Saint-Gervais

If the long-standing plan to link the local terrain with that of the Val d’Arly’s Espace Diamant ever becomes a reality the result will be one of Europe’s biggest ski areas. For now the already-impressive figures for groomed terrain reflect links to neighbouring Megève, Combloux, La Geittaz and (via the Tramway du Mont-Blanc) Les Houches. You can buy a Saint Gervais-only lift-pass, but most skiers will opt for the added value of the full Evasion Mont-Blanc package. Be aware, though, that Les Houches isn’t included, so plan in advance if you want to spend a day skiing the Prarion sector, whose worthwhile terrain includes the legendary Kandahar FIS Men’s Downhill run.

So, what does the full Evasion (meaning ‘escape’) pass bring you? For a start there’s gentle cruising and nicely-wooded runs above St Gervais and St Nicolas, some bracing red- and black-graded steeps below Mont Joly (2525m) and a choice of onward links from Mont d’Arbois over to Megève’s Alpette and Côte 2000 sectors. Now add the wild beauty of the Combloux, Cordon and La Giettaz sectors across the valley and you’ll be doing well to ski this out in a week. We think that’s a pretty good deal.

The Saint-Gervais ski area continues to evolve. Along with the introduction of new ski passes, including a walkers pass and a micro-domain pass for short ski sessions, there are also changes on the ground. A new high-altitude beginners area at 1840m has been developed at Mont d'Arbois. Easily accessible via the Bettex-Mont d´Arbois cable car, it is equipped with a new ski lift and a covered magic carpet to significantly improve the comfort of skiers and especially beginners. This new space, open to everyone, will offer safe slopes and lifts to budding skiers of all ages.

Although road traffic passes through the village centre it’s well-managed, and Saint Gervais remains a very pleasant place in which to relax, window-shop or explore the wealth of colourful, retro-chic architecture. It’s also a long-established spa town (so daily life continues well outside the ski-season) and it also has a distinctly genteel air and some stylish premium accommodation too. The retro architectural feel is enhanced by the presence of the Mont-Blanc Tramway, whose antique rolling-stock still winds its way up to the Belleview/Prarion ski areas at the Col de Voza (1900m) – and in summer all the way to the 2372m Nid d’Aigle.

The town centre also has a free multi-storey underground car park – useful, as having a car simplifies the choice of starting-points, ski-lift-wise.

Anyone looking for a relaxed, unpressured environment, both on and off the mountain. Despite its long winter sports pedigree, Saint Gervais is often overlooked by skiers who feel happiest choosing from the higher-profile resorts whose names are already familiar. This place has real charm, though, and wears a friendly face, making it a solid choice for beginners, families and ntermediates who value dramatic scenery and plenty of long cruising runs. Mixed-ability groups will also find that there are steeps below Mont Joly for more energetic skiers, so everyone should be happy.

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Cross-Country Skiing