Two Manxmen who set up a new business operating ski chalets in the Rhone Alps area of France have reported an excellent start to their venture. Brothers Jonathan and James Ingram set up My Mountain Chalets operating two chalets in one building located in the village of Samoens which is within a one hour drive of Geneva. The first ski season for My Mountain Chalets is coming to an end and Jonathan says it has been an excellent winter. He said: “We have been busy with only a few weeks empty so far. Our guests have been excellent including two groups from the Isle of Man. Everyone who has commented has said how much they loved the chalets, service and food. We still have five weeks of the ski season to go and in our self catered chalet we have been offering a 50 per cent discount for the remainder of the season.” Some reports in the UK media over the winter advised skiers of the lack of snow in the region - but Jonathan says that Samoens has seen some of the best snow in the Alps and the pistes had been kept in brilliant condition. Jonathan says that Samoens is a ‘hidden gem’ for those who love the mountains. It is nestled at the head of the Giffre Valley and is the gateway to the Grand Massif ski area. The My Mountain Chalets are located near to three ski-lift stations all within a one minute drive and there is a free minibus service to and from the ski-lift stations each day. Both Chalet Marvel and Chalet Marmotte can accommodate up to 14 visitors and are built in the style of traditional Savoyard farmhouses, matching the style of the surrounding farms in the village. Samoens is recognised as a ‘Ville Fleurie’ or ‘floral village’ and has been awarded the Coq D’Or for being one of the most beautiful villages in France. The ski season in the area usually runs from the beginning of December to the end of April. Jonathan, 30, and James, 33, both grew up in the Isle of Man and are former King William’s College pupils. They are experienced skiers and snowboarders and have spent much of the last 10 years working in European ski resorts and specialist ski stores in the UK. Jonathan is a qualified ski technician and James a qualified snowboard instructor. The brothers also make their own snowboards and ski wear under the ‘Tapped’ brand name. For more information about My Mountain Chalets go to www.mymountainchalets.com - ENDS -