As the end of the year brings up happy memories of a wonderful Paris Olympics this summer, combined with news that’s made many Brits and Americans look abroad, the announcement that France will hold the 2030 Winter Olympics holds all sorts of possibilities for ski property investment….

The French Alps; breathtaking landscapes, world-class skiing and the ultimate lifestyle in all four seasons. Plus, the Winter Olympics only five years away.

For international property investors, this large region of south-east France offers a rare mix of charm, accessibility and investment potential.

Now, with the announcement that the 2030 Winter Olympics will return to France for the first time in nearly 40 years, the timing to invest in a ski property in the French Alps couldn’t be better.

Download your comprehensive guide to French ski property investment, How to buy a ski property in France.

It also comes as the number of HNWIs leaving the UK is likely to be double the rate last year, according to one report to this week, and searches from the USA for European property have skyrocketed since the Donald Trump victory

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious chalet to enjoy with your family or a prime property to add to your portfolio, the allure of Alpine living—and the opportunities created by the Games—make this an exciting moment to invest.

Olympic win

The Games will take place across two French regions: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azuro on 8 to 24 February 2030.

To win Alpes Françaises 2030, France defeated bids from Salt Lake City, Stockholm and Switzerland. Other cities including Vancouver and Barcelona/Zaragoza had already withdrawn their bids.

Events will take place in Nice (such as the skating and ice hockey), at Briançon including the freestyle skiing and snowboarding, in the Savoie region with bobsleigh. Alpine skiing will be in resorts such as Méribel and Courchevel, and with cross-country skiing in the Haute-Savoie.

Ski property investment opportunities in Briancon

Year-round appeal

For home owners, ski property investment in the French Alps offers more than just a foothold in one of Europe’s most prestigious locations.

While the French Alps are famous for their pristine slopes and exhilarating winter sports, they are far from a one-season wonder. In the summer, the mountains transform into a paradise for hiking, cycling and paragliding.

As Mark Lightfoot, Managing Director of ski property portal SnowOnly.com explains: “Over the past decade, many ski resorts have evolved from being solely winter destinations to becoming thriving dual-season hubs. Mountain properties now offer a broader range of activities beyond skiing, such as hiking, mountain biking, and summer festivals, making them attractive year-round investment opportunities and lifestyle choices.”

While the mountains element is exciting, the France element adds a layer of sophistication, culture and luxury lifestyle. France’s culinary excellence extends to its mountain regions, with Michelin-starred restaurants and weekly markets. On the doorstep is all the art and culture of places like Nice (with museums devoted to Chagall and Matisse) and Provence. The beauty of its landscape – well protected from over-development – continues all the way to the sparkling Mediterranean.

As an investor, you’re not just buying a mountain property—you’re buying into the elegance and charm of French alpine living.

Skiing and snowboarding for all levels

The French Alps cater to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Resorts like Courchevel and Méribel offer an unmatched combination of gentle beginner slopes and challenging black runs, ensuring there’s something for everyone. With ski schools and family-friendly amenities, they’re perfect for multi-generational family trips.

Sunrise (for ski property investors?) over La Toussuire, part of Les Sybelles

Mark Lightfoot adds: “Having skied in France for the past 30 years, I’ve experienced some of the world’s largest and most iconic ski resorts. Destinations like the 3 Vallées, Portes du Soleil, Les Sybelles, and L’Espace Killy offer unparalleled skiing experiences. They attract travellers from across the globe with their vast terrain, stunning alpine views and world-class facilities.”

Accessibility and connectivity

One of the reasons the French Alps are so popular with British and American buyers is their exceptional accessibility. The Alps are easily reached from major European cities and capitals, including Paris, Milan, Geneva and Zurich, offering opportunities for both business and pleasure. Even London, Barcelona, Strasbourg, Rome and Munich are only a short flight away and there are direct flights from the US to Geneva, Zurich, Munich and others.

Once based there, all the pleasures of locations in northern Italy and Spain, central Europe and Germany are close by, via plane or France’s excellent TGV network.

The French Riviera – already so popular with international buyers – is even closer. Indeed, several of the 2030 Winter Olympic sports will be in Nice.

Why the 2030 Winter Olympics are a game-changer

The announcement of the 2030 Winter Olympics has already sent ripples of excitement through the property market in the French Alps. Scheduled to take place from 8 to 24 February, the Games will showcase the region to an international audience and bring significant investment into the area.

Olympic host regions usually benefit from major infrastructure upgrades. For evidence look no further than France’s last winter Olympics in Albertville. “Without the Olympic Games, it would have taken us 20 years to do the projects we have finished in four years,” said current French prime minister and at that time mayor of Albertville.

Moreover, when the IOC was comparing bids they noted that: “During our visit, the Commission felt that the legacy of Albertville 1992 continues to benefit local communities today.”

For Vancouver 2010, Canada invested in a rapid transit line between the airport and the city centre, and improvements planned for the 2030 games include:

• Enhanced transport links, including roads, railways and local shuttle systems.
• New Olympic villages, some of which will be converted into residential properties after the Games.
• Modernised amenities in resorts, such as eco-friendly lifts and facilities.

Sustainability baked in

The French Alps are already leaders in sustainable tourism, with 22 ski resorts certified under the “Green Snowflake” programme for their eco-conscious practices. The 2030 Games will raise the bar even higher, aiming to be the first carbon-negative Winter Olympics. This commitment to sustainability aligns with the values of many modern property buyers, adding further appeal to the region.

As host for the Paralympic Games in 2030 too, there will also be a focus on access for access for disabled people – helpful to younger and older skiers too, opening up otherwise inaccessible resorts to a new market of holidaymakers.

The ski property investment opportunity

Investing in a mountain property in the French Alps isn’t just about lifestyle; it’s also a smart financial move.

Even before the Olympics announcement they have been seeing price growth, adds Mark: “French ski resorts have experienced steady property appreciation over the years, driven by increasing demand from international buyers, improved infrastructure, and the transformation of resorts into dual-season destinations. The 3 Vallées and L’Espace Killy consistently see strong interest, leading to price stability and growth, particularly for luxury chalets and ski-in/ski-out properties.”

With the world’s eyes on the French Alps during the Games, demand for property in the region is expected to rise. The publicity will attract not only tourists but also new buyers, ensuring strong long-term growth in property values.

Short-term rental income

The Olympics will bring an influx of visitors looking for accommodation, creating a lucrative opportunity for owners of rental properties. Even beyond the Games, mountain property is highly sought-after by holidaymakers year-round, offering excellent returns on short-term rentals.

Rising property values

Historical data from previous Games shows that property values in host regions often rise. London 2012 saw the complete regeneration of a run-down part of East London, and long-lasting rises in property values. Turin saw its visitor numbers and international property demand skyrocket after hosting in 2006.

Demand for luxury properties

The French Alps are already a magnet for high-net-worth individuals seeking second homes. The combination of Olympic-driven improvements and the enduring allure of the Alps will likely continue to fuel demand in the luxury segment. Ski property investment is frequently seen as one of the big four, alongside a city property, family home and property near a marina.

Why act now?

Although five years off, the countdown to 2030 has begun. As anticipation for the Games builds, property prices are likely to rise, making early ski property investment a potentially wise decision.

The French Alps hosting the 2030 Winter Olympics is more than just an event—it’s a catalyst for transformation. For international buyers it represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own a piece of one of Europe’s most celebrated regions.

Whether for personal use or as part of your property portfolio, ski property investment in an Alpine chalet or apartment offers the perfect balance of lifestyle and financial return.

Download your comprehensive guide to French ski property investment, How to buy a ski property in France.