L'Alpe d’Huez Property Insight

L'Alpe d’Huez is a fantastic ski resort famous all around the world. It is located in the Isere department Rhone-Alpes), 59km from Grenoble. It is part of the Grandes Rousses mountain range, in the Dauphiné area. Nearly 1,700 inhabitants live there all year long, and about 32,500 rooms are available for the tourists. Huez village culminates at 1,450m whereas the ski resort peaks at 1,860m. The Pic Blanc is the highest peak of Alpe d’Huez (3,330m).

Overview

Alpes d’Huez is close to the main cities of Rhone Alpes i.e. Grenoble and Lyon, but also close to the European cities thanks to the airports of the region. It is 6 ½ hrs from Paris, 3 hrs from Marseille, 2 ½ hrs from Geneva, 2 hrs from Lyon and only 1 hr from Grenoble. This wonderful and famous ski area is linked to the ski resorts of Auris-en-Oisans, Huez-en-Oisans, Oz-en-Oisans, Vaujany and Villard-Reculas. The Pic Blanc offers an amazing panorama over the surroundings mountains.

The high altitude of Alpe d’Huez ensures the snow cover of the 10,000ha of the area (237km of slopes) and due to its exposure (to the south), the skiers and locals can benefit from a huge number of sunny days. From the glacier slopes, you can reach the so-called Sarenne slope, the longest slope of the world, 16km long. Thus, you can ski for 1 ½ hr without using ski lifts! The surrounding towns are the best examples of a mountain art de vivre. They are a great location to taste the local produce and specialities. No one should be disappointed by all these gems!

Alpe d’Huez Immobilier & Property Market Trends

In 2009, a property in France is sold €3,197 /sq m on average. In Alpe d’Huez, property prices are pretty high (€4,263 /sq m). This can be easily explained by the fact that the town is a very famous touristy location: it attracts each winter a huge number of tourists coming from France and Europe. Indeed, the town has so many assets on offer that it is often difficult not to be tempted by an investment there.

Furthermore, this ski resort offers excellent rental opportunities both in winter and in summer. Over 87% of the properties in Huez village are second home, mainly rented by tourists. If you are looking for a buy-to-let investment in a ski resort, Alpe d’Huez is definitely the best choice. The return on investment should be fast profitable, as rental prices in such famous places are often very high.

To get updated info about property prices in Isère, please browse our French Property Market Reports published in the News Section every month.

4 Reasons to Buy a Property in Alpe d’Huez

• Tourism – sights: Alpe d’Huez is a tourist attraction, both in winter and summer. In winter, landscapes are astonishing and activities are numerous. Many tourists spend their evenings in the restaurants, where they can taste the local specialities and typical produce. The atmosphere is a friendly one. In summer, tourists discover the area without snow and practise hiking, mountain cycling or paragliding. A great location to spend holidays! As a result, it is also an excellent place for buy-to-let investments.

• Climate and weather: being exposed to the south, Alpe d’Huez benefits from a huge number of sunny days a year: about 300. Compared to other mountainous towns of France, this is a major asset for this ski resort. Indeed, it is definitely more pleasant to ski with a sunny and clear sky and this may explain the reputation of the ski area.

• Activities: apart from the ski, Alpe d’Huez will let you practise many different sports and activities. Mountain cycling, swimming, skating, golfing, dog sledging, snowshoeing, paragliding, hang-gliding, horse riding are just some examples. You can even visit the ice cave and the snow factory, unforgettable visits.

• Rental opportunities: Alpe d’Huez being a very popular tourist location, it offers excellent rental opportunities mainly for seasonal short term lets. Indeed, most of the tourists come in the town in winter, to practise summer sports (ski, snowboard, snowshoes…). Finding tenants during this period is thus not a problem at all. Properties there may be high, but you they are also rented at a high price: the return on investment is often fast.

Property Styles and Architecture in Alpe d’Huez

• Chalets: they are typical properties which can be found mainly in the mountainous areas. In Alpe d’Huez and its surrounding villages, they are numerous and very charming. The main material for the construction is wood, but stone is also often used. Inside, beams are exposed and walls are made of wood. These lovely chalets offer a gorgeous view over the slopes and the mountains.

• Apartments: they are often located in residences or buildings. As the chalets, apartments will let you admire the stunning view over the surroundings. They have no particular architecture style. Indeed, they are mainly inhabited by tourists who only come to spend time outside, especially on the slopes, and not in the apartment. However, they often don’t need any works and are habitable.

Click here for more info about the Architecture in Rhone Alpes.