Many people still consider ski homes to be a luxury, unattainable to the regular person, but times have changed. Ski resorts have been making strong investments in summer activities in recent years, meaning that formerly seasonal ski pads are becoming year-round retreats. This means that the purchasing of mountain property is now a year round investment that’s not exclusively for the winter months.
However, it can be difficult to know where to start buying mountain property, especially when you’re considering a base for both the summer and the winter months.
We’ve teamed up with Alpine property specialists Leggett, to put together the top properties available now for that all-season lifestyle.
5 Bedroom Chalet + 3 Bedroom Owners’ Apartment – Montgenevre, Serre Chevalier
Ski right back to your kitchen door in winter and mountain bike into the village in summer from this gorgeous chalet. With more than enough space for you and your family, as well as all your guests, this chalet also boasts a pool room, a spa room complete with a jacuzzi and a Norwegian hot tub on the terrace. This mountain property has a very good reputation as a quality guest house and would make a stellar investment, generating great income from weekly lets.
The Area: Just an hour from Turin airport, the pedestrianised village has easily accessible lifts providing access to the vast Milky Way Ski Domain which covers 400 kms of piste. A lovely traditional pedestrianised resort with ‘big resort’ skiing.
2 Bedroom Apartment – Les Contamines Montjoie
This bright and airy apartment is just minutes away from the winter slopes and provides an on-site swimming pool for summer use. It’s a true year-round paradise, ideal for families, with modern decor and spacious balconies.
The Area: In winter, Les Contamines is part of the large Evasion Mont Blanc ski area, which has 445 km of pistes and a great snow record. In summer, walking, climbing, swimming in the local lakes, biking on the trails or in the bike park are all highly enjoyable ways to spend your days. Or, take an excursion to Chamonix, Annecy, or Italy, all of which are easily accessible.
1 Bedroom Apartment – Chamonix
This ground floor apartment in the heart of vibrant Chamonix has its own private garden, perfect for enjoying those gorgeous sunny summer’s days. Just steps away from the ski bus and a short walk to the train station, bars and restaurants, it’s a location to die for! Ideal as a rental investment opportunity or as a mountain base.
The Area: Chamonix is a true Mecca for serious skiers, with some of Europe’s most exceptional skiing on offer. The areas are varied and various, but provide great fun for all, with a buzzing town centre unlike any other resort in the Alps.
4 Bedroom Chalet – Le Grand Revard
With direct access to downhill and cross country skiing and just a 30 mins drive to Aix les Bains / Lac du Bourget – the largest natural lake in France – this chalet has a prime location for year-round mountain adventures.
The Area: One of France’s oldest ski resorts that has retained it’s traditional charm throughout the years, this area provides winter sports for all, from Nordic to downhill skiing. In the summer, you can enjoy via ferrata, mountain biking, horse riding, archery, kayaking, tennis, swimming, orienteering trails in the Savoie Grand Revard. Or explore local heritage, wildlife and flora in the heart of the Bauges Natural Park.
Loft Apartment – Le Biot
This surprisingly spacious loft apartment is located in a beautiful Savoyard farmhouse in Le Biot. Just a 15 minute drive to the huge Les Portes du Soleil ski area and a 20 min drive to the beaches of Lake Geneva, it’s the perfect location to enjoy the best of both worlds! At 220 m2, this stunning loft occupies two levels in a traditional Savoyard farmhouse, with a master suite, large living area and even a sauna!
The Area: The Portes du Soleil ski area offers over 600km of slopes, with huge variety, from gentle beginner pistes to challenging freeride terrain. In the summer, you can access golf courses, rock climbing, swimming, mountain biking and pony trekking, to name but a few!
Ski Studio – Praz Sur Arly
A comfortable ski studio just 300 metres from the chairlift and town centre and on the free ski bus route – perfect for those who don’t like carrying your skis around! A modern residence in the charming Plaine des Belles area, the apartment has a spacious living area and a quiet balcony, and is sold with a ski locker and private parking space.
The Area: This gorgeous Alpine village is set in the increasingly popular, year round, Espace Diamant. A newly completed ski area, the Espace Diamant brings together some of the prettiest ski resorts in the Alps under the eye of Mont Blanc.
Duplex 4 Bedroom Ski Chalet – Les Deux Alpes
A highly modern renovation in one of the most desirable areas of Les Deux Alpes, just 200 meters from the main ski lift and 400 meters from a Michelin starred restaurant! This chalet is ideal as a family home or luxury investment property, with a large garden and spectacular mountain views that will prove popular all year round.
The Area: Les Deux Alpes is a vibrant, lively resort all year round. Indeed, it’s one of the Alps’ most popular all-season resorts and for good reason, offering glacier skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the summer.
Refuge Village House – Valmorel & 3 Valleys
Escape to the mountains by investing in this pretty Alpine home in a beautiful remote village. This spot offers a true change of lifestyle, introducing a new sense of peace and relaxation to the mountains. This refuge is nestled in the heart of the French Alps, with the Tarantaise Valley and its famous 3 Valleys ski resort within easy reach, as well as the family friendly resort of Valmorel under 30 minutes drive away.
The Area: The closest ski area is the Le Grand Domain, which consists of Valmorel, Celliers, Doucy and Saint-François Longchamp. Often overlooked by British skiers, it’s an excellent area, though this refuge can also provide access to many others, including the 3 Valleys. Or, you can snowshoe, mountain bike or hike directly from your door, 365 days a year.
Ski Chalet – La Clusaz
The perfect haven for year-round retreats, this chalet sits on a plot of land of 1400m complete with spa, ski room and 2 private parking spaces. It’s just 300 metres from the slopes of La Clusaz and has a stunning terrace for mountain views and barbeques in warmer months.
The Area: In La Clusaz, you can enjoy the mountain peaks in summer and winter with skiing, mountain biking and many other activities. Or, head down to the shores of Lake Annecy, where you can enjoy summer watersports or explore the stunning year-round beauty of the Old Town.
Renovated Ski Apartment – Les Gets
A modern renovated apartment, in a unique residence with private ski lift and tennis courts in the heart of Les Gets, this is an ideal buy for anyone who loves their sports! With a bright, airy living area and beautiful mountain views, this apartment is a great choice for a rental investment.
The Area: Les Gets is a mountain paradise that has been rated one of the world’s best ski resorts for families and downhill mountain biking! It’s part of Les Portes du Soleil ski area, where 600 km of skiing across 2 countries makes the biggest international ski area in the world.
2 Bedroom Apartment – Courchevel Le Praz
With ski-in, ski out access in winter, this 2 bedroom apartment is a skier’s dream. In the summer, it is located next to a fishing lake, golf course, hiking and biking trails to keep you entertained everyday. Enjoy a post-ski vin chaud on the sunny terrace, or a summer’s day dinner outdoors.
The Area: Le Praz is a pretty traditional village, which is part of the famous 3 Valleys area, a year-round adventurer’s dream. Whether it’s skiing the largest linked ski area in the world, or watching the world’s best cyclists take on the many events that run through the area in summer, there’s always something going on here.
Leggett have a local team of agents, based in the Alps all year round, united by a love of all things mountains, no matter the season. They see summer in the Alps as a chance to escape crowded, coastal beaches, get off the beaten track, get active and achieve the same feel good vibes we get through skiing and winter sports.
Not only are Leggett passionate about the mountains, but they are also passionate about their areas and their properties. Here, you will find agents who will not only help you find the best mountain property in an area, but also the best ski run, most picturesque lake and most entertaining hike. They are on hand to answer your questions and help with concerns about purchasing as well as giving you an insight to the local life.
Leggett have plenty more all season properties on offer in all the major ski resorts and also the smaller, less familiar resorts. Contact them to request a bespoke tailored search for your preferred property.
Whether you’re looking for a home from home, a buy to let, chalet business or a creative project, the Leggett goal is that you love your investment and get all the benefits possible from it without any of the hassle that can exist with buying a home in another country. They have their own in-house solicitors and contracts department and will connect you to the best lawyers, architects, builders and service providers.
For more information on buying mountain property, see the Leggett buyers guide here.
See you on the snow!
