The Address Magazine No. 15

Page 82

Ski areas do not come much larger than the Portes du Soleil, a collection of 12 villages strung across the Alps between Mont Blanc and the southern shores of Lake Geneva. One of the main attractions is the charm of Portes du Soleil's authentic mountain villages, with their vibrant year-round lifestyle. Along with the village atmosphere, the Portes du Soleil's attractions include easy access from the international airport at Geneva – less than 90 minutes – and prices that represent good value in comparison to many other resorts, particularly with its 650 kilometres of skiing at the doorstep. Being the largest linked ski area in the world, the Portes du Soleil, or Gateway to the Sun, is enormous and has to be skied to be believed. Climbing from 1,000 metres to 2,466 metres, divided between France and Switzerland, its 195 lifts will take skiers up to the 11 snowparks, 243 kilometres of cross-country tracks and 650 kilometres of marked pistes that connect the resorts – all accessible with a single ski pass. Even though parts of the ski area sit at a moderate altitude, its northern situation (the most northerly in France) means that it often gets better snow than other French resorts that are much higher. This, along with the abundance of north-facing slopes, means the snow lasts well into May. Portes du Soleil may be famous for its alpine skiing, but the range of other activities is truly limitless. The resort offers various summer activities amid the stunning mountain scenery, including trekking, mountain biking, white water rafting, canyoning, fishing and golf. The Portes du Soleil has become renowned as the prime place for mountain bikers. Enjoy 650 kilometres of signposted tracks, ten permanent downhill runs, four bike parks and 24 ski lifts equipped for mountain biking. The proximity to Lake Geneva and the summer resorts of Evian and Annecy make the Portes du Soleil an excellent base. 82

Situated at the heart of the Portes du Soleil, Les Gets is a gorgeous village with traditional styled chalet buildings and beautiful scenery. Les Getois (the locals) retain a deep love for their Savoyard heritage, or patrimoine, making Les Gets a uniquely attractive place to visit, whatever the time of year. Offering some of the most splendid skiing in the region, plus being one of the more sought after resorts and ever popular in both the summer and winter seasons, Les Gets is frequently rated as one of the most charming and family-friendly Alpine towns. It offers fantastic skiing for children – the Territoire du Grand Cry is entirely reserved for children, featuring Wild West-themed ski slopes and boarder cross pistes. For those who are in the market for a ski chalet in the French Alps, Les Gets' beautiful setting with its year-round appeal and easy access is certainly a tempting investment proposition. Both as a family vacation home to enjoy for years to come, and as an investment with potential attractive returns, these elegant ski chalets provide everything the discerning home buyer could possibly want. The boutique development of just six luxury ski chalets combine elegant living with authentic mountain atmosphere. Built in a traditional style of stone and wood, the Alpine homes offer stylish accommodation and modern comfort. Gloriously elevated in the mountain landscape, the south-facing property enjoys stunning views over the domaine. Spacious private balconies will only add to the appeal of each mountain retreat. Traditional charm and character, combined with modern taste, and with interior decors made of wood, the ski property evokes a winter fairyland in the Alps. The generous living quarters will range from 59m² to 96m² and offer two or four bedrooms. Each ski residence will be tastefully decorated and equipped to a very high standard, with luxury amenities that include a fully fitted and

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