Six Fabulous Skiing Properties in 
Both the US and Switzerland

Once all the Christmas festivities are over and the decorations have been packed away for another year the next few months can seem rather dull. That is of course unless you have a winter holiday to look forward to – maybe with the added bonus of having your very own apartment or chalet tucked away on a snowy mountainside. The Swiss Alps seem like a good place to start looking for that ideal property. Rob Keddy of Investors in Property says,

“At the moment our wealthiest clients are more interested in Switzerland than France and Austria. This is partly down to the current economic instability surrounding Brexit, as once again the Swiss Franc has shown itself as the strongest European currency. This has also increased the number of investors looking to gain Swiss residency and purchasing a property is often the first step. The main reason is down to the general quality and prestige of Swiss properties. New projects like the Garden Golf development in Crans Montana and the Rosalp in Verbier offer on-site luxury spas, gourmet restaurants, five-star hotel style services and, in the case of the former, a nine-hole golf course.”

Over in Gstaad, there are apartments and chalets both for sale and rent across mid to high price brackets. Manoutcher Khanlari, chairman of John Taylor Gstaad, says,

“The market has been fairly flat at the top-end in 2016, particularly for the very exclusive properties. However, there has been steady activity in the medium range, especially in the sale of apartments within the 2m – 4m CHF bracket. Throughout 2016, the rental market has performed solidly, with rental yields achieving from 2% in many instances.”

Mr Khanlari explains that the Gstaad market is primarily driven by second home owners and investors who are putting a lot of money into new construction projects. To date, Brexit has had little effect on the activity of British buyers in Gstaad and John Taylor is seeing a steady flow of British buyers showing interest in the area, particularly in the rental market.

“We have seen a significant influx of Middle Eastern buyers over the past few years,”

reports Mr Khanlari,

“most of which are second home owners, which has given a different dimension to the market. Middle Eastern buyers and investors are present in different areas of Switzerland but due to the calibre of the resort, Gstaad is the most popular. These Middle Eastern buyers are attracted to the resort primarily because they really love the summer season here. It is a really beautiful resort that maintains its traditional architecture and culture which many other resorts seem to have lost over the years.”

The turnkey market is fairly active in Gstaad and dominated by high-end foreign buyers looking for second homes in Switzerland.

“They are usually developed by local investors and architects and are attractive to buyers as they can request a certain level of specification to suit their tastes and requirements,”

says Mr Khanlari.

“Prices for this type of property can be anything from 10 million to 30 million CHF. “Buyers at the very top end of the market usually look for properties with their own spa areas. This would usually include a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sauna as a minimum requirement. Entertaining is also very important to these high-end buyers so many look for properties with cinema rooms and party rooms. At the moment, prices in Gstaad are high, our clients are attracted to this niche market for the assured long term capital appreciation of their investments.”

Medran, Verbier, Switzerland
Located in the centre of Medran, only five minutes from the chair lift, this beautiful chalet is in a tranquil setting with stunning views. It has a traditional, rustic exterior with wood, stone and slate roof and modern high-end finishes inside. There is a spacious living room with large windows and a fireplace, an open plan kitchen/dining area opening on to a very large balcony plus four bedrooms with private bathrooms. Additional features include a sauna, Jacuzzi, cellar and large garage with space for three cars.
£9.5m / €11.2m / $11.9m
Chestertons International
www.chestertons-international.com

Gstaad, Switzerland
Spectacular chalet with 1,000m² of living space. Built to the highest standards, it is just five minutes away from the village centre and has panoramic views of the Alps. The property offers total privacy and security, yet is designed for entertaining with its double reception area, terraces and gardens. It offers the potential to accommodate several guests with up to eight bedrooms, all with en suite bathrooms. Other features include staff quarters, an inside swimming pool, steam room, gym complex and internal parking for seven cars.
£26.2m / €30.75m / $32.7m
Chestertons International
www.chestertons-international.com

Oberbort, Gstaad, Switzerland
An exclusive chalet, divided into two triplex apartments, located high in the Oberbort. This is the most sought after piece of land in the Swiss Alps, where chalets rarely become available. Available to foreigners, this huge, 13-bedroom chalet is ideal for large families or two families who want to buy a property together. With 1,000m² of living space, it has an absolutely breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains, which can be seen from the living room, bedrooms and terraces.
£47.7m / €55.9m / $59.3m
John Taylor
www.john-taylor.com

Skiing USA
There are so many superb ski destinations in the States that it’s very difficult to know which ones to highlight in just a few pages. However, Aspen is one of the all time greats and has four ski mountains – Aspen, Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. These four resorts are each very different but between them have terrain to suit all preferences and abilities. Aspen Mountain has excellent intermediate and advanced terrain which runs into the heart of the town. Snowmass resort sits 15 minutes’ shuttle away at the other end of the four mountains, offering large and varied terrain with a ski-in, ski-out village popular with families. Aspen has its own airport (commercial and private) and international flights come into Denver a 200 mile, 3.5 hour drive away. Krista Klees of Palladium Properties says,

“The Aspen market draws worldwide clientele attracted to the unique micro-niche of world-class skiing, culture, nightlife, and dynamic lifestyle that makes Aspen known all over the world. The draw of Aspen in the winter results in nearly every type of rental to be booked up and nearly every home occupied, especially during the holiday weeks.
“Condos like the Downtown Aspen are perfect for someone looking for a quick, ultra-convenient place to land between ski runs for a good value. Also, close proximity reduces/eliminates need to fuss with a rental car in the winter weather. Aspen Highlands is quieter than downtown, perfect for someone who wants a no-nonsense ski vacation. The other homes are better for someone who desires a luxurious sanctuary with a bit more privacy and space, yet still wishes for quick access to the hustle and bustle of downtown Aspen and is willing to pay a premium for it.”

Over in Idaho, Ketchum and Sun Valley prove popular choices, not just for winter sports but also for year-round activities. Suzanne Finch Williams, owner/broker of Sun Valley Real Estate, an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, says,

“As an all season destination Ketchum appeals to Americans no matter what time of the year it is and in particular to buyers from New York, Florida, Washington and California who want the ultimate holiday home which is just a short flight away. They are also attracted to the quaint and charming feel of the town which allows an escape from busy, cosmopolitan cities such as Miami and Los Angeles.
“There is currently a secure and stable market in Ketchum/Sun Valley with the average price of a luxury home ranging between $5 to $20 million. Now is also a good time to buy, as Ketchum is seeing investment and growth with the opening of two new hotels including The Limelight Hotel, which opened in December, and Auberge which is set to open in 2019.”

Sun Valley, Idaho, USA
Serenity Lodge provides a quiet retreat with spectacular 360-degree mountain views, yet is just moments away from downtown Ketchum. Set on 4.5 acres of hillside, the property has five bedrooms including a spacious master suite and two further guest suites. It also includes a nine-car garage, 1,400 bottle wine cellar, sauna, massage room and media room.
£13.6m / €15.9m/ $16.9m
Christie’s International Real Estate
www.christiesrealestate.com

Starwood, Aspen, Colorado, USA
Spacious four-bedroom, six bathroom, 5,700 square foot plus home overlooking the Aspen Valley and all four ski mountains. It has been meticulously maintained and includes open living spaces with a timeless contemporary design. There are endless views from every room throughout the house through its abundance of oversized windows. The property also includes outdoor entertaining areas as well as access to all the amenities Starwood has to offer. This secluded, exclusive neighbourhood encompasses 960 acres of some of the most stunning Colorado ranchland ever to be bought, subdivided, and sold. One famous ex-resident was the American singer-songwriter John Denver who immortalised Starwood in the song ‘Starwood in Aspen’.
£4.64m / €5.46m / $5.75m
Palladium Properties
www.palladiumaspen.com

West Aspen, Colorado
High on Buttermilk Mountain in a grove of Aspen trees, Mopani Estate is a 44.6-acre equestrian property with unobstructed and expansive views of Red Mountain, the city of Aspen, the Cont’l Divide and Mount Sopris. A picturesque 1,800 foot long driveway connects the 13,500 square feet contemporary main residence with the two-bedroom, two bathroom guest house and the large stables. The main residence is built with exquisite finishes and exacting attention to detail. Features include Boffi cabinetry and stone countertops from Italy, perfectly ‘matchbook’ stone fireplaces, a glass 11-foot-tall pivoting front door, custom made chandeliers, cedar wood ceilings and wide plank walnut floors.
£39.55m / €46.53m / $49m
Knight Frank USA
www.knightfrank.us

Relax
Grand Hotel Kronenhof in Pontresina, Switzerland offers the best of both worlds: the glitz of St Moritz, while staying in a peaceful mountain village.

Research shows that if only we could put down our electronic gadgets for a day or two, the benefits would be manifold. But it’s easier said than done, which is why Grand Hotel Kronenhof is helping to make it happen by launching its Digital Detox package. All electronic devices will be taken away at check-in and stored in the hotel’s main safe, well away from temptation. The Kronenhof then has a relaxing but well planned schedule to keep guests so well occupied that they will hardly miss their phones, tablets and laptops. One morning will be spent learning ski yoga up on the slopes, followed by an afternoon detox bath, 50-minute massage and Pilates class. The second day will start with a sunrise hike, breakfast and a leisurely morning in the spa with an energy-inducing massage in the afternoon. The hotel’s Vitality Menu is on offer at the Grand Restaurant for the first two evenings, but gourmet treats await at Restaurant Kronenstübli on the third and final night. Grand Hotel Kronenhof first opened in the first half of the 19th century as a guesthouse. However, the main part of the current building, which is a registered historical landmark, was built at the very end of the 19th century in Neo-Baroque style. The latest addition consists of 28 new guest rooms and a stunning spa complex covering more than 2,000m². The spa features a 20 metre indoor infinity pool with counter-current system, flotation pool with underwater music, wide range of saunas and steam rooms, private suite for couples to enjoy wraps and massages together as well as a crackling log fire in the relaxation room.
www.kronenhof.com