Megève
Evasion Mont-Blanc, Haute-Savoie, French Alps
Between Chamonix and the Val d’Arly, a short drive from Geneva airport and easily accessed by road from Albertville.
A modest-sounding 1113m altitude means it’s not snow-sure, but having Mont-Blanc nearby can attract frequent snowfalls.
Megève remains relatively undiscovered by skiers from the UK, with the notable exception of those who value a traditional, upmarket ski experience coupled with a peerless range of premium services.
The Ski Area
- Part of the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area with surprisingly varied terrain.
- You can extend the possibilities with the Mont-Blanc Unlimited skipass.
Megève’s ski terrain blends almost seamlessly with that of its neighbours St-Gervais, Combloux and Saint-Nicolas de Véroce, and rather less so with Les Contamines-Montjoie, which is accessible only by road. The Domaine Evasion Mont-Blanc combined lift pass allows you to ski it all, and in the process discover the surprisingly varied terrain and scenery on offer across the valley in the Combloux sector. We can’t imagine coming here and passing up that particular opportunity.
Megève’s own terrain comprises l’Alpette (1871m), Côte 2000 (2014m) and Mont d’Arbois (1840m), with not too many drag-lifts to slow things down. Pistes are often wide and tend to be conservatively-graded, something which will appeal to more timid skiers. That said, you’ll also find a few stamina-testing reds and blacks, and grooming throughout is to a predictably high standard.
New for 2017/18 winter season was the upgraded Chamois gondola in the village centre with new cabins and improved flow.
Resort Information
Altitude :
1027m -
2485m
Megève
Pistes Total: 235 km
Pistes Total: 235 km
Evasion Mont Blanc
Pistes Total: 450 km
36 Green
47 Blue
69 Red
27 Black
Pistes Total: 450 km
47 Blue
69 Red
27 Black
Ski Domain Lifts:
111
7 Magic Carpets
54 Draglifts
36 Chairlifts
10 Gondolas
3 Cable Cars
7 Magic Carpets
54 Draglifts
36 Chairlifts
10 Gondolas
3 Cable Cars
French resorts on the Mont Blanc Unlimited lift-pass
Argentière
The small ski resort of Argentière is situated in the heart of the Chamonix Valley. Expert skiers come here for its off-piste skiing on Les Grand Montets. Skiers based in Chamonix can access the slopes via the free shuttle bus.
Les Houches
Often overlooked by those dazzled by the lure of nearby Chamonix, Les Houches is a significant ski area in its own right, with tree-lined pistes and friendly atmosphere.
Vallorcine
Scenic skiing for intermediates at the upper reaches of the Chamonix Valley.
Chamonix Mont Blanc
Modern skiing was born in the Chamonix Valley, and now it’s world famous among serious skiers - find out why.
Megève
Traditional, upmarket skiing experience with a range of premium services though plenty to entertain more modest budgets.
The Ski Village
- Upmarket Alpine town with charming pedestrianised centre.
- Expect luxury hotels and chalets and renowned restaurants both in the town and on-mountain.
After tiring of St Moritz the Rothschilds turned their attention to Megève, opened a luxury hotel and in so doing propelled the town to international renown. It has since lost little if any of its charisma, still hosts the Megève Polo Masters (played on snow) and its star-studded boutiques speak for themselves. And you thought Chamonix was glamorous. But it’s not quite all bling-and-furs; Megève’s passion for winter sports is a shared one, and any recreational skier will feel perfectly at home on the slopes. Window-shopping is free, and all the more enjoyable to the tinkle of sleighbells and hoofbeats. Accommodation-wise, don't expect too many budget options – there’s real luxury available here, both in hotels like Le Mont-Blanc and Le Lodge Park, not to mention the classic chalet style of Les Fermes de Marie.
Staying There
Megève is a Famille Plus resort
Famille Plus is a national label awarded to tourist destinations offering a special welcome and services tailored to families and children.
See Practical Information below for accommodation suggestions.
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Why go skiing in Megève ?
Look beyond the exclusive image and you’ll find a strong contender for intermediate leisure skiers. A commitment to families has also brought Megève the Famille Plus Montagne label. Those with a hankering for mileage will find that the Evasion Mont-Blanc lift pass offers good value, particularly in view of the quality on offer.
Which brings us to value. Skiers on a tight budget will probably look elsewhere for accommodation, and drive or bus in to enjoy the skiing. On the other hand, those with the means to enjoy the very best that Megève can offer will find levels of luxury which will more than satisfy the most demanding clientèle – or anyone in search of somewhere extra-special for a grand occasion or a romantic break.
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Skiing There
Beginners / Families
Intermediates
Advanced / Expert
Mountain Scenery
Snowboarding
Plenty of choice for boarders with long cruises, freestyle areas and snowparks.7 Snowparks
Cross-Country Skiing
Three Nordic ski areas.40km Cross-Country and Nordic Ski Trails
Handiski...
- Reserved parking available throughout the resort.
- Good range of adapted and accessible accommodation and restaurants.
- Specialist instruction and loan of equipment by ESF
- Summit Ski School offer private lessons and will pilot disabled passengers on a Tandem Ski.
- Ski Assis Evasion has good range of equipment and also offers group instruction with transport. English spoken.
Yes please...
- Surprisingly extensive linked-domain ski area.
- Terrain for most tastes, particularly more relaxed skiers.
- Ski area included in the Mont-Blanc Unlimited ski pass - 998km of pistes in 3 countries.
- Luxury accommodation for even the most discerning.
- Dependable snow record.
- Impressive commitment to sustainable development and environmental management.
- Free bus service to all parts of the ski area. Live info on meg-bus.com
- Non-skiers will find plenty to do.
- New daily transfers to Geneva and Lyon airports with ouibus.com, perfect for short breaks.
Yes but...
- Not surprisingly, there’s little budget-sector accommodation.
- On-mountain dining is expensive. Cheaper snack bars do exist for the budget conscious.
- Payable parking near village ski-lifts will add to your stay costs.
- It can take time to find your way around the ski area efficiently.
Our Tips
- Take the bus to access Mt d'Arbois and Côte 2000 sectors.
- If you need help, look out for the volunteer Ambassadors. Present at strategic points throughout the ski area and villages, they can help you find your way, inform skiers about snow quality or tell you what's on.
Practical Information
Les Loges Blanches Resort
500 Route de la Plaine
74120 Megève
Spread among four chalets, this well-conceived complex houses 63 apartments and suites, all with compact kitchenette and balcony or terrace. Underground parking is available. There’s an outdoor heated pool and Scandinavian spa, plus on-site bar and restaurant (booking recommended) serving a varied menu. The fixed price three-course menus are particularly good value starting at around 15€ excluding drinks. Breakfast offers a delicious and plentiful buffet but pricey at 25€ per person.
Although stylishly-furnished and decorated, we were disappointed to find there was only a sofa bed in our small ‘Standard’ room
and would recommend booking instead a ‘Higher Standard’ or ‘Junior Suite’.
Les Fermes de Marie
Chemin de Riante Colline
74120 Megève
The hotel complex, lying in a 2 ha park at the heart of Megève, evokes a centuries-old small hamlet of high mountain pasture farms. Each of the original farm chalets was carefully dismantled and painstakingly reassembled. The results retain their traditional features, to which have been added all the home comforts of modern living. Nine chalets are discretely interlinked to form a luxurious and peaceful haven. The quality and services on offer are impeccable and the 71 highly individual bedrooms and suites have a charming simplicity and subtle refinement.
The bar and lounge areas are warm, cosy and comfortable, with space for calm relaxation or shared afternoon tea and aperitifs.
At the heart of the hotel is a magnificent traditional restaurant, and the second Alpine restaurant offers more relaxed dining in contemporary style.
The spa was the first of the Pure Altitude Spas and provides 17 treatments cabins, swimming pool and Jacuzzis.
Hôtel Mont-Blanc
Place de l’Eglise
74120 Megève
In the heart of Megève, this legendary hotel has a unique atmosphere with it’s comfortable lounges, library, and the Enfants Terribles restaurant with its magnificent fresco by the poet Jean Cocteau. The bedrooms have a distinguished and harmonious style with Austrian, English and Savoyard influences and are largely furnished with beautiful antiques. The tea-room is famous for its 11 kinds of home-made hot chocolate but at 6-00pm it turns into ‘Le Georges’ champagne bar.
The Spa Pure Altitude has 4 treatment rooms, sauna, Jacuzzi, fitness room and pool.