Once again the alpine hospitality industry could face yet another problematic winter due to unprecedented crises.
For the last two years, the skiing industry was hit hard over winter due to the severe restrictions surrounding the covid-19 pandemic, which habitually got worse over the winter months – thereby directly affecting all involved in the hospitality industry in the prestigious French and European ski resorts.
Now, as we finally seem to be moving on from the uncertainty that was the pandemic – governments from across the world have forecasted a two-year recession and cost of living crisis as a direct result of the war raging between Russia and Ukraine. The ongoing conflict in the east combined with the increasing sanctions from the west against wealthy and powerful Russians has resulted in the ultra-hi-end hospitality sector feeling fragile and uncertain, especially in the most sought-after ski resorts such as Courchevel, Meribel, and Megeve.
This is now opening up top-end chalet rental opportunities for those who enjoy luxurious mountain resorts throughout the winter. Chalets that have historically been reserved in advance by wealthy Russian clients are now for the first time becoming widely available to the international market. Demand from the United States and the United Kingdom is getting ahead of the game, due to the rare availability of this high-end ultra-niche market. It would be wise to reserve early to avoid disappointment.
