Luxury ski residences offer a totally decadent Alpine experience

Two key groups of investors traditionally have been attracted to the idea of buying French Alps properties – keen skiers in search of altitude resorts with fast access to a good skiing area, and lifestyle buyers searching for that authentic Alpine village vibe.

It is extremely difficult – nearly impossible – to obtain a building permit in the Three Valleys, so prices remain strong and keep on rising. Properties in these sought-after locations have held up well throughout the economic troubles because there is simply not enough supply to keep up with demand.

From its off-piste adventures, to its glitzy slopeside bars and Michelin-starred restaurants, the French ski resort of Courchevel remains the most glamorous in the world.

The high-altitude skiing is superb, with breathtaking views and beautifully groomed pistes, making the stunning resort of Courchevel one of the most desirable places for a holiday home in the Alps. Courchevel is a part of the vast Trois Vallées ski area – an exceptional, internationally renowned playground that links the resorts of La Tania, Méribel, Brides-les-Bains, Les Menuires, Saint Martin de Belleville, Val Thorens and Orelle, and Courchevel itself.

It is the largest ski area in the world, linked by runs and 180 ski lifts, with 600 kilometres of connected slopes. The Three Valleys slopes are situated at altitudes between 1,300 and 3,230 metres, with 85% of the ski area above 1,800 metres, 25 accessible summits – including ten above 2,500 metres – and four equipped glaciers.

Courchevel is made up of five village-resorts – each station with its own personality and fans – offering the best combination of world-class skiing and chic shopping and dining in all of France. Courchevel alone offers 150 kilometres of downhill runs on 119 pistes, with 62 lifts rising to altitudes of 2,700 metres. Additionally, demanding skiers appreciate the 66 kilometres of cross-country ski runs through the forest of Courchevel.

The small village of Courchevel Moriond is much more relaxed than its sophisticated higher-altitude – and higher-attitude – neighbour, Courchevel 1850. Most skiers who stay in Courchevel Moriond are attracted by the authentic mountain village experience. It is the second highest of Courchevel’s villages and famed for its varied terrain and quiet, well-groomed pistes. The slopes that this resort can call its own are, in many respects, a secret snow paradise, uncharted by the majority of skiers who visit the area.

The village has a large permanent population and many businesses are open for summer trade, when bikers, walkers, golfers and mountain lovers pay a visit.

New properties without a leaseback scheme attached to them are extremely rare in the French Alps, hence they attract plenty of interest whenever they become available – interest from those who know they will achieve the best capital growth and will be able to resell easily.

For the lifestyle buyer looking for a newly built property in Courchevel, this fine mountain retreat offers a compelling proposition. Superbly located in Courchevel Moriond and affording panoramic views, the luxury property is within walking distance of the slopes, lifts, shops and restaurants.

With only nine ski residences in three chalets, here is a sanctuary crafted from two words – intimacy and exclusivity. The exclusive collection of stunning new 3-bedroom apartments, 4-bedroom duplex penthouses and 5-bedroom chalet-style residences is offered on a classic freehold basis, with no restriction on usage.

The impressive mountain homes will be designed and built to exacting standards, with spacious accommodation and the finest craftsman finishes. The beautiful décor is characterised by a harmonious composition of alpine elegance and luxurious understatement, blending perfectly into the sophisticated environment. Decorated with quality materials and a range of understated colours, each ski residence oozes warmth, charm and inconspicuous luxury. Its classic-modern style combines comfort and the latest technologies to bring out a refined atmosphere of serenity.

Cladded with stone, wood and stone slates, the property mixes tradition and innovation to combine modern comfort and a sustainable building.

Those privileged to own one of the ski apartments will enjoy the incredible amount of space on offer, with living areas that range from 66m² to 237m². Each unit has been conceived as a real home in the mountains. Generous bedrooms with built-in cupboards, large open-plan living rooms, fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms, all designed for carefree living. For the ultimate outdoor indulgence, each mountain home boasts an oversized terrace, ranging from 16m² to 121m².

Parquet floors, quality tiling in the bathrooms, wood doors – the designers have thought of everything. Underfloor heating and central hot water ensure a peaceful relaxation after a great day outdoors. Satellite television and high-speed Internet are standard equipment in every apartment. The latest home automation technology will allow remote management and monitoring of the property.

Owners can look forward to total hassle-free ownership. Those interested in renting out their home when not in use have access to a complete turnkey programme that includes furniture package and rental management. With no usage restrictions, owners may want to sign a rental mandate or a commercial lease with a rental management company. Investors may be eligible to recover the VAT on the acquisition price of their residence.

A signature of timeless elegance and luxurious comfort, these sophisticated ski residences will be styled perfectly for fine Courchevel mountain living.

Prices: From €755,000.