What do you look for in ski accomodation

[OompaLumpaLabrador]

We have recently inherited DFIL's beautiful chalet in The Alps. It's in a small, low lying ski resort overlooking Lac Leman. It was mostly used for the summer (we've had a couple of nice ski holidays there too) and so it not at all kitted out for skiing.

The plan was to sell it. But the chalet is beautiful with many happy memories (and the area is growing in popularity) and so we are considering keeping it. It can only stay in the family if it washes its own face, so we will have to rent it out for some of the ski season. The chalet needs a total renovation (nothing has really been done since it was bought new forty years ago).

It would be hugely helpful to know the sort of thing skiiers look for in mid-range ski accommodation. Firstly, to see if we can realistically afford a renovation, and secondly, if we are going to do this, I really want to do it right.

Any ideas greatly appreciated!

Snow sure resort.
Ski in - ski out ideally or a very short trek to the lifts.
If marketing to a UK market ski school nearby.
Short and reliable transfer to airport.
Supermarker, restaurants etc within easy reach.

All of the above would be essential before I got on to the chalet itself.

Chalet

• ideally separate zones so could be shared by two families/kids can go to bed, chill, and leave adults alone.
• At least one loo/shower per two bedrooms.
• Modern kitchen appliances - microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, drier
• Good quality furniture especially beds and nice bed linen etc.
• TV, satellite
• good ski storage.
• cleaner who could come daily/mid week

-WIFi

Maybe look at chalets rented by some of the big companies. Should give you a pretty good idea of what is expected.

I think you will need good legal advice re tenants overstaying, damages personal liability, electrics etc.

You will also need a local handyman/housekeeper for repairs etc.

TBH I think it is difficult enough being a landlord in UK. Trying to do it abroad unless working through a specialist third party will be a big challenge.

In your position I would sell, invest the momey and use the returns to finance trips to someone else‘s chalet. But I realise that ignores the sentimental side.

That’s a very full list @Fujimora - amazed you managed to find anywhere at all that ticked all those boxes
In my view OP often there is a trade off especially in the mid range. Which side of the lake are you? A small low lying ski resort sounds like a locals’ place really. I can’t imagine it appealing to many in the U.K. for a ski holiday unless you are also a quick drive or on the ski bus route to somewhere more reliable (or might you be under selling it?). Also a huge proportion of U.K. skiers are really quite anti Switzerland because of the perception it doesn’t provide value for money v France (depends exactly where you are located; you don’t say). Although keen skiers will always head for the big resorts.
I would recommend asking on Snowheads because there are loads of property owners on there as well as keen skiers and a lot will give you an honest appraisal of costs vs breaking even etc. As someone constantly weighing up whether to buy somewhere it does seem like a lot of expense and hard work for little financial reward - but that can be outweighed by a real love for skiing or in your case to keep the chalet in the family.
It does sound like you have a beautiful view in your favour and are there plenty of activities in summer as well as winter?

Good luck and hope you find a way to keep it if you want to.

Guaranteed snow-which you can’t provide…. Could you cover costs by mountain biking/walking in summer?

Ease of access to slopes, close to lift or bus to lift. Efficient hot water for showers/baths. Either traditional or very modern look. Balcony with views, ideally with sun.

Proximity to slopes and lifts and good snow, not sure how you can renovate those in!

Aside from that, warm looking beds (with bedding, some French places don’t provide bedding or towels but it isn’t practical if flying to bring my own). I like the traditional wooden decor and avoid modern looking ones. If we go cheap and far from slopes, parking is essential.

Thank you all so much. These ideas are really helpful. We are 10 minutes walk to the telecabine which I think is a big plus. Good ski horse, restaurants etc in town. We are concerned about how short the season is (basically Christmas to March, to be safe), although only 30 or so minutes drive to the Porte Soliel resorts. We are guaranteed snow in that window courtesy of the snow machines that now grace the slopes, bit it’s obviously not the same as Zermatt ( in so many ways!). It seems equally popular with French/U.K. families and there’s a decent ski school.
Traditional decor shouldn’t be hard to do, it’s a traditional design. We are the French side of the lake, about 15 minutes drive down, so nice to swim/ sail summer. And the telecabine stays open for walkers.

Now I’ve read this, I feel a bit more reassured that we can potentially offer what people are looking for. But it is going to be a big investment of time and money and, like people have said, it would be far easier to enjoy someone else’s chalet. Especially as we aren’t especially keen skiers. But then we remember the view, and it breaks our hearts to let it go…

It sounds like you've ticked the main box in terms of location for me.

For our family (2 adults, two DC, 10 & 8) we look for:

No further than a 10 minute walk to the lift
Boot room/warm storage especially important if no lockers at lift. Less important if there are lockers.
At least two bedrooms (one double, one twin)
Separate living area - open plan kitchen/living fine.
Consider how people will dry out ski clothes each day. We had a big airer which we put over the bath which was fine as there was a separate shower.
Underfloor heating was a huge plus as the bathroom got really warm and I was able to lay gloves directly on the floor.
Free WiFi
Decent amenities in the kitchen so we can self-cater
Good quality mattresses
Linens and towels included
A small welcome pack of tea/coffee/milk/sugar is appreciated but not necessary.
A folder of information about the area including but not limited to:
Shops and opening times including bakeries and supermarkets
Local ski schools
Medical centre/pharmacies/hospitals/emergency services
Taxi firms
Restaurant recommendations
Any local information that is relevant such as other activities available.

Look on Airbnb and speak to a local rental agency to see what else is on offer in your local area and to get an idea of price levels.

Don't get too distracted by what British guests might want - your main market might be French families, Dutch or Germans, who might prioritise differently (and who have holidays at different times during the winter.

As well as the amenities, you also need to think about how you will manage the place. How will you manage bookings and take payment - and what about registering guests and paying local taxes etc? Who will clean, change the bedding and do the laundry, manage the changeovers (guests checked out, chalet checked and repairs/breakages replaced, guests checked in)? Who will be the keyholder? Who do guests contact in the event of there being a power failure/burst pipe/lost keys? Who clears the drive and path at 7 am when a metre of snow has fallen overnight?

Speak to a local agency and hear what they say. They might offer to manage the place for you but will want a hefty percentage of the rent - which is worth it is they manage all of the hassle and essential if you cannot manage the chalet yourself remotely.

I'm intrigued as to where it is... overlooking lac leman, 15 minute drive from the lake but in France.. 30 minutes from Porte du Soleil..

PM me if you like.. it could be attractive to part season renters living in Geneva. We would ideally look for something for the weekends outside of the big holidays and would be totally happy not to have something that wasn't a champagne chalet, that could be enough to keep the chalet costs covered to allow you to use it within the family without spending a fortune on renovation.

Think of what you would like to find if you were paying £XXX a week, then go one step further. Remember, what you might accept in your own place might not quite meet the expectations of a family that only has one week of holiday time to play with and is investing a large amount of time and money in what you are offering.

That said, my list of essentials would be:

Hot water
Clean chalet
Clean linen
Functioning electrics/cooker/TV/wi-fi/microwave
Sufficient crockery, cutlery, utensils, glasses, pots and pans
Comfortable beds
Separate sleeping areas for parents and children
Clean, mould-free bathroom
Loo roll - nobody wants to arrive after driving for 10 hours to find that there's no toilet paper.
Clear, accurate description of location (so I can decide whether or not it meets my needs - so no lies about "close to lifts" or "good bus connections" that only run once a day, ease of accessibility in the winter)
Bike storage for the summer / Ski and boot storage for winter

This is what I would expect
Hot water
Information pack
Maps
Toilet paper and the like
Childcare
Food and drink supplies
Comfortable rooms
Honesty at all times
Contact information
Photos
Recommendations
Magazines or books
A warm welcome
A working telephone and first aid box in case
Toys and games
Music and movie selection
Free tea, coffee and energy drinks
Free internet if possible
Coffee maker
Toaster
Laundry room
Wine

What a nice thing to inherit.

If staying off main resort I look for parking, single or bunk beds for kids not a sofa bed. Decent fridge and freezer to stock up for the duration. Coat and boot storage in hall. Smart TV and comfy sofa. Bar, restaurant and shop in walking distance is ideal
Excellent shower wins over Bath for me, but that may limit your market.

For me, a 10 minute walk to the lift is too far. No fun in ski boots, and carrying skis.
For a week, I would also want a much bigger ski area accessible without driving.
Other than comfortable beds and bed linen provided (often it isn’t), I am not that bothered about other specifics as would probably just sleep in the chalet.
But everyone is different. I second the suggestion to ask on the Snowheads forum as you may find some locals who may advise on viability of your plan.

I don’t mind a ten minute walk if there is storage at the lift or the ski shop is nearby. But I agree that would be a pain carrying skis and in boots to be that far

Cheap as possible!

I'm intrigued as to where it is... overlooking lac leman, 15 minute drive from the lake but in France.. 30 minutes from Porte du Soleil..

Me too. I know the Lac Leman area pretty well, can't come up with any ski resort which is so close to the lake.

I would agree with those that say to discuss with a rental agency in the area, they will give you a good idea of what the market is like, what rental you could achieve, and what investments would be worthwhile doing on the chalet.

Also a good point made by ChateauMargaux, seasonal rental might be a better option. Most people doing an annual 1 week ski trip will want to go to a snow sure resort, I know thats what I want.

Those living in the local area might not be so hung up on that, as they can take advantage the minute there is a good snowfall.

We've just booked for next year. The thing I found lacking in many chalets was a comfortable seating area with room for everyone to have a space on a sofa/ armchair, and a table big enough for everyone to sit round without squeezing together. I was looking at chalets advertised as sleeping 10 but with only a couple of (standard sized) sofas, and a tiny dining table you would only get 6 around.

I would say keep it simple! We always look for more basic accommodation (and price!) and aren't bothered with luxuries. I like:
Traditional but not tired decor - must look cared for!
Comfy beds, matching linen
Comfy sofa
Well-equipped kitchen - ie enough crockery/glasses so you don't have to wash up every 5 minutes
Parking
Outdoor space

I'm not a ski expert, but second what pps have said about markets other than UK. My mil has an apartment in Italy. I had been thinking about her renting it out for a while, thinking it would appeal to the English. She has now spoken to a local friend who uses a local company to rent it out to Italians. Of £500 per week the agency get £140, which to me sounds like a licence to print money. The local agency wouldn't be going anywhere near the UK market.

OP - how far are you from Geneva airport?
My overall thought is that Switzerland tends to be more expensive than France, so you would be competing with skiing accommodation the same distance from Geneva airport but in France, and possibly with better snow.
Seems more likely you would get seasonal/Geneva resident rental as a weekend retreat.

Thanks so much for the ideas and advice here. We have just had the chalet valued and prices have soared since lockdown so have reluctantly decided to sell the lovely chalet and invest the money for the time being. It will be a fabulous project for someone nearby ( and Swissly rich) with time and money to dedicate to it.

For those intrigued by the location, it’s here. 15 minutes drive to the lovely beach at Lugrin and stunning lake views. We will miss it so much.

winter.thollonlesmemises-tourisme.com/