Summer in the French Alps is Changing

Over the last decade the summer season offering in many French ski resorts has transformed from a cursory touristic add-on to a powerhouse of revenue generation.

This wave of change continues to spread across the French Alps. Led by a handful of key resorts, the veteran staple summer activities of mountain biking, hiking and golf now attract numerous globally recognised events and have been augmented with everything from canyoning and via ferrata (death-defying cliff walks) to paragliding and white water rafting.

Shifting human behaviours like remote working and the continually growing wellness movement have also combined to highlight Alpine destinations as places to not just enjoy for a week in the summer but to stay long-term, work remotely, breathe in the fresh air and discover endless new experiences with family and friends.

But what does this mean for current and prospective owners of alpine property? How are these dynamics feeding the property investment market and what’s happening in some resorts to cope with this new demand?