Invest in Ski Property Ahead of the Winter Games in France
Originally posted on & updated on 8th December, 2024
The French Alps are set to host the 2030 Winter Olympic Games, which will run from February 1 to February 17, 2030. Les Alpes Françaises will again be the epicentre of world-class winter sports, drawing in athletes, spectators, and investors alike. This will not doubt be an exciting event for winter sports lovers and those considering property investments in one of the most beautiful regions of Europe; proud mountain-loving locals would say “le Monde”, the world in English.
Capitalising on the Success of the Paris Games
Following the resounding success of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, France is set to capture the world’s imagination again with the 2030 Winter Olympic Games. As the echoes of cheering crowds in the City of Light barely fade, the Alps prepare to take centre stage, promising an event that will blend Alpine tradition with a Mediterranean flair.
This will be the fourth time the Olympic Winter Games are held in France, marking the first occurrence since Albertville in 1992, 38 years ago. Building on the momentum and lessons learned from Paris this year, the French Alps 2030 games are poised to deliver a spectacular and responsible Olympic experience. Focusing on utilising existing venues, embracing the region’s natural beauty, and minimising environmental impact, these games aim to write a new chapter in Olympic history that celebrates athletic excellence while respecting the planet and local communities.
French Alps 2030: Venues and Olympic Zones
The French Alps 2030 Winter Olympics are built around a master plan that focuses on four Key Zones: Haute Savoie, Savoie, Briançon, and Nice. This strategic distribution means athletes will have shorter travel times between their accommodation and competition venues. Five Olympic Villages ensure no athlete is more than 30 minutes from their event. Below is a list featuring the Key Zones and their respective events.
The Haute Savoie Zone
The Haute Savoie zone will host cross-country skiing events in the picturesque town of La Clusaz, known for its stunning alpine landscapes. Biathlon competitions will take place in Le Grand Bornand, another charming resort in the heart of the French Alps. This zone will also feature an Olympic Village, providing comfortable and convenient accommodations for athletes. Learn about the Haute Savoie and browse our selection of properties for sale in this beautiful area of the Alps.
The Savoie Zone
The Savoie zone is set to be a hub for alpine skiing, with world-class events in the renowned resorts of Courchevel and Méribel. Courchevel will also host ski jumping and Nordic combined events, showcasing the thrilling spectacle of these winter sports. Sliding sports, including bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton, will be held in La Plagne, known for its excellent facilities and breathtaking views. Olympic Villages in Bozel and La Plagne will ensure athletes can access their respective venues easily. Learn more about the Savoie and browse our ski properties for sale in this department of the Alps.
The Briançon Zone
The Briançon zone will be the base for freestyle skiing and snowboarding, with competitions in the popular resorts of Serre Chevalier and Montgenèvre. These resorts offer a perfect blend of challenging terrains and stunning alpine scenery. An Olympic Village in Briançon will provide athletes with a comfortable base during the Games.
The Nice Zone
The coastal city of Nice on the French Riviera will host a variety of ice sports, including ice hockey, figure skating, and curling. The International Broadcast Centre and Main Press Centre will also be in Nice, making it a crucial hub for media coverage to the delight of the international sporting press community. The iconic Promenade des Anglais along the Mediterranean coast is proposed to host the Closing Ceremony, offering a spectacular backdrop.
Speed skating fans should note that this event will take place outside of France; this sensible measure is to avoid building a new venue without long-term legacy use. Furthermore, while Nice is expected to host the Closing Ceremony, no venue has yet been confirmed for the Opening Ceremony.
Interestingly, 93% of the proposed venues for the 2030 Winter Olympics are either existing or temporary, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and efficient resource use.
Travelling to the 2030 Winter Olympic Venues
The 2030 Winter Olympics will attract thousands of visitors, and the French Alps are well-connected by a robust travel network. Here are some of the most convenient ways to get there:
Two Paris Airports (CDG and Orly)
If you are traveling from afar, Paris serves as a gateway by motorway or train to Chambéry and Albertville, which are both essential hubs for accessing the Alpine venues.
If you plan to collect a hire car at one of Paris’ two airports and drive to the mountains, it will take 5 to 6 hours to get to Chambery. The distance is approximately 550 km (about 340 miles), mainly using the A6 and A43 motorways.
The drive from Paris to Albertville takes slightly longer, around 5.5 to 6.5 hours, as it is further into the Alps, approximately 600 km (about 373 miles) from Paris. This route also involves taking the A6 and A43 motorways.
These estimates vary depending on traffic, roadworks, weather and rest stops. If you plan to hire a car, familiarise yourself with the rules and equipment for winter driving in France and inform the car hiring company about your itinerary.
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS)
Lyon Airport is a well-connected hub, officially known as Lyon-Saint Exupéry, in honour of the aviation pioneer and writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. In approximately 30 minutes, visitors can reach the heart of France’s third-largest city and the capital of French gastronomy. They can drive north to discover the Burgundy region or south towards sunny Provence and the coast. Additionally, Olympic zones are accessible via TGV trains or major road networks, including the main motorways.
Chambéry (CMF)
This charming city in the heart of the Alps is an excellent base for exploring the Savoie. Known for its historical mix of French and Italian influences, the town boasts landmarks like the Château des Ducs de Savoie and the renowned Elephants Fountain. Chambéry is well-connected by train, with TGV services from Paris taking around three hours, and by plane, British Airways and Jet2 serving its small airport in the winter months.
Nice Airport (Nce)
The colourful and warm Mediterranean city of Nice needs no introduction. It is not only an important Olympic zone but also a fantastic destination in its own right. Its long-established international airport (since 1946), serving 77 destinations in 36 countries, received over 14 million passengers in 2023. Nice is also easily accessible by TGV train from Paris (about 5.5 hours) and other major cities. It’s one of our favourite French airports, as the approach and landing are spectacular.
Geneva Airport (GVA)
Geneva, in neighbouring Switzerland, is a popular entry point. Geneva Airport serves 120 destinations worldwide and is just a few hours away from key Olympic venues like Courchevel and Méribel. The city offers shuttle services and direct train connections to the Alps.
The excellent transport links combined with the scenic backdrop of the French Alps will undoubtedly make attending these Winter Games a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Legacy of Jean Claude Killy
It’s impossible to write about the Winter Olympics without mentioning one of France’s greatest sporting talents, Jean-Claude Killy. His remarkable achievements establish Killy as one of the finest alpine ski racers ever. His historic triple gold medal victory at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble remains a pinnacle of sporting excellence, showcasing his dominance in the downhill, giant slalom and slalom events. Killy’s success on the slopes, which includes two overall World Cup titles, set new standards in competitive skiing and inspired generations of athletes to follow in his footsteps.
Beyond his competitive career, Killy played a crucial role in shaping the future of winter sports as the co-chairman of the organising committee for the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville. His leadership was instrumental in modernising the event, promoting the Alpine region, and enhancing the global profile of winter sports. In addition, Jean Claude Killy was a successful businessman, endorsing brands and contributing to the development of ski equipment.
Investment Opportunities: Ski Properties and Chalets
Purchasing a new property at the pre-construction stage offers several advantages. These include high specifications, modern conveniences, excellent energy ratings, a lower deposit requirement (typically around 5%), reduced fees, staged payments, and a ten-year guarantee. Even before the foundations are laid, property developers actively seek investors who want to take advantage of early-bird discounts and better options, often for properties on the top floor or with mountain views.
With the world’s attention on the Alps in 2030, there’s never been a better time to consider investing in a ski property. The infrastructure improvements and the influx of visitors during and after the Olympics will boost demand for rental properties and second homes.
At My-French-House.com, we offer a selection of ski apartments and chalets for sale across the most coveted regions in the French Alps, including Courchevel, Méribel, and La Plagne. As the Olympic Games draw near, these properties present an alpine lifestyle and an excellent opportunity for rental income and capital growth. Whether you’re looking for a mountain chalet or a luxury apartment, our portfolio has something to suit your needs.
The 2030 Winter Olympic Games promise to bring excitement and global attention to the Alps. Whether you’re attending as a sports fan or looking to invest in alpine real estate, the opportunities are endless. Contact us to learn more about how to make the most of this opportunity or register to receive alerts of ski properties matching your budget and criteria.
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