With epic views of Mont Blanc, Saint Gervais is one of the more scenic places to ski in the Alps and yet it’s just an hour from Geneva. The town forms part of a network of hamlets and villages that comprise the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski resort – which boasts 445km of slopes.
The skiing on offer mostly suits beginners and intermediates happy to cruise the corduroy but there are some more challenging runs at the top of Mt Joly and some decent off-piste between the trees after a snowfall.
On the other side of the mountain lies upmarket Megève waiting to be explored. It’s linked by lift, while Les Houches – gateway to Chamonix – is a 20 minute drive down the road.
St Gervais starts to open its slopes in early December with a full opening a week later. Going early gives a ski trip a real winter vibe – think extra warm layers and hunkering down in front of log fires with a hot mulled wine, while choosing to go later means more daylight hours, catching the rays on the terraces and après on the slopes.
If it’s snow quality you’re after, mid January to early March usually offer the best window. If low prices are important, avoid both the Christmas to New Year period and the February school holidays.
Things to do in Saint Gervais
Throughout the season the region hosts dozens of events and festivals where you can try different winter sports from ski touring and snowshoeing to biathlon. St Gervais also has 30km of cross-country trails, a tranquil way to explore forested paths away from the slopes.
Megève, with its shopping and restaurants is just a 15 minute drive away. St Gervais itself is home to a natural hot spring and no visit is complete without a trip to the thermal baths – but remember chaps, the rule in France is speedos only!
There’s also lots of activities such as treasure hunts for children, along with a a vibrant après scene – including the resort's own La Folie Douce.
Hotels & Apartments in Saint Gervais
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