Where to Ski And Snowboard - New ski properties available in Vars

New ski properties available in Vars

4th April 2008, by Chris Gill

A new development being built in the French Southern Alps is set to increase the appeal of an often-neglected ski resort: Vars

Whether you are looking to buy a dream base in the mountains, or wanting to try somewhere new, the Hameau des Rennes is a luxury development of ski-in ski-out chalets and apartments taking shape in the expanding resort of Vars - Risoul’s next door neighbour, and sharing with it 180km/112 miles of piste. All of this is just an hour and a half from Grenoble.

Le Hameau des Rennes will be situated in Vars-les-Claux (2000m), the highest of four villages (including Saint Marcellin, Sainte Marie and Sainte Catherine) that form the Forêt Blanche ski domain - an area gradually being upgraded and expanded. The trend in spacious 4-star apartments will continue with the one-, two- and three-bedroom places built in keeping with the local wood and stone style.

As with the new ‘village’ at Arc 1950, there will be underground parking to enable a pedestrian area to develop between the residences and the slopes. Pools, saunas and other leisure facilities will be available to owners and holidaymakers; plus new restaurants, bars and shops.

Erna Low Property recently launched the new development, with apartments and chalets available either as a traditional freehold acquisition or on the French leaseback scheme with guaranteed rental returns of up to 4 per cent. Prices start from 198,000 Euros on the leaseback scheme.

Le Hameau des Rennes is due for completion in December 2008.

Vars and Risoul are sunny, high altitude resorts popular with the French and slowly attracting more interest on the International market. The extensive slopes spread across several mountains and are pretty much ideal for beginners and intermediates. Despite its southerly position, the area has a reasonable snow record and plenty of north-facing runs. Lifts are still a bit antiquated, but there are signs of improvement. And there’s plenty to do in the summer too…