MGM news :

AS THE SKI SEASON COMES TO AN END,
MGM ANNOUNCES A LAST CHANCE TO BUY IN ITS ‘TRANSFORMED’ 
THREE VALLEYS RESORT


Now is the time to act to secure a ski property
before the next snow falls, which could be less than six months away

With only a handful of new ski apartments left to sell just 100 metres from the slopes and alongside a lift to the top of the runs in the French Alpine Three Valleys – the world’s biggest skiing area – the region’s leading developer says now is the time to act to secure one for the start of the next ski season.

“After last year’s early snow falls in late autumn, that could be less than six months away,” says Nathalie Turchet, London-based UK sales manager of Annecy-based MGM.

The firm’s pledge to replace ugly ’sixties- and ’seventies-built ski holiday accommodation blocks in Les Ménuires – which it regards as ‘blots on the stunning mountain landscape’ – has paid off with the news that all but 17 of the 78 apartments in its latest residence de tourisme in the resort have been sold.


Says Nathalie: “Our third traditionally-styled development in Les Menuires – Les Clarines, the four-star residence which last year won the Homes Overseas Best Ski Development Silver Award – has become a significant new architectural landmark in the resort we are transforming with the removal from the skyline of outdated ‘rabbit hutch’ apartment blocks.”


Developed in the wake of the successes of MGM’s earlier residential schemes in the town – Le Hameau des Airelles and Les Alpages de Reberty – Les Clarines replaces an old 300-bedroom hotel which stood on the site. The new four-star residence opened for business at the end of last year and CGH, the MGM Group’s specialist management company which runs it, reports that occupation of more than 80 per cent has been achieved for its first ski season.

“That is good news for investors who were attracted by MGM’s leaseback schemes,” says Nathalie.

They mean that the prices payable for the remaining properties start as low as €232,400 for a two-bedroom fully-furnished apartment with underground parking, cellar storage and a ski locker because the price is reduced by 30 per cent in respect of the waiver of VAT under the leaseback scheme and a further discount in lieu of rental income.

Alternatively buyers can opt to receive a guaranteed annual rental income but still gain a reduction of the price they pay though the waiver of VAT at 19.6 per cent.

Apartments in the new residence range in size from one-bedroom properties with floor areas of 39 sq m to four-bedroom, two-bathroom duplex homes of 110 sq m.  They have fully-fitted kitchens and bathrooms, fitted wardrobes in bedrooms, and pine finishes with tiled and parquet floors.

Many of the properties enjoy panoramic views of the La Masse mountains.

Owners and occupiers of the apartments at Les Clarines have access to private resort facilities including a heated pool, jacuzzi, sauna, gym and steam rooms. A range of body treatments and massages are available.

A selection of bars and cafes, as well as a ski shop and ski pass office, are located close to Les Clarines. Other shops, bars and restaurants are within easy reach, either on foot or by a gondola on the doorstep linking the residence with the town centre – La Croisette – where other new facilities include a cinema, municipal sports centre and a tennis club.
 
Says Nathalie: “The ambiance in Les Ménuires is vibrant; it is very popular with the French and, considering its prime location, the properties for sale represent excellent value.”

At 1,850 metres, the altitude of Les Ménuires helps to ensure a good snow conditions on its 600 km of pistes throughout a long season, typically early December to late April. In summer the ski lifts are used by walkers keen to trek through striking scenery and mountain bikers seeking long downhill rides.

The nearest airports are Chambery, 90 minutes away by car, and Geneva or Lyon, both two hours by road. Les Ménuires is 35 minutes by car from Moutiers train station which, in the winter months, is served by Eurostar snow trains direct from London St Pancras.