Chamonix | Insights into the Resort
Chamonix’s Unique Appeal: Chamonix, unlike typical ski resorts, is a vibrant town in the Alps that offers ski areas. Its appeal lies in its year-round activities, including trail running and mountaineering, and is often busier in summer than winter. Chamonix is more than just a ski destination; it’s a lifestyle.
Chamonix | Our Property Insights
Chamonix Centre: A Coveted Location The heart of Chamonix, adorned with its array of bars, restaurants, and shops, stands as a top choice for many. The town centre’s appeal is further boosted by recent enhancements to the bus network, which improve valley-wide accessibility. Notably, properties near the main bus terminal, particularly on the town centre’s west side, are in high demand due to their convenience during peak travel periods.
Investment Opportunities in Chamonix Sud Chamonix Sud, originally a holiday rental zone from the 1980s housing over 1,000 apartments, has transformed into a sought-after investment area. Here, properties typically priced below 500,000 EUR, averaging around 10,000 EUR per square meter, present an attractive investment. This area’s blend of convenient access to local amenities and breathtaking Alpine vistas offers a compelling mix of affordability, convenience, and lifestyle appeal.
Two Decades of Change in Chamonix Real Estate Over the past 20 years, external influences such as Brexit and local planning regulations have significantly impacted Chamonix’s property market. These developments have constricted the market and steered it towards more luxurious, energy-efficient property investments, mirroring an increased preference for sustainable living practices.
Market Challenges and Evolving Dynamics Brexit, coupled with local planning laws capping new constructions at 200 square meters and mandating a 25% social housing allocation, has notably altered Chamonix’s real estate landscape. Despite these challenges, there is a continuous strong demand for apartments in central locations, while large chalets remain scarce, unveiling distinct market opportunities.
Insights for Real Estate Investments Beyond its renowned skiing, Chamonix attracts interest year-round, contributing to a vibrant real estate market. There is a notable demand for properties that blend modern amenities with energy efficiency. In areas like Chamonix Sud, the market value is evident, with renovated one-bedroom apartments fetching about 275,000 EUR, signaling robust investment potential. This fast-paced market requires buyers to act swiftly, especially as the trend leans towards properties that emphasize sustainability in both sales and renovations.
Chamonix Latest Property Data
Resale Apartments
Average Price: 9,159€/m2
Lowest Price: 5,435€/m2
Highest Price: 13,573€/m2
New-Build Apartments
Average Price: 13,200€/m2
Lowest Price: 11,000€/m2
Highest Price: 15,400€/m2
New-Build Chalets
Average Price: 9,750€/m2
Lowest Price: 9,600€/m2
Highest Price: 9.800€/m2
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Les Houches La Griaz | Charming 3 Bedroom Ap...
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Best Time To Ski
► Saint Gervais Alpine Ski Area:
The Saint Gervais ski area, spread across several sectors (La Princesse, Mont d’Arbois, Mont Joux, Mont-Joly, Le Bettex), has four main entry points: Le Bettex (ski-in, ski-out), Saint-Gervais (via the Bettex gondola), Saint-Nicolas de Véroce (via the Chef-lieu chairlift), and Le Fayet (via the Mont-Blanc Tramway).
Saint-Gervais actually comprises two ski areas:
- Evasion Mont-Blanc Ski Area: This is France’s third-largest ski area with 445 kilometers of slopes, including Saint-Gervais, Megève, Les Contamines/Hauteluce, Combloux, and La Giettaz.
- Prarion Ski Area: Accessible from the town center via the Mont-Blanc Tramway, linking Saint-Gervais with Les Houches.
Depending on your skiing level, desires, and budget, you can choose from four different ski passes starting from Saint-Gervais:
- Micro Pass for Saint-Gervais: Covers 4 km of slopes and 3 lifts, ideal for beginners.
- Bettex Pass: Offers 10 km of slopes and 6 lifts.
- Saint Nicolas de Véroce Pass: Grants access to 35 kilometers of slopes and 9 lifts.
- Evasion Mont-Blanc Pass: A comprehensive pass for skiing across various domains including Saint-Gervais, Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce, Megève, Les Contamines, Combloux, and La Giettaz.
► Skiing in Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains
► Evasion Mont-Blanc Ski Area This extensive area opens at Saint-Gervais, offering 445 km of slopes winding through pine trees. It’s famous for two snowparks and off-piste skiing in Saint-Nicolas de Véroce and Mont-Joly. The area is well-equipped with snowmakers to complement its good exposure and alpine terrain, ensuring plentiful snow.
Apart from a road link to Les Contamines-Montjoie – Hauteluce and a small shuttle or walking connection in Megève, the area is interconnected for skiing. It offers breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, 445 km of slopes, over a hundred lifts, at altitudes ranging from 1000 to 2350 meters, with a total elevation gain of 2000 meters.
► Saint Gervais / Les Houches Ski Area Unique to Saint Gervais is the Mont-Blanc Tramway, France’s highest railway line (2372m) and one of the last cogwheel trains in the world, connecting to the second ski area linked with Les Houches. More than the 55 km of slopes, the unique access via the tramway adds charm to the experience. The tramway, starting at Fayet (584 m) or Saint-Gervais (850 m), gently ascends through farms and forests to the Col de Voza at 1650 m, the ski area’s starting point.
► Snowparks and Fun Areas in Saint-Gervais The WOSP (Saint-Gervais snowpark) is accessible via the Mont-Joux chairlifts and features two zones: a family-friendly area with border cross, fun jumps, and a Big Air Bag, and a more technical area with original modules and a Jib area. For children, there are two specially designed sledging areas at La Croix in Saint-Nicolas and under the Bettex gondola arrival station.
The off-piste skiing offers 1000 meters of vertical drop, with stunning Mont Blanc views and challenging slopes like the Envers du Mont-Joly and the Lanches. For beginners in off-piste, the forests of Mont d’Arbois and La Princesse are ideal playgrounds.
► Saint Gervais Mont Blanc Nordic Ski Area Nordic skiing in Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc is an opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of Europe’s highest peak along 28 kilometers of trails. Options include La Croix Plateau in Saint-Nicolas, Bettex/Princesse near Megève, or Prarion Plateau in Les Houches (accessible via the Mont-Blanc Tramway). A highlight is the 5.5 km Bettex/Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce trail, offering a moderate challenge and extraordinary Mont Blanc panoramas.
