Do you own a ski apartment? Do you spend hours poring over ski apartments for sale online? As a rental property owner, being aware of who is booking similar properties to the one you own, or dream of owning, can have a positive financial return.
If you know what guests will need, you can organise and equip your property to suit them. This, in turn, means your listings and marketing campaigns will appeal to your ideal guests. Your property adverts will stand out more than those which lack key features and clearly defined benefits for guests.
Read on to find out what owners can do to make their ski apartments attract loyal, satisfied guests time and time again…
Suggesting owners or buyers think about the type of guests you may encounter may sound a little simplistic. However in our experience, happy guests often become repeat guests – so why not go that extra mile?
1. Sports Enthusiasts
It’s a myth that only skiers rent apartments in ski resorts. The Alps are fabulous playgrounds all year round! For example, more resorts are opening lifts in the summer to transport bikes, paragliders, walkers, etc, so there’s something for all types of sports enthusiasts in both summer and winter!
Resort managers and activity providers are also very aware, especially since lift closures over the last two winter seasons, that winter guests are open to trying different sports and activities.
Building or renovating in, or just outside of a resort with a great holidaymaker infrastructure already in place, makes sense. Expect to welcome enquiries from snowsport and mountain enthusiasts, climbers, cyclists, as well as golfers, para-gliders, and more!
How to make your ski apartment appeal to sports enthusiasts…
- Provide accurate ski lift information including timings and alternatives in case of closure.
- Organise equipment storage or recommend a sports shop with storage, or a locker area?
- Ensure there is space for drying gear
2. Reluctant drivers
The snow doesn’t only fall on the ski runs! For some winter guests, driving to and in resort is a challenge and a worry!
Many developers choose sites in resort centres or on ski bus routes. Once in resort, guests can use the ski bus network to get around the ski resort, or walk.
How to make your ski apartment appeal to reluctant drivers…
1. Owners or property managers can support guests in booking airport transfers.
2. Outline if your property is or isn’t close to a ski bus stop.
3. State if your ski apartment includes dedicated parking spaces.
4. If your apartment doesn’t have dedicated parking, rent or recommend some close by.
3. Fun seekers!
Sports hire shops and lift pass offices often offer lockers, so that winter guests can leave their ski hire equipment close to the slopes at the end of the day. Often ski bus services run on into the evenings, meaning après-ski and dinner at a restaurant in town is possible, without having to drive. Therefore it is easy for winter guests to enjoy the mountains during the day, then eat well and play hard!
The Tourist Offices and local associations are putting on so many fabulous evening events such as concerts, BBQ’s, open air cinemas, local theatre group productions, cultural events, festivals, artisan and livestock fairs, throughout the summer and sometimes out of season too.
How to make your ski apartment appeal to fun seekers…
1. Inform your guests about the nightlife, including Covid and booking requirements in the area.
2. Recommend local restaurants, bars and cafés.
4. Nature lovers
The Alps offer stunning scenery to all, all year round, to people of all ages, and all fitness levels. For free! Especially post lockdown, and with social distancing still a personal choice for many, walkers, nature lovers, stargazers and weather-watchers can find peace and tranquility in the Alps.
How to make your ski apartment appeal to nature lovers…
- Highlight stunning views around your property in photography, and show how guests will be able to enjoy all outdoor spaces.
- Leave a telescope at your apartment, or, a stargazers almanac for stargazing with the naked eye. Consider supplying books/ guides in French, and in English.
- Provide local maps, nature guides, and itineraries, as well as binoculars and walking sticks for exploring!
5. Couples and smaller groups
Ski apartments can offer high quality of finish and comfort, great transport links, extra facilities and more. Plus they may be more affordable for smaller capacity groups or couples to rent.
How to make your ski apartment appeal to small groups?
Since government restrictions on group sizes, demand from smaller groups has increased tremendously. Our apartments in ski resorts for smaller capacities have performed well summer and winter alike.
6. Guests wanting to relax, reflect and recharge
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, many guests use their holidays as an opportunity to improve their well-being while on holiday, then continue to benefit once back home. See our ideas on wellness in the French Alps here, and if you have any local providers, make sure to recommend them to guests.
How can ski apartments appeal to those resetting their lifestyle?
- Try out some of the local spas, therapists, and well-being practitioners yourself. Not only will you benefit, you will also be able to share your recommendations with your guests.
- Gift your chalet team wellness treats, so that they can benefit and share their experiences with guests too.
- Is there a quiet space in the apartment where mobile practitioners can set up?
We hope some of these tips and techniques will be useful. Next time round we take a specific look at the advantages of buying and running an apartment rental business in the beautiful historic city of Annecy.
In case you have missed any of our series about ski apartments, here are the links to the other titles:
- Blog 1 – Is a rental apartment in the French Alps a good investment?
- Blog 2 – What does the ideal holiday rental apartment in the French Alps look like?
- Blog 3 – Is buying an Annecy apartment a good investment?
- Blog 4 – What types of guests are staying in ski apartments? (you have just read this blog)
- Blog 5 – Apartment investment return; decorating rental apartments
