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Alpine Property Podcast

Alpine Property Podcast

By: Steve & Lesley Thomas
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About this listen

Welcome to the Alpine Property Podcast with your hosts, Steve Thomas and Lesley Thomas.


We are the husband and wife team behind Alpine Property Investments, helping clients to find their dream property in the mountains of France and Switzerland.


The aim of this podcast is to share with you everything to do with purchasing a ski property, including the where, what, why and how to buy, with real insider information that comes from knowing the mountains as intimately as we do.


To us, this is not just a business, but a real demonstration of helping clients invest in a lifestyle. We want this podcast to be your go-to place for all things buying and owning a ski property.


Tune in to The Alpine Property Podcast every week through the winter season and subscribe to our newsletter www.alpinepropertyinvestments.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ to learn more!


For more information, visit www.alpinepropertyinvestments.co.uk and contact us at:

📧steve@alpinepropertyinvestments.co.uk

📧lesley@alpinepropertyinvestments.co.uk.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve & Lesley Thomas Economics Personal Finance
Episodes
  • 68. Trains, Planes and Automobiles - An Owner’s Insider Advice

    68. Trains, Planes and Automobiles - An Owner’s Insider Advice
    Apr 1 2026
    🎙️ Episode 68: Trains, Planes & Automobiles — An Owner’s Insider AdviceIn this final episode of the winter season, host Lesley Thomas is joined by special guest Helen Keast—an Alpine property owner sharing her real-life journey into buying, travelling to, and enjoying her apartment in the French Alps.From discovering a hidden gem in Les Sybelles to navigating the buying process and finding the best ways to travel, this episode is packed with practical insights and honest experiences for anyone considering Alpine property ownership.🏔️ From First Turns to Property OwnerHelen began skiing in 2018 and quickly fell in love with the mountainsInspired by the podcast, she discovered Les Sybelles—a vast yet under-the-radar ski domainPurchased an apartment in 2024 after a focused and search process💡 Key takeaway: You don’t need to be a lifelong skier to invest in an Alpine lifestyle.📍 Why Les Sybelles?One of the largest interconnected ski areas in Europe—yet still a “hidden gem”Family-friendly atmosphere with less emphasis on nightlifeExcellent value compared to more well-known resortsStrong rental potential with growing international interest🏡 Buying Made SimpleSmooth and fast purchase process (from viewing to ownership in ~3 months)Fully digital legal system makes buying from abroad easier than everOff-plan purchase completed quickly with minimal complications💡 Insight: Modern systems have significantly simplified overseas property buying.🚆 Travel Smart: Train vs PlaneHelen shares her preferred route—and why she now favors train travel:UK → London → Eurostar → Paris → TGV → Saint-Jean-de-MaurienneComfortable, scenic, and surprisingly cost-effectiveComparable door-to-door time vs flyingLess stress, more “holiday feel” from the start✨ Pro tip: Book early and consider upgrading to Eurostar Plus for added comfort.❄️ Life as an OwnerRegular visits across both winter and summer seasonsQuality family time—especially skiing with her sonRelaxed resort vibe with great amenities but no overwhelming crowds☀️ Beyond Ski SeasonLes Sybelles shines year-round:🚵 Mountain biking, hiking, and high-ropes courses🧖‍♀️ Spa days and relaxation spots🏊 Poolside lounging and lake swimming🏃‍♀️ High-altitude fitness and outdoor activities🍽️ Food & Drink HighlightsHelen’s personal favourites include:🍔 La Table du Grizzly – a hit for burger lovers🍷 Les Alpes – reliable, varied dining all season🍝 L’Izarelle – dining with piste-side views🧀 Blue Ice – standout value and unforgettable tartiflette💰 Rental & Investment InsightsStrong demand during peak winter months (Jan–early March)Hands-off rental management makes ownership easyCombination of lifestyle enjoyment + financial return💡 Perspective: A compelling alternative to traditional investments—“investing in lifestyle.”🚀 Final ThoughtsHelen’s experience highlights why Les Sybelles is gaining attention:Accessible, affordable, and authenticIdeal for families and lifestyle investorsStrong potential for future growth🔗 Property in the Podcasthttps://www.alpinepropertyinvestments.co.uk/properties/005108/If you’re considering buying a property in the Alps or want to explore current opportunities:👉 Visit Alpine Property Investments👉 Browse available listings and expert insights👉 Get in touch to discuss your goals and optionsThanks for listening to this season of the Alpine Property Podcast. We’ll be back soon with more insights—until then, enjoy the mountains, wherever you are.Subscribe to our newsletter www.alpinepropertyinvestments.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ to learn more! For more information, visit www.alpinepropertyinvestments.co.uk and contact us at:📧steve@alpinepropertyinvestments.co.uk📧lesley@alpinepropertyinvestments.co.ukFollow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/alpinepropertyinvest/Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/AlpineProp/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    39 mins
  • 67. Courchevel Celebrating 80 Years of Alpine Excellence

    67. Courchevel Celebrating 80 Years of Alpine Excellence
    Mar 18 2026
    In this episode of the Alpine Property Podcast, Steve Thomas explores Courchevel, one of the most iconic ski destinations in the world, set within the vast Les Trois Vallées. As the resort celebrates its 80th anniversary during the 2025 to 2026 season, this episode takes a deeper look at its origins, evolution and why it remains one of the most desirable alpine destinations for visitors and property buyers alike.A Vision Ahead of Its TimeOriginally conceived in 1942 by Laurent Chappis and Maurice Michaud, Courchevel was designed as a purpose built ski resort that would exist in harmony with its surroundings. The vision prioritised low rise architecture, minimal environmental impact and seamless integration between lifts, slopes and accommodation. The now standard concept of ski in ski out living was pioneered here, setting a blueprint that many resorts still follow today.Four Villages, Four ExperiencesCourchevel is made up of four distinct villages, each offering its own atmosphere, lifestyle and property profile:Le Praz (1300): a traditional Savoyard village with cobbled streets, chalets and a strong sense of community. It offers a quieter pace and excellent value while still providing fast lift access to the wider ski areaCourchevel Village (1550): a balanced and family friendly setting with easy slope access and excellent amenities, including Aquamotion, a modern complex with pools, spa and leisure facilitiesMoriond (1650): lively and well connected, popular with international buyers and known for its vibrant atmosphere, accessibility and strong rental demand1850: the jewel in the crown, offering luxury at the highest level with five star hotels, fine dining, designer boutiques and some of the most exclusive ski properties in the AlpsWorld Class SkiingCourchevel delivers exceptional skiing, both locally and across the Trois Vallées:Around 150km of pistes within Courchevel alone85 percent of slopes above 1800m, ensuring reliable snow conditionsA full spectrum of terrain from beginner areas to advanced off piste routesDirect access to the wider Trois Vallées network, offering over 600km of skiingModern lift infrastructure ensures efficient movement across the resort, allowing skiers to maximise their time on the mountain.Beyond the SlopesCourchevel is far more than just a ski destination, offering a rich lifestyle experience year round:Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross country skiing, dog sledding and ice skatingSummer transforms the resort into a hub for hiking, mountain biking, golf and outdoor adventureLuxury shopping in 1850 features brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and PradaA world class dining scene, including Michelin starred restaurants like Le 1947 at Cheval Blanc, alongside traditional Savoyard cuisine across all villagesAccessibilityDespite its alpine setting, Courchevel is highly accessible:Around 2 hours from Geneva and LyonTrain access via Moûtiers, followed by a short transferPrivate arrivals via its renowned altiport, one of the most unique in the worldProperty OpportunitiesCourchevel offers a diverse range of property options, catering to different budgets and objectives:Le Praz: excellent value and authentic alpine living1550 and 1650: strong balance between lifestyle use and rental potential1850: ultra prime real estate with global demand and premium pricingWhether you are seeking a second home, a rental investment or a long term base in the Alps, Courchevel provides flexibility, prestige and long term appeal.Subscribe to our newsletter www.alpinepropertyinvestments.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ to learn more! For more information, visit www.alpinepropertyinvestments.co.uk and contact us at:📧steve@alpinepropertyinvestments.co.uk📧lesley@alpinepropertyinvestments.co.ukFollow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/alpinepropertyinvest/Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/AlpineProp/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    24 mins
  • 66. From dream to doorstep: Buying a chalet in St Sorlin

    66. From dream to doorstep: Buying a chalet in St Sorlin
    Mar 4 2026
    In this episode of the Alpine Property Podcast, Lesley is joined by Adam Day, a client who recently purchased a beautifully renovated chalet in Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves, part of the Les Sybelles ski domain in the French Alps.Adam shares the full story behind his journey from long standing family ski holidays to owning a chalet of his own in the mountains. What began as a search for a simple apartment across multiple European countries ultimately led him and his family to a hidden gem in the Maurienne Valley.This is a real, honest account of what it feels like to move from dream to reality.From Family Holidays to Alpine OwnershipHaving spent years skiing in resorts such as Les Gets, Chamonix and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Adam and his wife Nikki reached a new stage of life.With their children now grown and no longer tied to school holidays, the timing finally felt right to invest in a property of their own.Initially searching across France, Italy and Austria, they refined their criteria to focus on:A genuine dual season resortAccessible skiing without extreme terrainStrong summer hiking and outdoor activitiesGood value within budgetA relaxed, authentic alpine atmosphereThat brief ultimately led them to Saint Sorlin.Discovering a Hidden GemLike many buyers, Adam had never heard of Les Sybelles before beginning his search.After spending time skiing in the area and getting to know the village, it became clear that this was not a high profile “see and be seen” resort, but something arguably better: a traditional French village with character, charm and year round appeal.For Adam and his family, that balance of authenticity and practicality was exactly what they were looking for.Apartment Search to Chalet VisionInterestingly, Adam originally set out to buy an apartment.However, during a viewing trip he was introduced to a derelict chalet with potential. What followed was a leap of faith backed by confidence in the developer, the build quality of previous projects and the guidance of the Alpine Property Investments team.The result is a fully renovated chalet designed around family use, comfort and long term enjoyment.Adam talks candidly about:The importance of trusting the right developerThe French legal process and how it compares to the UKDigital signing and how the buying process has evolvedSetting up utilities, taxes and ongoing managementHis experience highlights how smooth the process can be with the right professional support.First Arrivals and First ImpressionsThe first night in the chalet delivered exactly what they had hoped for.A comfortable, beautifully designed home.Dinner out at a local restaurant.A sense of arrival.Since purchase, the property has already been used extensively in both summer and winter, with hiking trips, family stays and ski holidays forming part of their new rhythm.Saint Sorlin offers:Easy access to skiingWalkable village amenitiesFamily friendly infrastructureRelaxed après ski optionsSpace to breatheAnd for this season in particular, exceptional snowfall.Why Saint Sorlin WorksAdam makes an important point. No resort is all things to all people.Saint Sorlin is not ultra glitzy. It is not Courchevel. It is not about high end designer boutiques or Michelin starred dining.It is about:ValueAuthenticityAccessibilityFamily atmosphereDual season livingAnd for many buyers, that combination is exactly what makes it so compelling.Property of the Podcast Brand new 3 – 4 bedroom apartments for sale:https://www.alpinepropertyinvestments.co.uk/properties/005057/ Chalet at €1,040,000:https://www.alpinepropertyinvestments.co.uk/properties/004977/Subscribe to our newsletter www.alpinepropertyinvestments.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ to learn more! For more information, visit www.alpinepropertyinvestments.co.uk and contact us at:📧steve@alpinepropertyinvestments.co.uk📧lesley@alpinepropertyinvestments.co.ukFollow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/alpinepropertyinvest/Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/AlpineProp/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    27 mins
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