Learn more about the regions of France Mountain marvels La Rosière has everything you need from a winter resort, but is great for summer trips too
Hoping to bag yourself a ski pad in the French Alps? Charlie McKee looks at key areas to buy, the types of property available, what you need to know and how the market is faring
A
lthough the idea of holidaying in the mountains in the summer is a
long-term trend, we regularly come across potential buyers who have yet to spend time in the Alps outside of the winter season. As temperatures in certain parts of the Med or elsewhere in southern Europe become too hot for many, the appeal of the mountains has increased. The allure of sunny days, cooler evenings, clean air and breathtaking landscapes has led to a rise in visitor numbers during the summer months. Hiking and mountain-biking
are where the Alps excel, and resorts are off ering countless activities to keep the whole family entertained. Events such as the Tour de France and the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc attract thousands of spectators and participants. Local economies benefi t and the knock-on eff ect for property owners is tangible – summer rents and occupancy are rising. In 2023, despite the
‘renormalisation of travel’ after Covid and the cost of living crisis, the annual Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Tourisme
“Two French ski resorts that have been relatively overlooked by UK buyers are Alpe d’Huez and La Rosière”
survey fl ags a 1.9% increase in overnight stays this summer, with Haute-Savoie, Savoie and Isère among the most popular departments. Unlike during the ski season, UK nationals tend not to be in the top four of non-French visitors. However, at Alpine Property
Intelligence, we fi rmly believe that a ski resort is still defi ned by its ski area and snow quality credentials. A trend we could not fail to notice, especially over the last nine months, has been stronger enquiry volumes from potential buyers in the high-altitude resorts such as Tignes and Val Thorens. For our clients, it is invariably the most important criteria. That said, it isn’t a unique
trend. Chamonix is an ever- popular resort for pan-European and UK buyers, as are Morzine and Les Gets. Courchevel Le Praz, now well-connected to the Trois Vallées ski area, has
80 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: November/December 2023
become more sought-after, and Méribel-Mottaret has seen a renewal of interest.
VALUE FOR MONEY After two years of above- average price gains in the top resorts in the Alps, are there still some pockets of value, off ering a good ski range and snow-sure credentials? Two French ski resorts that
we believe have been relatively overlooked by UK buyers are Alpe d’Huez and La Rosière. What they have in common is extensive, high, sunny slopes, above 1,800m, with reasonably priced property. Also worth a mention in this context are Les Menuires in the Trois Vallées, and La Clusaz/Grand-Bornand. Alpe d’Huez has 249km
of pistes peaking at 3,300m, soon to be extended with the connection to Les Deux Alpes; with this lift connection it will become the second largest
linked ski area in the world, after the Trois Vallées, with an enormous 450km of runs. And thanks to some recently launched new developments, there is plenty for sale. Prices start in the €487,000
range for a one-bedroom 54m2 apartment in the Échappée development, but are hovering around €10,000/m2
for a high-calibre snow-sure resort at this altitude. It also hosts one of the biggest music festivals in the Alps. At the same altitude as Val
d’Isère, La Rosière has a very good snow record and 160km of pisted runs. It shares the Espace San Bernardo ski area with La Thuile in Italy, and lunch across the border is highly recommended. Two speedy new chairlifts and a new network of red pistes opened in 2018 adding some terrifi c advanced-level slopes to the ski area, more altitude and easier access to the large and rewarding off -piste zone. The resort rarely feels
crowded, and despite its family- friendly reputation, it is less well-known to UK skiers than its neighbours in the Tarentaise valley. The new Chalet Valentine redevelopment in the
frenchentree.com/ regional-property- guides
overall, rare
© SHUTERSTIOCK
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