The Swiss Alps offer some of the most versatile living around the world, with warm summers and crisp, snowy winters there is a season, a location, and a lifestyle ideal for everyone. It is just a case of finding the right place, and the perfect property that meets all of your requirements. So if you’re looking for a few ideas on what you should be considering when looking for somewhere in the Alps read on to find out more.
Resort
The Alps are bursting with ski resorts, all of which have something different to offer, or a preference towards certain resort activities. Although all of the ski resorts in Switzerland have something for all ages and ski abilities, there are areas with unique runs and features such as the Swiss Wall in Champéry which provide exciting opportunities you can’t find anywhere else. Below are some of the Swiss ski resorts AlpLifestyle works in, and what they have to offer.
Verbier
Verbier is all about luxury, and with luxury comes choice – something the slopes around this resort are not short of. This resort is home to a variety of beginner slopes for a gradual introduction for those who are new to skiing. For those who are a little more advanced, there are plenty of green, blue, and red runs to choose from – or just head straight out to the backcountry terrain for some adrenaline-fuelled fun! Come here when the weather is right in the summer and you might even get the chance to ski on the Mont Fort Glacier.
Champéry
With the Portes du Soleil just moments away, Champéry offers an incredible opportunity to take part in cross-border skiing. Put your skis on in Switzerland and ski to France thanks to the interlinking ski lifts and heart-pounding ski runs. And if these aren’t enough for you why not take in the ultimate challenge of the Swiss Wall…if you dare.
Grimentz
Take part in some of the best off-piste skiing in Valais during your time in Grimentz. The ski lifts in this resort allow for skiing to altitudes up to 3000m – making for some fantastic views of the Val d’Anniviers as you ski these high altitude valleys. Grimentz also has direct cable car links to Zinal through the aptly named Grimentz-Zinal cable car system.
Nendaz
Nendaz has direct access to the 4 Valleés ski region, containing three spectacular mountains, Attelas, Mont Gelé, and Mont Fort. Here you have access to over 400km of marked slopes serviced by 95 ski lifts. In Nendaz, you will find plenty of slopes that trace their way through dense forests – making them some of the most picturesque slopes in the Alps. The infamous Tortin ski run can also be found in Nendaz – which was named as one of the world’s top 10 runs by the Daily Telegraph.
Crans Montana
Between the altitudes of 1,500m and 3,000m, you will find the sunny resort of Crans Montana. This south-facing resort has incredible panoramic views across the surrounding slopes, including the Plaine-Morte glacier. Ski runs for all abilities make this resort slopes perfect for the whole family, while the snowpark is ideal for those who want to perfect their skiing and give freestyle skiing a try.
Heremence
Cable cars in Heremence allow for skiing up to altitudes of 2,100m, with links to Thyon 2000 – an extremely sunny plateau which provides access to over 400km of on and off-piste trails. This resort makes up part of the 4 Valleés ski region opening up a huge variety of slope grades to you – making it ideal for both beginners and experts!
Activities
It is not all about skiing when it comes to the Swiss Alps, with areas offering unique and specific activities – some of which you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Mountain biking is one of the most popular activities in the Alps, this is something you can take part in at most resorts, however, Verbier and Grimentz have become well-known areas to do it.
The Grand Raid mountain bike race which starts in Verbier and ends in Grimentz takes riders on an incredible 125km journey across the Alps in an exciting four-part event. Riders can join the race at any of the four stages (Verbier, Nendaz, Hérémence, and Evolène) and takes place every summer, drawing a huge crowd to the region.
For those who are looking for a slightly more relaxed time in Switzerland, there are plenty of slow-paced things to do. From relaxing in a pool to discovering hidden treasures on a hike in the mountains, the Swiss Alps can provide an endless number of things to do and sights to see.
Investment Potential
Investing in the Swiss Alps is becoming more and more popular as the ski scene grows and draws more people to the area. As with any property, when buying in the Alps it is important to consider the return on your investment, whether that is financial return, or through your own personal leisure usage. Here at AlpLifestyle, we pour years of experience into every one of our property sales to make sure they are right for our clients.
We believe there is a property solution for everyone, whether you are looking for a second home, or a business opportunity, there is an Alpine home that can fulfil your needs. Don’t believe us? Get in touch with one of our expert advisors today to see what we can do for you, and to answer any of your questions.
