"Ultimate Guide to Skiing in Megève: What to Expect from France’s Hidden Alpine Gem
Why Megève is One of France’s Most Stylish and Scenic Ski Resorts
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.
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.
Traditional Charm: Cobblestone streets, wooden chalets, and a centre with a medieval church give Megeve its timeless Allure.
Luxury Shopping: High-end boutiques and designer stores offer a sophisticated shopping experience.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Megeve caters to families with kid-friendly activities, ski schools, and gentle slopes.
Tree-lined slopes: Makes it pretty but also helps when visibility is low.
Apres-ski: Partying in ski boots at La Folie Douce, vibrant village bars.
Megeve’s 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 kilometers of slopes spread across six interconnected resorts, including Combloux, Saint-Gervais, Les Contamines, and Les Giettaz.
Ski Area Highlights:
Beginners: Wide, gentle slopes on Mont d’Arbois and Rochebrune are perfect for those new to skiing.
For intermediates: Long cruising runs across the resort offer fantastic variety and stunning views of Mont Blanc.
For Advanced Skiers: Challenging black runs and off-piste opportunities can be found on Cote 2000.
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 those skiing in Specific areas.
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
Les Fermes de Marie: A five-star hotel combining rustic alpine charm with modern luxury, featuring a spa and fine dining.
Hotel Mont-Blanc: Situated in the heart of the village, this iconic hotel offers exceptional service and stylish interiors.
Chalet Zannier: A boutique property with stunning décor, personalized service, and an intimate atmosphere.
Mid-Range Options
Hotel Lodge Park: A cozy, four-star property with a chic, hunting-lodge inspired décor
Le Gai Soleil: A charming hotel offering comfort and affordability, located close to the slopes.
Hotel I’Arboisie: An elegant yet reasonably priced hotel with great views and amenities.
Budget-Friendly
Hotel Le Chalet d’Antoine: Offers good value and a warm atmosphere, ideal for families and groups.
Hostellerie de la Poste: A simple, comfortable choice for travelers on a budget.
Les Chalets du Prariand: An affordable option with basic amenities and easy access to the village.
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:
Flocons de Sel: A three-Michelin star- restaurant, offering innovative and refined alpine cuisine.
Le 1920: located in the Four Seasons Hotel, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant blends local flavors and creative flair.
Traditional Savoyard Cuisine:
Le Refuge: Known for its raclette, fondue, and other alpine specialties.
Le Vieux Megeve: A rustic and charming eatery serving local dishes like tartiflette.
Mountain Dining
L’ Alpette: A stylish mountain restaurant with panoramic views and gourmet dishes.
Ideal 1850: Combines a stunning location with a menu of fine wines and local cuisine.
Apres-Ski
Megeve’s apres-ski scene is vibrant and sophisticated:
La Folie Douce: A mountainside apres institution known for its energetic vibe and live performances.
La Bar des Alpes: A lively spot for drinks and music in the heart of the village.
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:
Geneva Airport: The nearest international airport, located 70 kilometers (about 1.5 hours by car)
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
ALPS2ALPS
Getting to France’s best ski resorts couldn’t be easier than with ALPS2ALPS, 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.
Planning Your Trip – Megève
Timing:
The ski season in Megève runs from mid-December to early April, with the best snow conditions between January and March. Christmas and New Year are particularly festive, with beautifully lit streets and markets.
Booking:
Book early if visiting during school holidays or peak weekends, as Megève is popular with both locals and international travelers. Use Booking.com for a range of options — from boutique hotels in the village to chalets near the slopes.
Transport:
The nearest airport is Geneva (1 hour 15 minutes). Transfers and shuttle services are available directly to Megève. You can also rent a car for flexibility, especially if you plan to explore nearby resorts like Chamonix or La Clusaz.
Ski Passes:
Purchase the Évasion Mont-Blanc Ski Pass, which gives access to 400 km of slopes across Megève, Saint-Gervais, Combloux, Les Contamines, and La Giettaz.
Packing:
Bring warm, layered ski clothing, waterproof outerwear, and comfortable boots for walking through the cobbled streets. A stylish après-ski outfit is handy for Megève’s chic restaurants and lounges.
Ski Schools:
The École du Ski Français (ESF) and Evolution 2 offer excellent ski instruction for all levels, including children’s programs and private lessons.
Après-Ski & Activities:
After skiing, relax in spa hotels, explore boutique shopping, or enjoy an ice-skating session at the village rink. Families will love horse-drawn sleigh rides and scenic walks through snow-covered lanes.
Dining:
Reserve tables early at popular venues like Le Vieux Megève for traditional Savoyard dishes, Flocons de Sel for Michelin-starred dining, or La Ferme de mon Père for a cozy mountain atmosphere.
Local Tips:
Megève is more spread out than some Alpine villages — check ski lift proximity before booking accommodation. Also, free shuttle buses connect key areas like Rochebrune and Mont d’Arbois.
FAQs – Megève
1. When is the best time to visit Megève?
January and February offer the most reliable snow conditions, while March is ideal for sunny skiing and outdoor dining.
2. Is Megève suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s perfect for beginners and intermediates. Gentle slopes in Rochebrune and Mont d’Arbois are ideal for learning, with excellent ski schools for children and adults.
3. How do I get to Megève without a car?
Fly into Geneva Airport and book a shared or private shuttle to Megève. Regular bus transfers also operate from Sallanches train station, about 12 km away.
4. What types of accommodation are available?
Megève has everything from luxury spa hotels and family-friendly chalets to mid-range lodges. Top choices include Les Fermes de Marie, Coeur de Megève, and Lodge Park.
5. Is Megève expensive?
It’s known for its elegance, but visitors can still find mid-range hotels and affordable chalets if booked early. Dining and ski passes are comparable to other high-end French resorts.
6. What can non-skiers do in Megève?
Non-skiers can enjoy shopping, gourmet dining, spas, sleigh rides, and snowshoeing trails. The village’s charm makes it enjoyable even without hitting the slopes.
7. Are there family-friendly facilities?
Absolutely. Megève caters well to families, offering nurseries, kids’ ski schools, and gentle slopes near Caboche and Jaillet.
8. How large is the ski area?
With over 400 km of pistes under the Évasion Mont-Blanc pass, Megève offers a mix of open trails, forest runs, and scenic routes — great for all levels.
9. What’s the après-ski like?
Megève’s après-ski is relaxed and refined. Expect wine bars, piano lounges, and cozy restaurants rather than wild party scenes.
10. Can I combine Megève with other resorts?
Yes — nearby Chamonix, Les Contamines, and Saint-Gervais are within a short drive, making Megève a great base for a multi-resort ski trip.
Resort Activities
1. Snowshoeing & Winter Hiking
Megève has marked trails for snowshoeing, leading through silent forests and open pastures. .
2. Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides
Possibly the most iconic Megève experience. Snuggle under blankets while clip-clopping through the snowy streets or taking a scenic loop through the countryside.
3. Spas & Wellness
From world-class spa hotels to day spas, Megève is a haven for wellness.
Les Fermes de Marie and the Four Seasons both offer full spa experiences, including saunas, jacuzzis, and alpine-inspired treatments.
4. Dining & Culinary Experiences
Megève punches well above its weight when it comes to food: There are also casual crêperies, wine bars, and pâtisseries around every corner.
5. Ice Skating & Indoor Sports
The town’s indoor rink offers skating and ice hockey, while the Palais de Megève — one of the largest sports complexes in the Alps — includes climbing walls, a swimming pool, gym, and even curling.
6. Boutique Shopping & Art
Stroll through Megève’s pedestrian center to discover luxury brands, handmade chocolates, antique stores, and fine art galleries.
Think more understated elegance than flashy après-ski bling.
*HANDY TIPS*
Make sure you have TRAVEL INSURANCE before hitting the slopes.
Final Thoughts
Megeve is a ski resort that offers a truly unforgettable alpine experience.
Its extensive ski area, luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and charming village make it a top choice for winter sports.
Whether you’re skiing the pristine slopes, enjoying a meal at a mountain hut, or strolling through the picturesque village, Megeve promises an unforgettable winter escape.
Other favourites in France
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 favorite 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.
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT – Going is a great search engine if you are flexible about your travel destination and dates. Sign up for their newsletter and get the latest deals on destinations around the world. GOING is our new go to.
Booking.com– for accommodation, we rely on Booking.com for its extensive options and user reviews. We find they have the cheapest rates and offer payment options. In addition, VRBO is another terrific website for all types of accommodations.
Train Travel– to European ski resorts is convenient and scenic, popular trips include Glacier express to Zermatt, 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 use SAFETYWING 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 need from BACKCOUNTRY
ARC’TERYX – is a go to reliable brand for outdoor adventure and travel, their wide range includes light weight durable, easy to clean travel gear.
Check out our RESOURCE PAGE for more additional planning.