Every day leading into the new ski season, we will be highlighting ski resorts from around the world! Today we start with Megeve ski resort in France. A popular destination with avid British skiers and snowboards with so much on offer. Whilst your here make sure you check out our fantastic Megeve ski resort guide full of useful information to help you make the perfect choice for your next ski holiday! If you are eager to get away make sure you check out of Holiday Offers where you will find some of the best holidays available across the Alps and beyond!
Full of medieval charm and overlooked by the Mont Blanc Massif, Megève is well-known for its traditional roots and for being at the more luxurious end of your skiing resort choices. Found in the Savoie region, this top skiing resort is chosen by visitors looking for the charm of a traditional resort, with a focus on high quality.
Let’s Talk Skiing
The ski slopes of Megève are between 850m and 2355m. Megève’s mountains give you lots of choice of slopes. The area is ideal for intermediate skiers, you won’t be bored. There are some old and slow lifts on the Megève piste map, but if it’s mileage you want to get under your belt, you’ve got fast lifts that’ll get you where you want to be.
If you’re looking for quieter slopes in Megève, Le Jaillet is for you – particularly if you head for La Giettaz. Alternatively, you could aim for the Mont d’Arbois which is the main hub where you’ll find the link to the St Gervais slopes. Rochebrune is also a great location for tree-lined skiing. If you’re looking for some real adventure, make sure you get your Evasion Mont Blanc Megève ski pass which includes Les Contamines. Alternatively, get yourself the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass which will also give you access to Chamonix, or even Courmayeur in Italy.
The Resort of Megève
As one of the first ski resorts in the Alps, Megève is now a popular resort for affluent French and Swiss holidaymakers; which makes it a good choice for British skiers and boarders looking for a traditional Winter skiing location. It’s chic yet still retains lots of historic charm, with lots of things to do both on and off the slopes including the Megève bars and restaurants. Definitely an option if you’re looking for a luxurious break.
Staying in Megève
You’ve got lots of accommodation in Megève to choose from in this beautiful village; ranging from studios and apartments to smart hotels. It’s a perfect location to bring the family, with its car-free centre and cobbled streets. The village is split into three skiing sectors. The first can easily be reached from lifts either close to the centre or the southern edge of Megève. Alternatively, you’ll find another lift base from a higher suburb or just out of town. Your third option is to make use of Megève’s good bus network or horse-drawn sleighs.
Snow Conditions
Megève is a location with a low altitude, so you’ll need to choose the timings of your break carefully. However, as the ground is grassy it doesn’t need as much snow to make it skiable, which makes it a good location for seasons when the snow isn’t great. There are three mainly wooded mountains, ideal for poorer weather. Le Jaillet, Mont d’Arbois and Rochebrune. Each will give intermediate skiers lots of miles of enjoyment, with options for beginners too. Experts will find their own challenges here as well on the ski slopes of Megève.
When considering weather and snowfall, you’ll find an average of just under 30cm of snow per week, with January traditionally seeing the most snow. April isn’t a great month, with the snow reducing to around 12/13cm. The end of the season does tend to see a lack of snow on the Megève pistes.
Resort Life
Megève is certainly a traditional Alpine town in its nature. With its roots as a farming community, its traditional 13th century charms have been preserved in its picturesque church, cobbled streets and shops. Think antiques, beautiful clothing, gift shops and jewellery, similar to resorts such as Courchevel or some of the more chic Swiss resorts and you’ll have an idea of the classy location that you have here.
We particularly like Megève as the regulars are less likely to hit the slopes when the snow is falling – this makes it a time when you can enjoy the falling snow. The car-free centre makes it a great location for families.
Speaking of cars, you can park in one of the underground car parks during your stay. It’s worth bearing in mind that these are expensive. You’ll also find that peak holiday times will mean that traffic can get pretty busy – especially during the French school holidays and at New Year; worth considering if you are staying away from the centre of Megève.
What’s Good About Megève?
With some gorgeous shops and fantastic restaurants, Megève has the label of a higher end ski location, and with the price tag to match. You’ll find an excellent choice of food to enjoy during your stay. Even on the hill, there are some fantastic mountain restaurants for you to choose from for a spot of lunch.
Ski-wise, Megève does have a number of lift choices, however three out of the four are slow. The main access is via the gondola from the centre of town to Rochebrune, but you’ll also find cable cars plus some fast chairs too. We like the variety of the ski slopes of Megève that are available for all levels of skiing. From Mount Arbois for the beginners, through the ungroomed 20 runs after a dump; ideal for expert skiers, you’ll definitely be looking forward to some great times on the slopes.
There are also lots of activity choices off-piste too for non-skiers in Megève. It benefits from an excellent indoor swimming pool and a non-ski activity centre.
The SnowResort Verdict
Still steeped in its traditional roots, Megève has certainly gone from strength to strength – developing into a chic and luxurious skiing resort location. With a lovely sunny location, it’s definitely a good choice if you’re looking for an all-round holiday resort that gives you high-quality restaurants and shops too.
If you like the sound of Les Menuires do not forget to check out our fantastic Val Gardena ski resort guide! If you fancy making France your next ski destination then also check out our La Plagne & Les 2 Alpes resort guides.
