Winter Olympics 2030: The French Alps Property Opportunity

If you’re watching the Winter Olympics with the family (or even better, catching half-term in the French Alps), it’s hard not to think: these resorts are about to be on the world stage again.

And history shows the Olympics rarely create a short-lived “buzz” only. Done well, they can act like an accelerant for three things that matter to property owners:

1. Short-term rental demand and nightly rates
2. Infrastructure upgrades that improve year-round accessibility
3. Global visibility that supports long-term resale demand

With the French Alps set to host the 2030 Winter Olympics (1–17 February 2030), and Courchevel & Méribel already positioned as key venues, the “getting ahead of the curve” window is very real.

According to AirDNA’s Winter Olympics short-term rental market analysis, February 2026 bookings in Milan were running around 6,000 reservations ahead of the previous year, even as listings increased by 15.9% year-on-year — a clear demand surge ahead of the Games.

Pricing power was even more pronounced. Data from PriceLabs’ Milano-Cortina 2026 STR review shows that during the Opening Days:

• In Cortina, average daily rates (ADR) rose to approximately €1,043 per night, compared to roughly €349 the previous year — an increase of nearly 200%.
• In Milan, ADR more than doubled to around €443, driving an 89% increase in RevPAR.
• Secondary host markets saw ADR increases between 77% and 94% year-on-year.

These are substantial uplifts, demonstrating how global exposure can translate directly into rental pricing strength.

Investor takeaway: The Olympics do not simply increase occupancy — they materially increase what guests are willing to pay for quality, proximity and certainty.

A major reason host regions see longer-term uplift is simple: big events unlock projects that might otherwise take a decade.

For Milano-Cortina 2026, Reuters reported an overall Games budget of about €5.2bn, including €3.5bn of public money for infrastructure.

Meanwhile, S&P Global Ratings’ estimated total costs in the region of €5.7–€5.9bn, describing the scale as manageable within Italy’s broader economy.

Investor takeaway: Infrastructure investment extends well beyond the event itself, strengthening rental demand, accessibility and long-term resale appeal.

Cortina is a good case study for the pre-Games phase.

• Knight Frank reported ~10% annual price growth in Cortina (year to June 2025), with the Olympics cited as a major visibility and infrastructure catalyst.
• Similarly, Savills’ prime Alpine ski property research noted around 7% year-on-year price growth in Cortina, with prime pricing approaching €15,900 per square metre in late 2025.

Investor takeaway: Markets tend not to wait until the opening ceremony. They move as soon as timelines feel “locked in” and upgrades become tangible.

Unlike some Olympic host destinations, Courchevel and Méribel are not emerging markets. They are established, internationally recognised resorts with a proven track record of hosting major competitions, including the Ski World Cup.

Current reporting around the French Alps 2030 plan repeatedly highlights Courchevel’s ski jump and Méribel’s Roc de Fer alpine skiing course as part of the venue strategy.

That matters because it implies a focus on upgrading and enhancing existing infrastructure, rather than building from scratch — usually the more sustainable and investable path.

The Olympic “halo effect” is often strongest in prime, supply-constrained locations. That’s why in resorts like Courchevel and Méribel, where new development is limited and international demand is already embedded, even incremental increases in visibility can reinforce pricing and rental resilience.

Beyond the long-term Olympic uplift, qualifying new-build properties in the French Alps can offer meaningful tax incentives when structured correctly for short-term furnished rental.

In many cases, buyers can benefit from:

• Reclaiming up to 20% VAT on the purchase price
• Approximately 0.7% stamp duty, compared to around 5.8% typically seen on resale properties
• No property tax for the first two years
• Potential for tax-free rental income through depreciation-based deductions

These incentives are available under the French Government’s Para-Hotelier scheme when the property meets the required service and rental criteria. In high-demand resorts such as Courchevel and Méribel — particularly ahead of 2030 — this can significantly enhance overall net returns.

The strongest position is often not the property delivering just before the Games — but the one you can:

• Use for your own upcoming ski trips this year (2026-2027)
• Establish short-term rental performance
• Hold as international visibility builds toward 2030

That’s exactly why we’re currently placing special focus on Sundance Lodge (Courchevel Moriond).

Sundance Lodge represents one of the few new-build opportunities in Courchevel Moriond completing this year — combining high-spec residences, expansive terraces and direct access to the slopes with on-site wellness facilities including a private spa, swimming pool and gym.

In a tightly held resort like Courchevel, new-build residences with immediate delivery and integrated lifestyle facilities are rare.

Explore the development below to view current availability and enquire.

While Sundance Lodge is the standout for many buyers wanting immediate usability, there are also strong options across both resorts — including delivered stock and projects completing this year.

If you prefer an existing chalet or apartment (often with different character, layouts, and value opportunities), we can also point you to French Alps property selections for both Méribel and Courchevel. Click either of the buttons below to view all the properties in each resort.

The Olympics can be a strong tailwind — but the best results usually come from choosing assets that would still make sense without the Olympics:

• walkable resort positioning (or excellent lift access)
• a layout that suits families
• strong year-on-year rental fundamentals
• a product you’d happily use yourself

That way, 2030 becomes the bonus accelerator, not the only reason the investment works.

If you’re considering a ski home in the Three Valleys ahead of 2030, we can help you shortlist the right options (new-build and existing), sense-check pricing, and map out the smartest financing route for your residency profile — with a clear plan for both family usage and rental potential.