Megève is in the south-east of France, near the Italian and Swiss borders, and emerged as a popular ski destination for the rich and famous in the 1920s.

It is a ski resort village in the in the Mont Blanc massif with a population of more than 3,000 residents. It offers downhill runs, snow parks and cross-country trails, with links to La Giettaz. The area features rustic-chic chalets, upmarket hotels and designer boutiques. Its pedestrian center has cobbled medieval streets. In summer, trails lead through green forests and meadows, and up to Mont d’Arbois for panoramic views.

As well as these winter sports, Megève also hosts winter events including an international curling tournament, a ski cross World Cup and a mogul skiing cup.

Top things to do other than skiing:

With such a vast quantity of pistes within easy access, you’d be forgiven for thinking that skiing was the be all and end all of winter activities in Megève. But the snow-clad panoramas lend themselves to many mountain activities that combine adrenaline and a sense of adventure in equal measure. Below are the top things to do in Megeve other than skiing:

Ice Climbing 

Experience the unique thrill of climbing up frozen waterfalls and sheer walls of ice using the latest equipment. Open to all from age 12 and older, in either half or full day excursions, you will be accompanied by an experienced guide to ensure you cram as much climbing in for memories that will last a lifetime.

Husky Sleigh Tours - Mont Du Villard Nord

To experience snow travel like it used to be, Mont du Villard Nord will help you look like a pro as a pack of 6-8 of man’s best friend guide you through the magical landscape. Excursions by moonlight and overnight trips are also available for the ultimate in unforgettable holiday experiences.

Snowshoe Hikes

To take things at a gentler pace and really see the trees, flowers and wild animals that make up the beautiful Mont Blanc massif landscape, an excursion using snowshoes is the perfect choice. With a special family friendly excursion, as well as more strenuous half and full day options, let the local experts at Guides de Mégeve show you the very best of their local area.

Forset Adventures -Cote 200 Aventure

Making use of the natural forests that the Megève area has in abundance, Cote 2000 Aventure has created an extraordinary adventure park in the treetops. Via a network of nets, jumps and balancing acts you can climb, leap and crawl across treetops. With various routes – including a kids course for ages 5 and up – you can have a great day with friends and family in complete security.

Le Chemin Du Calvaire

A short walk, starting from the centre of Megeve, and lasting around half an hour. On a dull day, the views are nice, but on a clear day they ascend to beauty. From the mountainous surroundings to the tiny chapel along the route, the word that comes to mind is picturesque, or maybe postcard. The walk shouldn’t be too hard for people used to walking, but it slopes upwards all the time and is quite winding, so it’s probably not suitable for groups with children or mobility problems.

Megeve Rochebrune Cable Car

It’s just a cable car, but it’s a cable car offering fantastic views of Megève itself. Connecting Megève and Mont d’Arbois, it’s the best way to see the town, the valley, and the surrounding mountains. It can be busy at peak times and during peak season, with waits of around half an hour and packed cars, but when it’s quiet there are no queues and it might just be you and the operator in the car.

Musée de Megève

A small museum regaling the history of the town, this is a simple spot. Exhibitions are presented quietly, but are in-depth and interesting. With exhibits on winter sports, including the obvious skiing and the less obvious luge, it’s sure to hold your interest for at least a little while. It doesn’t take too long, and access is free, so it’s worth seeing.

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 2:30pm-7pm

Lac de Javen

A small lake in the shadow of the Aravis, this is a lovely little spot. There’s an area for children, with a swing, roundabout and sandpit, and it’s a great place for a picnic. For fishing enthusiasts, you can catch trout here in every season but winter, and there are occasional watersports in the summer, for tourists who are so inclined.

Watch out for: The lake’s distinctively clear water

Casino Barrière de Megève

This casino has six card tables (roulette, blackjack, and texas hold’em) alongside 65 slot machines ranging from 1 cent to €5 a play. In a cosy alpine building, there are also two bars and a restaurant, so you don’t even have to gamble to have fun. If you do want to throw some money around, however, bring a passport, you’ll need to present it to get into the gaming room.

Opening Hours: Sun-Thu 12pm-12:30am, Fri-Sat 12pm-2amWatch out for: The live music once a week

Watch out for: You need a passport to gamble

Aerocime

This isn’t cheap, at €140 per person, but it’s a pretty unique experience if you can spare the money. Your euro gets you a short aerial tour of the Alps from 3km up in the air, flying over the Chamonix valley and then exploring some of the bigger glaciers and mountains. The planes only take two or three passengers at a time, but if your group is large enough to book two planes then they fly in tandem, so you can wave across to your friends above the mountains.

Opening Hours: By reservation

Watch out for: The close-up views of the mountains

Usefull Info

On an area of 8 km² (3.1 sq mi) there are 116 lifts providing access to 219 slopes totalling 445 km (277 mi).

• The 445 km of slopes are thus divided from hardest to easiest: 35 km (22 mi) blacks, 58 km (36 mi) reds, 110 km (68 mi) blues and 76 km (47 mi) greens.
• The lifts: 67 platter lifts, 35 chairliftsand 13 gondola lifts and one cable car.

In addition, the "Domaine Évasion Mont Blanc" includes 18 cross-country skiing trails totalling 65 km (40 mi)

Intercommunality: Pays du Mont-Blanc

Department: Haute-Savoie

Country: France

Region: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes