Alpine property appeal stretching beyond winter

The appeal of Alpine property is increasingly extending beyond the winter season, according to experts.

Investment has traditionally been focused on the returns achievable during the peak ski season, but year-round appeal of ownership in the Alps is becoming increasingly important for the market.

Today's international buyers seek dual seasonality when choosing a mountain resort, according to Skiingproperty.com. In 2014, both tourists and second homeowners are visiting Alpine resorts to enjoy the activities and lifestyle available in the warmer months, as much as to experience the world-class skiing in winter.

“Before the real boom of French resorts in the 1950s, when skiing began to become a popular form of holiday, the Alps were more summer destinations than winter,” said director at Skiingproperty.com Julian Walker: “Now French resorts are being re-discovered as summer destinations and rightly so, given the scenery, range of activities on offer and modern-day accessibility. Chamonix, which is benefiting from an ongoing multi-million-euro investment plan, is the hub of summer activities in the Alps and is setting a great example – it welcomes as many tourists in the summer months as it does in the winter. Another example is Les Arcs, where a new development next to the championship golf course offers 'golf-in' as well as ski-in!”