Megève is an unspoilt gem in the French Alps, an exclusive resort that is charming and rustic, retaining old features and seemingly untouched by the vast numbers of tourists who enjoy the Alps every year. Megève has a wonderful central square full of boutique shops, there’s a beautiful traditional church and it’s the perfect resort for long lazy afternoon lunches in the sun. It’s similar in style and feel to the chic Zermatts and Courchevels of the Alps, yet without the crowds. Megève is a hidden gem found just over an hour away from Geneva, a secret that the French enjoy keeping to themselves! Megève’s resort height is 1,100 metres with the skiing up to around 2,350 metres altitude.
Whilst the resort is just 1,100 meters high, the majority of the skiing is much higher and when it does snow the rolling hillsides make for some excellent off-piste terrain. During the months of February and March it can be the best time to visit and the snow can be happily relied upon. Megève is home to a surprisingly large ski area, part of the Evasion Mont Blanc ski area which is all easily accessed from Megève either by lift or bus, there’s a total of 445 kilometres of pistes to explore, ample for a week’s skiing. For those who fancy a day or two of more technical terrain, you can choose the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass, this gives you access to the nearby Chamonix Valley as well.
The ski area is split into a couple of distinct parts, with the Rochebrune and Cote 2000 side full of red, blue and green pistes winding through the forests with a cruisy and enjoyable feel. On the Mont d’Arbois side there are again some fun cruisy runs, mixed with slalom pistes to test your skills, incredible off-piste options when the snow falls, and plenty of greens and blues, interspersed with incredible reds off the Mont Joly and L’Epaule areas.
The resort attracts a large volume of families thanks to its excellent array of beginner and intermediate friendly runs, but also adults who enjoy the more elegant and attractive feel of Megève. Those who enjoy cruising the pistes as opposed to charging around are well catered for too. There are a range of fantastic ski school options, with BASS (British Alpine Ski School) and Ski Pros Megève “Megève Mike” being popular options. Non-skiers are equally well looked after with so many sunny terraces for enjoying a coffee or Ricard with the locals. Many of the mountain restaurants are accessible by gondola or by taking the bus so skiers and non-skiers alike can enjoy the mountain atmosphere. Megève also offers plenty of walking routes, ice skating and boutique shops with plenty to entertain all guests.
A chic and exclusive town it might come as a surprise to hear that Megève is home to one of the famous La Folie Douce’s of the Alps. Here by 3pm you can expect live music, table dancing and magnums of rosé on show. In resort The Lodge Bar is a great chalet style bar, with leather armchairs, comfortable interiors and also an outdoor heated bar. For night owls The Cocoon Club is open until about 5am, full of life and also showing sports games in the late afternoon. The food is one of the many attractions of Megève, with restaurants like the excellent Le Super Megève found on the mountain, perfect for a steak with chips from the outdoor grill and a demi pêche in the sun. In the town centre Spaggiari is popular with locals and visitors, with an enjoyable relaxed atmosphere, serving great value and delicious pizzas and drinks. For a special occasion pre-book into the three michelin star Flocons de Sel which offers subtle yet surprising dining in a relaxed and comfortable environment.
