When people think of the Alps, most picture snow-covered slopes and winter holidays. But this iconic region has another side waiting to be discovered. Once the snow has melted, the Alps come alive with vibrant lakefront towns, alpine meadows and outdoor summer activities for all ages.
If you’re looking for a ski property with year-round appeal, there’s a simple secret: buy near water.
Properties near alpine lakes combine the best of both worlds. Ski resorts lose their seasonal limits, and rental demand stretches throughout the year. Whether you’re an investor seeking consistent returns or a lifestyle buyer dreaming of lakeside lunches and snowy peaks, this dual-season advantage cannot be overlooked.
Contents
- Why summer in the Alps matters
- Annecy, France: lakefront luxury
- Zell am See, Austria’s year-round hub
- Serre-Ponçon: affordable alpine retreat
- Key considerations when buying near water
- Start your property search smartly
With a ski home near a lake, your Alpine home will be attractive all year round
Why summer in the Alps matters
The Alps are no longer just a winter destination. Travel habits are changing, and property buyers are placing greater value on year-round usability. Traditional ski resorts are adapting to meet this shift, and lake access has become a major draw.
Many alpine lakes offer outdoor activities from May to October. Visitors can swim, sail, row and hike all within a short distance of their accommodation. This not only improves your experience as an owner but also increases your rental returns in the off-season.
Summer tourism in the French Alps has grown steadily over the past decade, with domestic and international visitors seeking fresh air, clean water and space to relax. As summers grow hotter in cities, lake destinations look increasingly attractive.
Owning a ski home near a lake means you benefit during both seasons – boosting enjoyment and investment value in equal measure.
For a deeper dive into purchasing a French property on slopes, claim your free copy of our Buying a Ski Property in France Guide:
Annecy, France: lakefront luxury
Nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps”, Annecy is one of France’s most picturesque towns, combining lakeside tranquillity with alpine access. Just a 40-minute drive from Geneva Airport, it offers convenient access from most major UK and European air hubs.
Lake Annecy is famed for its clear turquoise water, protected environment and abundant leisure options. In summer, expect paddleboarding, lakeside festivals and bustling markets under the mountain sun. Come winter, La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand are both less than an hour away, offering excellent intermediate ski terrain.
Property demand in Annecy remains strong, driven by international buyers and wealthy French second-home owners. Prices for lakefront apartments and chalets have risen steadily, but surrounding villages such as Talloires, Sévrier and Duingt offer comparatively accessible options with panoramic views.
Annecy’s charm doesn’t wear off with the snow. It thrives throughout the year, giving your property both lifestyle value and market resilience.
A home in Zell Am See is easily accessible and useable year round
Zell am See, Austria’s year-round hub
Zell am See is one of Austria’s best-known dual-season destinations. Situated beside the crystal-clear Lake Zell and backed by the Hohe Tauern mountains, the town is both scenic and sporty. In summer, visitors swim, sail and sunbathe; in winter, they ski on the slopes of the Schmittenhöhe or the nearby Kaprun glacier.
Property here benefits from reliable tourism. The Austrian market remains stable, thanks to strict legislation and careful zoning laws that prevent overdevelopment. Foreign buyers are subject to local rules – certain areas are restricted to full-time residents or registered businesses – but with proper guidance, a purchase is easily achievable.
Zell am See’s popularity means your home will stay booked in both seasons, especially if you work with a local property manager. And with Salzburg Airport just 80 minutes away, the town maintains strong international appeal.
Whether for lifestyle, income or both, properties in Zell frequently justify the long-term investment.
Serre-Ponçon: affordable alpine retreat
The Lake of Serre-Ponçon may not be a household name outside of France – but that’s changing. Tucked into the southern Alps between Gap and Briançon, it offers a quieter, less commercialised alternative to the larger lake resorts.
Serre-Ponçon is one of Europe’s largest artificial lakes, created by damming the Durance River. The result is a stunning sapphire-blue reservoir surrounded by jagged cliffs, forested slopes and rustic villages. The town of Embrun, perched on a hill above the water, provides year-round events, a thriving market and a connection to ski resorts such as Les Orres.
Properties around the area tend to be more affordable than those around Annecy or in the northern Alps. Renovated chalets, apartments and traditional stone farmhouses are common listings – ideal for buyers with an eye for value.
Summer here is active, with windsurfing, sailing and hiking all popular. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and find a home with charm and potential, Serre-Ponçon offers a real opportunity.
Only a short drive from the mountains, Annacy allows you great summertime pursuits
Key considerations when buying near water
Purchasing a property near an alpine lake has many benefits, but there are additional considerations to keep in mind.
Firstly, prices can be higher the closer you are to the shoreline – especially in established resorts. This premium reflects demand, views and convenience. However, a short walk or drive to the lake may offer better value and quieter surroundings.
Access and planning rules vary by region. In some cases, construction near water is restricted to protect the environment. It is also important to determine whether a home is at risk of flooding or requires additional insurance coverage. Always work with an experienced local notaire and estate agent who understand these issues.
If your goal is rental income, look for properties with outdoor space – such as balconies or gardens – as these are highly sought-after during summer. Those closer to trails and beaches often rent more easily. Also consider your winter access to lifts. Proximity to ski infrastructure is a key driver of holiday bookings.
With proper planning, buying near water can unlock strong returns and a richer lifestyle year-round.
Start your property search smartly
Buying a home in the Alps that works in every season means understanding both the housing market and your own priorities. Is rental yield your top goal? Are you hoping to retire there later? Or perhaps you’re focused on weekend trips and school holidays?
Begin by identifying your must-haves: airport access, lake proximity, ski connection and local services. Then explore specific regions that align with your goals. It might be glamour in Annecy, lifestyle in Zell am See or value near Serre-Ponçon.
At Your Overseas Home, our consultants can support every step. We work with trusted local estate agents, legal experts and financial advisers to ensure you receive transparent guidance. From understanding property taxes to negotiating in French, we help simplify the complex and shape a clear plan.
Explore this dual-season opportunity with confidence – book a free call with our team. Your alpine adventure might begin sooner than you think.
