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Off-slope activities
Foodie paradise
Traditional charm
Off-piste skiing
Great après-skiOff-slope activitiesFoodie paradiseTraditional charmOff-piste skiingGreat après-skiOff-slope activitiesFoodie paradiseTraditional charmOff-piste skiingGreat après-skiOff-slope activitiesFoodie paradiseTraditional charmOff-piste skiingGreat après-skiSaint Gervais Les Bains sits at the foot of Mont Blanc in the French Alps, a traditional spa town that's quietly attracted skiers for over a century. Belle Époque architecture lines its streets, thermal baths steam in the valley, and the village hums with everyday life beyond the ski season. It's the kind of place where you can finish a morning on the slopes and spend the afternoon soaking in natural hot springs.
Skiing and snowboarding spans 445km when you factor in the full Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area, linking Saint Gervais to Megève, Saint-Nicolas de Véroce, and Les Contamines. Local terrain rises from 850m in the village to 2,353m at the summit, offering a vertical drop of over 1,500m. Tree-lined runs dominate the lower slopes, opening into wide bowls higher up, with Mont Blanc providing a backdrop. The north-facing aspect helps snow hold well into spring, and the resort's season typically runs from mid-December through to mid-April.
Beyond the pistes, Saint Gervais has real character. The thermal baths have drawn visitors since the 19th century, and they remain a highlight today - which is particularly welcoming after a hard day's skiing. The village centre hosts independent shops, excellent restaurants serving Savoyard specialities, and a relaxed après-ski scene that favours conversation over clubbing. It's also the starting point for the Tramway du Mont-Blanc, a historic rack railway climbing to the Nid d'Aigle at 2,380m.
Check out Saint Gervais Les Bains ski deals to start planning your trip.
Saint Gervais Les Bains sits at the foot of Mont Blanc in the French Alps, a traditional spa town that's quietly attracted skiers for over a century. Belle Époque architecture lines its streets, thermal baths steam in the valley, and the village hums with everyday life beyond the ski season. It's the kind of place where you can finish a morning on the slopes and spend the afternoon soaking in natural hot springs.
Skiing and snowboarding spans 445km when you factor in the full Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area, linking Saint Gervais to Megève, Saint-Nicolas de Véroce, and Les Contamines. Local terrain rises from 850m in the village to 2,353m at the summit, offering a vertical drop of over 1,500m. Tree-lined runs dominate the lower slopes, opening into wide bowls higher up, with Mont Blanc providing a backdrop. The north-facing aspect helps snow hold well into spring, and the resort's season typically runs from mid-December through to mid-April.
Beyond the pistes, Saint Gervais has real character. The thermal baths have drawn visitors since the 19th century, and they remain a highlight today - which is particularly welcoming after a hard day's skiing. The village centre hosts independent shops, excellent restaurants serving Savoyard specialities, and a relaxed après-ski scene that favours conversation over clubbing. It's also the starting point for the Tramway du Mont-Blanc, a historic rack railway climbing to the Nid d'Aigle at 2,380m.
Check out Saint Gervais Les Bains ski deals to start planning your trip.
Skiing and snowboarding in Saint Gervais is expansive without feeling overwhelming, with the kind of terrain that rewards exploration over mileage-chasing. The mountain splits naturally into distinct sectors. Le Bettex and Mont d'Arbois offer gentler, more sheltered terrain, while the higher runs towards Mont Joly and the link to Megève provide steeper, more sustained pitches. Snow coverage tends to be reliable thanks to the resort's altitude range and aspect, and when conditions allow, the off-piste opportunities are impressive for a resort of this size.
Saint Gervais' lift system has seen steady investment, with modern gondolas serving the main access points and high-speed chairs covering the upper slopes. That said, this isn't a resort that rushes, the pace remains unhurried, the runs are less crowded than neighbouring Megève, and the mountain restaurants encourage long lunches with views across to Mont Blanc.
Saint Gervais provides an encouraging environment for first-time skiers. The beginner area at Le Bettex sits at mid-mountain, accessed by gondola from the village, putting learners straight into proper alpine scenery without the intimidation of steep terrain nearby. Gentle, wide nursery slopes lead naturally onto easy green runs, and the progression to blues feels gradual rather than abrupt.
The tree-lined runs lower down offer shelter on windy days, helping nervous beginners with visibility in flat light. Once comfortable, the long blue runs down to Saint-Nicolas de Véroce give new skiers the thrill of a proper descent without technical challenges.
WeSki insider tip: Book your first lesson early in the holiday and request the Le Bettex area specifically. It's quieter than the Megève side and instructors can give you more individual attention.
Intermediates will find themselves spoilt for choice across the Evasion Mont-Blanc area. The network of blues and reds connecting Saint Gervais to Megève via Mont d'Arbois rewards confident cruising, with long sweeping descents through forests and open snowfields. Red runs from Mont Joly down towards Les Contamines offer sustained gradient with excellent snow quality, while the quieter sectors towards Saint-Nicolas de Véroce provide uncrowded alternatives when Megève gets busy.
The variety here suits those who want to improve. Steeper sections appear briefly before easing off, allowing you to push your limits without committing to anything too demanding. Confident intermediates can also start exploring the easier black runs, particularly those on the Mont Joly side, which are challenging without being too technical.
WeSki insider tip: The red run from Mont Joux down to Le Bettex catches morning sun beautifully and grooms like velvet first thing, so aim to ski it before 10am.
Advanced skiers will find Saint Gervais's black runs properly challenging. The descent from Mont Joly delivers sustained pitch with moguls developing quickly, while the north-facing blacks above Le Bettex hold snow well and can get genuinely icy in the mornings. Itinerary routes open up more possibilities when conditions allow, particularly the descent towards Les Contamines which offers proper backcountry feel within the lift network.
Off-piste opportunities are also surprisingly extensive at Saint Gervais. Terrain between the resort and Les Contamines hides couloirs and powder stashes that see relatively little traffic. Hiring a guide unlocks the best lines, giving access to the legendary Vallée Blanche descent from the Aiguille du Midi, and Chamonix is just twenty minutes away.
WeSki insider tip: After fresh snowfall, the tree runs below Mont d'Arbois stay untracked far longer than the open bowls. Locals know this, and save them for powder days.
Saint Gervais works well for snowboarders, with mostly drag-free lift access and terrain that flows naturally. Wide open runs above Le Bettex are perfectly suited for carving, while the tree runs offer natural hits and features. The link through to Megève's terrain park gives freestylers something to look forward to, though the flat traverses between some sectors can be tiresome on a board.
The off-piste around Saint Gervais rewards exploration. North-facing slopes above Les Contamines hold powder well, and the area sees less freeride traffic than neighbouring Chamonix. For guided adventures, the proximity to the Aiguille du Midi means the Vallée Blanche and other high-mountain routes are accessible as day trips. Local guides can also show you the hidden lines in the trees for genuine backcountry skiing without the travel.
Several ski schools operate in Saint Gervais, including the ESF (French Ski School) and smaller independent schools. English-speaking instructors are readily available, particularly during peak season, and private lessons can be arranged for all abilities. Group lessons for children include activities beyond just skiing, helping younger learners stay engaged.
Through WeSki, you can add ski or snowboard lessons to your package and have everything arranged before you arrive. Check out Saint Gervais Les Bains ski deals to get started.
Saint Gervais has a small terrain park near Le Bettex with beginner and intermediate features, like rails, boxes, and a few kickers suited to those learning freestyle basics. For more serious park sessions, the link to Megève opens up better-equipped facilities including a superpipe when conditions allow.
Saint Gervais suits families looking for a ski holiday with genuine village atmosphere rather than purpose-built convenience. The resort holds the Famille Plus label, recognising its family-friendly facilities and services. Everyone in the family will benefit from the village's walkable layout, and when the children are in ski school, there's time for parents to enjoy proper skiing, a spa visit, or simply a quiet coffee in the village.
Younger children find the beginner areas at Le Bettex sheltered and manageable, while ski schools run dedicated programmes that mix learning with fun. Childcare options exist for non-skiing days, though booking ahead is advisable during school holidays. Older children and teenagers have terrain to grow into. The blues and reds across the Evasion Mont-Blanc area give confident young skiers independence, and the small terrain park provides a taste of freestyle without anything too intimidating.
Beyond skiing, the thermal baths accept children, there's ice skating in the village, and the Tramway du Mont-Blanc makes for a memorable day out - teenagers can appreciate the engineering, and younger kids can just enjoy the adventure. When dining out, restaurants here welcome families openly, providing proper menus and atmosphere without feeling like canteens. Evenings stay relaxed at Saint Gervais, early dinners are easy to find, and the pace suits families wanting rest before another day on the mountain.
Saint Gervais rewards rest days and non-skiers with genuine depth beyond the pistes. The village's spa heritage means thermal bathing is part of the fabric here - add in historic railways, mountain panoramas, and a proper French village atmosphere with independent shops and restaurants, and you have a resort where time off the slopes is an enjoyable part of the holiday.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Saint Gervais has excellent winter activities that make full use of its Mont Blanc setting and spa town heritage:
Saint Gervais offers more than most ski villages when you're ready to rest your legs. The thermal spa heritage gives the town an identity beyond skiing, while the proximity to Chamonix and Annecy opens up day-trip possibilities:
Saint Gervais punches well above its weight for dining, combining traditional Savoyard cooking with restaurants that reflect the town's spa-town heritage. Mountain lunches on sunny terraces give way to village dinners in wood-panelled dining rooms. The range suits everything from hearty post-ski hunger to special occasion meals.
WeSki insider tip: Try tartiflette - a Savoyard dish of potatoes, reblochon cheese, lardons and onions baked until golden. The versions here use proper local reblochon and taste nothing like imitations elsewhere.
Saint Gervais offers après-ski that matches its character - it's relaxed, sociable, and centred on good food and drink. The fact that this isn't a party resort suits many visitors perfectly. Its atmosphere encourages lingering over a vin chaud at a sunny terrace bar before heading to the thermal baths, followed by a leisurely dinner and perhaps a nightcap and early to bed.
That said, there are livelier options for those who want them. The village has bars that get animated as the evening progresses, and the casino adds an alternative for those seeking entertainment beyond the usual. Megève is a short drive or ski away for a more upscale evening scene.
Après-ski spots to know:
Accommodation in Saint Gervais ranges from grand Belle Époque hotels that reflect the town's spa heritage to comfortable apartments and traditional chalets. Apartments suit longer stays and self-catering, while hotels typically include breakfast and sometimes spa access, which is useful given the town's thermal tradition.
Those prioritising nightlife and dining tend to prefer staying in the village, while families focused purely on skiing time often choose Le Bettex. The main village sits in the valley, with the Le Bettex area higher up offering ski-in/ski-out convenience. Village accommodation puts you close to restaurants, shops, and the thermal baths, while Le Bettex reduces travel time to the slopes each morning, but the gondola from the village to Le Bettex runs regularly, making the commute straightforward.
The Evasion Mont-Blanc ski pass covers Saint Gervais plus Megève, Saint-Nicolas de Véroce, Les Contamines-Montjoie, and connected areas, with 445km of pistes in total. The full area pass makes sense for anyone wanting to explore, particularly intermediates who can make the most of the linked terrain.
Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Saint Gervais Les Bains ski holiday package through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.
Ski hire shops operate throughout the village and at Le Bettex. Mid-range packages now include well-maintained skis that suit most ability levels, and premium equipment with current-season models is available for those who want it. Booking in advance means your equipment is ready when you arrive, avoiding queues on your first morning.
WeSki partners with SkiSet shops in Saint Gervais Les Bains, letting you add equipment to your package and collect on arrival. Browse Saint Gervais Les Bains ski deals to build your perfect trip.
The village centre is compact and walkable, with most restaurants, shops, and the thermal baths within easy reach on foot. The main gondola to Le Bettex departs from the edge of the village, this is around a 10-minute walk from the centre, though a free shuttle connects key points. For accommodation at Le Bettex, you've got ski-in/ski-out during the day and a gondola ride from the village in the evening.
Ski buses run regular circuits connecting accommodation areas to lift stations throughout the day. Evening transport is more limited, so check timings if you're staying outside the village centre and planning late dinners. Taxis are available but should be booked in advance, particularly for journeys to Chamonix or the airport.
Saint Gervais benefits from excellent transport links for a mountain resort. Geneva Airport is the closest major hub at around 85km, while Lyon, Grenoble, and Chambéry airports are also viable options. The resort has its own TGV railway station, Le Fayet-Saint-Gervais, with direct high-speed connections from Paris. From the station, local buses and taxis cover the short distance up to the village.
WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private and shared transfers to Saint Gervais Les Bains. Add them to your Saint Gervais Les Bains ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.
Yes, Saint Gervais has excellent beginner facilities. The nursery slopes at Le Bettex are sheltered and gentle, with natural progression onto green and easy blue runs. The tree-lined terrain helps visibility and confidence on days with flat light. English-speaking instruction is readily available, and the resort's quieter atmosphere means less intimidation from faster skiers.
Saint Gervais offers a more relaxed, family-friendly experience compared to Chamonix's extreme terrain and frenetic atmosphere. The skiing here suits a broader range of abilities, the village has more traditional character, and the thermal baths add a wellness dimension Chamonix lacks. For expert skiers chasing steep couloirs and serious off-piste, Chamonix wins, but it's just 20 minutes away for day trips.
Snow reliability is generally good thanks to the resort's altitude range (850m to 2,353m) and predominantly north-facing slopes that hold snow well. The higher sectors above Les Contamines and towards Mont Joly stay skiable longest. Snowmaking covers key runs lower down. The season typically runs mid-December to mid-April, though the higher terrain can open earlier and close later in good snow years.
Saint Gervais tends to be more affordable than neighbouring Megève and Chamonix while offering comparable skiing. Accommodation ranges from budget apartments to luxury hotels, and restaurants include genuine options beyond just expensive resort dining. The Evasion Mont-Blanc ski pass represents good value given the terrain it covers. For families and those wanting a proper French village experience without the premium prices, it's a strong choice.
Les Thermes de Saint-Gervais uses water from natural hot springs that have been drawing visitors since the 19th century. The mineral-rich thermal water is heated to bathing temperature and fills indoor and outdoor pools, with views to Mont Blanc from the terrace. Beyond the pools, the spa offers treatments using the thermal water for a genuine wellness experience rather than a standard hotel spa. After a day's skiing, it's a proper indulgence.
Yes, the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski pass connects Saint Gervais to Megève via Mont d'Arbois. The link involves some flat traverses and a connecting lift, but once there you can explore Megève's extensive terrain before skiing back. It's entirely possible to have lunch in Megève and return to Saint Gervais for après-ski. The link to Les Contamines is also skiable, opening up quieter terrain in the other direction.
Absolutely - better than most ski resorts, in fact. The thermal baths alone justify the visit for spa enthusiasts. The Tramway du Mont-Blanc offers a spectacular mountain excursion without needing to ski, Chamonix is close for sightseeing, and the village itself has enough shops, restaurants, and character to fill rest days pleasantly. Non-skiers can also ride the gondola to mountain restaurants for lunch with views. It's a proper destination beyond just skiing.
Val Thorens - La Plagne - Chamonix - Tignes - Avoriaz - Val d'Isère - Méribel - Les Arcs - Les Menuires - Courchevel - Flaine - La Clusaz - Serre Chevalier - Samoëns - La Rosière - Montgenèvre - Val Cenis - Megève - St Martin de Belleville - Isola 2000 - Risoul - Valmorel - Les Gets - Morzine - Les Deux Alpes - Alpe d'Huez - Vaujany - Sainte Foy Tarentaise - Châtel - Les Houches - Les Sybelles - Les Carroz - Les Contamines-Montjoie - Les Orres - Les Saisies
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