Luxury Ski Property For Sale in Portes du Soleil​

Part of the French and Swiss Alps, Portes du Soleil reaches from Mont Blanc in France to Lake Geneva in Switzerland. It’s the second-largest ski area in the world and is home to some of France’s most beautiful slopes. There are 13 resorts in total in Portes du Soleil, and several smaller hamlets and villages are here as well. Each resort seems to have its own personality, complete with specific pastimes, property styles and surroundings – the one you choose to live in will depend on how you like to spend your days and nights, as well as the type of home you’re looking to buy.

The main draw of Portes du Soleil is clear: the skiing. Sharing the status with Trois Vallées of being among the top two largest ski areas in the world (which one is actually the biggest is a hot debate and depends on how you judge the areas), there are 650 marked pistes in Portes du Soleil (along with off-piste skiing) and about 200 lifts. Even the lower slopes have reliable snow during the season, thanks to snow-making machines. Essentially, if you want to ski in Portes du Soleil any time between the end of December and the end of April, there will be a snowy mountain (or several) waiting for you.

Morzine, on the French side of the border, is the largest of the 13 Portes du Soleil resorts, and it’s also the most traditional and popular. Avoriaz attracts a younger crowd, particularly snowboarders, and Chatel has advanced runs that are beloved by adventurous and expert-level skiers. There are less-challenging pistes here, too, which is good news for beginners – Les Gets has schools, facilities and runs that are best for new skiers. Moreover, people also enjoy living or holidaying in Portes du Soleil for all the non-skiing activities available, from days spent on the water or hiking in the mountains to soaking up the lively nightlife.

With so many different resorts in Portes du Soleil, it’s no surprise that there’s a broad range of property types to choose from. In Les Gets, the property market is particularly competitive, with stone and wood chalets quickly coming and going from the market. Traditional Savoyard farmhouses are also common here, especially in and near the town. As you get close to the pistes, ski-in/ski-out chalets are available, giving you immediate access to the slopes – these homes are best for serious skiers and snowboarders.

While there are plenty of new builds in Portes du Soleil, if you’re interested in chalets that have been around since the 16th century, consider looking for property in Chatel. There are much newer homes here too, so you can still be around the area’s history while living in a completely modern apartment if you like.

Morzine is known for its extra-large luxury chalets that are perfect for families. However, duplex penthouses are sometimes available, assuming they stay on the market long enough. There are even small apartments in the village centre if you’re looking for an intimate holiday home or a rental opportunity.

If you’re unfamiliar with the many towns of Portes du Soleil, it’s a good idea to hire a property buyer’s agent to help you with your search and the buying process. In addition to understanding the area and how to buy property in Portes du Soleil, an agent will know about homes for sale that aren’t publicly listed.

When you’ve found a home in Portes du Soleil that you love, you’ll make an offer in writing to the seller. Upon acceptance, both parties will sign the Compromis de Vente initial contract, and you’ll also pay the deposit at this point. Note that this contract isn’t the final one, and details may be changed when it comes time for the deed to be written up.

Next, there’s a 10-day cooling-off period. This is mandatory and allows you to reconsider the purchase without any penalties; you’ll also get your deposit back if you change your mind during this time. Once the cooling-off period is over and you move forward with the purchase, the 12-week conveyancing process will start. During this time, several home assessments will be carried out. This gives both parties a better idea of the state of the home, and you’ll have the opportunity for negotiations before the final contract is written up.

Lastly, the notaire will draw up the deed, which is called the Acte de Vente, and you’ll sign it. You’ll also make the final payment at this point to cover the balance of the home plus the necessary fees. Congratulations! You’re now the official owner of your new Portes du Soleil home!