Megève

Megève is one of the most elegant and historic ski resorts in the Alps. Set at 1,100 m in the Haute-Savoie, close to Mont Blanc, it combines traditional Savoyard charm with understated luxury. The resort was developed in the 1920s by the Rothschild family as France’s answer to St Moritz, and it retains a timeless glamour today — horse-drawn carriages, cobbled streets, chic boutiques, and Michelin-starred dining all set beneath the steeple of its 13th-century church.

Part of the Évasion Mont-Blanc ski area, Megève offers access to 445 km of pistes, shared with neighbouring resorts Saint-Gervais, Combloux, and Les Contamines. The skiing is scenic and varied, with tree-lined runs, sweeping meadows, and stunning views of Mont Blanc. It may not have the altitude of the Tarentaise giants, but it makes up for it with character, culture, and a uniquely French alpine experience.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Megève’s slopes stretch across several interlinked sectors — Rochebrune, Mont d’Arbois, Cote 2000, and Jaillet — each offering something different.

• Beginners: Gentle nursery areas near the village and wide greens on Mont d’Arbois make it ideal for learners. The runs are forgiving, and the resort’s ski schools have an excellent reputation.

• Intermediates: This is where Megève shines. Long, rolling blue and red runs weave through alpine meadows and forests, offering some of the most scenic intermediate skiing in the Alps. Cruising from Mont d’Arbois to Saint-Gervais is a highlight.

• Experts: While the resort is not known for extreme terrain, the Émile Allais black run on Rochebrune and steep slopes at Cote 2000 provide challenges. Off-piste potential is excellent, especially with guides exploring powder fields beneath Mont Joly. For those craving steeper terrain, Chamonix is just a short drive away.

• Freestylers: The resort has terrain parks and boardercross zones, but the freestyle scene is quieter compared to Avoriaz or Les 2 Alpes.

The skiing here is less about high-altitude challenge and more about beauty, variety, and atmosphere — tree runs in fresh snow, panoramic Mont Blanc views, and relaxed cruising.

Ski Lift Passes

Megève is part of the Évasion Mont-Blanc ski area.

• Évasion Mont-Blanc pass (445 km): ~€61/day | ~€305 for 6 days
• Megève-only pass (180 km): ~€54/day | ~€270 for 6 days
• Child (5–14): ~25% reduction
• Under 5s: Free

Deals:

• Family passes available.
• Reduced beginner passes for nursery slopes.

More info at the Megève ski pass page.

Resort & Infrastructure

Megève is a large, sprawling resort with multiple base areas:

• Rochebrune: The closest sector to the village, with a gondola rising directly from the centre.

• Mont d’Arbois: The largest and most varied area, linking to Saint-Gervais and Combloux. It offers wide intermediate runs and spectacular Mont Blanc views.

• Cote 2000: Higher and snow-sure, with steeper runs and race pistes.

• Jaillet: A quieter sector facing Mont Blanc, with peaceful runs and links to Combloux.

The lift system has been steadily modernised, though it retains some older lifts in outlying areas. Snowmaking is extensive, covering the lower-altitude slopes. While Megève lacks the altitude of Val d’Isère or Les Arcs, the sheer scale of the Évasion Mont-Blanc ensures plenty of options and good snow throughout the season.

Accommodation

Megève is known for its luxury hotels and chalets, but there’s a wide range of options.

• Budget: Smaller guesthouses, self-catered apartments, and B&Bs in the village or surrounding hamlets.

• Mid-Range: A broad choice of 3★ and 4★ hotels, many in traditional chalet style, offering comfort and good access to lifts.

• Luxury: Megève excels here. Properties such as Les Fermes de Marie, Four Seasons Hotel Megève, and Le Chalet Zannier set benchmarks for alpine luxury, combining five-star service with spa facilities and fine dining.

Browse options via the Megève accommodation page.

Dining & Après

Megève is a gastronomic destination. The resort boasts multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, including Flocons de Sel (3★) by Emmanuel Renaut, one of France’s finest chefs. In the village, cosy bistros and brasseries serve Savoyard classics like tartiflette and fondue, while chic wine bars and patisseries add refinement.

On the mountain, huts such as L’Alpette and Le Refuge du Mont Joly serve hearty fare with panoramic terraces.

Après-ski is sophisticated rather than raucous. Le Cocoon and Le Bar des Alpes are popular for relaxed drinks, while La Folie Douce Megève adds a livelier option with DJs and dancing on the slopes. The atmosphere is stylish, cosmopolitan, and in keeping with the resort’s elegant image.

Non-Skiing Activities

Megève is one of the best resorts in the Alps for non-skiers, thanks to its mix of culture, shopping, and leisure.

• Horse-drawn sleigh rides through the village.
• Designer shopping and art galleries in the cobbled streets.
• The Palais Megève sports and leisure centre, with swimming pools, spa, climbing, and skating.
• Snowshoeing, paragliding, and dog sledding.
• Weekly markets and cultural events, keeping the village lively year-round.

For many visitors, the après-ski, shopping, and dining are as much a part of the holiday as skiing itself.

Village Character & Access

Megève is a historic alpine town, with cobbled streets, a medieval square, and horse-drawn carriages creating an atmosphere unmatched in the Alps. It feels more like a chic alpine community than a ski resort, blending Savoyard tradition with Parisian sophistication.

How to get there from the UK:

• By air: Geneva Airport is 1 hr 15 mins away.
• By train: Eurostar/TGV to Sallanches, then 20 min transfer.
• By car: About 8 hrs 30 mins from Calais, motorway to Sallanches then mountain roads.

InTheSnow Verdict

Megève is a resort for those who value atmosphere, heritage, and refinement as much as skiing. Its slopes are beautiful, varied, and perfect for intermediates, while its village is one of the most charming and elegant in the Alps. The altitude may not match Tarentaise giants, but the experience here is about more than vertical — it’s about style, food, culture, and a sense of timeless alpine glamour.

For skiers and non-skiers alike, Megève offers one of the most complete alpine holidays in France.

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