7 Idyllic Alpine Towns Where It’s Easy to Buy Real Estate
It’s hard to beat mountain towns in the U.S., which offer some of the best skiing, most breathtaking vistas, and champagne-soaked après scenes in the world. But with prices climbing as high as their mountain peaks and a lack of direct flights (and increasing flight cancellations) to popular stateside destinations, you may want to consider investing in a property in an alpine village outside the U.S. Mountain towns in Canada, Europe, and South America offer unparalleled skiing and other snow sports and charming villages, often for a fraction of the cost and without the crowds. Here are seven alpine towns where it’s surprisingly easy to pick up a ski chalet to enjoy this winter.
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Whistler, BC, Canada
Given its close proximity to the U.S., Canada is an appealing option. But according to Kit Matkaluk, a real estate agent in The Agency’s Vancouver office, Canada is tricky when it comes to buying property. “There are no foreign owners allowed to buy real estate—the only place there is an exception is Whistler, which is arguably the best skiing in North America.” With 8,171 acres of terrain (plus an additional 432,000 acres of helicopter-accessed high-alpine terrain), Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in the northeast, and an average annual snowfall of around 38 feet guarantees plenty of fresh powder. Whistler Village has an exciting apres-ski scene with excellent restaurants (ranging from fine dining to cozy pubs) and chic shops. “Whistler is not cheap, but it’s cheaper than destinations like Vail,” Matkaluk says. “And the USD to CAD conversion allows better value.” Another perk: Whistler is owned by Vail Resorts, so your Epic Pass will work at Whistler.
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La Parva, Chile
When you think of alpine towns, South America probably doesn’t spring to mind. But Chile has beautiful mountain villages that offer excellent skiing and snow sports—and peak ski season is June, July, and August, which allows die-hard skiers to hit the slopes all year round. Chile also makes it exceptionally easy to buy a home. “There is no restriction on foreign ownership, and it’s more affordable than skiing in the U.S.,” Felipe Gonzalez, a real estate agent at Chile Sotheby's International Realty, says. Gonzalez recommends La Parva, which is a private ski resort “with a well-established residential community that offers high-end properties—perfect for those looking for privacy and direct access to the slopes.” La Parva is conveniently located only 31 miles away from Chile’s capital city of Santiago, which is appealing to foreign buyers who don’t want to be hours away from the closest airport. For families, Gonzalez likes nearby Farellones, which offers the same caliber of skiing in a more welcoming and low-key environment (in other words, you won’t get as much side-eye when your kids melt down in the lodge).
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Åre, Sweden
Åre’s tranquility and fresh mountain air are considered so rejuvenating that the area was established as a health resort in the 19th century, serving as a place where those with lung conditions could come and convalesce. These days, the storybook Scandinavian mountain village is a destination for downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoe hiking, ice climbing, ice fishing, and more. (Non-skiers can enjoy the historic village’s many restaurants, shops, and bars.) “Åre offers a unique combination of modern conveniences and authentic Scandinavian charm. This blend makes it highly attractive to international buyers,” Joachim Söderberg, a real estate agent at Sotheby’s International Realty in Sweden, says. International buyers will also appreciate that purchasing property in Sweden is straightforward, with no restrictions on foreign ownership and a transparent legal process.
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Courchevel, France
Courchevel is tucked away in Europe’s largest ski area, called the Three Valleys, located in the French Alps. In 1942, the French Commission of Tourism converted a group of sleepy hamlets and sheep farms into an exclusive ski town. The town is comprised of six villages linked together by ski lifts and free shuttles, each with its own distinct vibe (ranging from charming Le Praz to glamorous Courchevel 1850, known for its Michelin-starred restaurants and stylish boutiques). The mountain boasts meticulously groomed, wide ski runs for all levels of skiers, making it a good choice for families. And while Courchevel is considered very high end, “prices are still generally lower than [comparable] American resorts, both in terms of property prices and ski passes,” real estate agent Olivier Roche with Megève Sotheby's International Realty says. “And the buying conditions (legal, administrative and tax) are straightforward compared with Switzerland, for example.”
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Chamonix, France
About two hours north of Courchevel lies the historic and lively town of Chamonix, which sits at the bottom of Mont Blanc. Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in Western Europe and is known for its steep, challenging terrain. Roche recommends it for real estate investment for the same reasons he recommends Courchevel (it’s less pricey than American resorts, and France has favorable legal and tax policies). Chamonix is a better choice for advanced skiers, and its proximity to the airport also sets it apart: It’s only a little more than an hour from the Geneva airport, which is boon for Americans who want to invest in a ski house.
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Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Located in northern Italy, nestled in the Dolomites Mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage site), is Cortina d’Ampezzo. Known as the Queen of the Dolomites, it’s home to the stylish and exclusive Cortina d'Ampezzo ski resort. The resort’s more than 70 miles of ski slopes draw tourists during the winter, while summer sports like golf, horseback riding, mountain biking, and mountain climbing keep the area buzzing during the spring and summer. Americans can buy property in Italy without restrictions, but real estate in Cortina tends to be pricey. That being said, if you can afford to purchase a property, there is limitless income potential. “Rentals in Cortina tend to be very high, especially during the winter,” Francesca Crema, a real estate agent at RE/MAX Puntocase in Vigonza, Padua, Italy, says. “If you invest in a property for tourist rentals, you can achieve a return on capital through premium weekly rentals.”
One compelling reason to buy now: Cortina is going to be cohosting the 2026 Winter Olympics with Milan, which will drive up demand in the region.
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Courmayeur, Italy
According to Crema, Courmayeur is very popular among foreign buyers, especially from Switzerland, France, and the United Kingdom, due to its close proximity to the borders of France and Switzerland (and the Geneva airport) and its reputation as a luxury ski destination. Americans are just beginning to catch on, making it a good time to invest. Situated at the foot of Mont Blanc—not far from Chamonix—it’s a charmer of a town filled with cobblestone streets, chocolate-box cottages, designer boutiques, and cafes serving top-notch Italian cuisine. However, real estate prices are generally high, particularly for luxury chalets and apartments in the town center. But like in Cortina, you can always rent your property out to help offset costs.
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