High-Octane Skiing In Sedate Surroundings
Founded in 1914 by Baroness de Rothschild, Megève has a long-standing history as the winter playground for aristocrats and the bourgeoisie.
The traditional French ski resort has maintained its exclusivity and still attracts affluent visitors from all over the world. Situated in the heart of the Evasion Mont Blanc ski area, Megève can offer superb skiing and boasts 325km of groomed pistes, an outdoor sports complex, horse-drawn taxis and exceptional restaurants.
Although surrounded by sprawling suburbs built in the 1960’s, the historical centre has retained its old-worldly charm and provides a magical surroundings for a skiing holiday in France. Wooden townhouses, cobbled streets and a central open-air ice rink take you back in time whilst a visit to the superbly lit church, art galleries and boutiques help to pass the time.
Megève Resort
If you like the other-worldly feel of medieval hamlets and an excellent range of easy-to-testing slopes, Megève is a great destination for a skiing holiday. The slopes accommodate skiers of all levels and there are several other nearby resorts to spend a day if you want a change.
The traditional village is fairly laid back and has a host of 5-star hotels and Michelin restaurants, but there are places that accommodate all budgets. There are also a good choice of family-friendly restaurants that have an international children’s menu.
If you’re hoping to party during your ski holiday, you will be sadly disappointed as there’s not much of a party scene here. There are plenty of activities and entertainment for children so it is better suited for families rather than young groups looking to play hard in the day and party hard at night.
Resort Statistics
| Base: | 1113 meters |
| Summit: | 2350 meters |
| No. of Pistes: | 184 |
| Total Piste: | 445 km |
| Cross Country: | 70 km |
| Total Lifts: | 86 |
| Gondolas/ Cable Cars: | 9 |
| Chairlifts: | 26 |
| Drag Lifts: | 51 |
Piste Map
Megève Ski Areas & Slopes
Megève is the fourth largest ski resort in France and has an extensive ski area.
Due to its relatively low altitude, it doesn’t always have the best snow conditions during peak season in areas that are prone to high traffic.
Rochebrune
Rochebrune is linked to Mont d’Arbors by cable car. If you continue upwards from here you will find more difficult runs on the Cote 2000 and some excellent opportunities for going off-piste.
Intermediate-Advanced: Several tricky blue runs through the trees and challenging reds are enough to keep intermediates entertained for a few days. Advanced skiers will find some of the hardest runs from the peak of the Cote 2000.
Beginners: There is some excellent low-level skiing here with a wide range of green slopes for beginners to build up their confidence.
Mont d’Arbois
Mont d’Arbois is the largest ski area in Megève and is either reached by the free shuttle bus service or the gondola from Rochebrune. The majority of slopes are great for cruising but there are a few surprises as well.
Intermediate-Advanced: Intermediates of all levels will find plenty of confidence boosting reds and blues on Mont d’Arbois, whilst advanced skiers should get stuck into the testing red and black runs on the ungroomed mogul slopes of Mont Joly and Mont Joux. Speed demons should check out the Women’s World Cup downhill course at Cote 2000.
Beginners: The Mont d’Arbois ski area is great for beginners. Once you come away from the nursery slopes, this is the area to build confidence on the compromising green and lazy blue runs - ideal for beginners to gradually improve your skills.
Le Jaillet
Le Jaillet offers spectacular views and a number of restricted runs that are suitable for confident intermediates and advanced skiers. Unsurprisingly it is the least crowded piste in the Megève ski area.
Intermediate-Advanced: Long blues and winding reds through the trees are enough to keep intermediate skiers of all levels happy here whilst advanced skiers will find some of the best off-piste skiing below Tete de Bonjournal and La Torraz in the Val d’Arly.
Beginners: The forgiving green Les 7 Nains run is ideal for beginners to perfect their snowplough.
Ski Holidays in Megève
Megève Ski Passes
One ski pass will serve the entire Evasion area together with nearby Les Contamines which opens you up to an additional 120km of well-groomed piste.
Evasion pass individual rates for adults vary from €44.50 for four hours, to €285 for seven days. Rates for children vary from €35.50 to €285.
Evasion family rates provide reduced costs for both adults and children, with adults paying €256.50 for seven days.
Ski Schools
Regardless of your standard, there are plenty of ski schools and private instructors in Megève that cater to skiers of all levels. Most instructors speak very good English. Some of the recommended ski schools are ESF, Oxygene and British Ski School.
Equipment Hire
There is no shortage of reputable ski hire shops in Megève where you can expect some great deals and excellent customer service.
Family Fun in Megève
Megève is an ideal ski resort for families in search of a skiing holiday in the French Alps. There are plenty of ski schools, nursery slopes and blue runs for children to break-in their ski boots.
Off the slopes, there is a state-of-the-art sports centre, ice-skating rink, paint balling, laser quest, archery, paragliding, dog-sledging and hot-air balloon rides. And after all that activity, why not relax in the spa and treat yourself to a relaxing massage, sauna and steam bath.
When to Go?
The best time to visit Megève for a skiing holiday is during French school times. Outside peak season the pistes are practically deserted and there are no queues for the lifts.
Snow Report
Snow conditions vary in Megève so its best to check the snow report before heading out each day. High altitude slopes that lie in the shade and are protected from the wind will hold together for longer unless temperatures fall below zero overnight, in which case the icy conditions make it difficult to hold your grip.
The weather in Megève can change drastically. The winter months are typically cloudy and temperatures can fall below freezing. Wind and rain can cause fresh powder to turn to slush in the most populated ski areas. As spring approaches, the area receives more sunshine, but this can mean the snow deteriorates quickly even after fresh snowfall.
Operating Times
The ski season starts around mid-December in Megève and continues through to mid-April. From 15th December, the ski area is partially open. General ski areas open on 22nd December. The lifts are open between 08.30 and 17.10.