Val d’Isère, Courchevel, Mürren and Morzine are some of the world’s best ski resorts. While they differ in infrastructure, location, amenities and property styles, there’s one thing they all offer: a life of luxury.

We sat down with Mark Lightfoot, founder of SnowOnly.com to get his take on the availability and so-called exclusivity of buying a snow property.  

Speaking about the common misconceptions about ski properties, Mark said, “It’s not exclusive to people who have money. It’s all about achieving the perfect lifestyle,” when it comes to your own happiness, can you  put a price tag on that?  

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Mark highlighted that the “push for being in the mountains has become far greater. The mountains offer, particularly UK residents, the three things they’re looking for: fresh air, exercise and space – lots and lots of space.”  

Before founding SnowOnly with his business partner, Steve, Mark worked in real estate in Phuket and, after speaking to lots of his clients with properties in popular ski resorts, identified a gap in the market for a property portal specific to the buying and selling of ski properties.  

Picturesque chalet in the French Alps

“I’d recommend everyone go and live abroad for a year or two. There’s a lot of talk these days of dreams but no action.” Mark said living overseas in Thailand, Indonesia, France and Montenegro allowed him to see the bigger picture and really appreciate life.  

“Here in the UK, there is such pressure to keep up with the Jones’ and that’s really not a concern out there.” He continued, “I recommend [buyers] set their expectations on what you’re looking to achieve and work from there.”  

In the French Alps, a significant portion of the housing market (i). Approximately 25% of the housing stock in the Alps consists of second homes. In some specific areas, such as ski resorts like Val Thorens, this percentage can be much higher, reaching up to 89%ii. 

For those seeking a second home for the odd weekend here and there, there are options available to you. Leaseback schemes, for example, are particularly popular in France with American and Canadian buyers who may not be using the property as a European buyer.  

What’s a leaseback property?  

A leaseback home is a unique investment model designed to boost tourism. You buy the property and then lease it back to a professional management company. That company then manages your property’s short-term lets, bookings and general maintenance. In return for leasing your property, you will receive a guaranteed income, usually between 2-5% of the property’s value.  

Beautiful view of Chamonix, Mont Blanc

The familial appeal of ski properties 

We discussed the appeal of familiarity you get from staying at a ski resort – even when you’re only there for two weeks, you see the same people on the slopes that you do in the supermarket, the spa and about the resort.  “It’s very easy to make friends, it’s a place where people can create lasting memories with your kids and grandkids… resort properties offer a familiarity that people buy into.”  

Speaking of his own experience, Mark said, “There’s so much to do other than skiing too” which I’m sure is great news for those less physically inclined. Mark said, “I recently spent two months out there and before [in his younger years], I’d be skiing from 9 till 5, but this time I only skied once in that two-month period.  

There’s so much to do, from biking and hiking to visiting the spa, and ski tours – and they all give you that same adrenaline.”  

“Build the life you want to lead”

One thing that Mark made clear to me during our conversation was that buying a ski property is all about building a life you want to lead. There’s something charming about that, isn’t there?  

We live in such a fast-paced world with ever-evolving technology and volatile markets, that it can be oh-so-easy to forget to stop and smell the roses and enjoy your daily routine and the life you’ve built for yourself. 

If you’re interested in taking on the ski property market, Mark recommends you “buy with your heart.  Of course, there are things to consider, like is the property near a great resort? Is it accessible? Is leaseback an option? But at the end of the day, buying a ski property is like buying a car, you don’t need it, but you want it.”  

For more information on buying a ski property in France, head to SnowOnly.com and keep your eyes peeled for our new guide, How to buy a ski property in France, coming soon.