Megeve

With its expensive chalet-style architecture, boutique shopping and picturesque snow-covered streets, Megeve is resplendent in an alpine charm that many a purpose built resort will aspire [and fail] to emulate. An intoxicating atmosphere that still attracts the Paris set, and more the fur clad tourist than the die-hard ski brigade., as the terrain is mainly of the SkiEasy type and stretches over three mountains. 

Fifty minutes’ drive from Geneva airport, Megeve offers one of the most convenient weekend ski destinations in Europe. Megeve has lots of easy-going, pretty tree lined local skiing. One would be best advised to make use of the extended area lift pass which links up quite seamlessly to neighbouring resorts St Gervais and Les Houches. This newly formed and quite formidable ski area is an interesting proposition to the weekender looking for easy access with plenty of variety. More suited to beginner and intermediate skiers, and those of whom prefer not too challenging a mountain, predictable terrain and cosy lunch stops.

Mont Joli is Megeve’s massif, and although its vertical drop will do nothing to thrill the experts, it does offer some sunny and gentle skiing which is at its best in January through to mid-March. The relatively low altitude of Megeve does make it a touch unreliable later in the season, but if you have access to a car then nearby Chamonix, about 25 minutes away and home to Europe’s highest mountain, (Mont Blanc), will provide all the snow surety you need.