One of the best aspects of being a ski property portal is that we have contacts with some of the best ski property agents in the business. One of these is ski travel legends Erna Low, who have kindly written an article, giving us their expert perspective on the forthcoming ski season.
Who are Erna Low?
Many ski property investors are familiar with the name Erna Low, but in case you’re not, here’s some background.
Erna Low was a pioneer in ski travel in the early twentieth century. Her reign as doyenne of the ski travel industry began when she placed a newspaper advertisement seeking companions to join a skiing trip to the Alps. From this simple beginning a whole venture was born, and Erna Low is a name synonymous with ski holidays.
With such an extensive knowledge of traveller needs, it’s no surprise that Erna Low began to explore the ski property market, and in 2003 Erna Low Property began to build its reputation as a ski property agency. Now, almost 20 years later, they offer a superb range of property across the alps.
Without further ado, here is why Erna Low thinks proximity to travel hubs like Geneva Airport will be a key decision driver, as well as their pick of properties and resorts.
Why are buyers looking to buy ski property within an hour of Geneva Airport?
As travel begins to open back up, and many tentatively look to book their 2021/22 ski trips, Erna Low Property have taken a moment to reflect on what it is that our buyers are truly looking for.
For many throughout this past year, the ability to work from home and flexibility that comes with remote working has made them take stock of where and how they can work, whilst still being with family and loved ones. Much of our interest over the past year has been speculative interest in the ski resorts within 1hr-to-1hr 30mins from Geneva airport. People are seeking long weekend trips and short transfer times to allow complete flexibility and make the most of their time in the Alps. It’s not just for the Winter market either, as the lower altitude towns & resorts near the airport of Geneva have seen massive improvements and retained interest for summer holidays with much more favourable climates than the 1800m + destinations further south. Considering this ever changing and ever-growing market, we’ve put a few of our favourite resorts under the microscope to provide you info on what is available and where to make your new home in the alps.
What ski resorts near Geneva airport could I consider?
Les Carroz – Grand Massif 265km of connected piste
Les Carroz d'Arâches is the main town within this super-sized ski area. Based in the Grand Massif It’s famous for its traditional architecture and being a family orientated resort. The resort is easy to reach, ideally located just 10 minutes from the motorway and 50 minutes from Geneva airport. In the winter months, the village unrolls its white carpet to reveal the abundance of ski runs for all ages and all abilities. The village of Les Carroz is one of 5 linked to the Grand Massif where there are 40,000 hectares of piste lined forest and 265 km of groomed slopes to enjoy - making the Grand Massif one of the largest ski-linked areas within France.
In the summer, there are plenty of activities on offer for people of all ages. The 200km of hiking trails, lakes and rivers, and valleys make it perfect for walking and mountain biking. Other activities to enjoy include a mountain dropped golf course, paragliding over the snow dusted peaks, and mountain carting. In the winter there is lots more to do than just ski! If you want to take a break from the skiing, you can try some of the alternative activities Les Carroz has to offer, such as dog sledding, electric fat bike, alpine coaster or the ice rink.
“In the past 2 years, we’ve seen a serious switch from those looking at the often priced out Les Gets, to the newly popular Les Carroz.We expect this resort to go from strength to strength”.
Senior Sales Advisor - Alain Dennigner
With prices starting at just €574,000 for a 3 bedroom centrally located, ski in ski out apartment – it's not surprising that the town is one of our most enquired about resorts.
Our top pick here is Residence Les Airelles – Town central location
Les Carroz is a resort that offers free reign to those who wish to disconnect from their work life and just enjoy the mountain lifestyle.
Chatel – Portes du Soleil
Famous for robust French style and culture, Chatel is a traditional alpine town which packs a whole lot into its stunning west facing centre. This village resort is 1 hour 15 minutes from Geneva airport making it very accessible for a weekend break. Being part of Portes du Soleil, means access to a whopping 650 km of groomed pistes across two countries, France and Switzerland, offering outstanding skiing for people of all abilities.
For those that take skiing to the extreme and enjoy showcasing their talent you can visit one of the many snow parks dotted around the area. In the summer Chatel opens itself up to a whole different audience of people, those looking to charge down the mountain and through the trees on their bikes and others out to enjoy the views on a gentle hike.
Our Sales Manager Andrew Scatchard had to comment “Having done my first ski season within Avoriaz, the town of Chatel is truly a special place for me – not only as a world class ski domain, but consistently rated in the top 10 mountain biking domains in the world” he goes on to add “one of the most exciting developments within our portfolio is Serenity – Centre of town”.
Our prices here start at:
- €382,000 for a 2 bedroom apartment
- €584,000 for a 3 bedroom apartment
- Or for something really special – a penthouse 4 bedroom apartment for €1,063,000
Chatel has significant tree covering, making it the perfect place for downhill rides with tracks placed in between the trees and jumps allowing people to showboat. For those less into cycling they can choose more relaxing activities such as taking part in some of cross-border hiking between France and Switzerland. In winter, if you’re wanting to take a break from skiing then you could look at trying out the Fantasticable, which is a two-part zip wire over Chatel Alps.
Combloux – Evasion Mont Blanc
“There are few places in the Alps as beautiful as the Evasion Mont Blanc”.
Laurent Hallez - Senior Sales Advisor
The town of Combloux sits perfectly within the Haute Savoie of the French Alps between the Chamonix Valley and Megeve. To the north lies the Massif des Aravis, while just across the valley is Megève. This village is a genuine Savoyard Mountain village still retaining many historic features – the onion top church is the centre of town is the quintessential architecture of an Alpine town.
Combloux is in the Evasion Mont Blanc ski area where you’ll find 445 km of groomed pistes to suit a range of abilities.. Combloux neighbours the famous ski village of Megeve, which is just as famous for its culinary delights as it is for skiing. Megeve boasts 89 restaurants, three of which are bestowed with three Michelin stars. Combloux offers brilliant skiing with the local terrain being surprisingly extensive and with picturesque views and a backdrop of Mont Blanc - it doesn’t get much prettier.
In the summer Combloux offers a whole host of activities to involve yourself in, like making the most of the mountains by hiking across the trails or mountain biking, or you could discover the amenities in the village by playing tennis or visiting the BMX pump track. In the winter Combloux also offers the chance to try out new activities rather than just skiing, for example carriage rides, descents on fat-bikes or cross-country skiing.
For an affordable entry point this stunning ski domain – we recommend Pure Mont Blanc, Central town development.
Prices start at €377,000 for a 3 bedroom unit.
Chamonix – Chamonix Valley
Chamonix is a vibrant town that is famous for both its world-class skiing and as a popular mountaineering destination. The valley reinvents itself every day and invites you to live your own adventure. Chamonix Valley has 120 km of groomed slopes to explore as well as all the off-piste sections in abundance. Chamonix is regarded as the best freeride ski resort in the world.
In the summer months kids and adults both have plenty of activities to pick from. There is pony/horse riding, golf or sightseeing for the people who want a relaxing time, but those who like to push their bodies to the edge you can have a go at the trail running, rock climbing or paragliding. In the winter there is the obvious choice of skiing but if you would like to experience something new then there's the option of the Luge Alpine Coaster, husky rides or ice climbing - if you are brave enough!
Flocon des Neiges – New Build Chalet Development
POA – Get in touch for further details.
With travel reopening and it is looking like the 2021/22 ski season is going to be on, then investing in a ski property with the proximity and ease of Geneva could be the best decision you ever make. Getting the right property is critical and if the shortest drive time from Geneva airport, with plenty to do in a year round town – your new apartment or Chalet could be in those resorts listed above.
You can discover more properties from Erna Low by using our Agent search facility, as well as registering for our property alerts to be sure you never miss the chance to buy your dream ski property.
Apr 15, 2024
