Hastily built in the 1960s and 1970s during the "snow plans", many French resorts are now seeing their accommodation model called into question. With an ageing stock, new energy standards and heightened expectations among holidaymakers, the challenge is immense.
Since the Climate and Resilience Act (2021) and the Le Meur Act (2024), heating flats are gradually being banned from being rented out.
In the mountains, where much of the park is over half a century old, this directly threatens millions of overnight stays every season.
Behind the energy issue lies another urgent need: accommodation for seasonal workers. Without them, there would be no ski lifts, no restaurants, no local life.
So resorts no longer have a choice: they have to renovate, upgrade and move upmarket. If they are to be economical with land, they need to work on what already exists, rather than building all over the place. But how can this be done?
Vaujany: the exception that proves the rule
As the owner of 70 % of its tourist beds, this small commune in the Oisans region is cultivating a model that is unique in France.
By investing itself since the 1980s in its tourist residences and hotelsVaujany has been able to maintain a hot bed rate of 70 % for almost seven months of the year, a figure envied by many.
The latest example is the renovation of the Hauts de la Drayrerenamed Hauts de Vaujany**. A colossal €17m project, transforming 90 ageing flats into 64 spacious, light-filled homes, with swimming pool, children's play areas and management entrusted to Vacancéole. Here, 75 % flats sleep at least four people, a sign of a deliberate move upmarket.
Three figures speak for themselves: 90 % of the companies involved are local (Grenoble area), 78.3 % less CO₂ emissions thanks to the heat pumps and 6,000 hours of social integration integrated into the worksite.
Valmorel: heading for premium
On the other side of the Alps, Valmorel has chosen the path of tourism excellence. Over the last two years, the resort has seen a number of top-of-the-range projects come to fruition.
L'Écrin d'Argent and soon its twin residence (December 2026): two 4* hotels in keeping with mountain architecture, at the foot of the Pierrafort cable car.
Le Roc 45 ski-in/ski-out flats in a peaceful setting close to the centre. And AkoyaMGM complex combining a 5* residence and a 4* hotel, with 800 m² of wellness areas.
A clear strategy: to attract customers who are looking for authenticity, but who are also demanding in terms of comfort and services.
Orcières 1850: choosing the label and social responsibility
À Orcières Merlette 1850In Orcières, renovation is not just a matter for holidaymakers, but also for seasonal workers. Since 2017, over 200 flats have been renovated thanks to the "Orcières Qualité Confort Hébergement" label.
A scheme that provides free support for homeowners to help them modernise their properties, from a simple makeover to bringing them up to eco-responsible standards.
The result is an offer that is better adapted to today's expectations (decoration, practicality, comfort), a revival in footfall and a modernised image.
As far as seasonal workers are concerned, the resort has also innovated, offering low-cost accommodation, free shuttle buses, a festive welcome and a training scheme. Every winter, almost 220 seasonal workers are employed, including 70 %s who remain loyal year after year. In this way, Orcières is leading the way as a resort that takes care of its holidaymakers... and those who welcome them.
Saint-Lary: nine years ahead in the Pyrenees
In the Pyrenees, Saint-Lary launched a "Qualité Confort Hébergement" label in 2016. The principle is simple: personalised support for owners, contacts with local service providers, monitoring by the Tourist Office, and promotion in the booking centre.
Nearly 400 homes have now been awarded the label. An emblematic example is the Chalet des OThis 70s house has been converted into four modern flats, combining charm and practicality.
With wifi, dishwasher, concierge service and ski storage, this address ticks all the boxes for contemporary accommodation, while remaining true to the soul of the Pyrenees.