Everything you need for your Saint-Gervais Les Bains ski holiday.
14th November, 2024
5 min read time
Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains (often referred to as Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc) provides access to the expansive Evasion Mont-Blanc area, boasting over 400 km of pistes. Known for its family-friendly ambiance and excellent snow conditions due to its high-altitude location, Saint Gervais les Bains offers a delightful skiing experience for families, groups, and solo skiers alike.
As one of the more picturesque French ski resorts, Saint Gervais les Bains combines charm with adventure. This guide is designed to streamline the planning of your Saint Gervais ski holiday. It covers everything you need to know, including the resort’s location, ski areas, snow history, and top dining and après-ski spots. We’ve also provided downloadable maps of the resort and pistes, as well as essential contact numbers and links.
Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is located in the Haute-Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France, approximately 13 kilometers north of Megève and near the Italian border.
Nearest airport
Geneva (86 km)
Transfer time
Geneva (1hr)
Saint-Gervais les Bains the resort
Resort altitude: 850 m
Resort permanent residents: 6000
Nestled at the base of majestic Mont Blanc, Saint Gervais captures the essence of a typical mountain village with its 19th-century spa town architecture and vibrant local culture. The streets buzz with life, where locals, with their genuine smiles and open arms, not only invite you to enjoy the breathtaking scenery but also warmly share their traditions and the joyous après-ski gatherings that animate the town each evening. Whether it’s savoring a Michelin-starred meal, unwinding in the historic thermal baths, or carving through the expansive ski slopes, Saint Gervais offers a personal touch that transforms a ski holiday into a series of cherished moments. Here, every visitor is treated as a long-awaited friend, making it the perfect retreat for those seeking to immerse themselves in the serene pace of mountain life.
Pros
Cons
Expansive ski area
Limited challenging terrain for expert skiers
Access to skiing in Chamonix with the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass
Some ski runs can get overcrowded
Rich cultural scene
Poor public transport connectivity
Family-friendly
Lift systhem can be improved
Here is what it's like at the Saint-Gervais les Bains resort
Kilometres of pistes: 55 km (445 km - Evasion Mont-Blanc)
Vertical drop: 1503 m
Ski lifts: 15 (109 - Evasion Mont-Blanc)
Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc, beautifully positioned at the foot of Europe's highest peak, offers an expansive and varied skiing experience across two main ski areas:
The Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area: Spanning from 850 to 2353 meters, the ski area boasts 445 km of runs serviced by 109 lifts. This area includes the villages of Saint-Gervais, Saint-Nicolas de Véroce, Les Contamines, Megève, Combloux, and La Giettaz.
The Saint-Gervais/Les Houches ski area: This area provides 55 km of pistes interlinked by 15 lifts. Accessible via the historic Tramway du Mont-Blanc, this area combines easy navigation with picturesque runs, all set against the dramatic backdrops of the Mont Blanc chain and the Fiz mountains.
Skiing in Saint-Gervais les Bains
Beginners
Saint Gervais is exceptionally welcoming to beginner skiers, offering dedicated areas at the top of the Prarion gondola and at Le Bettex. The resort ensures easy access to these beginner areas, making it convenient for families and first-time skiers.
Intermediates
Intermediate skiers will find an extensive network of blue and red runs that traverse the diverse landscapes of the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area, including the newly built red run that leads back to the village.
Advanced
While on-piste options for advanced skiers might appear limited, Saint Gervais provides challenging experiences, such as the Kandahar run in Les Houches, known for its technical demands and World Cup heritage. The resort's black runs, including those through the Mont d’Arbois trees, offer a thrilling ride with ample opportunities for mogul practice.
Off-piste
Saint Gervais boasts a variety of off-piste adventures suitable for both novice and experienced freeriders. The areas between Mont-Joly and Saint-Nicolas de Véroce, along with the steep slopes at the Plateau de La Croix, are renowned for their exhilarating descents. More seasoned skiers can explore the ungroomed territories along the Princesse black run or the off-piste routes flanking the groomed pistes.
Snowboarding
The Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc snowpark, located near the Mont Joux chairlift, caters to snowboarders with features designed for all skill levels, from family-friendly bordercross sections to more challenging jibs and jumps. The park's dynamic layout makes it one of the top freestyle destinations in the Haute Savoie region, hosting significant events like the French snowboard championships.
Saint-Gervais les Bains ski season dates
The ski season in Saint Gervais for 2024/25 is expected to start on December 21st and run until April 6th, though dates may vary depending on snow conditions.
Saint-Gervais les Bains snow history
Saint Gervais offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 37 cm and 40 cm of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.0 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 30 cm and occurs more frequently, averaging 3.2 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the first week of March, traditionally the snowiest week in Saint Gervais, with an impressive 54 cm of snow over 3.9 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 18 cm of snow over 2.3 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.
La Fleche d'Or: located high in the mountains, La Fleche d'Or is renowned for its panoramic views that complement its exquisite menu, featuring traditional French and Savoyard dishes.
Le Tremplin de la Croix: situated near the ski lifts, the restaurant serves a variety of hearty mountain fare.
Sous Les Freddy's: famous for its rustic charm and lively atmosphere, Sous Les Freddy's a great spot to enjoy a traditional meal amidst the natural beauty of the alps.
Resort restaurants
La Petite Cuisine: offering a cozy, intimate setting in the heart of the resort, this restaurant is known for its innovative dishes that use fresh, local ingredients to create delightful culinary experiences.
La Ferme de Cupelin: set in a beautifully renovated farmhouse, La Ferme de Cupelin showcases refined French cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal and local produce.
Le Serac: a Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Serac offers meticulously crafted dishes that blend traditional techniques with contemporary flavors, all set in an elegant dining space.
Things to do in Saint-Gervais les Bains
Cross-country skiing
Ski touring
Snowshoeing
Mountain walking
Paragliding
Spa & relaxation
Fitness & wellness
Aperigloo
Aquatic center
Mont-Blanc tramway
Cultural tours
Casino
Cinema
Saint-Gervais les Bains après-ski and nightlife
Les Trois Mousquetons bar: with its rustic decor and a warm fireplace, it's the ideal spot to enjoy a hot chocolate or a local beer.
Pur Bar & Food: Known for its tapas and burgers, it's the ideal spot for relaxing while enjoying an extensive menu of cocktails, and beers
Brasserie du Mont-Blanc: this brasserie not only serves excellent drinks but also offers a menu of hearty meals, making it a popular spot for both dinner and drinks.
L'Affiche: a trendy bar known for its creative cocktails and chic ambiance.
