
Ski resorts
Megève: elegant skiing beneath Mont Blanc and where to stay
Horse-drawn sleighs in medieval streets, gourmet food and slopes with views of Mont Blanc. This is Megève, one of France’s most elegant resorts, and the hotels where luxury feels like home.
Megève has an elegance that is hard to describe but easy to feel. Horse-drawn sleighs glide through cobbled streets, the church spire stands at the heart of the medieval village, and in the evening the restaurants fill with people in warm wool jumpers and good conversation. Here a ski holiday is as much about enjoying life as skiing.
Megève was developed as a ski resort in the 1920s, when the Rothschild family saw the potential of the small village. Since then it has been a favourite of those who appreciate style, food and mountains.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You choose your own dates and room on the hotel page.
A village with history
The centre of Megève is medieval, with narrow streets, old houses and a square where people meet for coffee and hot chocolate. Shops and restaurants are of a high standard, yet the mood is relaxed, almost like an old French village.
The slopes and the views
The ski area around Megève offers wide, sunny runs with views of Mont Blanc. Many runs wind through forest and across open mountainsides, perfect for those who want to ski at a gentle pace and enjoy the view.
The area is known for its mountain restaurants, where lunch is an important part of the day.
Gourmet food in the mountains
Megève is known for good food, and several of its restaurants have won recognition for their cooking. You can eat everything from traditional Savoyard dishes to refined French gastronomy, and wine lists are often impressive.
A day in Megève
The morning starts with breakfast at the hotel and a lift ride up towards Mont d’Arbois. The morning is spent on the wide pistes, with lunch on a sunny terrace with Mont Blanc as the view.
In the afternoon you can take a sleigh ride through the village, relax in the spa or browse the shops, before dinner awaits.
When is the best time to visit Megève?
The season usually runs from December to April. Christmas and New Year are the most popular weeks, while January offers a quieter mood. March brings plenty of sunshine. Book early in high season.
Skiing with children in Megève
Megève has ski schools and family-friendly runs, and the village is safe and pleasant to walk around. Activities such as sleigh rides and skating make the stay fun for the little ones too.
Evenings in Megève
When darkness falls, lights come on in the old houses and the village takes on an almost fairy-tale mood. You can enjoy a quiet dinner by the fire, a glass of wine in one of the bars or an evening stroll around the church as snow falls softly.
Getting to Megève
The nearest major airport is Geneva, a relatively short drive away. Transfers and buses also run during the season, and Chamonix is not far away.
Sleigh rides and winter life
Horse-drawn sleighs are one of Megève’s best-known traditions. With a blanket over your knees and bells jingling, you glide through the village and out towards the snowy fields. It is an experience that suits couples and families alike.
Off the slopes you can go skating, snowshoe through the forest or relax in one of the hotel spas.
Where to stay in Megève
Megève has some of the most atmospheric hotels in the Alps. Here are two we would love to check into.
Four Seasons Resort Megève: a palace in the mountains
A palace hotel with ski-in/ski-out access and a spa.
Book your stay: See rooms at Four Seasons Resort Megève
Les Fermes de Marie: Alpine idyll with a spa
A mountain hotel with a spa, close to the square in Megève.
Book your stay: See rooms at Les Fermes de Marie
Want to compare? See all our ski resorts or read about skiing in Chamonix.
Frequently asked questions about skiing in Megève
Where should I stay in Megève?
Four Seasons Resort Megève is a palace hotel with ski-in/ski-out access and a spa, while Les Fermes de Marie is an atmospheric mountain hotel with a spa near the square.
Is Megève good for beginners?
Yes, Megève has many wide, gentle runs that suit beginners and those who prefer a relaxed pace.
What is Megève known for?
Megève is known for its medieval village, elegance, good food and views of Mont Blanc.
How do you get to Megève?
Fly to Geneva and drive or take a transfer to Megève. The journey is relatively short.