard,” says Aris. Its après‑ski scene ranges from energetic to cosy and sophisticated, with legendary spots including La Folie Douce. “While it is an upscale resort offering fine dining and high‑end hospitality, it still retains an authentic mountain atmosphere,” he adds.

Verbier’s nightlife is similarly varied, while the destination still takes its skiing seriously. Spend time shopping and you are less likely to find designer brands and more likely to discover high‑end sports gear. “The lifestyle it offers is second to none, and establishments such as the wine club 67 Pall Mall and other high-end hospitality only underscore its appeal,” says Koch de Gooreynd.

Best high‑altitude Alpine resorts

Courchevel 1850’s predominantly north‑facing orientation guarantees some of the best and most reliable snow conditions in the Three Valleys, with its 600km of slopes. Meanwhile, its high altitude offers some of the most spectacular views in the region. Yet this is only part of the appeal of this glamorous resort, renowned for its high concentration of Michelin‑starred restaurants, five‑star hotels and designer boutiques. “A lot of people go there who don’t actually ski,” says Aris. “They go just to be in the mountains, take in the views and soak up the lifestyle.”

St Moritz is home to the official Swiss Olympic High Altitude Training Base, sitting at 1,856 metres above sea level. It is just one element of the resort’s sporting excellence, which is renowned not only for its skiing - with access to 350 km of piste - but also for being a haven for winter sports since 1864. The resort has hosted the Winter Olympics twice and is home to the Cresta Run toboggan track, an Olympic bobsleigh run and an outdoor Olympic ice rink, with stylish spectators descending on the resort for its packed events calendar. St Moritz also hosts many events on the frozen lake throughout February including super car racing, horse racing and polo.