MEGÈVE GUIDE: DISCOVER THE VILLAGE OF MEGÈVE, THE SKI RESORT AND ITS HISTORY

Visit-megeve.com guides you to discover this magnificent ski resort
and answer all your questions (FAQ) to prepare your visit with confidence!


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Visit-megeve.com, your guide to Megève

MEGÈVE GUIDE - THE SKI STATION

Visit-megeve.com, your MEGÈVE GUIDE

Discover Megève, this small village with around 3,000 inhabitants, nestled at an altitude of over 1,000 meters in the Haute-Savoie department, in the heart of Mont-Blanc. Visit-megeve guides you through a selection of must-see establishments and activities to do during your visit. Much more than an information site, we share our tips and advice to make your stay perfect.

What activities to do in Megève in summer and in winter, which accommodation to choose to be at the foot of the ski slopes, want to eat in a restaurant with local specialties, how to get to Megève.

Lovers of the mountains and outdoor activities, Megève will conquer you with its unforgettable landscapes, its 400 kilometers of ski area and its panoramic views of Mont-Blanc. Live warm moments in this magnificent family village. Discover its city center with its cobbled pedestrian zone, its mythical square, its rustic-style alleys, its cozy chalets, its renowned restaurants and its luxury shops.

Find all the answers to the most frequently asked questions to discover Megève.

FAQ Megève

Is Megève a good ski resort?

Answer: With 445 km of slopes, Megève has the largest ski area in the “Evasion Mont-Blanc” region. This village has kept a charm and unparalleled authenticity in the Haute Savoie region. The ski area is normally open from December to April (excluding COVID restrictions). This station is suitable for families and beginners.

Where to ski in Megève?

Answer: The ski resort of Megève includes 3 ski areas: Mont D'arbois, Rochebrune and Le Jaillet. These 3 ski areas offer more than 325 km of slopes and are very well served by chairlifts and cable cars. You can therefore ski without limit while enjoying the exceptional views of Mont-Blanc. In summary, this ski resort offers many descents but also many snowparks and cross-country ski trails.

How high is Megève France?

Answer: This magnificent village at the gates of Mont-Blanc is located at an altitude of 1,100 meters. This rather average attitude compared to other ski resorts in the Alps, makes Megève an easy destination to reach by car or bus even in the middle of winter. The Mont d'Arbois ski area rises to 1,833 meters and the Megève ski area is located between altitudes of 850 meters and 2,400 meters.

How much does a ski pass cost in Megève?

Answer: In order to take full advantage of the Megève ski area, book a Skipass by going to the Portes du Mont-Blanc site to avoid queuing at the ticket offices, have the best prices and take advantage of the latest promotions. In high season, the price of an adult pass is around 50 Euros and for children between 5 and 14 years old, around 30 Euros. You can also take a Skipass for the duration of your stay or for the season. Remember to book in advance to benefit from the good promotions.

How far is Megève from Geneva?

Answer: When you arrive at Geneva airport, you can either take a rental car or the bus to get to Megève. This beautiful mountain village is located approximately 90 kilometers from Geneva airport. It is easy to get there using the A40 motorway.

Which plug adapter do I need for Megève?

Answer: The village of Megève being in France, do not forget to buy an electrical outlet adapter if you are coming from abroad. Electrical outlets in France provide 230 Volts at a frequency of 50 Hz. You will need a type E or C plug adapter.

What are the must-see events and festivals in Megève?

Answer: The ski resort of Megève offers activities throughout the year, but for those that are essential, find the list below:
  • On December 11 , you can attend the lighting of the Christmas tree in the village square.
  • From December 22 to January 2 , don't miss the Christmas Village.
  • In February , find the “Audi Ski Cup” ski competition.
  • From March 30 to 31 , Megève comes alive under the notes of the Jazz Festival.
  • From June 26 to 27 , mountain bikers can follow the “MB Race”.
  • From October 22 to 25 , the “Toquicimes” event, the meeting place for starred chefs

Discover Megève

Thanks to the Megève webcam, relive the last 24 hours of the village square, an emblematic location of Megève. Each year, a huge Christmas tree stands in its center, decorated throughout the Christmas period.

The village place

The village square is the heart and soul of Megève . Standing in the middle, you can see the beautiful Saint-Jean Baptiste church, the oldest part of which dates from the 13th century and the wooden entrance door from 1692. You will also find the Town Hall and the Aallard store there.

In 1926, Armand Allard opened his ski clothing store on the village square. In 1930, he created the iconic “time zone” ski pants that would revolutionize the fashion of snow sports enthusiasts. If you want to know its history and get the best outfits, don't hesitate to stop by.

Check out their new clothing line on their website: https://www.aallard.com/

Each year, Megève offers you the most majestic Christmas tree that you will have the chance to see. So, if you are there between October and March, don't miss this magical moment. When the tree lights are on in the evening, the whole place lights up and you can feel that Christmas spirit wherever you walk.

Want to visit Megève in style? So, immerse yourself in the full horse-drawn carriage experience . Discover Megève to the rhythm of horseshoes on the cobblestones and to the sound of the bell. You will cross the small streets, and you will have time to take the best selfies while looking at the beautiful landscapes that surround the village. Nobody knows Megève better than the "Mégevans or Mégevannes".

Horse-drawn carriage tours: all year round from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm. Present on the village square from December 15 to April 15, in July and August, and during the All Saints holidays. The rest of the year by reservation, 7/7. Phone: 07 71 81 26 88

Megève - the ski resort

A little history of Megève

Ancienne Megeve
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The myth

The mythical foundation of this village involves Lord Faulignac de Gibertain who killed a dragon, whose blood formed the valley where the current town is located. A legend transmitted orally by the families of Megève even today attributes the creation of Megève to Muffat and Grosset, who would have killed a flying viper which prevented people from living in this place.

1792: Megève becomes the capital

In 1792, the Duchy of Savoy was annexed by France. Megève becomes the capital of a canton comprising the municipalities of Demi-Quartier and Praz-de-Megève, within the district of Cluses, in the department of Mont-Blanc.

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The start of the ski resort

The town began its development as a ski resort in the 1910s, when the Rothschilds started spending their winter holidays here after being disappointed with the Swiss resort of St. Moritz. In 1921, Baroness Noémie de Rothschild (1888–1968) opened the Domaine du Mont d'Arbois, a luxury hotel which stimulated the development of the resort. In the 1950s, Megève was one of the most popular ski resorts in Europe and attracted many wealthy people and celebrities.

1933: cable car to Rochebrune

1923 saw the birth of the Megève sports club, which would soon be the cradle of great champions. Emile Allais, originally from Megève, was a triple medalist at the world ski championships in Chamonix in 1937 and the famous “fuseau”, Aallard ski pants, was invented in 1930. The resort developed and in 1933, a cable car to Rochebrune, which will link the resort to Mont d'Arbois three years later.

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