Skiing around the world

• THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS ADD THE MOST SKI LIFTS

With more than 20 new lifts for the 2018/19 season, the Rocky Mountains added the most new lifts relative to its existing stock. One such addition is the high-speed American Flyer lift in Copper.

• THE US EXPERIENCES A BOUNCE BACK

In the 2016/17 season there was an increase in skier numbers in the US following three years of decline. But it was a mixed picture. While the Pacific Coast region had the strongest season on record, the Midwest region saw visitor numbers decline.

• UNTAPPED POTENTIAL

Interest in skiing from Argentina and Chile nationals remains fairly limited but is growing. Visitors to the Andes are mainly from Brazil, but there are also a number of European and American skiers looking to ski in the off-season

• NO SIGN OF SLOWING DOWN IN THE ALPS

With more than 100 new ski lifts opening in the 2018/19 season, the Alps continues to expand its vast offering. La Rosière is opening two new chairlifts and 6km of new pistes for 2018/19.

• SKIING IN CHINA REMAINS IN ITS INFANCY

China’s domestic ski offering is comparatively undeveloped, but growing interest presents potential for both domestic and international resorts. There are currently plans to build the world’s largest indoor ski area in Shanghai.

• AN AGEING POPULATION FORCES CHANGE

Skier numbers in Japan have been on a downward trend over the past few years. Ski areas in Japan have consequently adapted to appeal to both skiers and non-skiers, developing mountain-based villages with residences, as well as a range of dining and leisure options.

• SKI NUMBERS GROWING STEADILY IN NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is one of the most popular destinations for skiing in the Southern Hemisphere, but remains small by international standards. With 1.5 million ski visits annually, 36% of which are foreign visitors, skier numbers have grown steadily since 2014.

To hear more from Sophie Chick, director in Savills world research, and Jeremy Rollason, head of Savills Ski, discussing our latest research into the ski property market, listen to our Real Estate Insights Podcast: the ski report 2019.