Worldwide Ski Resorts • France • Megeve

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Overview

The French Alpine village of Megeve is one of Europe’s most traditional ski resorts that dates back to the 1920s. Lying on the main road from Albertville to Chamonix, it is a delightfully sunny place with a medieval, pedestrianised cobbled centre that is lined with an excellent selection of chic shops and restaurants. The range of accommodation in the resort is equally extensive and diverse, ranging from some extremely stylish and comfortable hotels, to top of the range catered chalets and some well appointed self catering apartments.

Be warned however, prices in this resort tend to be higher than elsewhere because Megeve is a favourite destination among the monied winter holiday set and attracts many of the ‘great and good’ of (particularly) French society. The other disadvantage is that it is inclined to be busy — especially at week ends.

Profile

Megeve stands at 1100m and has 300 km of pistes over three separate mountains that are accessed by 79 lifts. The majority of the slopes here are below 2000m and this combined with the fact that many of them are sunny means that the resort does not enjoy a great reputation for reliable snow cover. To counteract this, the resort does have snowmaking facilities over 160 acres of slopes. Expert skiers and snowboarders may find that the slopes have limited appeal, although there are some very testing runs and plenty of off-piste country to explore.

Intermediates of all skill levels will find plenty to do here, particularly after new snow when the resort really comes into its own as an enjoyably manageable playground. Megeve does have its own terrain park, although boarders may find themselves a little out of place here despite the fact that it is a good place to learn. Cros country skiers on the other hand are welcomed by 75 km of tracks that are widely spread throughout the resort and all levels. Beginners have an excellent selection of nursery slopes at their disposal together with plenty of runs suitable for progression as they improve. Ski schools here are well recommended and child care facilities are said to be good.

Mountain Information

Because of the generally low elevation of the slopes, many of the runs on the Megeve slopes cut through charming wooded slopes and provide breathtaking views of Mont Blanc. There are three sectors, Mont d’Arbois being the highest and directly accessible from the village centre. This sector contains the Terrain Park and the slopes of Mont Joux and Mont Joly where experts will find some of the more testing and steep country running down to St Nicholas in the valley. The more confident and advanced intermediates will also enjoy the challenges of the Arbois slopes.

The next sector is Rochebrune which contains the resort’s famous downhill run. This area is suitable for the less skilled intermediates who will find the runs easier, but very rewarding and enjoyable, especially on the higher points of Alpette and Cote 2000. Intermediates can also get some good sport at the third and quietest sector - Le Jaillet, where there are some excellent long runs down to the small village of Combloux. First class mountain restaurants are found all over the slopes.

Apres Ski

Ares ski here is best described as ‘classy’ rather than riotous. There are some top quality clubs such as the Club de Jazz and the Cocoon, but not many bars with atmosphere; although the Cintra is friendly and has more of a traditionally local feel than many of the other bars.

French Resort Guide

Resort Information • Megeve

Resort Height Resort Height 1113m
Top Station Top Station 2350m
Bottom Station Bottom Station 1113m
Vertical Descent Vertical Descent 1237m
Drag Lifts Drag Lifts 22
Chair Lifts Chair Lifts 13
High Capacity High Capacity 7
Opening Dates Opening Dates Dec-April
Rating Expert Rating Expert 5
Rating Intermediate Rating Intermediate 9
Rating Beginner Rating Beginner 7
Apres Ski Rating Apres Ski Rating 5
Snow Reliability Snow Reliability 7

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