Housing prices in ski resorts vary significantly, with costs exceeding 15,000 euros per m² in the Alps, while regions like the Vosges and Pyrenees offer more affordable options. A recent slowdown in the mountain real estate market shows a modest price increase of 0.2% between 2024 and 2025. Luxury resorts, particularly in the Northern Alps, remain the most expensive, while budget-friendly properties can be found in the Vosges and Pyrenees, albeit in areas facing declining snowfall.
Housing Prices Across Ski Resorts: A Diverse Landscape
The cost of real estate in ski resorts can fluctuate dramatically, ranging from over 15,000 euros to less than 1,500 euros per m2. Unsurprisingly, the Alps dominate the high-end market, boasting some of the priciest apartments and houses, while the Vosges and Pyrenees offer more budget-friendly options.
According to Alexandra Verlhiac, a doctoral economist with expertise in real estate, many buyers in these markets hail from abroad. These international investors often rely less on credit and are less impacted by fluctuations in purchasing power, making them more active participants in the market.
A Cooling Trend in the Mountain Real Estate Market
After a period of rapid growth, the real estate market in mountainous regions is beginning to show signs of deceleration. Between January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025, the price increase in ski resorts was a modest 0.2%, which is lower than the national average of 0.4%. Currently, the average price per m2 in ski resorts stands at 5,302 euros, compared to just over 3,000 euros nationwide.
However, not every mountain range is experiencing the same trends. The Southern Alps and Massif Central have shown resilience, with price increases of 3.9% and 1.7%, respectively. Meanwhile, areas like the Pyrenees (-3.2%) and Jura (-5.4%) have seen price declines, with costs dropping below 3,000 euros per m2. The Vosges have also faced a slight dip of 0.9%.
Despite not being the top choice for skiing aficionados, the Massif Central and Vosges continue to attract buyers looking for more economical options in the French mountains, offering appealing opportunities at a lower cost.
Luxury Ski Resorts Lead the Pack
In the Northern Alps, real estate prices reign supreme, driven by higher altitudes, proximity to international borders, and major airports. This mountain range is home to the ten most expensive ski resorts in terms of property costs.
Val-d’Isère remains at the forefront, with a staggering price per m2 reaching 15,605 euros. For a compact 30 m2 apartment, buyers must shell out 468,150 euros. Courchevel and Méribel, both part of the same ski area, follow closely behind, with prices of 12,785 euros and 12,336 euros per m2, respectively. Acquiring a similar property in these locations would require investments of 383,550 euros and 370,080 euros.
These prestigious Savoie resorts are witnessing a price increase exceeding 2% within a year. In contrast, neighboring Haute-Savoie is experiencing a downturn; for instance, the price per m2 in Megève has dropped by 5.2% to 11,079 euros, while La Clusaz has seen a decline of 6.6%, bringing prices down to 8,111 euros as of January 1, 2025.
Discover Affordable Options in the Vosges and Pyrenees
For those on the hunt for more economical housing, the Vosges mountain range is a prime destination. In Saint-Maurice sur Moselle, a 30 m2 unit is available for a mere 42,360 euros, translating to just 1,412 euros per m2. Similarly, in the Pyrenees, one can find a comparable property in La Mongie for 53,580 euros, or 1,786 euros per m2.
While these deals are enticing, they are often found in areas at lower altitudes where snowfall is becoming increasingly scarce. To remain competitive, these resorts must diversify their offerings and capitalize on summer tourism, lessening their reliance on the winter season’s diminishing snow cover.