Posted on 14 November 2021
To answer how much ski chalets are in France, it is worth knowing the market has performed well this year. Despite expectations, COVID changed international real estate markets for the better. As increasingly more people work from home, and with no signs of COVID going away, buyers turn to rural areas rather than big cities, and the French Alps is the ideal location. As a result, buyers in the French Alps increased from 11% in 2020 to 18% in 2021.
Brexit did not affect the British market either, and low mortgage rates sent more foreign and French chalet buyers to the Alps. Over the last five years, most real estate markets worldwide also saw an increase in Asian and Middle east buyers. Combined, this saw some resorts receiving a boost in chalet prices thanks to high demand and low supply.
So, to answer your question about chalets, we looked at three aspects. Firstly, the latest market trends, and which ski resorts performed well. Secondly, we will profile leading resorts that show value for money and capital growth potential. Then to ensure your property investment goes wisely, we will look at tips and advice on how to choose your ski chalet.
How Much are Ski Chalets in France?
1: Current Chalet Market Trends in France
When considering the annual price growth of French ski chalets, the following resorts saw the most significant increases.
- Chamonix – 6.1%
- Megeve 4.7%
- Courchevel – 1.7%
- St Martin-de -Belleville – 1.5%
- Meribel – 1.0%
- Val d’Isère – 0.6%
2: Average Prices Per Square Meters of Ski Chalets in Various Resorts
Courchevel 1850 – 26,800 to 16,200 Euros: Consisting of four villages and sitting in the French Alps Tarentaise valley, Courchevel remains in high demand for chalets thanks to buyer confidence of this high-profile commune. Belonging to the three valleys ski area, Courchevel 1850 commands the high prices per square meter for chalets thanks to upmarket vibes, while Courchevel 1300, a more traditional resort, offers slightly lower chalet prices. Re skiing infrastructure, the area has two fantastic black runs, and snow cannons ensure an entire season. Skiers also enjoy 150 kilometres of alpine ski runs from easy to advanced slopes.
Chalet owners usually fly into Geneva 149 kilometres away, even though Courchevel does have an airport. As well as offering many international events throughout the year, Courchevel does an excellent job on the foodie scene with Michelin Starr restaurants. Shopping features high with many brand name boutiques. Meanwhile, the Après ski social scene varies depending on which village you buy in. Anyone looking at rental chalets to buy would do well to look at Courchevel, since the average price per day is 516 Euros, with some upmarket chalets fetching even more. Property for sale in Courchevel.
Val d’Isère – 20,300 Euros: Magnificent Val d’Isère presents an upmarket and exclusive ski resort ambience. The bonus is that, unlike other resorts, Val d’Isère maintains alpine traditions regarding ski chalet architecture. Sitting in the Tarentaise Valley of South-eastern France, chalets owners enjoy Vanoise National Park, 3 miles from France’s border of Italy. Along with neighbouring Tignes, Val d’Isère also belongs to the Espace Killy ski area, one of the best French Alp skiing destinations. Val d’Isère offers 300 kilometres of runs and a high-volume gondola and chair lifts.
Chalet owners enjoy three ski areas; Bellevarde, central Solaise ski area, and Le Fornet area that caters to every skier level. Ski chalet owners typically use Chambery airport, two hours away, although there is a daily bus service from Geneva, three hours away. Val d’Isère once won an award for being France’s most beautiful ski area; hence, we need no words to describe its beauty. The resort offers a decent après ski scene and a wealth of off-slope activities.
Meribel – Euros 15,800: Also sitting in the Tarentaise Valley, the charming Meribel offers stunning mountain views, as well as a traditional alpine ambience. Accommodating all levels of skiers, Meribel’s high altitude ensures a decent coverage of snow. Breaking down into the centre, Mottaret, and Meribel village, all areas belong to the Les Trois Vallees interlinked ski system. Getting here is easy because Chambery airport is just a 75-minute drive away. Regarding ski infrastructure, beginners will feel right at home thanks to the 183 easy slopes, with a ski school nearby. However, many off-piste runs and glacier skiing await experienced skiers. Snowboarders will also feel right at home in Meribel.
Aside from skiing, off-slope activities include ice skating, snowshoeing, hang gliding, speed riding, parapenting, helicopter sightseeing tours, and dog sledging. Meribel is a dual season resort for buyers who fancy a spring to autumn getaway in addition to the winter. When the snow falls away, visitors indulge in mountain biking trails, horse riding, hiking, fishing, clay pigeon shooting, paintball, and golf. The après ski social scene offers a variety of low key and party establishments.
Megeve – 14,500 Euros: Megeve in Southeastern France, has a population of around 5,000 residents but performs well on the tourism market thanks to being an all-rounder. Sitting close to Mont Blanc, the resort offers stunning mountain views. First becoming popular when the Rothschild family started visiting, these days, Meribel commands a stellar reputation as a safe resort to buy a ski chalet. Tapping into the Domain Evasion Monthblac ski area, skiers enjoy 445 kilometres of slopes, 116 lifts, and 18 cross country trails. Geneva airport is just 56 miles away, and the ski resort belongs to the “Best of the Alps” ski resorts.
This traditional Savoyard town of narrow cobbled streets is home to exclusive designer boutiques, charming bakeries, and many traditional but modern ski chalets. The focus switches to golf, the polo master’s tournament, hiking, tennis, the modern sports centre, and outdoor rinks during summer. A varied après ski scene also offers a variety of establishments when skiers come down from the slopes. Additionally, even though there is plenty of international restaurants, we recommend using the local French ones for divine tastes in heaven. For rental chalets to let out, Megeve commands an average price of 429 Euros a day.
Chamonix – 12,500 Euros: Also known as Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, this ski resort sits close to the junction of France, Italy, and Switzerland. As one of France’s oldest ski resorts in France, ski chalet owners wake up to picturesque views of Mont Blanc Mountain. Around every year, more than 5 million visitors descend on the surrounding ski area surrounding, as do hiking enthusiasts in summer. Geneva airport is just 75 minutes’ drive away, and Italy is 15. In addition, chalet owners can catch the train to Switzerland.
Accommodating all levels of skiers, visitors and residents enjoy 248 ski lifts to 490 pistes of various levels. Chamonix is another snowboarding hotspot. Indulge in hiking, paragliding, mountain climbing, golf, swimming, tennis white water rafting, a bowling alley, and a cinema during summer for off-slope activities. Nightlife varies from low-key, sit-down establishments to fast-paced clubs to party until dawn, and because of international visitors, restaurants offer varied menus. This is where buy to let owners should consider since Chamonix presents lower prices for chalets, but the average rent per day is 406 Euros.
See chalets for sale in the French Alps.
3: Things to Consider When Buying a Ski Chalet
- Is the resort dual season with a wide range of activities all year round?
- What is the transfer time from the nearest airport? If you plan to rent your ski chalet, holidaymakers generally prefer short transfer times
- What is the expected snowfall? While high altitude resorts offer good snow coverage, investigate lower resorts to see if they have invested in snow cannons.
- Know your budget, and do not forget to factor in extra purchasing costs. Most people opt for newly built properties because of lower stamp duty and notary fees. Additionally, on the buy to let schemes, chalet buyers can claim tax back.
- Match your lifestyle expectations to the resort. Do not buy in a hectic busy place if you want a quiet retreat. Remember, tourism occupancy rates vary from on to offseason.
- Has the resort invested in its ski infrastructure?
About Us
Our ongoing commitment to clients includes our unbiased assessment of where and how to buy the best mountain chalet. Established in 2003, we specialise in attractive new-build and renovation development projects in key prime chalet markets. Skiingproperty.com has extensive first-hand knowledge, especially of the French Alps, having built up solid and trusting relationships with leading French developers over many years. Call us today to know more about ski chalets in France and speak to an advisor on making a worthwhile investment. Also, follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest ski property news.
