How Les Gets greatly improved its snow-making strategy.

The Technical Transformation

The centrepiece of this investment is the impressive Renardière reservoir, holding 75,000 cubic meters of water with the capacity to produce approximately 150,000 cubic meters of snow. This single reservoir alone accounted for €3.3 million of the total investment. The infrastructure upgrade increased snow coverage from 35% to nearly 50% of the resort’s skiable terrain—expanding coverage from 60 to 85 hectares (equivalent to 135 football pitches).

The system’s efficiency is remarkable: with modern TechnoAlpin technology, the resort can now cover slopes with 20cm of snow in under 48 hours when temperatures allow. The new installations include state-of-the-art snow cannons along key pistes including Tulipe, Stade Ranfoilly, Reines des Prés, and Eglantines, plus comprehensive coverage on the new blue run from Turche to Perrières.

But this is just phase one. The resort’s long-term “Snow Project” includes construction of the Pré des Chavannes reservoir, which will bring total water storage capacity to 110,000 cubic meters and push snow coverage to 75% of the ski area—placing Les Gets among the most snow-secure resorts in the Portes du Soleil.

The Portes du Soleil Advantage

Les Gets’ investment must be viewed within its privileged position in the Portes du Soleil, one of the world’s two largest ski areas. The domain encompasses:

• 600-650 kilometers of interconnected pistes
• 196-208 lifts across 12 resorts
• 286 marked runs serving all ability levels
• 7.83 meters average annual snowfall
• One of Europe’s longest seasons: typically December to mid-April

This vast playground means property owners can offer guests variety that few ski destinations can match—all accessible on a single lift pass from a Les Gets base.

The Property Investment Case

The enhanced snow reliability directly impacts investment returns in three key ways:

1. Extended Season Length Reliable early-season snow coverage means resorts open consistently in early December rather than mid-December, adding 2-3 critical weeks to the rental season. Late-season coverage extending through mid-April provides similar benefits. For a property generating €3,000-4,000 per week, this translates to €6,000-12,000 additional annual income.

2. Higher Occupancy Rates Snow-secure resorts command occupancy rates 15-20% higher than snow-dependent competitors. In Les Gets, rental yields currently average 4.9-6.4% gross returns, with properties in prime locations achieving the higher end of this range. The improved snowmaking infrastructure protects these yields against increasingly variable winter conditions.

3. Capital Appreciation Property prices in Les Gets have demonstrated strong growth, driven partly by the resort’s infrastructure investments. Current new-build prices average €7,000-9,000 per square meter, with Le Lumina’s €7,100/sqm pricing representing excellent value in this context. Resale apartments start around €450,000, while premium chalets can exceed €4 million.

Investment Incentives Foreign buyers benefit from the 20% VAT reclaim scheme on new-build properties commercially rented through approved programs—effectively reducing purchase costs while generating income. With Geneva Airport just 75 minutes away, Les Gets attracts strong UK buyer interest for both weekend breaks and full-season rentals.

The Numbers Behind Le Lumina

At approximately €7,100 per square meter, Le Lumina offers compelling value for the Les Gets new-build market. This 26-apartment development near the Perrières lift provides:

• 1-3 bedroom configurations (specific pricing: €410,000-€1,123,000 based on comparable new developments)
• Estimated net rental yields up to 4% for VAT-reclaim program participants
• Ski-in/ski-out access when snow conditions allow
• Traditional Savoyard architecture with modern specifications
• Premium location at the village entrance with mountain views

For context, comparable new-build apartments in the Portes du Soleil typically range from €6,500/sqm in mid-market areas to €15,000-20,000/sqm in ultra-prime locations like Avoriaz. Le Lumina’s positioning offers new-build quality with strong rental potential at accessible pricing.

The Investment Timeline

Les Gets’ foreign buyer population has doubled over the past five years, demonstrating growing recognition of the resort’s investment credentials. With the second reservoir phase planned and continued lift infrastructure improvements, the resort is systematically de-risking the climate vulnerability that affects lower-altitude competitors.

The €7 million snowmaking investment wasn’t just about snow—it was about securing long-term property values and rental income in an era of climate uncertainty. For investors seeking French Alpine property with strong fundamentals, enhanced infrastructure, and competitive pricing, Les Gets has decisively raised its game.

Ready to Explore Le Lumina?

With new-build VAT benefits, strong rental demand, and Les Gets’ transformed snow reliability, Le Lumina represents a timely opportunity to enter this proven market at an attractive price point. The combination of €7 million infrastructure investment and €7,100/sqm pricing creates a compelling value proposition for discerning alpine property investors.