Alpine developments raise market supply to answer demand
Developers in the Alps in France and Switzerland are gearing up for demand for property, as projects will see millions of euros being poured into an area that is becoming more and more popular with second homebuyers.
One developer has brought forward plans to start building work to ensure that properties are ready for occupation by the end of next year while another is working on linking resorts to increase the skiable area available on the doorstep for property owners.
MGM said that it has already sold more than half of 70 new apartments in its new project in Samoens, an archetypal French village with the focus on its central square, church, fountain and old market building.
Les Chardons Argentés includes nine traditional style chalets with 70 apartments ranging in size from 43 square meter one bedroom properties to four bedroom, two bathroom duplexes of 110 square meters with underground parking, storage space and an indoor pool.
They are within walking distance of the village shops, cafés and restaurants in the centre of Samoens with its cable car providing access to the Grand Massif’s 265 kilometers of ski slopes.
Orascom Development Holding is aiming to create a sustainable destination that will become a benchmark for luxury resorts in Europe in Andermatt, one of Switzerland’s most spectacular valleys.
Andermatt Swiss Alps is also currently in negotiation with SkiStar to transform Andermatt into one of the most modern ski arenas in Europe. SkiStar are owners and operators of alpine destinations in Sweden and Norway.
Andermatt plans to work with them to link existing village pistes, renowned for their powder, with neighboring resort Sedrun to deliver 130 kilometers of both challenging and family slopes. These pistes will be serviced by a state of the art lift system with an investment of 140.8 million Swiss Francs.
Veteran Olympic, World Cup, and World champion downhill skier Bernhard Russi who was born in Andermatt, has welcomed the expansion plans.
‘The ski slopes of Andermatt are where I first learned to ski and where I perfected my downhill technique. They are perfect for both beginners and experienced skiers to enjoy and are surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable. The expansion with Sedrun will serve to enhance the already exemplary skiing and will turn Andermatt Swiss Alps into a leading international ski destination,’ he said.
The first properties and The Chedi Andermatt hotel will be delivered in time for the 2013 winter season and an 18-hole golf course will be finished for summer 2013.