Escape to the mountains of Megève with a late season ski break in the French Alps

Megève in the French Alps is a favourite destination for British holidaymakers with a love for all things ski and board, easily accessible in just an hour from Switzerland’s Geneva airport, which has direct connections to multiple UK cities. The start of this year’s winter sports season began with short-lived Swiss travel restrictions before France closed its doors to UK holidaymakers in December. The news in January that travel to the French Alps via Geneva has now fully resumed for the vaccinated has been greeted with enthusiasm, with the prospect of a late mountain getaway now firmly back on the cards. And with the dropping of all testing requirements for returning passengers to England from the 11 February, there are no more costly PCR or lateral flow tests to worry about, meaning more cash to splash on a spring getaway to Megève.

The ski season in Megève is long, with some of the best conditions in the region. Lifts in the area are set to be in operation until 18 April and there are still plenty of holiday deals to be had, with savvy travellers urged to book now to secure the accommodation best suited to their party size and budget. By holidaying in Megève in March or April, visitors can expect the slopes to be less crowded, meaning less time queuing and more time skiing. And with mountain restaurants quieter at that time of year, securing a terrace lunch spot with a view of Mont Blanc could not be easier. What’s more, the local lift company offers discounts on late season skiing, with more cost-effective passes available for those hitting the slopes from 26 March.

Set in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif, Megève is a beautiful and traditional winter sports village that has been popular with artists and holidaymakers for more than a century. The traffic-free, cobbled medieval centre features an abundance of artisan shops, galleries, and an impressive array of four-and-five-star hotels, as well as two multi-starred Michelin restaurants and a further five in the guide. The sophisticated apres-ski scene is considered one of the best in the region, with dozens of well-established and up and coming cool venues in the village and on the mountains. Megève is also becoming increasingly popular with British holidaymakers seeking luxury on the slopes without the price tag, thanks to a growing number of chic and affordable accommodation and dining options. Beyond traditional skiing and snowboarding, there are a number of truly transformative experiences available to those staying in Megève. Holidaymakers can opt for traditional sleigh-rides through the village centre, an evening snowshoe and aperitif in an igloo, snow bowling followed by a traditional dinner in a mountain hut, or a spectacular light aircraft flight over the Mont Blanc glaciers. For those seeking high-octane activities, think gliding across the snow on a fat bike, Great Northern dog sledding or an evening on the slopes on a snowmobile.

Go There
Megève is only one hour from Geneva Airport, which benefits from direct, low-cost flight access from London, Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester. Return flights from London Gatwick to Geneva with EasyJet are priced from just £31 pp during the 2021/22 ski season.

Iconic indulgence – From £2,040 pp: Megève has some of the most luxurious hotels and spas in the region, including the iconic Les Fermes de Marie . The stunning five-star property is formed of nine beautiful chalets, that have been converted from farmhouses dating back hundreds of years. Situated on the outskirts of the village, the hotel is set in five acres of picturesque grounds and features two superb restaurants and an opulent bar with stylish décor throughout. Guests have unlimited access to the Pure Altitude Spa, which was remodelled in 2019, and features a sauna and steam room, icy-cold plunge tubs, a family-friendly swimming pool with outdoor access and a second, adults-only indoor pool. Ski Solutions is offering a seven-night stay with breakfast at the iconic Les Fermes de Marie, arriving 26 March 2022, from £2,040 pp based on two adults sharing a standard room. Includes return flights from the UK to Geneva and transfers.
Ski Solutions (020 3797 6810, www.skisolutions.com)

Four-star luxury – From £1,371 pp: The Novotel Megève Mont-Blanc opened in January 2021 but very few Brits were able to visit last winter because of the travel restrictions. The 92-room hotel features a chic bar and contemporary brassiere called Domaine de Meztiva. Most of the modern and stylish rooms at the family-friendly hotel include a balcony with mountain views, and there is an excellent children’s play area to keep the little ones entertained. Guests benefit from complimentary access to the nearby Le Palais sports complex, with its vast array of superb facilities including an aquatics centre, Turkish baths, climbing walls, an ice rink, indoor and outdoor pools, a health spa, yoga facilities, tennis courts and more. A seven-night stay at the Novotel Megève Mont-Blanc with breakfast, in a Classic room that sleeps two people, arriving 26 March 2022, is priced from £2,540 per room / £1,270 pp. Return flights with SWISS from London Heathrow to Geneva on those dates are priced from £101 pp. Flight and hotel total – £1,371 pp.
Novotel Megève Mont-Blanc (+33 486800790, https://novotel.accor.com)

Catered Chalets with the Megève specialists – From £660 pp: Stanford Skiing is the only British operator with a real presence in Megève. It owns and operates two chalet hotels plus a more luxurious chalet, several self-catered apartments, and organises holidays in many of Megève’s hotels. Its staff know the village well so it’s worth calling them to discuss your requirements. The charming Chalet/hotel Sylvana is a comfortable option for those that want to maximise skiing. Ideally situated just a couple of minutes’ walk from the Rochebrune cable car you can be straight on the lifts and up the mountain first thing in the morning. When you come back to the chalet you are greeted with homemade cake and a superb three course evening meal cooked by a chef. Afterwards relax in front of the roaring fire. Prices for a week from 20 March 2022 are just £660 pp including accommodation, breakfast, cake and afternoon tea and three course meal with wine on six nights. Flights and transfers extra.
Stanford Skiing (01603 477471, www.stanfordskiing.co.uk)

For more about Megève please visit: https://megeve.com

(images copyright of Commune de Megève)