Dec 20, 2018 / FRANCE

La Clusaz Property Investment Guide

The popular ski resort of La Clusaz is found in the stunning eastern Alps region of France. Known as a 'commune', or town, La Clusaz is a cosy and friendly area with a small permanent population of just under 2,000 people. Nestled in the grand, snow-capped mountains that tumble across the horizon, La Clusaz takes its name from the original Latin term Clusa Locus Dei, or the Narrow Path of God, which makes reference to its awe-inspiring jagged scenery that is an ideal base for explorer and nature lover alike.

Living in La Clusaz and things to do

First and foremost, of course, the town is famed for its resort facilities, which acts as a prime attraction in the winter season. Offering a total of 125km of slopes for the beginner or advanced ski enthusiast, and altitudes of up to 2600m. La Clusaz offers an exhaustive range of sporting challenges, including 7 black runs, 29 red, 30 blue, and 18 green.

Facilities in La Clusaz include a snow park, 215 artificial snow guns, and 75 hectares of artificial snow. Visitors can also acquire an Aravis ski pass, which entitles them to access all of the lifts in the neighbouring resorts of Manigod, Le Grand-Bornand, and Saint-Jean-de-Sixt. These adjacent locations offer a thrilling and extensive further offering for ski fans with 86km of slopes available to use in Le Grand-Bornand alone.

The natural beauty of La Clusaz is seamlessly integrated into the resort with not one, but four, mountain reservoirs available. The weather report in La Clusaz describes a mild and pleasant climate in the summer months, but cooler in the winter. In December of the 2017-2018 season, the snow report in La Clusaz indicated 48cm of snow depth on the lower slopes and 237cm on the upper. For up to date snow and weather reports, take a look at our La Clusaz resort guide here.

Aside from the iconic ski runs and snow activities, there is a wealth of additional things to do in LA Clusaz for visitors with a range of interests. The resort saw the opening of a bowling alley in 2017, which is soon to be expanded by 70m² to include an activity area featuring amusements such as air hockey, basketball, a pool table, and table football, among others. The resort also offers its signature Escape Game, which brings the popular timed challenge to the heights of the cable cars.

In the summer, living in La Clusaz offers opportunities for both paragliding and free flight to get an aerial view of the incredible landscape. In fact, if adventure is what you're looking for, groups in La Clusaz can go mountain climbing, tobogganing, or visit the nearby La Foret des Dodes zip line for the ultimate thrill-seeking experience. Relaxing activities also abound in La Clusaz, however, with chances for fishing, golfing, horse riding, or a day at the aqua park.

La Clusaz and culture

La Clusaz is truly the best of two worlds: an ancient snow-capped town with a rich history and also a modern, bustling economic and sporting centre. The skiing paths that define the town range all the way from Balme and Aiguille to Etale and Beauregard, yet there are also other dynamic industries operating quietly behind the scenes, such as producers of cheese, including Reblochon and Chevrotin. In fact, La Clusaz was once primarily known as a shepherding area, hence its emblem: the sheep's head.

If you take a walk up to Col des Aravis, you can experience the untouched and quiet mountainsides that were once home exclusively to these pastoral families. While there, it is worth taking a look inside the ancient chapel on the hillside, and if it is a clear day you might be able to catch a glimpse of Mont Blanc from that vantage point.

Investment Potential in La Clusaz

The beauty of living in La Clusaz is not just in its stunning scenery, but in the accessibility of the area and the investment that has been made into the resort itself. The ski facilities at La Clusaz have undergone continual renovation over the last few years, seen most recently with the completion of an upgrade project totalling close to €10 million, which included a group chair lift designed both for speed and increased capacity, and a new sports club and office building, amongst other additions. This investment was a significant project that saw the number of skiers that could be served at the resort over double.

The town is a hub of commercial activity with a range of shopping outlets from sportswear and fashion to traditional carpentry and beauty salons. This economic vitality, and the unbeatable landscape and resources in the area, makes buying a property in La Clusaz the ideal investment in the coming years.

Transport to La Clusaz

La Clusaz is accessible by several major airports – it is just 30km from Annecy Airport, 50km from Geneva International Airport, and 150km from Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport. Ski buses shuttle visitors to a range of locations around La Clusaz itself, in addition to nearby resorts, such as Manigod and Le Grand Bornand, for Aravis ski pass holders. Operators such as Aéroski-Bus and Aravis Shuttle takes guests between La Clusaz and Geneva Airport, as well as Transdev Haute-Savoie, which transports you to Annecy Airport.

In addition, if you prefer to watch the world pass by on the train, Annecy SNCF Station is just 32 km away. There is also the opportunity, whether by taxi or rental car, to take in the stunning landscape from the mountain roads and complete the journey by automobile. In fact, if you happen to choose an electric car for your trip, La Clusaz is equipped with charging stations for your ease and convenience.