Long before the downhill skiers, the snow park snowboarders and the cross country mountain bikers arrived in the Alps, our mountain resorts were a different kind of real estate destination, one of farmers and Alpine chalets. The advent of skiing in the 1930s gave rise to the French resorts we love so much today. With this craze came new accommodation, improved access to the mountains and more reasons to stay in the mountains in winter.
Today, the Alps have become a very attractive destination in both summer and winter, because they have been able to reinvent themselves on a daily basis to keep pace with climate change and become four-season resorts. Of course, many people continue to associate the Alps primarily with winter holidays. You’ll imagine the cold against your face, the breeze as you board a ski lift, the snowflakes that rest on your jacket as you whizz down the slopes. You’ll remember with fondness the snowball fights with your children and large mugs of hot chocolate while watching the snow fall outside. For many decades our mountain communities existed solely for the winter season. But times are changing; our owners across the Alps now enjoy their property - and generate rental income - throughout the year. The four seasons now offer excellent investment opportunities that grow from year to year.
The Springtime Wanderers
In recent years, many of our property owners have expressed to us their joy when visiting their apartments during the months of spring. As the snow melts, the alpine flora and fauna begin to emerge from their winter hibernation, giving our owners a new perspective of the mountains. The warmer, longer days signal to the Chamois and the Ibex - the mountains are waking up once more. Spring is a delightful time to take a holiday in the mountains, and in our Alpine Lodges resort of Courchevel, many events are planned to bring the mountains back to life. Walkers, trail runners and ramblers are encouraged to visit the villages, which have a tranquil awakening to offer, which is appreciated by our owners. Meanwhile in Les Gets, Alta Lumina is an enchanted walk through the forest at dusk. Using hologram, light and sound, it tells the story of a hot air ballon, which crashed into the forest during a storm. This is a magical experience and it’s open all year round, supporting Les Gets’ own drive towards four seasons tourism and for the benefit of our owners in this charming resort.
Under the Summer Sun
LesThe resorts of Courchevel, Méribel, Val d’Isere and Les Gets have been at the forefront of the summer holiday economy for several decades, investing in unique activities, high profile events and yearround facilities to keep the mountain spirit alive. Naturally, Alpine Lodges property owners in each of these resorts enjoy the benefits of this investment. Courchevel has played a significant role on Le Tour de France in recent years, under the careful gaze of millions of road cycling fans worldwide. In Val d’Isere, summer lift passes are provided free of charge, encouraging visitors to explore the lush, green mountains during a different kind of holiday. Meanwhile in Les Gets, the village has become world famous for hosting the highest profile events of the global mountain biking community on behalf of the UCI. In recent years our Alpine Residences teams in Les Gets, Courchevel and Val d’Isere have experienced a significant upturn in demand for accommodation during the summer months, the impact of which is felt on the demand for property purchases in the village.
The Colours of Autumn
It’s no surprise to find temperatures in the mid twenties during the autumn months in the Alps and many of our owners visit their properties during this time of year, enjoying some tranquility before winter arrives. All around the trees begin their annual colour change and this is a spectacle to behold. Picture postcard views are easy to access while the October school holidays see our resorts host activities and events specifically for families, many of which are enjoyed by our owners. In Meribel for example, foraging and hiking tours are hosted by local experts while walking itineraries have been carefully curated with Mother Nature as the backdrop. In Les Gets, the newly opened Luge 4 Saisons provides hours of fun on a long, winding, fast trail through the forest and the site becomes a hive of activity.
All Roads lead to Winter
The changing seasons are inevitable and often it seems like all roads lead to winter. However, our property owners tell us that they’ve discovered a new found appreciation for the mountains - and their property investments - by visiting during a different time of year, when the pace is slower and the weather warmer.
Our properties under construction :
LES GETS: Kandahar - Completion expected in 2025
Two distinctive chalets set in a unique location overlooking the rooftops of this charming alpine resort in the Portes du Soleil. The panoramic views are exceptional, while the 5-bedroom, 5- bathroom layout ensures enough space for your entire ski group. Accommodation is arranged over three floors and the architecture features authentic mountain materials such as wood and stone. Several parking spaces, lots of storage and open plan living complete these two beautiful properties. Discover more here.
COURCHEVEL: Sundance - Completion expected in 2025
Surely the most prestigious development in Moriond, this extensive, luxurious residence is just 150m from the slopes, but also located in the centre of the village. 5* hotel services come as standard, plus there’s a private spa including a swimming pool, sauna and steam room. The interiors of Sundance are contemporary yet personalised according to the tastes of our owners, giving you the opportunity to create a special mountain home. Discover more here.
Make yourself at home straight away!
MÉRIBEL: Falcon - A Turnkey Property
Comprising 32 individual, private apartments and completed to an incredibly high standard, Falcon has become a prime address in Meribel. The residence is located just 150m from the local ski lifts, and just 500m from the centre of this lively, chic village. The private wellness area is a welcome retreat after a day on the slopes, while the architectural style blends seamlessly into the mountain. A small selection of properties remain at this exclusive mountain hamlet. Discover more here.
Here at Alpine Lodges we invest only in prime mountain destinations; resorts that continually invest in their winter infrastructure but also their four seasons tourism ethos too. This gives us - and you - the opportunity to diversify your property investment in the mountains. Our team offer a personalised service to help you determine which destination might best suit your requirements. Get in touch today for more information.
