Megève has long been associated with the glamorous side of skiing. The village has a medieval centre but was beautifully developed in the 1920s with winter sports firmly in mind. It was La Belle France's answer to glitzy St. Moritz and continues to draw a well-heeled and fur-lined crowd to its cobbled streets. 

It's not just for the jet set though, and with 325km of pistes, it more than merits its place in the top tier of European skiing.

The ski area is spread over three mountains and much of it winds scenically through the woods. Deservedly famous for intermediate cruising, it is criminally underestimated for its off-piste, though regular powder hounds won't thank us for sharing their secret.

It's also very popular with families because of the good nursery slopes at both valley level and high altitude.

Its main drawback is altitude, the village sits at 1,100m and the ski area tops out at 2,355m but this is not as big an issue as you might think. Most of the skiing is above 1,500m, the artificial snowmaking coverage is extensive and the grassy, and rock-free, lower slopes need very little snow cover to stay open.

What's more, the views over the Mont Blanc Massif are some of the best in France.

Perhaps its greatest claim to fame is its mountain restaurants. This is one of our favourite French resorts for lazy mountain lunches. Charming rustic cabins and old shepherd huts are dotted across the ski area – but book ahead because lunch here is a major part of the day for many visitors.

While the village of Megève is the main resort base, you can also stay in the good-value villages of St Gervais and Le Bettex. The Evasion Mont Blanc lift pass also covers the nearby resort of Les Contamines and free access to the sports centre.

Highlights 

  • Extensive intermediate slopes, including many tree-lined runs, through stunning mountain scenery
  • France’s best resort for mountain restaurants
  • Charming, pedestrianised medieval village centre

Lowlights

  • Many slopes below 2,000m – although excellent snowmaking and a grassy base mean they can survive on little snow
  • Quiet après-ski scene, best for families 
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