With the new ski season only a few months away, news about snow trains is hitting the mainstream press. The Telegraph published a good article yesterday which talks about the benefits of the snow train, as well as the increased trend of UK consumers purchasing properties near snow train stations.The article notes that ski and snowboard lovers have woken up to the convenience of the snow train, which travels direct to the Alps from London.
According to the article snow trains have a made a difference to the French property market.
"More of our buyers are after properties near stations, especially for the ski train", says Andrew Hawkins of Chesterton International.
Another happy customer is the CEO of ad agency Saatchi and Saatchi, who owns a chalet a 15 minute drive away from Bourg St Maurice. He occassionally buys Eurostar tickets, or travels with Rail Europe. "Both train journeys knock the spots of flying", he says. "The whole journey takes about eight hours. I bring some work, read and arrive refreshed, whereas I am stressed out if I fly." He continues, "...it's an exciting way to travel.....The mountain scenery during the last two hours of the journey is amazing: it's a really uplifting way to start a holiday."
The property development which is closest to a ski train station is Le Grand Coeur, which is just five minutes walk from Bourg St Maurice station. Here, over 60 apartments are being built in traditional-style chalets with spectacular views.
For those who don't have a huge budget for overseas property, MGM are selling one to four-bedroom flats with underground parking from £148,000.
