According to the Porte de Soleil newsletter issued this week, this year’s Pass’Portes bike fair is in Morzine!

This is what they have to say about it:

‘For 3 days, riders and bike fans can have a look and try out new bikes from more than 150 brands coming to the event.
With professional riders on hand to help and advise you from Scott, Specialized and Lapierre… you can do the ultimate MTB tests – totally free – and get to grips with the best bikes on offer from these top brands…’

 Across the board, very few have expressed concern.

The International Business Times felt that the election of socialist Hollande was unlikely to have much impact on the country’s property market.

The global property news service, Propertywire.com felt that the affect on the French property market would be minimal to zero because the new presidency would not impact on the actual buying process, France being consistently ranked as one of the most popular countries in the world to live. In fact they stated currency fluctuations as a more likely cause of change to the French property market, and one that was having a very positive impact. British buyers in particular were benefiting from the strength of Sterling against the Euro and the continued competitiveness of low cost French mortgages.

Knight Frank stated that even post-election, property buyers still view France as a safe haven. In relation to the movement of property prices John Stephenson was quoted as saying that
“set against the current backdrop of financial instability, the Eurozone’s debt crisis and the 2012 French presidential election I expect [french property] prices will remain largely static in 2012”

Charles Purdy, the managing director of Smart Currency Exchange felt that with Sterling continuing to hold above the €1.20/£1 level the interest in buying in France would be unrelenting.

And French developer MGM went on the record to say that more British people than ever were looking to buy French property, specifically in the French Alps. MGM has already sold all but 18 of the 70 apartments in its newest development in the Haute Savoie, mostly to international buyers.

The International Business Times stated that
‘It is important that overseas buyers remember that this election was simply a vote for the French Presidency not the government so there will be no particular implication on the real estate market. It is business as normal,’

The BBC agreed, its commentators feeling that the only thing likely to go down in France was the new president’s popularity when his voters and supporters realise he’s unlikely to deliver on many of his pre-election promises.

As always it seems French property, specifically Alpine, Provencal and Parisian are maintaining stable prices and have a continuous stream of new buyers.

One of the oldest buildings in the Megeve valley has just come onto the sales market – and we don’t think it will be around for long.

This 17th century farmhouse encapsulates historic alpine architecture and modern grand-design finishes with views to wrestle a snow panther for.

With 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms this really is a ‘luxury’ chalet. The large open-plan living area offers exquisite views of the Mont Blanc range. The chalet offers treats such as a sauna, a TV / games room, off street parking and top quality finishes in all the bathrooms and kitchen. And that’s before you step outside onto the sun terrace, to have a hot tub, before wandering around your 2000m2 garden.

Located just a few minutes’ drive from the Princess lift linking you to the popular ski area of the Evasion Mont Blanc this chalet leaves you wanting for nothing.

For more information please contact info@alpineangels.net.

*it is possible to ski down to the chalet off piste, in good conditions from the Princess lift (Good skiers only).

The main towns that service this fabulous ski area are; St Gervais, Les Contamines and Megeve.

Skiing in the Evasion area is perfect for a family ski holiday, with a great variety of pistes, and some lovely family run mountain restaurants. There is something for everyone, from steep runs off the top of Mont Joli, to gentle rolling green and blue pistes.

So I would like to take you on a little tour of the main villages that give acces to this fabulous area.

Firstly to St Gervais les Bains, …. Nestled under the western flanks of Mont Blanc, the village of St Gervais is a lesser known neighbour to Chamonix. Dominated by the appropriately named ‘Mont Joli’, and the famous Domes de Miage, the quaint market town of St Gervais has a certain charm.

As its full name suggests, natural spring waters have irrigated the spa here for more than 200 years, and the hydrotherapeutic properties of the water class Saint-Gervais as the only alpine spa resort in the Alps and one of only 10 spa towns in France.

The 19th Century spa architecture of the village gives it an unusual antique-chic atmosphere.

St Gervais is also home to the Mont-Blanc Tramway, one of the oldest rack and pinion railways in the country, which climbs to an altitude of 2372m on Mont Blanc.

The St Gervais market is held every Thursday, and there is still very much evidence of local history and tradition, something which the locals are still immensely proud of. www.saintgervais.com

Next, we drive up the valley for 10 minutes to the village of Les Contamines. Located on the world famous trekking route the ‘Tour du Mont Blanc’, Les Contamines is a popular destination for summer walking, and climbing, as well as winter skiing.

Due to its proximity to Mont Blanc, once the snow falls in Les Contamines at the beginning of the winter it tends to keep it very well. The skiing is very friendly, with some lovely pistes, and plenty of scope for easily accessed off piste for the more adventurous. Les Contamines also has some brilliant ski de fond (X-country ski) tracks which are well maintained, and have been home to a number of French champions over the years.

Again, with a traditional local market every Tuesday, the village has a very local, traditional feel, and if you meet any locals they are extremely proud of their tradition and farming roots, something which most visitors to the village find endearing and as such the village still has rustic charm despite its evolution into a better known ski destination.  www.lescontamines.com

Finally, on to Megeve, the beautiful village of Megeve, has long been the favourite if the bourgeois French from Paris & Lyon, and has over the years become increasingly popular with all nationalities, its website in 9 languages bearing testament to that. A bustling year round town with its Schwarovski Christmas tree, the Grand Odyssey husky sled race, and snow polo championships amongst the many events and activities, Megeve oozes glamour and decadence.

“Les Fermes de Marie – Megeve”

The pedestrian main street and square is host to some of France’s finest restaurants and window shopping is as good as it gets. The skiing, in the Evasion area, is fabulous with stunning views over Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks.    www.megeve.com

They say that the best things in life come to those who wait, and the residents of Morzine have been the most patient people on earth. After years of planning, millions of euros of investment, several unconfirmed and constantly changing opening dates, Morzine’s new indoor swimming pool is finally open for business.

The new pool is located on the same site as Morzine’s Olympic sized outdoor pool just after the Palais du Sport. The main swimming pool is 25m x 15m and there is also a 125 square meter learners pool, a 50 square meter baby pool, a hydro fitness area, 3 saunas and 2 hammams! There is also a restaurant on site – a La Piscine – which serves Continental and full English breakfasts from 9.30am as well as a lunch menu and the option of an evening meal on Wednesdays, when the complex is open late.

Rather impressively the new complex has been sustainably constructed with a grass roof and the pool heated by the town’s wood fired generators.

The centre is open every week day from 12:30 until 19:45 with a late close on Wednesdays and from 14:00 ‘til 19:45 on Saturdays and Sundays. The town hall has suggested that these hours may extend to include a morning swimming session.  Entry prices are: €7 for adults (€14 to include the saunas and hammam) and €5 for children.

But have the impressive new facilities been well received? One Morzine resident told Alpine Angels,

“One of the best things in life is to be able to swim in the warmth whilst watching others enjoying the mountains, such wonderful views, bliss!”

And a visiting tourist confirmed that,
“After a hard days skiing it was wonderful to be able to stretch out in the pool and then relax in the sauna, great cafe too!”

So it really was worth the wait. Hopefully we won’t have to wait as long for those morning opening hours!

Morzine was the original and remains the best mountain biking (MTB/VTT) area based in a winter ski resort. Its popularity with the MTB and wider cycling community has increased year on year, aided and abetted by the stunning alpine scenery and world class trails. The variety of terrain ensures that everyone from beginners to expert and pro-level downhill and freeride riders, can get many days riding on triais suited to their preferences and ability level. So whether you enjoy a leisurely cycle around some of the lower level trails encircling the village and surrounding valley, or a day’s “X-treme” superlative filled downhill mountain biking action, Avoriaz definitely has something to suit all tastes. One thing is certain; after a week’s holiday here everyone leaves a considerably better rider than when they arrived!
Have you ever aspired to test yourself on the same climbs as those on which the professional Tour de France riders earn their living? Opting for Morzine as a base in the Alps will allow you to do just that. Morzine, when it is not being the best known resort at the heart of the famous Portes du Soleil ski area, is perhaps better known as “the” summer destination for the mountain bike fraternity. Less well known is the fact it is perfect for the road rider wishing to experience the challenge of conquering endless Alpine hairpin ascents and the corresponding vertiginous high speed descents. Morzine is located in the Haute Savoie region of France where geology has blessed it with exactly the type of topography made famous by the world’s biggest sporting event.

Les Gets Chalet – 499,000 (3954)
In a hamlet just outside the eternally popular Les Gets this three bedroom chalet offers a quiet, sunny location with beautiful open views. Built in 1975 it is in need of some updating giving you the chance to stamp a little of your own personality on the property.

Fancy a little Megeve project? – 495,000 (4255)
Close to Megeve this Demi-Ferme is in need of complete renovation. The property has over 330m2 of surface area and a South/Easterly orientation. It is set in 770m2 of land. That’s a lot to play with.

How about starting from scratch? Land for sale in Les Gets – 475,000 (3908)
There is a plot of sunny, open land for sale in Les Gets on the Chavannes road. It is very close to both the ski slopes and the wonderful Les Gets golf course, so if you do decide to build a chalet here you will be able to enjoy all that Les Gets has to offer. In 2009 the land got a “certificat d’urbanisme” (outline planning permission for the construction of a chalet).

Got a little extra in your purse? – St Gervais Extended Chalet – 515,000 (4441)
This 4 bedroom chalet on the edge of St Gervais was extended 2006. With 4 bedrooms, a beautiful garden and a location to ski race for it is well worth that little bit extra over budget. Property investment doesn’t come much more solid than St Gervais.

And coming in well under budget … Les Houches … 450,000 (4374)
Want to keep some change in your pocket. How about this traditional chalet in the highly desirable Les Houches? The chalet itself is a relatively new build in traditional Savoyard style so you have the benefits of new in the style of old.

These are just a small selection of the alpine properties on the market. Get in touch and we can create your very own list of budget specific properties
+44 (0)1225 442128
info@AlpineAngels.net

4013
For 350,000 euros this part-renovated farmhouse comes on a large plot of land in a sunny hamlet called Saint Jean d’Aulps. A traditional Savoyard farmhouse with a renovated 2 bedroom apartment and a huge hay loft with the potential to renovate more than doubling the size of the accommodation. In fact planning permission has already been granted for the creation of 5 double bedrooms and a double height living area in the hay loft. Let your farmhouse grow with you!

3398
Room with a view? You will never tire of the views from this wonderful farmhouse situated close to Morzine & Avoriaz. Dating back to the early 1800’s the interior brims with original features while offering luxury and comfort at altitude. In this tranquil position the farmhouse has clear views of the mountains towards Avoriaz and offers 4 large bedrooms, open-plan dining room with log burning fire, off street parking, en-suite bathrooms and a large barn above the living area that could, subject to planning permission, double the living space.

4437
Got the urge to renovate? For a mere 260,000 this farmhouse could be for you. Situated in the heart of the charming village of La Baume near Saint Jean d’Aulps this two storey farmhouse is right in the heart of the village standing on a sizeable, constructible plot of land of (1000 m²). It has two storeys, cellars and a 120m² hayloft – a great opportunity for renovation. It is also possible to build smaller property in the garden subject to relevant permissions.

Not convinced yet? Here are three more of our favourite farmhouses to tempt. For more information or to speak to someone about alpine property in general do get in touch.
+44 (0)1225 442128  info@AlpineAngels.net

RENOVATED FARM NEAR MORZINE – 295,000

PART-RENOVATED FARM IN LA BAUME – 350,000

traditional Savoyard farmhouse with additional renovation potential. Chez Joseph

The 80km circuit includes 15 lifts and you can start from any of the 9 French and Swiss resorts within the area. There are alternative routes for those who want the added challenge of cycling up hill. And you can chose to do all or part of the itinerary.

Registration costs 45 euros for one day for anyone aged 15 and over. The price includes access to the lifts, refreshments en route, an itinerary and a voucher for a lift pass for use in summer or winter. There is a special route for children aged between 9 and 14, the ‘Pass’Portes Kids’. They start out from Morzine and are accompanied by instructors.

Manufacturers will be showcasing new equipment at the Pass’Portes bike show in Morzine. Mountain biking enthusiasts can trial new bikes and discover the latest kit. Demonstrations by professional mountain bikers follow.

Places are limited and you are advised to sign up quickly – last year 2,000 people registered in the space of one hour! There are 6,000 places available this year, over three days.

Kate Scott who represents Alpine Angels in St Gervais and Megeve provides a guide on non-skiing activities in the mountains.

For many years, for us non-Continentals, the Alps has been the play ground reserved for die hard skiers and snowboarders and those of us who don’t ski at all, have left it too late to learn or have given it a go but really not enjoyed it, have been left at home to wonder what all the fuss is about. Well, nowadays there are plenty of alternative activities which allow you to get out and enjoy the great outdoors without strapping two big planks to your feet and pointing them down a precipice.

Have you ever tried Snow-shoeing?

By strapping an ‘oversized’ sole onto the outside of your walking boots, you spread your weight over a larger surface area, and are then able to walk in the snow without sinking up to your ears. Originally these were made from wood and string, and were rather heavy and cumbersome to use, but thanks to plastic technology the modern snowshoe is shaped to make the walking easy, with minimum weight on your feet.

Once strapped into your Snowshoes you can go anywhere, … be it low level undulating forest walks, looking for animal tracks and traces, or catch the cable car up the mountain with your ski friends, whilst they go off for a ski, you can go for a lovely walk and enjoy the stunning distant views, and then join them for lunch on the mountain. One of the great beauties of snowshoeing is that you really can go anywhere and get away from the crowds.

Being the fastest growing winter sport in France, you can now hire snowshoes from many of the sports shops in the Alps, and most resorts will have guides (Accompagnateurs in French, or International Mountain Leaders) who will take you out safely and choose an appropriate route depending on your fitness, desires and the snow conditions.

What about cross country skiing?

Cross country skiing (known in French as ‘ski de fond’) is worlds apart from the down hill world of lifts and pistes. This is generally on flat or undulating terrain, and most resorts have a pre-cut and pisted cross country ski area. There are two types of cross country skiing, one being the ‘classic’ cross country where your skis slide along in pre cut tracks and one being ‘skating’ where the technique is more akin to ice skating.

If you’ve never tried either but fancy giving it a go, you will probably want to start with the ‘classic’ style. On these classic skis there is a ‘fish scale area’ on the underside of the skis below the feet, and the tip and tail of the skis are smooth. The idea being that as you walk when you un-weight your ski you slide along on the smooth bits, then when you put your foot down it grips on the fish scale area and you use this to grip and push yourself forward onto the next step.

The skating technique takes a bit of getting used to, but if you like a challenge, why not give it a go. The skis are thinner than Alpine skis and your boots softer with an ankle cuff. With each step you push off the side of one ski and glide onto the base of the other, rather like ice skating. This feels very wobbly the first time you try but its amazing how you can improve in a very short space of time.

The great thing about cross country skiing is that its do-able by all levels and abilities, be it high level competition, or a more leisurely walking pace, and as a general rule, most folk that you meet on the ski de fond piste are genuinely pleased to see you and help you if you need some pointers with your equipment or technique. Being largely on flat or undulating terrain, you can control your speed to suit your level, and don’t have the intimidation of the big, steep mountains. Many resorts, such as Les Houches and Morzine, have ‘ski de fond’ tracks up high on the mountain, on flat areas, so you get to cross country ski with great views, and other resorts such as Chamonix and Les Contamines, have tracks in the valley floor where you are sheltered in the forest, away from the main ski areas.

Any areas where there is a ‘ski de fond’ track will have a ‘foyer de fond’, which is where you can buy your ticket, which is a fraction of the price of a normal lift ticket and covers the cost of the piste bashing and maintenance of the trails, and also you will be able to find an instructor to set you going.

So if you have friends or family who say they can’t join your skiing holiday, because they can’t ski, don’t let them miss out on the beauty of the mountains in winter, just suggest they try an alternative activity.

Below are some links that you may find helpful

www.tracks-and-trails.com, Chamonix area

www.british-snowshoe-tours.com – Chamonix area

www.thesnowshoecompany.com – Morzine, Les Gets & Samoens area

kate@alpinefootprints.com – St Gervais, Les Contamines, & Megeve.