The profitability of a ski apartment: is buying in the mountains still a good idea?

The profitability of a ski apartment is often one of the arguments that encourages buyers to turn to rental investments in resorts. It must be said that the growing disaffection of the French for air travel to distant destinations represents a great opportunity for buyers wishing to make their property purchase profitable.

However, with variable snowfall, growing environmental concerns among some mountain holidaymakers and inflation, will the profitability of a ski apartment still be guaranteed in 2025? Is it still worth the effort? Agence Saulire Méribel, an expert in property transactions in Méribel Mottaret for over 40 years, lifts the veil on the profitability of rental properties in resorts, whether they are studios or family accommodation.

Is the profitability of a ski apartment still attractive?

The Alps and Pyrenees remain attractive destinations for investors, who sometimes have to wait a while to find a property that meets their criteria due to supply being lower than demand in certain resorts. At our rental management service in Méribel, we continue to optimise the occupancy rate of the properties entrusted to us thanks to constant demand: Alpine resorts attract both French and international clients looking for high-end holidays in the mountains.

Furthermore, this attractiveness is twofold: while winter sports are the primary motivation for seasonal tenants, the mountains are also appealing in summer, allowing owners to amortise their purchase over a longer period. It should be noted that this trend has been on the rise for several years. In short, the mountains are immune to the economic crisis! Furthermore, investing in a ski property means securing an asset in a limited market.

Therefore, buying an apartment in a resort remains a safe bet and continues to offer a number of advantages, including attractive returns. However, the purchase of a property at altitude must be carried out in a thoughtful manner, especially as the requirements of tenants are also changing.

Criteria that influence the profitability of a mountain property

Optimising the profitability of a ski property starts with the purchase of your property. Several criteria need to be taken into account, including:

• location in the ski resort: proximity to the slopes, access to shops, leisure activities in the surrounding area and unobstructed views are all criteria that play a decisive role in the attractiveness of a property and therefore in its profitability.
• The quality of the property: an apartment that has been well maintained by its previous owners, renovated and equipped to current standards offers greater appeal, as well as justifying higher rents. The same applies to apartments that meet specific criteria: large ski apartments, balconies or covered terraces, south-facing apartments, spas, etc.
• Rental management: owners of ski apartments rarely live in or near the resort. However, as managing a property remotely requires time, responsiveness and solid logistics, it makes sense in this case to delegate it to professionals in order to maximise the property's profitability. What's more, this approach guarantees optimal occupancy rates and frees you from the constraints inherent in renting out your property.
• Occupancy rates and seasonality: the profitability of a mountain property depends heavily on its occupancy rate throughout the winter season. If the flat is only rented during the most popular weeks, particularly Christmas and February, profitability drops dramatically. Ensuring regular occupancy outside of peak periods, particularly in January, March and during the summer season, is therefore essential to maximise income and stabilise overall profitability.

Méribel Mottaret, an ideal location to maximise the return on your investment in a ski resort property

A leading destination for winter sports holidays, Méribel is one of the most prestigious resorts in the world. Linked to Courchevel and Val Thorens, ideally located in the 3 Vallées ski area, it benefits from a significant influx of tourists, guaranteeing sustained rental demand.

Another important factor is that the wealth of summer activities on offer in Méribel guarantees income outside the winter season. Hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, exploring the surrounding villages: your seasonal tenants will have plenty to enjoy in the Tarentaise Valley. The multi-activity pass offered by the resort gives access to a wide range of sports and leisure activities. This is a great opportunity for owners who want to maximise the profitability of their property!

How to calculate the profitability of a ski apartment?

Gross rental profitability is a simple indicator that allows you to estimate the annual return on a property in relation to its purchase price.

Gross profitability (%) = (annual rent received/purchase price of the property) x 100

It is calculated by dividing the annual rental income by the purchase price of the property. However, to obtain an accurate picture, the following should be taken into account:

• co-ownership charges,
• maintenance and renovation costs,
• applicable taxes.

For example, an apartment purchased for €800,000 can generate rental income of €20,000 per season, representing a gross yield of 5%. However, to refine this calculation and anticipate variables, we strongly recommend that you seek the expertise of a professional.

Making the most of your Alpine apartment: summary

Choosing the right type of property

Each type of property has its own clientele and profitability potential: studios for short stays, family apartments or even high-end ski-in/ski-out residences.

Focus on layout and amenities

A renovated apartment that is well decorated and offers modern amenities (such as high-speed Wi-Fi or ski lockers) stands out on the market.

Anticipate resale

Investing in Méribel also means thinking long term. The scarcity of supply and the resort's reputation ensure solid capital appreciation in the event of resale.

Agence Saulire Méribel, working to maximise the profitability of your ski apartment

With a strong presence in Méribel Mottaret, our team of real estate professionals offers you their local expertise and knowledge of the Alpine property market. From managing holiday rentals in Méribel to valuing your property before it goes on sale, we meet the needs of tenants, owners and future buyers with the same high standards of quality.

Our goal: to help you make a secure investment and optimise the profitability of your ski apartment. Feel free to browse our properties for sale in Méribel: we will be happy to assist you with your purchase.