Best Resorts to Buy Ski Property in the French Alps

Originally posted on & updated on 4th February, 2024

France is the leading ski destination for Brits, around 10 million British tourists visit France every year. The French Alps are known for their stunning natural beauty, world-class ski resorts, and a vast range of outdoor activities, making it an ideal location for those who love the great outdoors.

When Are Ski Resorts Opening in 2023?

The ski resorts in the Alps have just opened their slopes for the 2023/2024 winter season, a handful were allowed to opned early (November) due to the abundance of of fresh and ongoing snowfalls. Last year (2022) was an exceptional ski season for mountain and tourism professionals, who had struggled during the pandemic years. They are ready and excited about making this year a repeat of this success.

What are the Best Resorts in the Alps?

In this article, we explore some of the top ski destinations in the French Alps, including Val d’Isère, Combloux, Les Carroz and Tignes. Each destination offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities, making it an attractive location for property investment. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful mountain retreat or an adrenaline-filled adventure, the French Alps have something for everyone.

Val d’Isère - A Skiing Haven

Val d’Isère, a ski resort located in the French Alps, was recognised as one of the world’s top resorts by the Forbes Travel Guide in 2018. Although this acknowledgement highlights the exceptional skiing opportunities at the resort, it is merely a fraction of what the destination has to offer. The Coin De Val project implemented various public amenities, including underground parking, contributing to the resort’s reputation as a world-class alpine destination. The Euro Solaise gondola also received a significant boost from the 200-million-euro project.

The capital of chic skiing, Val-d’Isère stands out for its village atmosphere and its shared ski area with Tignes. Here luxury real estate takes an entire new meaning with events such as Critérium de la Première Neige and establishments like La Folie Douce further contributing to this legendary status.

Ski in Combloux on a Budget

Located in the French Alps, Combloux is just 4 kilometres away from Megeve, a popular year-round destination. With affordable prices per square metre and a diverse array of outdoor activities, such as mountain biking, Combloux is an ideal summer getaway. Furthermore, being a part of the renowned Mont Blanc area in southeast France, the town’s 2000 residents also have access to snow skiing in the nearby suburbs.

Family-Friendly Les Carroz

Les Carroz, situated in the Grand Massif region, is a family-friendly destination that exudes a traditional Alpine charm. The town’s ambiance is so exceptional that it received an award from the French tourism board. Les Carroz is an ideal choice for families seeking convenient access to local amenities. Additionally, apartments in this area have rental management agencies that help manage buy-to-let incomes.

Alpe D’Huez, voted Best Ski Resort

Recognised as the best ski resort in France, this destination in the French Alps has implemented numerous urban projects, including the Les Deux Alpes link, to enhance skiing opportunities. During the summer months, this resort offers activities suitable for both novice and seasoned skiers. Additionally, visitors can partake in other activities such as dog sledding and an alpine coaster ride.

Major property developments have seen the addition of 4,600 new beds (4 and 5 stars), including a Club Med resort, and contributed to the resort’s growing reputation in recent years. Whether you are searching for property to purchase in this resort or seeking to invest in a ski resort, this location is an excellent choice.

The Five Villages of Tignes

Tignes, a ski resort located beneath Val D’Isère, provides easy access to the Espace Killy area, offering an extensive range of skiing opportunities. However, Tignes is not only a winter destination; it is also a popular summer destination for outdoor activities such as golfing. Moreover, Tignes has been recognized for its eco-friendly practices, earning a global green certification for its efforts in preserving the environment. This stunning resort is made up of five charming villages, each with its unique character and amenities, including the family-friendly Les Brévières. Tignes since undergone a complete makeover, with 4 and 5* hotels, luxury apartment hotels, and some beautiful chalets.

Les Arcs – The Pride of France

Les Arcs, situated in Bourg-Saint-Maurice, France, is a fantastic ski resort that forms part of the Paradiski ski area. The resort boasts 106 runs, 54 lifts, and an impressive 200 kilometres of descent. The highest point in this stunning ski destination is the Aiguille Rouge, which translates to the “Red Needle.” As the original French “mega resort,” Les Arcs has set a standard for other resorts in the area to follow. The inauguration of a flagship Club Med resort and the free, newly refurbished funicular down to Bourg-Saint-Maurice and its high-speed train station make it a resort that is resolutely turned towards the future.

Morzine - Portes du Soleil

Morzine, situated in the Portes du Soleil ski region, is an idyllic resort that offers a lot more than just skiing and stunning vistas. This picturesque destination is a year-round hub of activity, with fantastic facilities for both skiing and mountain biking. With more than 650km of pistes and over 200 lifts, Morzine is an absolute paradise for ski enthusiasts. Moreover, the resort is well-known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making it an excellent place to live or holiday.

Morzine boasts a variety of options, ranging from small cosy hotels to 4-star establishments. The construction and renovation of luxury chalets with a more modern touch have contributed to raising the level of the resort.

Serre Chevalier - Ski in Provence

North of the Southern Alps, a stone’s throw from Italy, at the very top of the Hautes-Alpes département, just below the Col du Lautaret, the 27.7 km Serre Chevalier valley stretches all the way to Briançon.

Situated at an altitude of between 2642 m (Col du Galibier) and 1200 m (Briançon) with towering glaciers the valley enjoys the sun-drenched warmth of the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur region.

The ski area, 70% of which is above 1,800 metres, receives plenty of snow and tourists. In the summer, its mountain passes made famous by the Tour de France attract cyclists from all over Europe.

Why Buy Ski Property in the French Alps?

Living in the Alps in France can be a truly remarkable experience. The region is known for its majestic mountain ranges, picturesque villages, and world-class ski resorts. If you love the great outdoors, then this is the perfect place to call home. The region offers a vast range of outdoor activities, from skiing and snowboarding to hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing.

Moreover, the Alps have a rich cultural heritage, with traditional customs, festivals, and delicious local cuisine to explore. Whether you are looking for a peaceful mountain retreat or an adrenaline-filled adventure, the French Alps have something to offer everyone.

Rental Potential for Investors

The Alpine property market offers a wide range of benefits for potential investors. The region has a stable economy and a growing tourism industry, making it an attractive location for property investment. Additionally, the properties in the region offer excellent rental potential, with many tourists visiting the area throughout the year for skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

The market also offers a variety of properties, from traditional mountain chalets to modern apartments with luxurious amenities. Also, the Alpine lifestyle is highly sought after, with stunning scenery, fresh mountain air, and a healthy outdoor lifestyle. All of these factors make the Alpine property market a smart investment choice for those looking to build wealth and enjoy the beauty and benefits of mountain living.


JUMP! Take the Alpine Plunge

Take a look at our extensive collection of ski chalets and apartments for sale in the Alps. Our property portfolio features a wide variety of options to suit all budgets and requirements. Each property listing includes detailed information on the number of bedrooms, location of the residence, and nearby amenities. Not sure where to start your search? Make the most of our multi lingual team and investment service in the French Alps.

Back to articles