Ski French Property has over 350 properties for sale in or near ski resorts at any given time. We are a team of estate agents from Leggett Immobilier with two things in common; we live in the French Alps all year round and we love the mountains and the beautiful areas we live and work in.

Our aim is to help you find the alpine property of your dreams whether that be a luxury ski chalet, a cosy mountain hideaway, a lakeside villa or a compact ski studio. We provide a quality finder service at no extra charge.

Hello From Chamonix!!!

It is just 24hrs before we kick off the Kandahar weekend here in town, for the Chamonix leg of the FIS Men's Downhill World Cup.

http://chamonixworldcup.com/ Expectations are high, as the snow has been simply fantastic over the past two months and indeed the valley had a welcome top-up of 30cms just two days ago. The piste has been groomed to perfection and the pros are practicing on the course, one of the oldest on the FIS world circuit, as we speak.

So what of the spectators? Thousands will be descending into the Chamonix Valley, and Les Houches where the event is held becomes (unintentionally) pedestrianised as fans swarm into the streets, blowing horns, clanging bells, drinking beer and mulled wine, eating Tartiflette and simply having a merry old time of it.....

But if that is to be the case, they had better wrap up warm as temperatures are supposed to plumet. I have heard that a cold snap is expected in the UK with the Met office issuing weather-warnings. Well, -20c is a cold snap and certainly not conducive to standing stock-still on the side of a 45 degree slope, but it won't stop us!!

And who are we to support? Well, it would be hard to bet against last year's winner Didier Cuche. He maybe knocking on the door of 40, but he can show the young shavers a thing or two and currently leads the rankings in the Downhill events. But in his swansong year, can he win again and march on to a fifth WC title in six years? It's a brave man who says no to the Cuche and I have no doubt we will be seeing his ski-kicking celebration at the end of his run.

So, for those of you who think this sounds like fun and wonder what your chalet search might find you on or near the piste, here are a number of examples to suit all tastes.

In Les Houches centre and just 5mins walk from the finish line:

http://www.frenchestateagents.com/french-property-for-sale/view/19203DL74/house-for-sale-in-chamonix-valley-haute-savoie-french-alps-france

In the quiet Chavants area of Les Houches and just a 10min walk from the penultimate 'big jump' of the Kandahar:

http://www.frenchestateagents.com/french-property-for-sale/view/19204DL74/house-for-sale-in-chamonix-valley-haute-savoie-french-alps-france

A 5min drive (or train ride) from Les Houches centre but fantastic value:

http://www.frenchestateagents.com/french-property-for-sale/view/21468DL74/house-for-sale-in-les-houches-haute-savoie-french-alps-france

Superb rental return from this fully-furnished investment opportunity, 5mins walk to the Kandahar run:

http://www.frenchestateagents.com/french-property-for-sale/view/22414DL74/house-for-sale-in-les-houches-haute-savoie-french-alps-france

So there we have it. Bring on Chamonix's big weekend. And if it's too cold for you, you could always pop into the Slalom Bar, http://www.hotelslalom.net/index.html, where Tracey will help you to keep warm, nurse a beer, watch the racing on the plasma screen and at the same keep an eye on the first weekend of the Six Nations. All within ear-shot of the thousands of fans at the finish, just 50mtrs away.

Bon ski!!!

 

 

Come and watch the Frostgun Invitational, freestyle contest which gathers the best riders of the discipline.

FROSTGUN is for athletes who dare to be different and who dare to be the one who flies highest and furthest.

The idea behind Frostgun came back in 2005 and the event was held for the first time in February 2006.

Today it is considered as the largest and most prestigious competition in the Danish freestyle-ski world.
This year, the event takes place HERE, at VAL THORENS!

Frostgun was created with inspiration from some of the biggest international freestyle events, to be a cultural event that focuses on snowboarding, concerts and original after parties.

Program :

Sunday 12th from 9 pm : FROSTGUN welcome party

Wednesday 15th from 3 pm : FROSTGUN photoshoot including liveconcerts, DJ's, MC

Thursday 16th from 1 pm : FROSTGUN Invitational 2012

25 best riders in the world battle for 20.000$

Thursday 16th from 9 PM : FROSTGUN prize ceremony


Riders: 25 invited riders.
Kevin Rolland // FR - 3 times X-games gold
PK Hunder // NO - winner of DEW TOUR + Jon Olsson Invitational
Elias Ambühl // CHF - currently Number 1 in the world on the AFP rank
Russ Henshaw // AUS - 2 times winner FROSTGUN Invitational

More information about the Frostgun Invitational

Saint Martin de Belleville reservation

Early booking / All inclusive



Create your dream holiday by choosing:

• - your accommodation


• - your ski passes


• - your ski lessons


• - childcare facilities for your children


• - your winter sport equipment


• - your passes for the sports centre

Create your "à la carte" all inclusive ski holiday

WHITE WEEKS - Buy more, spend less!

Book your accommodation and ski passes at the same time!

Offer valid for holidays from 10/12 to 17/12, 07/01 to 11/02, 17/03 to 31/03, from 14/04 to 28/04 and for all types of accommodation (studio, apartment, tourist residence, hotel…).

Thinking of buying instead of renting? We have many properties for sale in St Martin de Belleville, if you'd like to have your own ski pad located to the right in the photo then take a look at this one bedroom ski apartment for sale right on the piste and next to the ski lift of St Martin de Belleville of 32m2.

Or how about this fantastic ski in, lift out ski apartment for sale in St Martin de Belleville, Trois Vallées. Sleeps 4. Stunning views.

Out of shot of the photo we have a new development of freehold ski apartments, there are still 6 left to chose from -  1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, ski in/ski out. Great views. email ski@leggett.fr for more information.

For all ski properties for sale in St Martin de Belleville click on this link.

 

No doubt many of you will have heard that the Avalanche risk in much of the Alps has been increased over the past few weeks and that made have created some cause for concern. But not to worry.

For those of you fearful that you might not get in to your resort for your weeks skiing, let alone the unfortunate British skiers stuck in Zermatt (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/snowandski/8996826/British-skiers-stranded-in-Zermatt.html), with a dual-carriageway to the front door and a multitude of transfer companies operating between Chamonix and Geneva Airport (Just 60mins drive), you'll neither miss your holiday, nor your flight home. Worth considering when choosing a location for a Alpine Home....

But if you are not too keen on the more extreme end of skiing, it is also worth baring in mind that some of the ski resorts we in Leggett Ski cover, are great family resorts and suffer less from the effects of Avalanche disruption, as long as you don't stray too far from the beaten path. Just as an example, the Trois Vallées currently have 216 lifts open, Grand Bornand has 35 of 42 pistes open, and the Portes du Soleil have 34 of 38 main cable cars running. An excellent turn-out, I think you'd agree, meaning you and your family can get the very best of the metres of snow that have fallen over the past two weeks.

Do get in touch and we will be happy to advise you as to which resort would best suit you and your needs. It maybe one you have never even skied before!!

Happy Skiing!!

David, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Hello to all followers of the Leggett Ski Blog and may I take the opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year. If you are reading this at home, on Bank Holiday Monday, I have to ask why??

The Alps have been deluged by huge quantities of snow over the past week, and it is expected to continue. Indeed, there might almost be too much!! However, it made for a very romantic Christmas Day and has certainly provided us with a welcome 'top-up' on the pistes as we head into 2012.

So why are you not here, enjoying the snow, the skiing and of course (when you have a moment or two free) viewing the dream apartment or 'chocolate box' chalet that you are after? No doubt there is a lingering concern over the Eurozone crisis and of course difficulties back in the UK, however this should not detract from the value gained (spiritually as well as financially) by owning a property in the French Alps. If your finances are in place and you are focused on buying, now is as good a time as any to buy a new alpine retreat and it will ultimately provide you many years of use, and over time will prove to be a very wise investment. Winter and Summer income is here to stay, as keen skiers will always find a way to have a winter-break and as the British add to the already healthy numbers of Continentals who enjoy the benefits of a summer holiday in the Alps, whether relaxing or adrenalin-fuelled. There are not many areas in Europe where you can invest in a holiday home that provides you flexible usage as well as an income over two full seasons, year-in, year-out not to mention any equity increase over time of ownership.

So hopefully, the great snow, the chance for a winter-break and the zest of a this Olympic New Year will provide you the impetus to visit your favoured resort and get in touch with your agent on the Leggett Ski Team to discuss your on-going search.

I very much hope we will see you in due course, and that in the meantime you will keep an eye on our blog and our portfolios and not hesitate to get in touch if there are any questions you may have; we are here to help.

All the best for 2012, and fingers crossed you will soon be reading our blog whilst glancing at the snowcam, before heading out of your new home for a quick blast on the slopes. That dream might not be too far off from becoming reality!

Bonne Année

A tout à l’heure

David

Val Thorens was created 40 years ago in 1971 by a group of pioneers (some of whom are still involved in the life of the resort); the story of Val Thorens reads like epic adventure and after four decades is still a story in the making. For more information click here. http://bit.ly/rXsDZd

from all the Leggett ALPS property team.

Heather BYRNE - Three Valley: St Martin de Belleville and surrounding villages.

Rhian Barker - Three Valleys: Les Menuires, Bettaix, Val Thorens.

Theo Cafferman - Three Valleys: Meribel, Les Allues.

Annabel Andrewes - Three Valleys: Courchevel, la Tania.

David Cowx - Paradiski: La Plagne. Ste Foy.

Stephanie Donoghue - Lac d'Annecy, La Clusaz.

Nicky Wye - Portes du Soleil: Morzine, St Jean d'Aulpes.

Tamsin Beaube - Portes du Soleil: Morzine, Les Gets. Samoens.

David Lucas - Chamonix Mont Blanc. Les Houches.

Helena Tkach - Lac Leman.

Marta Cano - Lac Leman.

 

 

The well known ski school New Generation are opening a new branch in St Martin de Belleville, more details will follow soon or use the link above for all their ski lesson information.

Why not buy your own ski in - ski out apartment and benefit from having their lessons start about 10 paces from your ski locker. This lovely ski apartment also has incredible views, imagine it with all the mountains covered in snow, and a sunny balcony on which you have space to enjoy a meal while you watch the sun go down.

Fantastic Free Lift Pass Offer

Stay at one of The Alpine Clubs gorgeous, luxury chalets on selected dates in January & receive a free 3 valleys lift pass.

When you stay with The Alpine Club you’ll enjoy some of the finest cuisine in the Alps, truly personal service for a hassle free holiday & the 3 valleys most beautiful resort, with direct access into the heart of the skiing. Just think… all those pistes & not a penny to pay to ski on them!

This is a limited offer to Leggett clients on a first come, first served basis.

Quote: Leggett

Contact Helen on +33 (0)6 30 22 62 15

Info@thealpineclub.co.uk

www.thealpineclub.co.uk

Ask The Alpine Club for their terms and conditions regarding this offer.

Want to buy your own luxury chalet and let The Alpine Club manage it for you?

Take a look at this luxury new build ski chalet on sale for €985,000, it offers 164m2 of living space, 4 bedrooms, your choice of finishings, state of the art eco heating systems and is located 5mins drive to the free parking at the ski lifts - or catch the bus and ski back to the village.

For all our ski chalets for sale in St Martin de Belleville click here.

Welcome to the Leggett Ski Property blog where you can follow all our ski property agents as they share with us snapshots of the areas in which they live and work such as Chamonix, St Martin de Belleville and La Plagne as well as all the local property news.

Leggett Ski has over 375 properties for sale in or near ski resorts at any given time, all our agents live in or very near the areas we work in and we visit every property we have up for sale. We hope you enjoy our articles and please feel free to contact the team directly on ski@leggett.fr.

Just a quick hello from Chamonix on Remembrance Sunday.

I attended the Chamonix Armistice Day service on Friday and what a wonderful and very Gallic event it was. Unlike the UK, the French have their Day of Remembrance (a national holiday) on the 11th November itself. Superbly attended by locals and foreigners alike, it was lovely to see the levels of support from all ages. The band weren't quite of the same calibre as The Massed Bands of the Brigade of Guards, but a sterling effort nonetheless, and quite frankly there's nothing that quite matches the fervour of handful of French veterans singing La Marseillaise and finishing with a resolute 'Vive La France'!!

Furthermore, as Chamonix is home to the Ecole Militaire de Haute Montagne (the French Military Alpine training unit), a number of the soldiers attended, resplendent in the White Alpine Uniforms that hark back to the early days of Alpinisme, with period climbing boots, woolen socks, silver ceremonial ice-axes, white rope and their over-sized berets. Fantastic stuff.

The morning was also attended, as always, by quite a number of the British community who have made Chamonix their home. Some former servicemen, some not, but good to see nonetheless.

It is always fascinating to see how other nations remember their fallen, and something I would always recommend if given the opportunity. This was no exception. However, after four years of attendance, next year I hope to join the Royal British Legion Branch in Geneva, so that I can put some time and effort  into helping organise and participate in the event, and meet with other British Veterans who have made the Alps their home.

Wishing everyone a lovely day, David

Lest We Forget

 

Hello to all Leggett clients currently following our Ski Property Blog.

This is my first entry in my capacity as Leggett's 'Man in Chamonix' and I very much hope I can keep you informed and entertained about all things Chamoniard. In this regard, if you ever have any thoughts or questions about anything I say, or any properties I cover, please feel free to get in touch.

As we roll towards Winter, and enjoy the last few days of our spectacular Autumn, I thought it would be an opportune time to highlight a couple of my favourite chalets, at both ends of the buyer's spectrum, that might provide the new owner a spectacular winter retreat.

The first is certainly one of my most fabulous Chalets, nestled on the slopes of the Brevent Hill, and just moments from Chamonix town centre. Designed by Chamonix's foremost architect, Alain Mazza, the property has stood the test of time despite being built in an era not renowned for it's plethora of architectural masterpieces, the 1970's. A stunning example of luxurious, open-plan, split-level living, the property pulls together all the key elements of the mountains, with wood, stone, granite all mixing in harmony. It also benefits from its' elevated position with expansive, south-facing views of the Mont Blanc Massif from all the key living areas and bedrooms, the terrace and the gardens. Downstairs there is a vast area put aside to a gym and spa complex, for relaxing after a hard day's skiing, and before heading out to dinner. A spectacular chalet that offers the new owner every luxury. Recently reduced and priced to sell, please look at the link below to find out more:

http://www.frenchestateagents.com/french-property-for-sale/view/19654DL74/house-for-sale-in-chamonix-haute-savoie-french-alps-france

The second chalet is of an altogether different style and expense, but no less the charming for it. Beautiful, bright and immaculately presented this 3-bed ski chalet is located near the charming town of Servoz. On a large, sun filled plot, with 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains, this beautiful property provides easy access to the pistes, just five minutes drive away in Les Houches, and benefits from a high-standard renovation to create a wonderful open-plan living space. Further, there is an independent apartment, (which can be re-included as part of the main dwelling), and a Mazot currently run as an office. Whether as a summer or winter holiday home, or even as a permanent residence, this beautiful chalet is ready to be used immediately. However, it does not stop there, as thanks to the size of plot on which the chalet is siutated, there remains ample opportunity for the new owner to dramatically extend the property from its' current size of 120m2.

It will offer any potential purchaser the opportunity to buy a turn-key property, in the Chamonix valley, but at an extremely affordable price:

http://www.frenchestateagents.com/french-property-for-sale/view/21468DL74/house-for-sale-in-les-houches-haute-savoie-french-alps-france

The town of Servoz is situated on a plateau at the mouth of the Chamonix Valley, with the nearest skiing being just 5 minutes away by car in Les Houches. It was the first town to be established in the valley and as such is full of charm and history. It offers many advantages to the savvy buyer looking for a property in the Chamonix valley. First and foremost, it is up to 50% cheaper than the resort of Chamonix, yet just a 10-12min drive by car, or a 20min journey by the mountain railway. And as anyone who has been to Chamonix knows, as you have to go everywhere by car anyway, this should not be considered a hindrance. Further advantages include ease of access from Geneva Airport, with the motorway direct from the airport taking a mere 50mins, great for weekend trips. Additionally, being at the mouth of the valley enables the more adventurous to enjoy ski 'safaris' in other resorts as the town is just 15mins to Megeve/St Gervais, 20mins to Les Contamines, 25mins from Courmayeur (It), 30mins to Flaine and just 45mins to Morzine-Les Gets, Grand Bornand and Clusaz. What's more, by being on a plateau at the widest part of the valley, the town is the only one in the Chamonix Valley to benefit from sun 365 days a year, with views of Mont Blanc and extending to the Fizz and the Chaine d'Aravis. And finally, more for those in the know, Servoz is home to one of the valley's best restaurants, a local secret, the Gorges des Diosaz. Well woth a visit:  http://hoteldesgorges.com/english/restaurant.htm

So there we have it, an introduction into the Chamonix Property market. I very much hope you will keep reading on, as I promise not all posts will be quite so lengthy!!

Until the next time (a tout....)

David

dlucas@leggett.fr

http://www.frenchestateagents.com/french-property-for-sale/agent/david-lucas/12631

 

More and more people are viewing ski lessons as a way to get more out of their skiing from short one hour private lessons to week long courses. The Leggett Ski team have used several ski schools, here are some of our favourites;

SNOWORKS offer an all-terrain SKI COURSE amongst many other that I can fully recommend. Here’s what they say about it ALL-TERRAIN SKIING IN CONFIDENCE & CONTROL! Equipped with all-mountain skills and knowledge, our MOST POPULAR go-anywhere week will bring out the best in your skiing! On piste, off-piste, bumps, steeps. All-Terrain is for skiers with 'ski everywhere' aspirations.


Or perhaps you’re looking to buy your own place in the mountains and then book lessons as you go with companies such as New Generation who offer skill sessions which are tailor made to suit you and your time.

Some of our best ski in / ski out properties are based in resorts and areas that both these companies operate in such as this great little ski pad – a one bed apartment (sleeps 4), ideally located for access to pistes and chairlifts, at just €82,500 in Les Menuires,  Three Valleys. Perhaps something a little bigger so your friends can join in the fun – how about this lovely ski chalet for sale with 5 ensuite bedrooms in the heart of La Tania in the Three Valleys ski area at €794,000. If you like to ski in luxury then how about this amazing new build for sale in Meribel Les Allues with 5 bedrooms all ensuite at  €1,660,000.

Looking for more adventurous skiing? Why not try Chamonix  and the ski instruction company “all year”  and for your property purchase then how about this beautiful, entirely refurbished, luxury ski apartment in a characterful period property, located in the heart of Argentiere, with 2 bedrooms and a great location.

 

We have 400 ski properties for sale on our ski specific property web site and our team are all locally based and have visited every single property on the site – we know our resorts, our properties and all the local expertise. Leggett SKI is here for you.

In Tignes you can ski before anyone else! The resort opens October 1st and the glacier is open between 8:30 am and 2:30 pm from October 1st. Rates: €27 (adults) and €22,50 (children). The cable car opens on October 8th.

Want more? Join Snow Works for an All-Terrain ski course, their most popular go-anywhere week that will bring out the best in your skiing! On piste, off-piste, bumps, steeps. All-Terrain is for skiers with 'ski everywhere' aspirations.

We are looking for agents in Tignes and Val d’Isere, for more information email with your CV on ski@leggett.fr this role is more than a seasonaire job, this is a permanent role based in or near ski resorts for those who want to live and work in France and have a career here. You should have customer service and sales experience, IT skills, knowledge of the property market, high level of French and a really committed attitude. You will need a car, computer, phone and be prepared to work hard.

Join us Oct 2nd at the Ex-Pat Expo on stand K1.

The 6th Expat-Expo Geneva
Sunday October 2nd, 2011
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Palexpo, Hall 7
Route des Batailleux 7, Grand-Saconnex

Admission is FREE!

160 stands         Please join us!

The UK came 10th out of the 10 European countries in the Index, thanks to high living costs, below average government spending on health and education, short holidays and late retirement.  The Index shows that people in France enjoy the highest quality of life, closely followed by Spain.

For your move to France you might well consider the Rhone Alps as a great place to live ..... So what’s here? Main stream attractions include the numerous golf courses here – did you know there are 80 of them! The never ending skiing which along with the lakes, 8 national parks, numerous thermal spas and superb cities makes the Rhone Alps the second biggest holiday destination In France, welcoming more visitors than Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur (the French Riviera). In fact accounting for 12% of all holidays in France!

You may well already have consider this area if you’ve been looking for a golf home or ski property, but how about if you want to be based in France and earn an honest crust? This is a good place to be. First it is very commercial, providing 10% of France’s GDP, it has a wide range of industries protecting it very efficiently from economic cycles, in fact the area is so successful it accounts for almost 1% of world trade.

For all our properties in the Rhone Alps you can find us on our main Leggett site were we have over 6,000 properties to share with you www.frenchestateagents.com simply go to the map and click on departments 73 and 74 and all our Rhone Alps properties will come up.

Or got to www.skifrenchproperty.com where you’ll find all properties within an hour of a ski resort  in the Rhone Alps.

in figures :

• 
  
  3 resorts, 20 destinations


• 
  
  1200 m - 3250 m


• 
  
  2 equipped glaciers


• 
  
  3 peaks over 3000 m


• 
  
  425 km of piste


• 
  
  228 hectares of artificial snow (626 cannons)


• 
  
  236 slopes including 37 black, 65 red, 123 blue, 11 green


• 
  
  153 km of cross country trails


• 
  
  2 snowparks, 3 boardercross, 2 boardergliss et 1 half-pipe


• 
  
  More than 98,000 beds

Looking for a short term administrator for the Alps property team.

Bi-lingual French/English, excellent organisational, IT and customer service skills required. Looking for a mature minded, self-starter, enthusiastic, healthy, happy, go for it person who can take on the role and run with it. Working in an office with one other person in the Three Valleys, local resident preferred. Normal working hours over 5 days. Really brilliant, interesting role working directly with the Alps Regional Coordinator and Leggett head office. Only apply to ski@leggett.fr if you meet ALL the above requirements.

1)      The Rhone Alps where all the major ski resorts are based is the second biggest holiday destination in France, welcoming more visitors than Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur (the French Riviera). Accounting for 12% of all holidays in France!

2)      There are 80 golf courses in the Rhone Alps with many of them based in ski resorts. So the piste you ski down in winter becomes a fairway in summer! Or at the Les Arcs golf club you can play in the snow as well! The photo is the fairway at the Courchevel Golf Club.