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.

Yes, that’s right! According to our sources Prince William and Kate Middleton are taking advantage of the great spring skiing conditions here in Méribel. We are led to believe that the newlyweds, along with Kate’s family, are spending their weeklong break in the Hotel Allodis in the prestigious Belvedère area, with direct access to the pistes.

It’s really no surprise that the Duke of Cambridge and his new bride chose to spend the week here in the heart of the Three Valleys ski domain: Méribel is also arguably the jewel in the Savoyard crown when it comes to traditional alpine architecture. Rumour has it, that the Middletons are themselves looking for a property here in the Three Valleys if the Daily Mail is a reliable source!!

Why not come and see for yourselves? Eat like a (future) king in one of Méribel’s many fine restaurants, with cuisine ranging from the traditional Savoyard raclette or fondue of the Fromagerie to the modern flavours served up at Le Blanchot.

Or, perhaps, like the good prince himself, you have a passion for all things aeronautical… Well then, how about this superb 1 bedroom apartment at Méribel Altiport? Just a few seconds walk to the pistes, Méribel’s airstrip and its 18-hole golf course, it is perfectly placed for enthusiasts of all three:

http://www.frenchestateagents.com/french-property-for-sale/view/24902TCF73/house-for-sale-in-meribel-savoie-french-alps-france

Maybe you’d prefer something a little more palatial? This huge 10 bedroom Chalet designed by by famous local architect and co-founder of Méribel, Christian Durupt, is on the market for the princely sum of €2.3 million:

http://www.frenchestateagents.com/french-property-for-sale/view/24619TCF73/house-for-sale-in-meribel-savoie-french-alps-france

If, however, if neither of these properties take your fancy, fear not we have plenty more available in between.

So if you’d like a big slice, or just a sliver of the high-life, don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll be sure to give you a royal welcome when you come out and visit!

Hello all Leggett Ski Blog followers.

This is in fact my debut blog from Courchevel – better late than never!

Hopefully some of you are planning a late season ski trip out here to enjoy the sun drenched spring days on the slopes – which I have tested out this morning and are still in very good condition – definitely the early bird catches the best snow from first lifts, then stops for a scrumptious lunch somewhere like the Courchneige to soak up the sun and views (also nobly tested out today)…before a few cruising runs home and…well it would be rude not to have a vin chaud at the Hotel Peupliers by the lake and watch the sun go down, wouldn’t it?

Look forward to seeing some of you out here and of course showing you some of the many new properties that have come on the market recently – now the days are longer you really can fit in a ski and property hunt on the same trip.

Bonne journée à tous from the Leggett team in the sunny Alps!

Salut one and all.

Just a quick hello from Chamonix on this most romantic of days, to offer up a few suggestions as to what you might be doing here in Chamonix for Valentine’s Day (assuming you haven’t just been on a romantic weekend to Rome – to coincide with the Italy v England Six Nations encounter!!!).

Well, if a week’s skiing with your beau isn’t romantic enough, there’s more than enough to please all tastes and all budgets. For those of you who want a good-value, post ski Spa, why not pop into the Hotel Aiglons (http://www.aiglons.com/fr/) which has a great selection of massages and treatments at very competitve prices, and which often include use of the outdoor pool, sauna, steam-room and hot-tub. For those of you with more time on your hands, (and a bigger budget) the world-reknowned spa in Pre St Didier, Italy (http://termedipre.it/en/) is just 45mins drive away. We know the Italians do glamour and beauty like no other, so you can rest assured that your loved one will be pampered to their heart’s content.

Staying in-valley, (and closer to my heart!), food is on most people’s minds on Valentine’s Day but which are the most romantic locations to treat or be treated in? On the piste in Les Houches is the fabled Les Vielles Luges, ( http://www.lesvieillesluges.com/accueil_en.php), a beautiful converted stone barn, with food, interior charm and views to die for. But for those hardened skiers who stop for nothing and have to eat a little later, thanks to Chamonix’s size, their are restaurants aplenty.

For a younger, more vibrant clientel, why not try the Swedish owned and run Munchies on the Rue du Moulin, which serves a delicious menu inspired by world/Asian fusion, and then pop into the Mix Bar opposite, (http://www.mixchamonix.com/), to dance the night away?

For a more tradtional Alpine environment, try Le Cabane, a luxurious log-cabin sitting on the edge of Chamonix’s golf course. http://www.restaurant-cabane.com/en in Les Praz. Start with an ‘apero’ by the huge fire before moving to your table under the soaring, exposed beams of the cabin’s vaulted roof, and choose from a variety of Savoyard/French classics.

But for the most romantic of you, consider booking an over-night stay in the Cantates log cabin, part of the supremely sumptious Chalets des Phillippes in Le Lavancher (http://www.chaletsphilippe.com/index.php/en/luxury-hotel-chamonix-chalets/les-cantates.html). A 2-person cabin, with it’s own dining room and spa, perched on a plateau and with extraordinary views of the valley…to die for.

And when there is talk of food and spoiling each other on Valentine’s Day, one must not forget the valley’s most celebrated restaurant, the Albert 1er http://www.hameaualbert.fr/. A two Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of Chamonix, the restaurant creates the most magical food in wonderfully elegant surroundings. Start with a Martini in the Quartz bar beafore sampling the delicacies created by Head Chef, Pierre Maillet, using locally sourced (some from their own gardens) seasonal produce. The best the valley has to offer, so it should come as no suprise that as such it is frequented by royalty, celebrities and gastronomes alike.

If however, fine-dining isn’t your thing, (and maybe you avoided your normal visit to North America because of the lack of snow), fear not. Wing’s, gargantuan burgers, nachos and beer brewed on-site are the order of the day at Chamonix’s only Micro Brewery, the Canadian owned and run, Micro Brewery of Chamonix or to locals, the MBC (http://www.mbchx.com/). Huge portions, great food and a superb atmposhere often accompanied by live music. But it’s a Cham favourite so gets busy, and therefore don’t assume this will be one for a private night between the two of you!! And if you really want to top-off the North American evening, don’t just rely on their big-screen for Hockey; after you have finished sharing your plate of nachos (about as romantic as you could get), consider popping over to the ice-rink opposite to watch the hockey live and support one of France’s best Ice Hockey teams, http://www.chamonixhockey.com/.

Some of you no doubt by now will be screaming at the computer that you’re not staying in Chamonix. So what else does the valley have to offer? For those of you in Argentiere, the restaurant of the moment is La Remise, which despite only being open for six months, has already gained a stellar reputation http://www.laremise.eu/www.laremise.eu/portail_remise_restaurant_argentiere_chamonix.html. Booking is a must if you want to sample the wondefully imaginative food. After you are finsihed, head back to Argentiere and enjoy beers and music in the Savoy Bar on the high street. But if you are after a one-stop-shop with beers, food and fun all under one roof, the Rusticana (or Rusty if you’re really in the know) has to be your first choice…

For those at the Les Houches end of the valley, (and assuming you haven’t been distracted by the Vieilles Luges at lunch-time), you could do no better than the cool, chic, Delice. http://le-delice.eu/. More the sort of restaurant you might find in a urban environment, the Delice (and its’ sister the Kitsch Inn), brings a fashioable edge to Les Houches and offers you superb food accompanied by great live music. Party ’til late in both, or else head to the Slalom bar (http://www.hotelslalom.net/fr/location.html) for the last few hours of Valentine’s night.

Finally, for those of you who prefer to stay away from the crowds and have a night-in ‘a deux’, Cha Cha Cha (http://chachacha74.blogspot.com/) can offer you a great selection of wines and champagne to make you giddy and the Richard Patisserie will make sure you have all the delectable little treats you could wish for to pop into each other’s mouths!!

Whatever your budget, whatever your style, there is simply no excuse not to get all gushy and romantic on the 14th February in the Chamonix Valley.

Happy Valentine’s Day and hopefully you’ll be trying out one or two of the restaurants and bars mentioned next year.

A tout

David

Hello from Chamonix,

Well, the weekend is over and we had a surprise winner of the Kandahar in Jan Hudec from Canada. The mighty Didier Cuche, hotly tipped for the top-step of the podium, finished a still creditable 7th.

But it seems that the cold might have had a greater than usual influence on the event with ski-technicians really earning their money, trying to find the very best set up for their racers. At -12c during the race, it was bitterly cold and many areas of the course found themselves in shadow. As such, finding the best settings for the skis and the perfect balance of wax and edge, was imperative. No surprise that the Candians proved the masters.

And the cold continues for the remainder of the week. It was a positively balmy -16c this morning, but up the Aiguille du Midi and the top of the Grands Montets, the hardy skiers can expect temperatures of -22c. Ouch. But the skies are crystal clear, the sun glorious and the views simply staggering. So for the lucky few not having to work today, as long as they are wrapped up warm, and cover their faces, they should experience an epic days skiing. I just have to wait until Friday!

Bon ski…..

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

TRAVEL NEWS: The road into Val Thorens in the Three Valleys is closed at least until mid to late morning. There is a snow storm raging of epic proportions!!