Where to find affordable High-Altitude, Ski-In Ski-Out Property in the French Alps

Feeling priced out of the glittering 3 Valleys? You’re not alone. Many high-altitude resorts in the French Alps can now command premium prices in excess of €20,000 per square meter.

However, if you know where to look, the French Alps still hold a few hidden gems which offer better value than the likes of Val d’Isere and Courchevel but with the same large, high-altitude ski regions. Enter Les Deux Alpes and Alpe d’Huez—two resorts offering glacier-backed skiing, vibrant communities, and a good selection of ski-in ski-out apartments and chalets. 

These resorts aren’t just budget-friendly; they’re smart investments. With altitudes rivalling the 3 Valleys and infrastructure upgrades fueling demand, both areas are drawing savvy buyers seeking value without compromising on altitude.

Why the 3 Valleys Isn’t the Only Answer

There’s no doubt that the 3 Valleys are iconic, but its prices are now beyond the reach of many investors.

In 2023, the average price per square meter in Courchevel 1850 hit €25,000, while Méribel and Val Thorens can easily hit €20,000.

By contrast, Les Deux Alpes and Alpe d’Huez offer ski-in ski-out apartments starting at around €10,000 per m2. Add comparable altitudes (Alpe d’Huez’s village sits at 1,860m vs. Courchevel’s 1,747m), and the value becomes undeniable. 

Les Deux Alpes’ glacier ensures skiing well into May, while Alpe d’Huez’s south-facing slopes deliver 300 days of sunshine annually.

Les Deux Alpes: Europe’s Highest Ski Town

Perched at 1,650m with a glacier soaring to 3,600m, Les Deux Alpes is one of Europe’s highest ski towns. Its 220km of pistes attract both investors and avid skiers. In 2023, the resort invested €5 million in upgrading the Jandri Express gondola, slashing lift queues and boosting property demand in nearby areas like Le Thuit.

The property market here is thriving, with a 12% year-on-year increase in sales. New developments like Le Telemark offer modern apartments with direct piste access from €400,000. Summer tourism is also surging—mountain biking and paragliding drive 40% of annual rentals, making renting out your new ski property (yielding 3–5% net returns) a lucrative option. 

Le Telemark, Les Deux Alpes — Prices From € 400,000

Alpe d’Huez: A High-Altitude Haven with Olympic Potential

Skiing in Alpe d’Huez reaches elevations up to 3,330 meters, providing excellent snow reliability and a vast ski area encompassing 250 km of slopes. Known as "L'Île au Soleil" (The Island in the Sun) for its approximately 300 days of sunshine annually, the resort offers a pleasant climate alongside its extensive skiing opportunities.

The property market in Alpe d’Huez has experienced significant growth, with prices ranging from €10,000 to €15,000 for the best apartments and chalets. New developments like Belle Aurore offer 2-5 bedroom apartments and penthouses with incredible views from € 725,000.

Recent price rises reflect the resort's increasing popularity and substantial infrastructure investments, including a €350 million program aimed at upgrading facilities and enhancing its appeal.

In July 2024, the International Olympic Committee conditionally awarded the 2030 Winter Olympics to the French Alps, with Alpe d’Huez expecting to play a significant role as a host venue. This development is anticipated to further boost the resort's profile and investment potential.

Belle Aurore, Alpe d’Huez — Prices From € 725,000

Investment Potential: Why these French resorts could be a savvy investment

Les Deux Alpes and Alpe d’Huez both offer good value for money compared to similar high-altitude resorts in the French Alps. Both resorts are currently experiencing strong demand from international buyers driven by their high-altitude skiing, reliable snow conditions, and extensive infrastructure improvements.

The dual-season appeal of Les Deux Alpes and Alpe d’Huez ensures year-round tourism, with summer activities such as mountain biking, hiking, and festivals contributing to additional rental income opportunities. Properties with ski-in, ski-out access and modern amenities are particularly sought after, commanding premium rental rates and higher occupancy levels.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Location for You

When deciding between Les Deux Alpes and Alpe d’Huez, consider your personal preferences and investment goals.

Les Deux Alpes: Ideal for buyers seeking a vibrant resort with a youthful atmosphere, strong rental demand, and more affordable property options.

Alpe d’Huez: Suitable for those looking for a larger ski area, significant infrastructure investments, and long-term growth potential, especially with the upcoming 2030 Winter Olympics.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What are the best high-altitude, ski-in, ski-out resorts in France besides the 3 Valleys?
 
Les Deux Alpes and Alpe d’Huez are two of the best alternatives to the 3 Valleys for high-altitude, ski-in, and ski-out properties. Both resorts offer excellent snow reliability, extensive ski areas, and more affordable property prices.
 
2. Is property in Les Deux Alpes a good investment?
 
Yes, Les Deux Alpes is a great investment opportunity. With ski-in, ski-out properties available at lower prices than the 3 Valleys, the resort is gaining popularity among buyers. The high-altitude glacier skiing ensures year-round appeal and ongoing infrastructure improvements are expected to drive property values up in the coming years.
 
3. How much does ski-in, ski-out property cost in Alpe d’Huez?
 
Property prices in Alpe d’Huez range from around €10,000 to €17,568 per square meter, with an average of €12,588 per square meter. Prices have been rising due to major resort upgrades and the potential role of Alpe d’Huez in the 2030 Winter Olympics, making it an attractive location for investors.
 
4. Why should I buy property in a high-altitude ski resort?
 
High-altitude ski resorts offer better snow reliability, longer ski seasons, and stronger rental demand. Properties in resorts like Les Deux Alpes and Alpe d’Huez are more affordable than in premium destinations like Courchevel but still provide excellent skiing and investment potential, especially with ongoing resort developments.