Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc
Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc is picturesque ski area with a spectacular position at the foot of Europe’s highest mountain and is part of the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski domain, which is a real hidden gem in France. Most of the ski area is tree-lined and covers the 263km of slopes of St Gervais, Megeve, Combloux, St Nicolas de Veroce and Bettex. With the nearby resorts of Les Houches and Les Contamines the area extends to a massive 445km. If that wasn’t enough the huge Chamonix Mont Blanc ski area is also within easy reach.
Within an hour’s drive of Geneva, this is a perfect destination for a short ski break holiday. St Gervais Mont Blanc (aka St Gervais Les Bains) is a pretty 19th century spa and market town famous for its thermal baths and Belle Époque architecture. The town has a significant year-round population and is a destination for weekend trippers but overall, it is less busy and better value than some more well-known neighbours such as glitzy Megeve. The thermal baths are well known for their healing properties and have been attracting visitors to the town since 1807. Located in the heart of a beautiful woodland, the thermal baths have modern facilities with indoor and outdoor pools and are well worth a visit for those seeking rest and relaxation.
Any visitor to St Gervais should take a journey on the Mont Blanc Tramway which is the highest cog railway in France and takes skiers and walkers on a picturesque adventure, past ski slopes and through forests, from St Gervais up to the Plateau de Bellevue (1,900m) in the Les Houches / St Gervais ski area. The scenery on the journey is breath-taking and includes panoramic views of the Bionnassay glacier.
St Gervais has over 50 restaurants to choose from, with everything from the simple creperie to laid back local restaurants or even a gourmet Michelin star option. Shoppers are well catered for with over 100 shops with a variety that reflects the population and year-round nature of the town. There are plenty of activities away from the slopes including ice skating, ice hockey, snowshoeing and curling.
Our top hotel picks for St. Gervais: Hotel Mont Blanc & Spa, Saint Gervais Hotel & Spa.
Ski area overview
Access to the ski area from the centre of St Gervais is via the large gondola which takes you directly to the ski areas of Bettex and Mont d’Arbois which link over to Combloux and Megeve. Mont Joux and Mont Joly offer some good terrain for intermediate and advanced skiers and access to St Nicolas de Veroce from where there is a short bus ride to Les Contamines. There are over 200 runs and more than 100 ski lifts making this the third largest ski area in France.
Another option for those staying in St Gervais is to head east on the historic Mont Blanc Tramway which travels up the mountain and connects into the Les Houches ski area in the Chamonix valley. Here there is 55km of piste which are mostly gentle blues and reds that meander through the trees.
Ski lockers are available to rent at the gondola base station.
Ski holidays in St. Gervais await!
- Hire a ski locker at the gondola to drop your gear and enjoy a relaxed walk through town on the way back to your hotel
- Take a journey on the Mont Blanc Tramway for spectacular panoramic views but bear in mind this isn't covered by the Evasion Mont Blanc ski pass
- Après at La Folie Douce but remember you need to ski down to the gondola when the party is over