Welcome to the Alpine Property Podcast with your hosts, Steve Thomas and Lesley Thomas. We are the husband and wife team behind Alpine Property Investments, helping clients to find that dream property in the mountains of France and Switzerland. The aim of this podcast is to share with you everything to do with purchasing a ski property, including the where, what, why and how to buy, with real insider information that comes from knowing the mountains as intimately as we do.
Part 2 of Steve Thomas's September road trip along the Route des Grandes Alpes, from the Cormet de Roselend and the Tarentaise over the Col de l'Iseran to Bonneval-sur-Arc and Bessans in the Haute Maurienne. The route then runs via Valloire and the Col du Galibier to Briançon, the Clarée Valley, the Col d'Izoard and Saint-Véran in the Queyras, as the larch forests turn gold. Steve ends with practical tips on mountain pass conditions and the inter-season for anyone planning the drive.
Part 1 of Steve Thomas's 10–14 day September road trip along the Route des Grandes Alpes, starting at Thonon-les-Bains and Yvoire on Lake Geneva and heading through the Chablais to Abondance. He passes Châtel, Morzine and Les Gets in the Portes du Soleil, crosses the Col de la Colombière to Le Grand-Bornand and La Clusaz and ends at Beaufort and the Roselend reservoir. A good listen for anyone planning an autumn drive in the Alps or looking for a second-home area, with advice on when the high passes are open.
Lesley Thomas explains what happens after you decide to buy in the French Alps and the network of professionals Alpine Property Investments has built over more than 20 years. She covers mortgages for non-resident buyers, currency exchange and forward contracts, notaires, cross-border tax advice, renovations and property management. Useful for anyone who wants to know what support is available from offer to ownership.
Steve Thomas looks at Tignes in the Tarentaise as a four-season second home at altitude, from the resort's history to its five villages: Tignes-les-Brévières, Tignes 1800, Le Lavachet, Tignes-le-Lac and Val Claret. He covers summer around the lake, golf, biking and the Vanoise National Park, winter skiing in the area shared with Val d'Isère and getting there via Bourg-Saint-Maurice. He also discusses the Tignes property market, including new-build and resale apartments and which village suits which buyer.
Which French Alps resorts work best as a family second home for summer as well as winter, with the “coolcation” trend in mind. Steve Thomas compares Morzine, Les Gets and Châtel in the Portes du Soleil, Chamonix and Megève, Tignes and Val d'Isère, Méribel and Courchevel, Les Deux Alpes and Alpe d'Huez, Samoëns and St Sorlin d'Arves. He covers transfer times, activities for children and teenagers and year-round use.
Steve and Lesley Thomas take listeners on one of their family work trips to the French Alps, mixing property viewings and meetings with new restaurants and resort visits. They explain why seeing resorts first-hand through the seasons matters when advising buyers and share what they are seeing in the Alpine property market. A behind-the-scenes look at how the business works, with a drive through St Sorlin d'Arves.
Lesley Thomas talks to Helen Keast, who bought an apartment in Les Sybelles in 2024 after discovering the area through the podcast. Helen explains why she chose Les Sybelles, how her off-plan purchase went from viewing to ownership in about three months and why she now travels by Eurostar and TGV to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. She also shares her favourite restaurants and what the area offers in summer, so it's useful for anyone weighing up a first Alpine purchase.
Steve Thomas explores Courchevel in the Three Valleys as it marks 80 years, from its 1940s origins as a purpose-built resort that pioneered ski-in ski-out living to its four villages: Le Praz, Courchevel Village, Moriond and 1850. He covers the skiing, summer activities, dining and access via Moûtiers and the altiport. He also explains how the property on offer differs from village to village, for anyone considering Courchevel.
Lesley Thomas talks to client Adam Day about buying a renovated chalet in St Sorlin d'Arves in the Les Sybelles ski area. Adam explains how a search for an apartment across France, Italy and Austria led to a derelict chalet with potential, how the French legal process and digital signing worked and what setting up utilities, taxes and management involved. A frank account for anyone considering a dual-season village with an authentic feel.
The last of a three-part series in which Steve and Lesley Thomas help listeners match a resort to their priorities: spring skiing and snow-sure altitudes, resorts with climbing, paragliding, casinos or thermal spas, plus places that suit remote working. They look at alternatives when Val d'Isère, Courchevel, Méribel or Megève are out of reach, including satellite villages, the Maurienne Valley and Les Sybelles. They also talk through how infrastructure and limited supply affect a resort over the long term.
Lesley Thomas sets out ten questions to ask yourself before buying a property in the French Alps. They cover why you are buying, how your use may change over time, choosing a resort that fits, a realistic budget that includes all the costs, the French legal framework, how hands-on you want to be and resale. Useful for first-time buyers and anyone wanting clarity before they start viewing.
Part 2 of the series on choosing the right resort, with Steve and Lesley Thomas focusing on second homes used all year. They look at resorts that combine good skiing with road cycling on Tour de France climbs. Steve also explains how the new high-speed rail link through Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne is set to improve access to the Maurienne Valley, for buyers who want a dual-season property.
Steve and Lesley Thomas start the 20th year of Alpine Property Investments with Part 1 of a series on choosing the right French Alps resort. Steve covers why international buyers choose France, including freehold ownership and reclaiming VAT on new builds, then answers common questions: the highest resorts and longest seasons, the biggest ski areas, quick weekend resorts, après-ski, the prettiest villages, off-piste and resorts for mixed-ability families. Ideal for buyers who feel overwhelmed by the choice of resorts.
Steve and Lesley Thomas talk to client Richard Kenee from Essex about buying an apartment in La Toussuire in Les Sybelles, after years of skiing in the US, Japan, Canada and Europe. Richard explains why he looked beyond the Three Valleys and Paradiski, how quickly the purchase moved from viewing to completion and what owning in La Toussuire is like in winter and summer. Helpful for UK buyers looking for a ski-in ski-out village resort that is easy to reach.
Steve Thomas opens the winter series with a safety guide for skiers of all levels. He explains piste colours and ski map symbols, the different types of lift, the International Ski Federation's ten rules for the slopes and what to do in an emergency, including calling 112. Essential listening for beginners and families before a ski holiday.
With the ski season approaching, Steve Thomas explains how to get fit for skiing at home, without a gym. He covers strength, core, stamina and flexibility exercises that help avoid tired legs on day one and reduce the risk of injury, plus warming up once you are on the slopes. For owners, regular visitors and first-timers alike.
Lesley Thomas talks to Steve Thomas about how his own love of the Alps led to Alpine Property Investments and what he is seeing in the French Alps property market. They discuss how cycling and summer use now shape buying decisions, why buying a new build off plan in France is a regulated, straightforward process and why it helps to narrow down what you want before visiting resorts. A good starting point for first-time buyers.
Steve Thomas gives ten reasons to visit the French Alps in August, from the health benefits of altitude and cooler weather to cycling, hiking, golf, climbing and the lakes and rivers. He explains why summer is a good time for second-home buyers to view properties and see resorts at their best. For anyone planning a summer trip or a viewing visit.
Steve Thomas looks at the health benefits of time at altitude, from clean air and better sleep to vitamin D and the effects on blood cells, heart health and metabolism. He also suggests which French Alps resorts suit different altitude preferences, from around 600 m to over 2,300 m. For anyone thinking about a healthier lifestyle in the mountains.
A guide to road cycling in the French Alps as the Tour de France gets under way. Steve Thomas covers training, kit, weather, guided versus independent riding, how e-bikes open the passes to more riders and the great climbs: the Croix de Fer, Galibier, Madeleine, Col de la Loze and Alpe d'Huez. He also suggests resort bases for cyclists who ski, including Bourg d'Oisans, St Sorlin d'Arves, Morzine, Châtel and Samoëns.
Steve and Lesley Thomas explain why Easter can be one of the best times to ski in the French Alps, with longer days, warmer weather and fewer crowds. They name high-altitude resorts that keep their pistes in good condition into spring, including Val d'Isère, Tignes, Val Thorens, Les Deux Alpes, Les Arcs, La Plagne, La Toussuire and St Sorlin d'Arves. For families and anyone planning a late-season trip.
Steve Thomas picks the French Alps resorts with the quickest transfers for weekend skiing. From Geneva he names Megève, Chamonix, Morzine, Les Gets and Saint-Gervais; from Chambéry, La Toussuire, Méribel, Courchevel and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville; and from Grenoble, Alpe d'Huez, Vaujany and Oz 3300. Useful for weekend skiers and buyers who want a property they can reach quickly.
Steve Thomas sets out ten reasons people buy property in a French Alps resort. They include four-season appeal, health and wellbeing, remote working, a choice of property from new-build chalets to traditional farmhouses, food and culture, easy access from the UK and Europe, family time and the resale market. For anyone weighing up whether a home in the mountains is right for them.
Edwin van den Akker from the Netherlands talks about buying a ski-in ski-out home in La Toussuire in Les Sybelles. He explains why he chose La Toussuire over other European ski destinations, how he handled the French legal steps, financing and language as a Dutch buyer and what his first winter in the property was like. He also touches on how the planned high-speed train will improve access to Les Sybelles.
Lesley Thomas interviews Steve Thomas for the podcast's 50th episode, looking back at how the show started and what drew Steve to Alpine property. They talk about helping clients find homes in the Alps, common misconceptions about owning there and the growing interest in good-value areas such as Les Sybelles. They also look ahead to the next 50 episodes.
Steve Thomas explores Oz en Oisans (Oz 3300), a dual-season village in the Alpe d'Huez ski area. He covers skiing for all levels, with more than half of its pistes suited to beginners, its après-ski and restaurants, summer biking, hiking and water sports and the village's property market. For families and anyone looking for good value in a quieter resort.
Steve Thomas explains why a ski-in ski-out property is such a sought-after purchase, from doorstep access to the slopes and mountain views to the convenience for families of being near beginner areas and ski schools. He also looks at ski-in ski-out properties that were for sale at the time of recording. For buyers deciding how much ski access matters to them.
Steve Thomas revisits the process of buying a ski property in the French Alps, for both resale and new-build homes. He covers the role of the notaire, French mortgages for EU and non-EU buyers, currency exchange and when the 20% VAT on a new build can be reclaimed. Useful for anyone about to start the legal side of a purchase.
Steve Thomas explores Châtel, a dual-season village in the Portes du Soleil and the UNESCO Chablais Geopark, a short drive from Geneva airport and close to the Swiss border. He covers the skiing, mountain biking and water activities, the village's chalet architecture and community feel and its property market. For families and anyone wanting a resort for winter and summer.
Why autumn is a special time in the French Alps, with autumn colours, wildlife and quiet trails. The episode covers hiking, cycling, golf, horse riding, climbing and mushroom foraging. It also explains why the low season means cheaper flights and accommodation for a weekend break or remote working.
An introduction to mountain biking in the French Alps, from cross-country to downhill. The episode covers the best-known areas, including the Portes du Soleil, Morzine, Chamonix, Alpe d'Huez and Les Arcs, plus quieter spots such as the Serre Chevalier valley with its bike parks and trails. For riders of all levels planning a summer trip.
What makes a resort work all year round in the French and Swiss Alps, beyond the winter and summer seasons. The episode looks at local employment, infrastructure, schools including international education, shops and restaurants that stay open and activities across the seasons. For buyers who want to use a property throughout the year or live in the mountains.
Les Deux Alpes, a high-altitude ski resort with a strong summer offer. The episode covers its skiing, mountain biking, hiking, climbing and white-water activities, access from several airports and by high-speed train to Grenoble. It also looks at the property for sale at the time, from chalets to new off-plan homes, for second-home buyers who want winter and summer use.
Steve Thomas looks ahead to summer in the Alps and the festivals, events and races that fill the calendar. They range from the Tour de France, the Mountain of Hell bike race and the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc to the Cosmo Jazz Festival in Chamonix, the Verbier Festival and the Montreux Jazz Festival, plus local markets and Châtel's cheese festival. For anyone planning a summer visit.
Steve Thomas picks ten of the best French Alps resorts for beginners and explains what makes a resort right for learning. He covers suitable terrain, ski schools, equipment hire, accessibility and how timing affects snow conditions and quieter slopes. For first-time skiers and families with beginners.
Les Arcs 1950 and the Paradiski ski area, recorded as both celebrated their 20th birthdays. The episode covers the history of the traffic-free, ski-in ski-out village, the Paradiski domain with 70% of its skiing above 2,000 m and summer hiking, mountain biking and golf. For families and second-home buyers considering Les Arcs.
Lesley Thomas talks to Marie Gonnon about her family's purchase of an apartment in St Sorlin d'Arves. Marie explains what drew them to the village, how the buying process went and how they use the apartment for skiing in winter, cycling and hiking in summer and remote working. For families considering a village resort in Les Sybelles.
Steve Thomas revisits the advantages of Easter skiing, with quieter slopes, shorter lift queues, longer days and warmer, sunnier weather. He suggests destinations in the French and Swiss Alps with good spring snow and explains why altitude isn't the only factor. For families planning an Easter ski trip.
Steve Thomas explores Serre Chevalier in the southern French Alps near the Italian border, with its 250 km ski area, mainly north-facing slopes and around 300 days of sunshine a year. He covers tree-lined runs, the spa villages, winter and summer activities and property in the valley, where new building is limited. For skiers looking for a less well-known resort with a real French feel.
The legal steps of buying property in the French Alps revisited: the reservation contract, the deposit, the cooling-off period and the role of the notaire, including appointing your own. The episode also covers notaire and mortgage registration fees, exchange rates, reclaiming VAT and why the right support matters. For buyers who want to understand the process before they commit.
Tips and French resort ideas for the February half-term ski trip. The episode covers booking accommodation, equipment and passes, studying the piste map in advance, the right clothing, early starts for quieter slopes and choosing a resort to suit your family. For families heading to the Alps at half-term.
Steve Thomas reports to Lesley on a four-day property trip around the French Alps in January 2024. He explains why seeing resorts first-hand matters, how to plan a focused viewing trip and how mountain weather can change plans, with tips on travel and car hire. For buyers planning their own viewing trip.
Steve Thomas looks at what makes a great ski run and picks ten well-known French Alps pistes, from wide open runs with views to steep blacks. They include the endurance challenge of La Sarenne and the formidable Le Tunnel. For skiers of all levels looking for runs to try.
Les Sybelles, the fourth-largest linked ski area in France with 310 km of skiing, recorded as it celebrated its 20th anniversary. The episode covers its history, lift upgrades and plans, its approach to sustainability, lower lift prices and new-build and ski-in ski-out property in the area. For skiers and buyers looking for value away from the best-known names.
Lesley Thomas goes through the questions to ask when buying a second home in the French or Swiss Alps. She covers choosing a location that suits your lifestyle and skiing, setting a budget that includes maintenance, taxes and renovation and understanding local rules with professional help. For anyone at the start of a property search.
Steve Thomas returns to Haute Nendaz in the Swiss Alps, where the idea for Alpine Property Investments began on a 2005 ski trip. He covers skiing in the Four Valleys, summer hiking and biking and the property market, including the rules for non-Swiss buyers. For anyone considering a Swiss ski property as well as a French one.
Client Kirsten Scully, a photographer and filmmaker based in Spain, talks about buying a home in Champagny en Vanoise in the Paradiski ski area. She explains what drew her to the village, how the purchase went and what she has enjoyed since moving in, as well as her company Round Square Adventures and its fat bike tours of Mongolia. For buyers wanting a pretty all-year village with access to a big ski area.
Steve Thomas explores Vaujany, a dual-season village in the Alpe d'Huez ski area with a 1,000-year-old church, narrow streets and modern facilities. He covers its 250 km of slopes and summer activities from cycling and mountain biking to kayaking. He also looks at the new chalets for sale there at the time of recording, for buyers wanting a traditional village with big-area skiing.
Steve Thomas picks the best places to celebrate New Year's Eve in the French Alps, from the big parties in Tignes and Val d'Isère to Méribel and Chamonix. He covers fireworks, live DJs and street entertainment, plus restaurants and après-ski venues to carry on the night. For anyone planning a festive ski trip.
Where to ski early in the season in the French Alps. Steve Thomas explains why high-altitude and glacier resorts such as Val Thorens and Tignes are usually first to open, how Les Deux Alpes and Alpe d'Huez run pre-opening weekends and why Chamrousse and La Clusaz suit early December. For skiers wanting turns before the festive rush.
Christmas in a French Alps ski resort: Christmas markets, decorated villages and the best chance of snow in high resorts such as Val d'Isère and Tignes. The episode covers celebrating on both the 24th and 25th, skiing on Christmas morning, traditional Savoie food and why the Alps make for a less stressful Christmas. For families planning a festive trip.
The Maurienne Valley and La Toussuire, in Les Sybelles, the fourth-largest connected ski area in the French Alps. The episode covers skiing for all levels and activities for families, including ice skating, hiking and snowmobiling. For families looking for a resort with big-area skiing.
Samoëns in the Grand Massif, a historic village with views of Mont Blanc, about an hour from Geneva airport. The episode covers mountain biking, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and summer at the nearby lakes. It also looks at a new apartment development a short walk from the village centre, for buyers looking for a year-round village close to Geneva.
Part 2 of Steve's four-day trip to the French Alps in July 2023, covering St Martin de Belleville and its surrounding hamlets in the Three Valleys and Praz sur Arly, close to Megève and Geneva airport. He looks at the property market and new developments seen on the trip. For buyers interested in traditional villages near big ski areas.
Steve and Lesley Thomas review Part 1 of Steve's four-day French Alps trip in July 2023. Steve describes his first visit to Val Thorens, why Courchevel 1850 now has a diverse mix of owners, the traditional village of Les Allues below Méribel and why many properties in Courchevel and Méribel sell off-market. For buyers looking at the Three Valleys.
Client Wouter Foolen talks about the ski apartment he bought in Valmeinier 1800 in 2021, in the Galibier-Thabor ski area that includes Valloire. He describes how he uses it in spring, summer and autumn as well as winter, what the resort offers all year and his advice on buying abroad with the right support. For buyers considering Valmeinier and the Maurienne.
Ten summer activities for families in the French Alps, from exploring lakeside towns and Grenoble to cable car rides such as the Aiguille du Midi. The episode also covers via ferrata, paddleboarding, sailing and fishing on Alpine lakes, hiking, mountain biking and road cycling. For families planning a summer holiday in the mountains.
Golf in the French and Swiss Alps, from championship courses to nine-hole mountain courses with views of Mont Blanc. The episode mentions the Severiano Ballesteros championship course, a Jack Nicklaus course described as the most beautiful nine-hole course in Switzerland and courses near Geneva airport. For golfers and second-home buyers who want a resort with a course.
Chamrousse near Grenoble and its plans to become a four-season “smart” resort. The episode covers its history and Olympic slopes, 90 km of pistes across four villages, night skiing, snow tubing and ice diving, summer activities and plans for remote-working space and a cable car link to Grenoble. For buyers looking for a resort close to Grenoble, Lyon and the TGV.
Steve Thomas closes the first winter series with the case for Easter skiing: fewer crowds, longer and sunnier days, warmer weather and lower prices for lift passes, hire, flights and transfers. He explains why areas with their own microclimate, such as the Grand Massif, can stay snow-sure into spring, which also matters when buying a ski property. For families planning a spring trip.
Steve Thomas returns to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains in Haute-Savoie, a four-season spa and ski resort near the Swiss and Italian borders. He covers its thermal baths dating from 1807, the Mont Blanc Tramway, the lively town centre and the family facilities behind its Famille Plus label. For families and buyers wanting a year-round town with skiing.
Client Matt Murphy, a former Army officer from Salisbury Plain, talks about buying his ski apartment in St Sorlin d'Arves. He describes the village's authentic character and year-round community spirit and how good transport links make it an easy base for exploring other resorts. For buyers considering a traditional village in Les Sybelles.
Practical tips for owners planning to let their Alpine property. The episode compares using a rental agency with managing bookings yourself and suggests ways to make your property stand out. For new owners deciding how to handle rentals.
The podcast's first guest, Jules Radford, talks about buying his ski apartment in Vaujany. He explains why Vaujany suits families, with its link to a big ski area, ice rink, pool, spa and tennis courts, what non-skiers can do and his advice to find someone who knows the resorts and understands your needs. For families considering a village resort.
Ski-in ski-out apartments, with a look at Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe in the Espace Diamant ski area and La Plagne in Paradiski. Steve Thomas also answers a question he is often asked: when you can reclaim the 20% French VAT on a new-build property. For buyers comparing ski-in ski-out options.
The pros and cons of viewing and buying property in the Alps by live video call, a method that grew during the Covid lockdowns. The episode covers the apps most often used and asks whether a video viewing is enough or an in-person visit is still essential. For overseas buyers who can't easily travel to viewings.
What the French and Swiss Alps offer non-skiers in winter, from winter hikes, scenic drives, snowshoeing and ice skating to spas, local food and après-ski. The episode also tours some of the region's most charming mountain villages. For mixed groups and anyone who doesn't ski.
A guide to the 3 Valleys, the largest lift-linked ski area in the world. The episode reviews its famous resorts and smaller villages, season opening times, transfers, lifts and snow reliability. For skiers and buyers deciding whether the 3 Valleys is right for them.
Should you rent or buy your ski equipment? The episode weighs up the cost and flexibility of hiring, especially for occasional skiers and beginners, against the long-term savings and convenience of owning your own. For anyone preparing for their next ski trip.
How to choose the right ski resort for your family, balancing ski terrain, amenities, location, cost and size. Aimed at families planning their first ski trip as well as those looking to buy a ski property in the mountains.
The legal side of buying property in the French Alps: the buying process, the role of the notaire, contracts and signing, costs and fees and how your interests are protected. It also introduces French mortgages. For first-time buyers in France.
The factors to weigh up when deciding where to buy in the French or Swiss Alps: location, budget, amenities and whether you want to be close to the slopes or a summer retreat. The episode also looks at the character of different regions and towns. For buyers starting to narrow down a resort.
What to look for in an Alpine property: the two main options, ski chalets and apartments, plus the pros and cons of resale versus new build. For first-time buyers in the French and Swiss Alps.
The first episode asks whether you should buy or rent a ski property in the French or Swiss Alps. It covers the pros, cons and costs of each and the challenges buyers and renters may face, with ideas for overcoming them. For anyone deciding whether ownership is right for them.
Steve and Lesley Thomas, the husband-and-wife team behind Alpine Property Investments, introduce the podcast. It covers everything to do with buying a ski property in the mountains of France and Switzerland: where, what, why and how to buy, with insider knowledge of the resorts.
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