Skiing In Megève: Why You'll Love This Amazing Winter Resort
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There are so many French ski resorts that it can be hard to choose the right one for your ski trip — even compiling a shortlist can make your head spin.
MEGÈVE IS CERTAINLY NOT THE MOST POPULAR FRENCH SKI RESORT.
But Megève is nevertheless a magical, fairy tale of a ski resort.
You’d be lucky to enjoy a few days of skiing and relaxation in this hidden gem in the Savoy Alps.
Here are all the reasons why you’ll fall in love with Megève, as well as things to do in Megeve in winter that aren’t skiing. 😉
Skiing In Megève: Why You'll Love This Amazing Winter Resort
Megève Ski Essentials
Planning your trip to Megève?
Here are the essentials you’ll need for a successful ski or snowboard trip to Megève.
🗺️ Megève Ski Map | Navigate the slopes
Use this Megève ski map to plan your time on the slopes
🎿 Megève Ski Rental | Reserve you ski gear
🎟️ Megève Ski Pass | Explore the Evasion Mont Blanc ski area
Lift passes cost about 55 EUR - 62 EUR per day.
🧳 Ski Trip Packing Guide | Pack these ski essentials
🛡️ Ski Trip Travel Insurance | Ensure peace of mind while skiing
Don’t forget to add the Adventure Sports add-on.
Curious how to find the best experiences no matter what destination you visit?
Download my Europe Experience Planner now!
Megève has a Ski Lift in the Heart of Town
One thing I love about Megève?
THERE’S ACCESS TO THE SLOPES DIRECTLY FROM THE CENTER OF TOWN VIA THE LE CHAMOIS CABLE CAR.
Not only is this incredibly convenient in the morning, but it’s a godsend at the end of the day when you're exhausted from skiing and don’t want to lug your ski equipment any further.
There are multiple ski rental shops at the base of the Le Chamois cable car, and you can store your ski equipment right there.
The more I travel to other ski resorts the more I realize how special this is, to be able to access the slopes from the heart of town.
Skiing in Megève is a Dream
THE REAL FAIRY TALE OF MEGÈVE IS EXPERIENCED ON ITS SKI SLOPES.
The resort is full of picturesque, tree-lined runs that are easy to navigate for beginners, or more challenging pistes for advanced skiers farther up the mountain.
Along the way, charming mountain huts serve posh cuisine and glasses of champagne for lunch.
And as the afternoon sun dips behind the peaks, skiers gather on scenic terraces for après-ski, toasting to a perfect day in the Alps. 🥂
MEGÈVE HAS THREE MAIN SKI AREAS, LE JAILLET, ROCHEBRUNE, AND MONT D'ARBOIS.
Le Jaillet offers a mix of beginner blue runs and a few intermediate red runs.
It’s located north of town and requires a quick ride on the town’s ski shuttle.Rochebrune is home to the Cote 2000, with its highest point at 2,014 meters.
It’s one of the most reliable snow sectors in the entire resort, with a mix of blue and red pistes, with challenging runs increasing farther up towards Cote 2000.Mont d'Arbois is the largest ski sector in Megève and consists mostly of picturesque, tree-lined runs that are easy to navigate.
Farther up the mountain are longer intermediate red runs, with its highest point, Mont Jolly, sitting at 2,350 meters.
How high is Megève? Though Mt. Joly, the highest point in Megève, is only about 2,350m high, we had strong snow during our stay.
A bird’s eye view. of the slopes on Mt. d’Arbois during one of our ski afternoons, when strong snow came through mid-day.
BOTH ROCHEBRUNE AND MONT D'ARBOIS ARE ACCESSIBLE VIA THE LE CHAMOIS CABLE CAR IN THE CENTER OF TOWN.
The Le Chamois cable car will deposit you at the Caboche ski lift.
From Caboche, you can head southwest, toward Rochebrune, or northeast, toward Mont d'Arbois.
This was where our group’s started each ski day, though Rochebrune and Mont d’Arbois are also accessible by shuttle bus for those not staying in town.
Megève Après-Ski can be Loud and Wild - or Cozy and Casual
Après-ski is a venerated ski trip ritual, and in France it’s known for bass-thumping DJs, live performers and lots of champagne.
IN MEGÈVE, LA FOLIE DOUCE IS THE PLACE TO BE FOR THAT BRAND OF FRENCH PARTY APRÈS-SKI.
(La Folie Douce is located in the Mont d’Arbois ski area.)
But loud and wild isn’t the only experience available in Megève.
Those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere after a long day on the slopes will enjoy warming up with truffle fondue at Le Hibou Blanc, a stylish brasserie in town.
TRY A VERTE CHAUD, AN APRÈS-SKI COCKTAIL MADE WITH CHARTREUSE AND HOT CHOCOLATE THAT HAS A WONDERFULLY HERBAL TASTE. 😋
The patio at Hibou Blanc is covered and heated, making it an outsanding choice for a casual, low-key après-ski.
Don't let packing stress ruin your ski trip!
Grab this complimentary ⬇️ Ski Trip Packing Checklist ⬇️ and stay organized with ease.
This PDF checklist makes packing simple with an easy-to-follow format you can check off as you go.
Things to Do in Megève in Winter
There are so many fun things to do in Megève in winter, whether you’re a skier looking for a little variety or a non-skier trying to have fun in the snow.
Here’s a list of the best things to do in Megève in winter:
Snowshoeing
SNOWSHOEING THROUGH THE MEGÈVE’S SNOW-COVERED LANDSCAPES IS A FANTASTIC ALTERNATIVE TO SKIING.
Whether winding through quiet forests or trekking up to panoramic viewpoints, snowshoeing offers a peaceful way to experience the Alps beyond the ski slopes.
Megève Snowshoes offers snowshoe rental for self-guided trekkers, as well as separate guided tours for adults and families.
Dogsledding
A DOGSLEDDING EXCURSION IS SUCH A UNIQUE AND MAGICAL WINTER ADVENTURE!
Imagine gliding through pristine snowy trails, led by a team of energetic huskies, taking in the breathtaking mountain scenery.
This is a great experience for those who don’t mind a little speed and excitement.
Winter Hiking
MEGÈVE HAS A NETWORK OF WELL-MAINTAINED WINTER HIKING TRAILS FOR THOSE WHO PREFER TO HIKE THE TERRAIN.
Walking through frost-covered forests and open meadows is a simple way to enjoy the wintry landscape, along with views of Mont Blanc.
Megève’s tourism board has put together a list of the best winter hiking trails for visitors to explore.
Paragliding
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR AN ADRENALINE RUSH BEYOND WHIZZING DOWN SKI SLOPES, CONSIDER TAKING THE DRIVE TO CHAMONIX FOR A TANDEM PARAGLIDING FLIGHT.
Soar above Mont Blanc and experience unrivaled views of the snow-covered French Alps.
Tandem flights offer a unique way to experience the Alps, and professional instructors ensure a safe and thrilling experience.
Spa Day
AFTER A DAY IN THE CRISP MOUNTAIN AIR, (OR MAYBE AFTER AN ESPECIALLY ENTHUSIASTIC APRÈS-SKI 😉,) UNWIND AT ONE OF MEGÈVE’S LUXURIOUS SPAS.
Indulge in a post-ski massage, soak in a thermal pool, or enjoy an alpine-inspired wellness treatment to fully embrace the restorative power of the mountains.
I spent an afternoon at the spa at the Four Seasons Hotel Megève, and would highly recommend it to anyone searching for a spa in Megève.
The Best Restaurant in Megève are Delicious - and Fun
Megève is full of delectable restaurants serving local and international cuisines.
But they’re also a great deal of fun, with novel restaurant concepts and eateries that morph into nightclubs once dinner service is done.
Cosa Papa has an in-house bowling alley for after-dinner fun.
La Ferme Saint-Amour seamlessly transitions from dinner to nightlife.
HERE ARE MY FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN MEGÈVE:
La Ferme Saint-Amour is a notorious restaurant-bar-club that slowly transforms from its first dinner seating from a stylish eatery with background music and live singers into a more boisterous bar and club atmosphere.
Cosa Papa serves pizzas and wine, and boasts an adjacent, in-house bowling alley. (This was my favorite dinner, a simple but delicious meal and a great after-dinner event.)
Chacha Megève is another restaurant that transforms itself into a club after-hours. We went here after dinner one night and the DJ was so good!
Le Tigrr Palace is an Asian fusion restaurant in the center of town with striking decor and haute cuisine.
La Sauvageonne is another fun establishment that makes the transition from dinner service to after-dinner cocktails and piano bar with style.
Chacha Megève has fantastic DJs for a late-night club vibe.
Le Tigrr Palace serves up Asian fusion fare in chic underground digs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Megève
Here are answers to some common questions about Megève and helpful tips for planning a winter trip to Megève.
How Can I Get to Megève?
Megève can be reached by Geneva Airport (GVA) in Switzerland.
A rental car or hired transfer will complete the journey in a little under an hour and a half.
IF YOU’RE STAYING OUTSIDE OF THE TOWN CENTER, A RENTAL CAR WILL ALSO BE USEFUL DURING YOUR STAY.
The town is also accessible by the Sallanches TGV station, serviced by SCNF, though it’s about ten kilometers away and will require a taxi to complete the trip.
It’s about a two hour train ride back to Geneva airport, and anywhere between five and a half to seven and a half hours to Paris.
Where Should I Stay in Megève?
Megève is home to an incredible concentration of luxury boutique hotels, as well as private ski chalet rentals further up the mountain.
The best accommodations will depend upon the experience you’re seeking.
Megève has wonderful in-town hotels…
… as well as ski cabins and chalets on the mountains.
Are you a solo-traveler, couple, or small group that’s happy to savor the town’s dining options each evening?
LOOKING TO BE THE FIRST ONE ON THE IN-TOWN SKI LIFTS IN THE MORNING?
A hotel in the town center might be your best bet.
Will you be traveling with a larger group, and you don’t mind taking a shuttle bus down to town each morning to catch the ski lift?
Then a ski chalet further up the mountain might be your best option.
What is the Best Way to Get Around Megève?
The best way for you to navigate Megève will depend largely on where your accommodations are located.
Those staying at a hotel in town will not have much need for a car since lift access is located in the center of town, as are most restaurants and shops.
The only transport necessary would be a hired transfer to and from the airport.
THOSE STAYING IN A SKI CHALET, HOWEVER, WILL CERTAINLY BENEFIT FROM A RENTAL CAR.
We relied on taxis during our stay in Megève, and it made us wish we’d rented a car.
Yes, Megève provides a free bus to shuttle guests up and down the mountain, and there are taxi services in town, but our experience relying on these two forms of transportation left something to be desired.
We often felt as though we were playing roulette every time we phoned a taxi service — even in town, it was difficult to hail a taxi as most were already en route to their next fare.
What Should I Pack for a Trip to Megève?
If you’re visiting Megève in the winter, my ski trip packing list details all the winter gear and accessories you should bring along.
But Megève is also a popular summer destination.
If you’ll be visiting in the summer, my packing guide for hikers explains which essentials you’ll need to pack for summer in the town.
Is Megève Safe for Solo Travelers?
Megève is safe for all travelers, including solo travelers.
I NEVER FELT UNSAFE DURING MY VISIT TO MEGÈVE.
If anything, I was more worried about slipping on ice and falling during the very heavy snowfall the town experienced during our trip.
If you plan to ski alone, be sure to stay on the most populated pistes so that there is always help nearby.
Always remember to buy travel insurance before a ski trip to Europe; SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance is a great choice, and the Adventure Sports add-on will cover most of your slopeside activities.
Conclusion
SO, IS MEGÈVE THE RIGHT SKI RESORT FOR YOU?
If you’re looking for a high-energy, party scene with extreme terrain, you might be better off in Val d’Isère or Chamonix.
But if you want a charming, elegant ski town with great slopes, excellent food, and a relaxed atmosphere, Megève is hard to beat.
Whether you spend your days skiing, strolling through the old town, or lingering over a long lunch, this Alpine retreat has plenty to offer. ❣️
Until next time,
Angela
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