Posted on 04 June 2021
With growing interest in the French Alps tourism and real estate markets, knowing where to buy ski property in France is about personal preferences and your budget. The French ski real estate market includes many resales and new and off-plan properties. Of course, though, as with any real estate investment, capital growth and liquidity potential are essential alongside active investment in infrastructure. For these three requirements, specific destinations stand out with incredible potential. Let’s look at where they are.
Where to Buy Ski Property in France
1: Modern and Trendy Val d’Isère
Upmarket Val d’Isère in the Tarentaise Valley of south-eastern France is a famous skiing resort. The town belongs to the Espace Killy ski area nearby Tignes, and skiers get there via Bourg St Maurice trains station 40 minutes away, or Chambery, Lyon and Geneva airports within two to three hours away. Daily bus services run from Geneva, and travel companies within Val d’Isère all sell transfer services. Val d’Isère stands out as the king of Après Ski, with many bars and restaurants catering to this time-honoured tradition. However, the resort stands out thanks to continued investment into infrastructure, which boosts the real estate market. Anyone looking at ski chalet or apartments will be pleased with the traditional Alp architecture developers adhere to. The best properties to buy in Val d’Isère are all-mountain properties near the town’s top with spectacular south-facing views.
2: Alpe d’Huez and Year-Round Tourism
Covering an area of 10,000 hectares in France, Alpe d’Huez, links traditional mountain villages like Villard Reculas, Vaujany and La Garde. Property owners access 250 kilometres of novice and experienced runs and enjoy stunning Alpine Mountain range views. In addition, the resort has an outdoor heated swimming pool and sports centre for time off the slopes. Property owners who want to lease their properties tap into the summer tourism of Alpe d’Huez that grows every year, thanks to the customer base of families and couples. Properties for sale in Alpe d Huez offer great skiing bases and excellent rental returns. Although most property for sale is apartments, purchasers can still expect stunning architecture and, in some cases, ski-in and ski-out facilities.
3: Chamonix Mont-Blanc
Hikers, paragliders, snowboarders, and skiers love Chamonix, one of France’s oldest ski resorts at the base of Mont Blanc. Sitting in east France, on the junction with Switzerland and Italy and just 75-minutes from Genova, skiers get there from Italy using the Tunnel. This winter, French Alp resort offers 952 kilometres of runs serviced by 248 lifts. But during summer, tourists flock for French Alp adventure sports activities and resort activities like a casino, bowling alley and cinema. Expect lively and quiet Après Ski and excellent restaurants serving various international cuisines. Buying property for sale in Chamonix can be long and complex. There are multiple properties on offer: from new developments to resale properties and duplexes to apartments, and the differences in property types give various options for financing.
4: Buying Luxury Chalets in Courchevel
Grand Courchevel, in Saint-Bon-Tarentaise commune in East France, commands prestigious status. The most concentrated of world-class ski resorts are in Tarentaise Valley, and let’s not forget the nearby resorts of Espace Killy (Val d’Isère, Tignes) and Paradiski. Courchevel belongs to Les Trois Valleés, France’s largest linked ski area. Lovely Courchevel consists of four different villages; Le Praz 1300, 1550, 1650 and 1850. Courchevel 1300, the most traditional village, has roughly two thousand residents and all amenities a functioning town should have. It is perhaps the prettiest village, and thanks to snow cannons, skiers enjoy a long ski season and two tremendous black ski runs. In addition, Courchevel stands out as the premier destination for luxury ski chalets for sale.
5: French Alp Les Arcs
Les Arcs ski resort belongs to the Paradiski Alp group of connected ski resorts, including the La Plagne area with 264 miles of pistes. There are five Alp areas, Bourg-Saint-Maurice,1600, 1800, 1950 and 2000 that access 106 runs, 54 lifts and 200 kilometres of descent. Additionally, Aiguille Rouge, the highest peak in this beautiful ski resort, offers a 7 km long piste. The reputation as an original French “mega-resort” lends to various networks of skiable pistes, including 136 easy runs. Ski France gave Les Arcs resort their Plus label, and four different villages offer something unique. The most significant 1800 suits older children, with various evening entertainment, while the established 1600 offers a serene base for families. The furthest 2000 provides excellent access to the Paradiski area, whereas the 1950 pedestrianised Alp resort features ski schools and kids clubs. So, when looking at for sale properties, this town features various neighbourhoods.
7: French Alp Les Gets
Les Gets, a trendy Alpine Valley resort in South-East France, sits on the Portes du Soleil Western edge. Offering good access to Mont Blanc massif and beautiful views of surrounding snow-clad hills, this Savoyard skiing resort gem features stone and wood chalets and a bustling and lively centre with family-friendly restaurants, cafes, and bars. Les Gets ski resort leads to Portes du Soleil ski area, and in total, 12 linked resorts offer an impressive 266 pistes and ten snow parks, catering for all different skill levels. Lift passes give access to Les Gets, the neighbouring area of Morzine and the wider Portes du Soleil. In addition, Les Gets has a place for children only called le Grande Cry. Les Gets, and Morzine has around 50 lifts across several distinct ski areas. Skiers also buy separate lift passes for Mont Chéry with black runs and numerous red runs.
Buy Leaseback Ski Properties in France
The above destinations offer summer and winter activities and massively invest in their ski and urban infrastructure. But consider French leaseback properties for those who want to take their French Alp real estate investment further. Buyers purchase freehold properties, primarily apartments in serviced buildings. Property owners then lease them to management companies. Upon purchasing, property buyers claim a 20% vat refund. In addition, buyers receive rental income, usually averaging 4% and agree on weeks to use their home during the year. Anyone looking for ideal real estate investments will find many benefits in this government approved scheme.
More Property Information
Start your search for ski property by browsing our portfolio of apartments and chalets across many areas of France. With the latest properties on the market added every week, also subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed of French Alp property news. Alternatively, contact us today to know more about where to buy ski property in France.
