Many people buy a chalet or apartment in the mountains attracted by the winter activities. I did the same arriving to live in the Haute Savoie 20 years ago. Once here, you come to realise how fabulous each of the seasons are.
I now live 3mins from a small local ski station and have skied some awesome powder this year using my great value season pass (150km for 200€). I love the winter, but I also adore the spring, summer and autumn in the Alps. The fresh tracks I put in the virgin powder behind my chalet will be replaced with lush mountain pasture and happy, healthy cows with large bells around their necks. The brightly coloured skiers and boarders become little seen visitors spread out into the huge areas, taking in the Savoyard atmosphere and mountain views at a gentle pace.
Apart from the difference in seasons the mountains can surprise you in other ways. As you explore more you will find perfect spots for a pic-nic, come across village fetes and markets. If you are up early enough you may see baby Marmottes playing, catch a distant view of a Chamois and the vista of Mont Blanc becomes even more breath-taking when seen against a verdant green back-drop. There is even the odd Rock Festival!
Talking about surprises… I thought I knew the Haute Savoie well and then I started exploring la Vallee Verte for a home. The following describes the area more formally, I am happy here, there is still plenty to be discovered……
Whether you are looking for a 1st residence, 2nd residence, holiday home or investment, the attraction for buying this area is simple…. You can purchase a great deal for your money. We’ve a few properties to look at here.
Situated in the Haute Chablais, 20mins from the shores of Lac Leman/Lake Geneva the ‘Green’ valley is a jewel of a place. This little known area combines Savoyard charm and traditions with easy access to the most important towns and the most beautiful sites in the Haute Savoie.
Unspoilt pastureland framed by the Alpes de Leman provides an attractive setting for buyers looking for year round appeal. The mountains in this region are stunning and have a more accessible feel, less daunting than some of the more extreme alpine environments.
Winter sports; there are 4 ski areas on offer (two are connected), Les Habères – Hirmentaz, Les Brasses and La Chevrerie (L’Espace Roc d’Enfer) in all this provides 125km of skiing between 900m/1800m. There are 5 dedicated Cross-country ski areas and kilometres of snow-show tracks. As the area is so well placed, larger resorts are less than an hour’s drive making day trips an easy option (Chamonix, Megeve, Le Grande Massif, and Les Portes du Soleil).
Other activities; La Vallée Verte has so much more on offer than just skiing; the remaining seasons are punctuated by constant village fetes, regular markets and the continued traditions of the locals. The terrain is perfect for road cycling, mountain-biking and walking, all of these with options for people with different levels/abilities. Some lifts open in summer allowing you to reach the summits more easily. At most of the popular viewpoints you are torn between contemplating the massif of Mont Blanc and gazing across the shores of Lac Leman one of the largest lakes in Europe. Other activities include all the water sports the lake has to offer, also white water rafting, canyoning and paragliding and there is an outdoor swimming pool and a gliding centre.
Below are some views from some of the properties we have for sale in the Vallée Verte.
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Posted by Endlessride 
