Le Grand Bornand?

[Mummyinthedark]

Does anyone have any views on it? I thought it looked nice but someone suggested it might be a bit downmarket. If you've been how would you compare it to other places in France - say Les Gets or Val D'Isere or La Rosiere?
Would be very grateful for any comments.
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[snowlady]

I haven't been there but have looked into it as a possibility. There are some nice MGM appartments there. It doesn't striked me as downmarket from what one can tell online. I have been to nearby la clusaz and had a good holiday there.
I think the thing to think about is altitude. The lower runs of la clusaz and le grand bornand would probably not be that great at the beginning and end of season. If you are thinking of feb I'm sure it would be fine.
If you are on a budget I think le grand bornand would be cheaper in terms of lift pass etc than the other resorts you list.
We had a good holiday in la rosiere and enjoyed skiing over to Italy, the Eucharts area is very nice particularly cimes blanches appts where we stayed.
Les gets - on my possible list but also has altitude problem at beginning and end of season.
Val d'Isere - has never appealed to me and I'd imagine it is very expensive. Not somewhere I would go with young children.
I wouldn't consider any of the resorts you list as downmarket. If you are skiing with young children chances are you won't get a full days skiing so you will not get your moneysworth from the lift pass in some of the big name resorts.
Just my thoughts! Hope some one here will have actually been to le grand b and be able to tell you more.

[Mummyinthedark]

Thanks, very helpful input snowlady, even if you haven't been!

BTW, we've been to Les Gets with and without children and it has a good snow record because of some odd geography which DH once explained to me but I can't remember. Would heartily recommend it.

I am thinking of that MGM property, that's why I asked! We're looking at some other developments in other locations too.

[snowlady]

Are you looking at Peak retreats? They have a good selection of MGM appts as do ski collection (the companies are linked but seem to offer different resorts).

Les Gets sounds lovely. I hope we will manage to get there in the next few years.

[Mummyinthedark]

MGM has been bought by P and V so we are talking to the P and V people in London direct. Are Peak Retreats/Ski Collection good? We want a leaseback investment we can use a bit rather than a ski property of our own, if you see what I mean.

Les Gets is not as posh as Val D'Is or Courchevel but has great skiing, great ski schools and plenty of shops/restaurants etc. And the short transfer from Geneva is very helpful. The access to Geneva is another thing I liked about the idea of Grand Bornand.

[Reece9]

Dear both,
Sorry not to have replied sooner however I was having trouble logging on to Mumsnet. I've just been reading your posts with interest as I work for Erna Low which specialises in ski holidays and also ski property sales. Last season I went to visit the residence in Le Grand Bornand that you are discussing. First thing to note is that it is absolutely beautiful, perched up on a mountain side with several buildings all interlinked. There is a good size supermarket directly under the residence as well for the self catering side of things. However be advised that it is in Chinaillon rather than Le Grand Bornand main village so about 10 mins further up by car (would you be driving?). I have worked in La Clusaz during the summer and either worked in or visited some of the other resorts you mention so am happy to chat/email. I have a 20 month old who wasn't skiing and last year and we had a great family ski holiday in Morzine in the Residence Aiglon which is in the same ski area as Les Gets. We flew and the short transfer from GVA is excellent and there is a very good private nanny company in the village called Cheeky Monkeys.
Please feel free to contact us directly on 0845 8630525 or reply to this post if you have any other questions. Am always happy to talk about skiing as it is a huge passion of mine.
All the best.

[Mummyinthedark]

Reece9, just seen your post, thanks for chipping in. My husband has spoken to someone at Erna Low (Alice?) to get some advice too.
We have not stayed in Morzine, but like Les Gets very much. We'd buy a property there like a shot but really want a leaseback for the tax and management advantages and there is nothing in the village centre that is spacious and a high standard finish. Post here if you think you can solve our problem and we'll call again.
Am already dreaming about next season....

[skifalloverrepeat]

As the DH of Mummyinthedark I can chip in that subject to calamitous effects of global warming or the collapse of the single currency buying a place in France that is just about self financing looks like a good deal.