Posted on 14 June 2021
When buying a ski property, every buyer should ask what is the best dual season ski resort to invest in. Of course, other criteria ensure a wise investment, but dual season resorts drive the French alps property market. After all, you can now get away from Spring through summer to Autumn rather than using your ski home just for the winter months. Additionally, anyone investing in a buy-to-let now has more months to maximise their occupancy rates.
So, you might be asking what is there to do because skiing is off the agenda once the snow falls away. Well, certain resorts invest heavily in outdoor activities like golf, mountain biking, trekking, hiking, parasailing, and the list goes on and on. The French Alps are the world’s best outdoor playground. So, let’s look at the best resorts that lead the way for year-round holidays off the slope in the alps.
The Best Dual Season Ski Resorts in France
1: Summer Activities in Chamonix Resort
Also known as Chamonix Mont Blanc, this ski resort is one of the oldest yet strives to keep up with modern times. Attracting around 5 million tourists every year, during all seasons, cable cars, head to the Pointe Helbronner and Aiguille du Midi points, but the main attraction is “Step into the Void”, a glass box with a 1000 metre drop under your feet. Chamonix resort is big on community events, so keep an eye out for festivals and shows.
Otherwise, everyone keeps active all year round, whether young or old. Hire an independent guide for trekking, hiking and mountaineering tours. Rental shops hire out mountain bikes to follow set trails. Paragliding is big business for a stunning bird’s eye view. Water sports include canyoning, rafting, and kayaking. Chamonix has its golf course but otherwise choose from horse riding, tennis, swimming, and the gym. More about Chamonix Mont Blanc.
2: What to Do in Alpe d’Huez
In 2016, Alpe d’Huez resort hit the headlines by announcing a 350-million-euro investment that would boost the resort during winter and summer. To be finally completed in 2022, the investment concentrated on the skiing area, high-end accommodation, and more environmentally friendly practices. So fast forward nearly five years later, and Alpe d’Huez resort is now a prominent outdoor resort all year round and an excellent place for rock climbing, mountaineering and mountain climbing.
The Ecrins nature park is home to countless species of wildlife for nature enthusiasts. Book a guided tour around galleries and museums, or the fit can tackle the 21 gruelling bends of the leading cycling route. Don’t think everything is fast-paced, though, because fishing is permitted in nine lakes and waterways. The community swimming pool offers a gym and fitness centre. Do sign up for a helicopter tour or tandem paragliding rides for amazing views. Otherwise, indulge in golf and horse riding. Read about Alpe D’Huez and its year-round appeal.
3: Dual Season Val d’Isère
Sitting side by side with Tignes ski resort, both destinations offer adventure all year-round. Vanoise natural park encourages everyone to admire Mother Nature, or take a Parapente flight up above, or enjoy summer skiing for a month between June to July.
Mountain biking fans should buy the summer pass, giving them access to the five lifts operated in summer to reach various trails. Families enjoy lakeside walks, while teenagers will get a thrill from the white-water rafting courses. Canyoning is big business, but this town geared up for social vibes throughout the year holds many events and festivals. Read why British skiers love Val d’Isère.
4: Best Activities in Les Gets Ski Resort
Sitting just 90 minutes from Geneva airport, Les Gets resort counts itself as one of the best summer resorts. Sitting in the Portes du Soleil ski area, Les Gets resort offers excellent skiing and many activities boosting the dual season importance. The town centre is enough to keep you captivated with its stunning alpine ambience and aesthetic appeal, but head out to the swimming lake that includes rope courses.
People love hitting the hiking trails and dining in small restaurants. Canyoning and white-water rafting suit those looking for adrenaline, while the resort shares an 18-hole golf course with neighbouring Morzine. Wellness and spa centres offer the usual fitness, Pilates, and yoga sessions, while cultural heritage tours highlight Les Gets in days gone by. Other things to do include fishing, helicopter rides, tennis, and the bowling alley. More about Les Gets resort.
5: Megeve Ski Resort
Fantastic views are one reason for every skier to visit Megeve mountain resort when the snow falls away, but an excellent place to start is the leading sports centre with its ice rink, gym, climbing wall and swimming pool. Getting active in the surrounding countryside, golfers choose from three nearby courses.
Keep an eye out when arriving for local community events since Megeve love to welcome visitors with festival, shows and competitions. Try clay pigeon shooting, paragliding or the tennis courts. Megeve delights with helicopter tours and skydiving lessons. But for more relaxed air travel, try the hot air balloons. Many local attractions and sites of interest make Megeve resort one of the best dual season ski resorts. Read about Megeve in France.
Find Out More
So, they are the five best dual season ski resorts in France, where you can enjoy the sunshine. To find out more, though, our skiing blog talks more about the French alps and everything to know, including buying property, apres-ski, villages, ski areas like the Three Valleys and other destinations like Courchevel, picturesque Meribel, lively Les Arcs, Avoriaz, and Les Deux Alpes. Alternatively, see our portfolio of apartments and chalets for sale in many holiday destinations of the French Alps. Each listing includes price, location, home features, and an enquiry form to find out more or arrange a viewing. Also, call us if you would like to speak with an agent about investing in French Alps dual season ski resorts.