FRANCE                                                                                

MEGEVE

Nestled on the edge of the Mont Blanc Massif, is a glamorous and historic ski resort that has been synonymous with luxury, charm, and world class skiing since the 1920s. Established by the Rothschild family as alternative to St. Moritz, Megeve overflows with elegance and sophistication, offering a unique blend of rustic alpine charm and high-end amenities. With its cobbled streets, horse drawn carriages, and picturesque chalets, Megeve feels like stepping into a fairy-tale.

Megeve boasts a vast and diverse ski area that caters to all levels, alongside a thriving apres-ski scene, Michelin-starred restaurants, and luxurious accommodations, whether you’re an avid skier or just needing a serene alpine escape, Megeve is a destination that captivates visitors year after year. Here we delve into everything you need to know about skiing in Megeve, including ski-passes, accommodation, dining, apres-ski, and how to get here.

Plan your Ski Adventure

Booking a ski trip involves a range of reliable resources to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. I have listed below our favourite companies we use when we plan our ski holiday.

Ski World– They have been taking customers to the best ski resorts in Europe, the US and Canada for more than 36 years.

Skyscanner– it’s our go to for finding the best flights, we usually start here and usually finish here.

Booking.com– for accommodation, we rely on booking.com for its extensive options and user reviews.

Train Travel– to European ski resorts is convenient and scenic, popular trips include Glacier express to Zermat, the Eurostar from London to the French Alps. We find “Omio or Trainline” are the best sites for booking trains in Europe.

Car Hire – we usually hire a car it offers us flexibility and convenience, allowing easy access to most resorts. Companies like “Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com’ provide reliable options with winter equipment.

Travel insurance– Don’t ski without it. If you get hurt on the mountain it could cost, you a small fortune if you’re not insured. We used “Safety Wing” when my wife broke her ankle a few years ago in Wengen they were terrific.

Ski Equipment – Bring your own ski gear, its usually cheaper and much better than renting, it ensures you have a perfect fit. Owning also saves time and money in the long run. Equipment like “Skis’, ‘Pants and Jackets,’ Gloves, ski -helmets and Thermal underwear” can all be bought online. You can purchase everything you will need from Berg’s Ski and Snowboard (USA) or Snow and Rock (UK).

For specific resort information- we turn to the resort website, which often provides details on lift passes, equipment rentals, ski school bookings. These resources together make planning our ski trips a lot easier.

The village of Megeve is one of the most magical in the French Alps, if not the world, with a perfect mix of traditional architecture and contemporary Luxury.

1. Traditional Charm: Cobblestone streets, wooden chalets, and a centre with a medieval church give Megeve its timeless Allure.
2. Luxury Shopping: High-end boutiques and designer stores offer a sophisticated shopping experience.
3. Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Megeve caters to families with kid-friendly activities, ski schools, and gentle slopes.
4. Tree-lined slopes: Makes it pretty but also helps when visibility is low.
5. Apres-ski: Partying in ski boots at La Folie Douce, vibrant village bars.

Megeves pedestrian-friendly streets and horse-drawn carriages, make it a popular choice for couples and families.

*Handy Tip*

Don’t forget your GOPRO or INSTA360 for all those action shots of family and friends.

Ski Area and Passes

Megeve is part of the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area, offering access to over 445 kilometres of slopes spread across six interconnected resorts, including Combloux, Saint-Gervais, Les Contamines, and Les Giettaz.

Ski Area Highlights:

1. Beginners: Wide, gentle slopes on Mont d’Arbois and Rochebrune are perfect for those new to skiing.
2. For intermediates: Long cruising runs across the resort offer fantastic variety and stunning views of Mont Blanc.
3. For Advanced Skiers: Challenging black runs and off-piste opportunities can be found on Cote 2000.
4. Freestyle and Snow parks: Snow parks with jumps, rails, and boardercross tracks cater to freestyle skiers.

The Mont-Blanc Ski Pass:

The ski pass provides access to:

• 445 kilometers of pistes.
• 107 lifts, ensuring efficient access to the slopes.
• Nearby ski areas like Saint-Gervais and Combloux

Additional Passes.

Mont Blanc unlimited Pass: extends access to resorts like Chamonix and Courmayeur, ideal for adventurous skiers.

Beginner and Day Passes: Suitable for shorter stays or for those skiing in Specific area.

Wear a SKI-HELMET, especially if you’re a beginner or in the snow parks and remember to pack your SKI-GOGGLES for Megeve.

Accommodation in Megeve

Luxury Accommodations:

1. Les Fermes de Marie: A five-star hotel combining rustic alpine charm with modern luxury, featuring a spa and fine dining.
2. Hotel Mont-Blanc: Situated in the heart of the village, this iconic hotel offers exceptional service and stylish interiors.
3. Chalet Zannier: A boutique property with stunning décor, personalized service, and an intimate atmosphere.

Mid-Range Options.

1. Hotel Lodge Park: A cozy, four-star property with a chic, hunting-lodge inspired décor
2. Le Gai Soleil: A charming hotel offering comfort and affordability, located close to the slopes.
3. Hotel I’Arboisie: An elegant yet reasonably priced hotel with great views and amenities.

Budget-Friendly

1. Hotel Le Chalet d’Antoine: Offers good value and a warm atmosphere, ideal for families and groups.
2. Hostellerie de la Poste: A simple, comfortable choice for travelers on a budget.
3. Les Chalets du Prariand: An affordable option with basic amenities and easy access to the village.

RESTAURANT IN MEGEVE

• I always carry a DAY BACKPACK when skiing, as well as a WATER-BOTTLE. It keeps me hydrated all day long, on the slopes.

Where to Eat in Megeve.

Megeve’s culinary scene is one of the highlights of a visit, featuring everything from Michelin-starred dining to cozy mountain chalets serving hearty Savoyard dishes.

Fine Dining:

1. Flocons de Sel: A three-Michelin star- restaurant, offering innovative and refined alpine cuisine.
2. Le 1920: located in the Four Seasons Hotel, this two-Michelin-starred restaurants blends local flavours and creative flair.

Traditional Savoyard Cuisine:  

1. Le Refuge: Known for its raclette, fondue, and other alpine specialities.

      2    Le Vieux Megeve; A rustic and charming eatery serving local dishes liketartiflette.

Mountain Dining

1. L’ Alpette: A stylish mountain restaurant with panoramic views and gourmet dishes.

      2    Ideal 1850: Combines a stunning location with a menu of fine wines and local cuisine.

Apres-Ski and Bars.

Megeve’s apres-ski scene is vibrant and sophisticated:

1. La Folie Douce: A mountainside apres institution known for its energetic vibe and live performances.
2. La Bar des Alpes: A lively spot for drinks and music in the heart of the village.
3. Bar Edmond: Located in Hotel Mont-Blanc, offering signature cocktails in a chic setting.

How to Get to Megeve.

Megeve is easily accessible by air, rail, and road, making it an easy to reach destination for travelers.

By Plane:

1. Geneva Airport: The nearest international airport, located 70 kilometres (about 1.5 hours by car)
2. Chambery Airport: Approximately 95 kilometers away, offering seasonal flights.

SHUTTLE services, PRIVATE transfers, and CAR RENTALS are available from both airports. Compare and BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS HERE.

By Train:

The nearest train station is Sallanches-Combloux-Megeve, located 12 kilometres away.

• Regional trains connect Sallanches to major cities like Geneva, Lyon, and Paris.
• Bus and taxi services provide transport from the station to the resort.

You can BOOK YOUR TRAIN HERE.

By Car

Megeve is well connected by road, making driving a convenient and flexible option.

• From Geneva: Take the A40 motorway to Sallanches, then follow signs to Megeve.
• Parking: The resort offers both covered and open parking options.

Compare these car rental rates, DISCOVER CARS or RENTALCARS.com

Ski Lifts

Getting to France’s best ski resorts couldn’t be easier than with Ski-lifts, offering both airport and train station transfers. Private transfers are a popular choice, as you will not be sharing with others or waiting at the airport, as your driver will be waiting for you.

BY Shuttle:

Regular bus services operate between Geneva, Sallanches, and Megeve. Companies like Alpy Bus and Alps2Alps provide affordable travel options.

Resort Activities.                                                                   

1. Ice Skating: The village ice rink is a popular spot for family fun.
2. Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: Explore the village’s cobblestone streets in style.
3. Snowshoeing: Guided snowshoe tours allow visitors to explore the serene alpine surroundings.
4. Spa and Wellness: Indulge in relaxation at luxurious spas like Pure Altitude or the Four Seasons.
5. Shopping: Browse designer boutiques, artisanal shops, and local markets for unique finds.

*Handy Tips*

Make sure you have TRAVEL INSURANCE before hitting the slopes.

Megeve village is so pretty that as you wander through the cobble-stone streets, with horse drawn carriages carrying families and couples, and church bells ringing in the background, you’ll wonder if you’re in some sort of European fantasyland. Its rich history, luxurious accommodations, fine dining and breath taking surroundings make it a must visit destination for your next winter holiday.

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