Alpine chalet specialist Bramble Ski has been acquired by luxury home rental company Le Collectionist.

The purchase sees Le Collectionist absorb Bramble Ski’s portfolio of 160 chalets in destinations including Verbier and Zermatt in Switzerland, St. Anton and Lech in Austria and Val d’Isere and Meribel in France. 

A statement from the brand confirmed Bramble Ski will continue to expand its offering across the Alps region, with new luxury chalets and apartments soon to be announced in Lech and Val d’Isere.

Natasha Robertson, owner and director of Bramble Ski, said: “Bramble Ski and Le Collectionist have a natural synergy, and are both renowned for offering beautiful houses, exceptional service, and unique experiences.

“Le Collectionist has previously acquired market leaders in other regions, and we are thrilled to have been recognised as the market leader in the Alps and to have agreed this partnership to further elevate that position.”

Duncan Robertson, co-founder and director of Bramble Ski, added: "We have seen a consolidation in the luxury property rental market in recent years and we felt it was important to be part of this movement by joining a group that shares our vision of the customer experience and our values, which is why we have become part of Le Collectionist.”

Le Collectionist recorded double-digit growth in 2020 and has seen double the growth to date in 2021 compared to 2020. 

The acquisition of Bramble Ski forms part of the Le Collectionist's long-term strategy to grow the brand through acquisitions in new markets, or to consolidate its leadership in existing destinations. 

The purchase makes Le Collectionist the European leader in the luxury home and chalet rental market. The brand hopes to reach €100 million in sales by the end of 2022. 

"We are extremely impressed with the work of Bramble Ski and the brand's excellence in terms of customer experience since it was first established 15 years ago,” said Max Aniort, chief executive and co-founder of Le Collectionist.

“We welcome them with great humility as we work towards developing our ski destinations in Switzerland, France and Austria. This purchase further strengthens our promise to create the best luxury home rental solution in every destination around the world.”

Luxury villa rental is the fastest growing sector of the tourism market over the last 10 years with a market size of over €200 billion.