Our attention is now turning towards the winter months, with planning for the 2026/27 season in full swing. Each year brings something new across the defining resorts of the French, Swiss and Austrian Alps. Whilst the allure of destinations such as Courchevel and St Moritz remains strong, we continue to follow closely how each resort evolves year after year, and the developments shaping how people choose their winter base.
Courchevel: Unfaltering Allure
Known by everyone, Courchevel has continued to define the ultra-luxe market in terms of chalets and hotels. Instagram and virality have perpetuated this standard online. The reality, however, is that the resort never stops evolving. Each season we are reminded why it sets the standard for so many. It is, of course, home to many of the best restaurants in the Alps. Chalet Les Pierres and Cap Horn have remained popular despite a steady influx of new names that have also become just as iconic as the long-running establishments.
New openings such as Rosewood in 2025 and the highly anticipated Lily of the Valley in 2027 cement the idea that this is a resort that never stops. Beyond the glamour, it is also a resort where anything is possible, from the smallest details behind a chalet's doors to the grandest experiences high in the mountains. Each season, the bar is raised.
Verbier: A Decade of Transformation
The past decade has seen significant change in Verbier. Once a quiet, free-ride-centric resort, it has now evolved into a globally recognised destination. In recent years, the main street has seen a steady increase in designer boutiques, alongside world-class dining finding a home in the resort.
Connectivity is at the heart of Televerbier's 15-year development plan. Last year saw the opening of the Lac 2 chairlift, which replaced the 1988 lift with a 6-seater Bartholet model, cutting journey time from 5 to 3 minutes and increasing capacity from 1,200 to 1,600–2,000 people per hour. A new télémixte will finally link Verbier and Savoleyres-La Tzoumaz, letting skiers move between Les Ruinettes and Savoleyres-La Tzoumaz without removing their skis. This includes a new beginner zone at Les Planards, which will be a much-welcomed addition to Verbier's terrain.
These developments are genuinely good news for owners and visitors alike, particularly those based in Savoleyres, as the resort becomes better connected and continues to establish itself as a world-class destination.
Gstaad: Old-School Luxury Meets New Openings
Gstaad oozes old-school luxury. Its wide, rolling slopes and picturesque promenade have long captured the hearts of visitors and residents alike. That traditional charm hasn't come at the expense of evolution: Ultima's arrival brought a distinctly modern alpine style to the resort, and following a successful debut season, we're hoping to see the globally renowned Zuma return for another winter. Sticking with Ultima, the launch of their chalet in the heart of the resort instantly became a favourite among our clients.
We've also noticed increased interest in Gstaad from corporate clients, keen on a resort that can host their own clients across a wide variety of experiences. The Alpina remains our favourite for corporates, with its 56 bedrooms the perfect size to take over for a short stay. We're also anticipating the launch of The Park Gstaad, A Four Seasons Hotel, coming in 2027, as another strong option for corporate and private clients alike.
Lech: Longevity On and Off the Slopes
Lech has firmly established itself as one of the most luxurious resorts in the Alps. It simply has it all: excellent access from Innsbruck whilst remaining private and exclusive, innovative dining, and chalets that rival those of Courchevel. Within those chalets, the wellness-longevity trend is steadily taking hold. Arula Chalets is setting the example here, giving guests access to infrared saunas, floatation pods, cryo chambers and in-house therapists to guide them through the perfect post-ski recovery routine.
On the slopes, Lech Bergbahnen has approved a €16 million investment programme for 2026, of which around €5 million is going into technical snowmaking infrastructure to improve snowmaking capability while reducing energy consumption. This upcoming season, one can expect smoother pistes and better longevity, both on and off the slopes.
Cortina: The Post-Olympic Glow
In the run-up to the 2026 Winter Olympics, Cortina saw a huge overhaul of its infrastructure, with major improvements to lift systems, snowmaking technology and access around the resort via its transport network. The post-Olympic glow is well and truly present, and Cortina is the resort we've been most excited about for some time.
Property prices are steadily climbing in the resort and the wider area. Knight Frank reports that Cortina saw 10% annual price growth, placing it third on the Alpine Property Price Index behind only Andermatt and Davos, with prime property at €19,500–21,500 per sqm. This places it 30–40% below equivalents in St Moritz or Courchevel. Supply is constrained by strict UNESCO protection, which is helping drive that appreciation while maintaining its beauty and charm. We eagerly anticipate a new era of chalets in Cortina and the wider Dolomites.
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