A village that attracts tourists during the summer and winter seasons, Ancelle is a commune in the Hautes-Alpes department in south-eastern France that presents an excellent opportunity for investors looking to make an income all year round.
This is a small family resort that is situated 18km from Gap. It is deemed one of the most picturesque villages in Champsaur and is a home to over 930 locals in the Summer. As a resort, it is blessed with an altitude range of 1160m to 2779m.
The downhill skiing on offer receives a good amount of snow coverage throughout the winter season, as it is well exposed to the weather. The Ancelle ski resort prides itself on satisfying skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, as well as offering a wide range of other activities and some of the most spectacular views. The terrain is evenly split between beginner runs (25 per cent), intermediate runs (35 per cent), and advanced runs (35 per cent), with only 5 per cent of the runs for experts. The altitude is 1807m at the summit and 1350m at the base, meaning there is a 557m vertical drop. There are 13 ski lifts, which are able to uplift 10,000 skiers each hour.
Living in Ancelle and things to do
Living in Ancelle provides people with plenty of things to do and see throughout the year. While a lot of people come here for a ski break, there are plenty of other activities, which is why the village also attracts tourists during the summer. Some of the things to do in Ancelle include horse riding, paragliding, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, road biking, and hiking; with multiple trails on and around Ancelle.
Another great feature of the resort is its promising snow report, thanks to its altitude. In 2017, there was 409cm of snowfall in total across 26 snowfall days – with the biggest snowfall being 55cm. In terms of weather, in the winter, you can expect lows of -6 and highs of 9. However, in the summer, you can expect lows of 7 and highs of 24. Take a look at our updated snow report here.
Ancelle and culture
Tourists can also get a taste of the culture in Ancelle while visiting. You can visit the local farm or enjoy tasting the local beer. GAEC du Bois Noir is a traditional farm that is situated in the village. There is a large area of land here for producing pasture and hay, as well as dairy goats and pigs. People head here to buy milk and cheese from the animals between 5 pm and 6.30 pm. There are also guided tours of the farm on Thursdays.
If you would prefer some craft beer to milk, the Brassiere d’Ancelle is another spot that gives people a taste of true Ancelle culture. Here, you will be able to try ‘VO’, which is the beer produced in the area. It is still produced in the original version, as well as some other varieties, such as amber and golden. The brewery is open every day of the week, and there are free guided tours on a Sunday.
Investment potential In Ancelle
As you can see, there is a lot to like about Ancelle, and so it is of little surprise that you may be interested in investing in a property here. One of the best things about Ancelle in comparison to other ski resorts is the fact that you are not restricted to the winter season for tourists. You can expect to make a return on your investment throughout the entire year.
You also have a great selection of properties to choose from, with anything from small apartments to large, lavish ski chalets in the area.
Transport to Ancelle
The only thing you need to concern yourself with now is how you and your guests are going to get to and from Ancelle. Most people would advise flying into Marseilles because this is the most convenient airport in terms of connections to Ancelle. You can either take the bus or head to the ski resort via rail. Of course, guests have the option to hire a car or use private transport if they wish. The closest rail station to Ancelle is Gap. There is also an overnight sleeper, which goes directly from Paris. Getting to the resort is not difficult, which is another reason why it is a good investment choice.
We hope you have enjoyed this Ancelle investment guide. As you can see, this area offers excellent investment potential and holiday homes for anyone who is looking for ski chalets and other similar accommodation options.