Skiing & Snowboarding in Megève

With its charming old town centre, chic atmosphere and sunny setting, Megève provides an authentic and refined ski holiday experience. Although the resort is quite low, it has a good snow record with uncrowded pistes and easy access to some great backcountry terrain, and all with a backdrop of the mighty Mont Blanc. Plus, there are some excellent restaurants on the mountain for lunch.

The Skiing and Snowboarding

Lots of wide, easy slopes for beginners and for advanced skiers there's easy access to some great off-piste terrain that doesn't get immediately tracked out. The Megève ski area is huge with 450 km of pistes, but the skiing is split across 3 mountains - Rochebrune, Combloux and Saint-Gervais-Mont-Blanc. The 3 sectors fall under the Evasion Mont Blanc lift pass, which also includes Les Contamines, but shamefully, there's still no direct link to that resort despite it being on the cards for a long time. The main Rochebrune area is accessible from Megève town and the Princesse gondola a couple of kilometres to the north, where there's a big free car park, ideal if you're driving in for the day. The Saint-Gervais-Mont-Blanc area includes Megèves highest pistes and some of the best snow. Don't miss the Epaule traverse with its spectacular views over Mont Blanc. According to Anthony Mocellin from ski school Megeve Ski Escape, this is the most beautiful run in Megève and should easily be counted amongst the most beautiful pistes in France. Access the piste from the Epaule chairlift in Saint-Nicolas de Véroce. From the village of Combloux just to the north of Megève, you can access the Le Jaillet sector. The views over the mountains from the top of this area are some of the most spectacular in Megève. To access the Megève's best off-piste skiing head to the Mont Joli chairlift. There are loads of great descents, but take great care, they're all exposed to avalanche risk, especially the reputed Backside du Mt Joli. As always when venturing off-piste, your best bet is to take a guide - they'll keep you safe and show you the best runs on the day, including some super-fun secret routes through Megève's steep, narrow couloirs. The ESF is the major ski school in Megève. But, for private English-speaking ski lessons, check out Megeve Ski Escape. They run lessons for kids and adults from beginner to advanced as well as carving clinics, off-piste ski courses and multi-day backcountry adventures.

Where to stay

The roads into Megève can get very busy at peak holiday times, so it makes sense to try to stay as close as possible to one of the main lifts. Hotel Chalet d'Antoine is located a short 5-minute walk from the village centre. It isn't fancy but provides clean, comfy accommodation, a welcoming atmosphere and great food.

Where to eat

Megève caters to a well-to-do crowd and as such, if you want to splash out on some top notch Alpine fare, you're in the right place. We can recommend l’Alpette, L’idéal 1850, Les Mandarines, or for atmosphere, La Fruitière at La Folie Douce (see Après Ski below). As an extra special treat, book a table at 3 Michelin Star restaurant Flocons de Sel and try the tasting menu. You won't be disappointed. For an authentic eating experience on the mountain, head to the Refuge de Porcherey, a restaurant and gite d'étape located in the Saint-Gervais-Mont-Blanc sector at the junction of the Megève Mont d’Arbois, Mont Joly et St Nicolas de Véroce pistes. It's well worth building your day's skiing around a visit to this restaurant, besides the food, the views over Mont Blanc are outstanding. Refuge de Porcherey, 1380 route de Porcherey, 74190 Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce, France. Tel +33 (0)6 80 64 01 43. For traditional Savoyard fare on the edge of the Megève ski area, head to Sur les Prés and enjoy the cosy terrace, down to earth hospitality, hearty food and a spectacular view. Sur les Prés, 4500 Chemin du Tour a Pre Rosset, 74120 Megeve, France. Tel +33 (0)4 50 93 92 16

Après Ski

Megève is a bit of a wet flannel when it comes to lively après. Megève's chic ambiance lends itself more to sophisticated wine bars and cafés than raucous bars. However, there is now a Folie Douce at the bottom of the Mont Joux chairlift. With its sunny terrace and unique blend of style, après entertainment and quality food and drink this could be your go to spot after a day shredding the pistes. Other cool places to try include 540 Café at the bottom of Le Jaillet cable car or Le Wake Up down in the town.