Posted on 18 December 2020
When thinking about the best French ski resort to buy property, your personal preferences define where is the best place for you. However, some French ski resorts stand out more than others as ideal real estate investments because buyers demand more now than ever before, and they deliever. The picturesque French Alps offers much especially for Brits who enjoy quick, and easy transport links for skiing in the alps. For all nationalities, the French Alps provide unique skiing opportunities, a distinctive culture, and a massive choice of resorts, some of which rank as the best in the world.
For those who venture on to become owners, the vast savings on cost between France and places like Switzerland, also makes a dramatic difference, especially for first-time and budget buyers. But gone are the days when people bought a property, just to ski. Today’s buyers drive the market with an extensive range of requirements and the best ski resorts that keep up get the most attention. But what exactly do buyers want?
Best French Ski Resort to Buy Property
Diversity, Off Slope Activities and Year-Round Season.: Dual season resorts and winter skiing hotspots receive the most interest. Keeping in line with outdoor themes, many towns offer a wide range of summer activities like walking, trekking, biking, and golf. The ability to diversify is vital, especially for those looking for buy-to-let income.
Facilities and Infrastructure Upgrades: Undoubtedly one of the top requirements of today’s buyers is which resorts keep up with the times to provide a smooth, streamlined experience with everything close by. In the 1980s, places like Alpe d’Huez neglected to adapt to market demands, so tourists and buyers turned away. Quite a few skiing destinations are eager not to make the same mistake. Buyers also take a keen interest in this because it boosts their renting and selling potential. The ability to make an income or even cover running costs of property appeals to the younger generations. They also question how easy is it to sell? Should buyers want to turn their real estate assets into cash, they want a vibrant market with a quick turnover.
So, based on the above two criteria, which top ski resorts cater to the public’s demands by overhauling their infrastructure and community features, and offering year-round and off-slope activities? Three stand out for notable projects costing millions of euros.
1: Val d’Isère: France’s Rising Star
For many years, skiers and alpine ski investors have favoured lively Val d’Isère, yet its recent and planned upgrades of off-piste, snowboarding, skiing, and village infrastructure garner even more admiration. Sixteen million euros was pumped into skiing facilities with an update of the Solaise gondola that includes little benefits such as free wi-fi, a massive lure for the online connection of today’s younger generations. The 200 million euro and a 5-year project called “Le Coin De Val” is also transforming the resort with new hotels, streamline traffic, a renewed sense of traditional architecture and a large variety of shops and bars.
High altitude Val d’Isère says they want to fulfil the expectations of today’s skiers and snowboarders, but they emphasise the modernisation of the resort won’t affect its traditional alpine feel. Val d’Isère has always been one of the first to adapt to changing trends and demands, and fulfils all the requirements driven by today’s buyers. Sharing terrain with nearby Tignes, demand also outstrips supply, making this an ideal location for stability and liquidity. Buyers can also expect a lively après-ski, nightlife and dining out scene. Everyone including advanced skiers, freestyle and beginners who want to learn to ski loves snowy Val d’Isère.
- Why the Val d’Isère Property Market Ticks all the Boxes for Buyers
- Guide to the Espace Killy Skiing Area of France
- Find ski property for sale in Val d’Isère
2: Chamonix and its Year-Round Appeal
The transfer time from Geneva airport is about three and a half hours, but branching into the summer tourism season at the turn of the century, Chamonix caters for everyone, young and old and whether you like skiing. This characteristic means it now has more visitors in summer than winter. Offering a lower price bracket than neighbouring Megeve, some hard-core enthusiasts have labelled it the Alp’s unofficial capital and Chamonix’s 10,000 permanent residents and year-round status, means it is far from being a ghost town.
It has also garnered much attention for the 477-million-euro infrastructure upgrade project, announced in 2013 when long queues to get on the ski lifts became outdated. When buying in Chamonix, expect high-standard and cosy apartments and luxury ski chalets. All feature timeless architecture but incorporated with modern amenities like sauna, en-suite, jacuzzi, log fire, overlooking balconies, open-plan living area, four plus bedrooms, mountain views, hot tubs, and ski boots storage. They make the perfect place for relaxation and to enjoy the alpine sunshine.
- Why Chamonix Property Market Stands out to Investors
- 8 Tourist Attractions in Chamonix for Winter and Summer
- Apartments and chalets for sale in Chamonix
3: Alpe d’Huez Wants First Place Again
First opening to alpine tourism in 1902, the mountain resort of Alpe d’Huez already enjoys a year-round tourism trade but not wanting to be outdone by Val d’Isère and Chamonix, they have announced their 350-million-euro infrastructure upgrade that will put it back on the list for an ideal ski-holiday and holidays in France. Linking Alpe d’Huez with Les Deux Alpes via an 18-minute gondola ride, it opens masses of potential for any skier by becoming the third most abundant ski-area in Europe by 2021.
When off the slopes, other activities and amenities including the centre swimming pool, heli-skiing, gastronomic tourism, sledging, snowshoeing, para-gliding, dog sledging, and mountaineering, while in summer, mountain biking becomes the favoured activity. Slipping standards over the last two decades turned the tourists away in favour of other resorts like Val d’Isère. Still, the all-encompassing facelift, including underground parking and community and social features, is gaining attention back. Locals expect prices will rise once the project is complete, and new complexes featuring ski-in and ski-out facilities are gaining attention.
- Alpe d’Huez Dual Season Resort
- Skiing Properties in Alpe d’Huez – France
Further Information
See the complete range of ski property for sale in France and contact us if you would like any more information about the best French ski resort to buy property. Alternatively, our ski blog talks more about skiing in Europe, ski areas like Espace Killy and Three valleys and other resorts in France including Les Gets, Chamonix Mont Blanc, Avoriaz, Les Arcs, Val Thorens, Morzine, Courchevel, Meribel, and the five villages of Tignes.