Saint Gervais
Why Saint-Gervais Ski Resort?
- Only 4kms from the motorway exit and TGV train station with a new gondola to link to resort in 2024/25*
- Amazing scenery at the very foot of the highest peak in the Alps. Technically Elbrus is the highest peak in Europe!
- The massive and diverse ski area is linked with Megève
- 'Famille Plus' resort - good children’s facilities and great for families
- Awarded 'Flocon Vert' certificate for sustainability in Dec 2022
- As a year-round lived-in village, Saint-Gervais is always full of life and offers excellent après-ski
Saint Gervais Resort Information
In a splendid location at the foot of Mont Blanc, the spa resort of Saint-Gervais Les Bains has attracted tourists since 1806 - and today it’s popular with discerning skiers.
Set in a narrow river gorge half way between Megève and Chamonix, the landscape is impressive wherever you look!
The small Alpine town of Saint-Gervais offers diverse après-ski and an excellent selection of interesting food shops, cosy bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Every Thursday morning in Saint-Gervais village there’s a superb genuine market.
Among Saint-Gervais’ attractions are thermal baths with spa treatments, a cinema, casino, and many outdoor activities such as an Olympic skating rink and unforgettable snowshoe walks. A trip up the mountain on the Mont Blanc Tramway is not to be missed.
* The Vallen Project - gondola lift is being built that will run all year around from 2024/25. The connection is designed to reach the Bourg de Saint-Gervais center from the SNCF station of Fayet and thus relieve congestion on the road axis reaching the resort. The cable car will depart from the SNCF and bus station of Le Fayet in 6 minutes from 7am-8.30pm. An adjoining car park (stadium car park) with 200 spaces also offers a long-term parking option. The first section will arrive at the centre of the town of Saint Gervais (850m). The project also plans to replace the second section (from Saint-Gervais to Bettex) which marked the birth of the ski area in 1936. This second part of the project will make it possible to directly connect the two cable cars within a single intermediate station, thus increasing the current capacity of the St Gervais/Le Bettex cable car while smoothing traffic.
Peak Retreats features a range of St Gervais accommodation options including hotels and self-catering ski apartments. All our accommodation has been hand-picked and is of a very high standard, providing the ideal base for a Saint Gervais ski holiday.
Read our list of six activity choices and see why St Gervais is great for the whole family.
St Gervais ski area
The main ski area of Saint-Gervais is vast and forms part of the Evasion ski domain with its 420km of slopes. It offers truly breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and is linked with Megève via the slopes of Mont d'Arbois, accessed by a 20-person gondola from the edge of the village.
You’ll be spoilt for choice! A week is hardly long enough to ski the entire Evasion Mont Blanc area (the third largest ski domain in France) and its vast assortment of tree-lined slopes.
The slopes on the Mont Blanc side of Saint-Gervais are served by a 1904 rack-and-pinion railway that takes you to the slopes of Les Houches (where there is yet another 55km of slopes!).
Back in 2022, they built a new beginners area in St Gervais.
St Gervais skiing info
Beginners
Beginners should take the main gondola from the resort centre (next to Le Grand Panorama residence) up to an area called Le Bettex - a great area for beginners complete with nursery slopes. There are also many tree-lined scenic slopes to progress on (green and blue runs) above the Megève area. The slopes lead directly from St Gervais to Megève.
In 2022, St Gervais created a new beginner ski area ('Marmottons') on Mont d’Arbois facing Mont Blanc. The area, easily accessible via the Bettex-Mont d’Arbois gondola which carries skiers and pedestrians to 1,840m altitude, is equipped with a new drag lift and magic carpet. This new progressive ski area has all the advantages of a beginner's area including wide slopes and progressive slopes etc. The space is accessible to pedestrians for family or friends to accompany and encourage. As a bonus, the 'Charlotte la Marmotte' play area equipped with modules, wooden games and a slide allows the youngest to take a break while having fun.
The higher altitude means beginners can take in the views, have better snow coverage and have restaurants and cafes nearby, alongside a picnic area.
Intermediates
The Saint-Gervais ski area offers a wide choice of green and blue slopes (111 slopes in total) which allow you to progress on varied pistes in a setting of pine forests, frozen mountain lakes, authentic alpine chalets and 360° panorama... After a little training on the 'Marmottons' area, skiers can easily descend from an altitude of 1,840m to the bottom of the slopes on the very beautiful Chateluy green run.
Advanced, off-piste & ski touring
The Mont Joly and Mont Joux sections offer the steepest slopes – and there’s some good off-piste to be found there too. With a choice of over 445km of pistes in the Evasion domain, expert skiers certainly won’t be bored!
In Saint-Gervais, several marked ski touring routes are available from Le Bettex, Les Communailles and Saint-Nicolas. For ski touring at night: every Tuesday and Friday of the winter season, the Orgères piste is open to touring skiers from 5pm-9pm. The ski area grooming plan has been adapted to allow this activity to be set up. The Orgères slope is therefore clear of the grooming machines and their cables during this time.
Resort runs
The only resort run back down to St Gervais is the red St Gervais piste. The alternative is to take the St Gervais Bettex gondola back down, which you might be thankful for at the end of the ski day!
St Gervais mountain fun zones
Boardercross at La Croix. Visit Charlotte's hamlet with its foam units, entertainment, playground and picnic area at the top of Mont d'Arbois. A beginner ski area with modern easy lift and magic carpet is available.
The Fun Slope is accessible all winter to skiers from the Orgeres ski run, close to the La Croix chairlift. Recommended minimum level: 1st star.
St Gervais nordic skiing
Whether your focused on cardio and strength training, or simply getting some fresh air and enjoying nature, Saint-Gervais offers a choice of cross-country groomed trails.
Access to the trails is free (excluding ski lifts). A map is available at the Tourist Office or can be downloaded from the tourist office website. Whether skating or classic, take advantage of the 30km of cross-country skiing trails of St Gervais. Trails start in Bettex or Plateau de la Croix (St Nicolas).
St Gervais ski hire & lift passes
Please contact us.
To buy in resort - the 'Accompagnant ESF' pedestrian pass is for parents who don't have a ski pass and need to take the lift daily to bring their children to the ESF ski school (or the nursery at Le Bettex). It gives unlimited access to the St-Gervais/Bettex lift for 6 consecutive days at a reduced price. Valid in Saint-Gervais for the Saint-Gervais-Bettex lift. Valid in Saint-Nicolas de Véroce for the Chef-Lieu lift.
To buy in resort - ski pass Micro Saint-Gervais. This pass gives you access to the gondola lift Saint-Gervais-Bettex plus the draglifts Ecole and Bettex.
To buy in resort - ski pass mini domaine Bettex. This pass gives you access to the gondola lift of Saint-Gervais-Bettex, the draglifts Ecole, Bettex and La Venaz and chairlift of Monts-Rosset.
Ski lockers at bottom of the Saint Gervais gondola lift or Chattrix lift - ski cases for the storage of up 5 pairs of skis, boots, helmets and gloves. Your equipment will be dried and warmed for the morning. No need to carry your skis around. The access to your ski case starts at 8:30 am on the first day of your booking and ends at 5:30 pm on the last day of your booking. Book direct with tourist office.
St Gervais group/private ski school
Please contact us.
St Gervais childcare (not pre-bookable)
Childcare from 3 years-12 years (non-skiers)
Saint Gervais has acquired the Famille Plus label for its childcare facilities. Please view here to view more information on the Famille Plus label.
The Saint Gervais les Bains Snow Daycare – Le Bettex
The ESF run heated premises with 30 places overlooking Mont Blanc offering varied entertainment. Access to the structure by the Bettex gondola lift allows your family to organize themselves as best as possible and make the most of the joys of winter sports in Saint Gervais. Its location at the foot of the slopes greatly simplifies your day of skiing. A changing room and lockers facilitate the logistics of transporting your children's equipment. With or without meals, half or full days. Collaboration with ski school for lessons.
Please contact direct as we cannot pre-book this kids club - 0033 4 50 93 14 81.
It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as spaces get filled quickly, especially in Peak times. A childhood vaccination record will be needed.
Babysitters (not pre-bookable)
A list of babysitters is available from the tourist office.
Top snow activities to experience in St Gervais
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.
Sledging
3 free sledging zones for toddlers and children... and adults! 2 x free sledging areas dedicated to children of different age categories, 2 to 6 years and + 6 years. Another sledging area is located in Saint-Nicolas at Plateau de la Croix which has the best view on the Mont-Blanc!
Playground
At the top of the cable car Saint-Gervais-Mont d’Arbois, at 1,800m, there is a Go Ape with zipwires, ropes and obstacle circuits...free to access!
Photo spots
At the summit of Bettex-Arbois gondola or Epaule chairlift. Mont Blanc backdrop!
Igloo building
From 10 years old.
Sled dogs
Activity at 'La Croix' plateau (10 mins from St Gervais centre).
Snowshoeing
Several signposted trails take you though the forest and landscapes. You can download a map from the tourist office. In Saint-Gervais, several signposted snowshoeing trails start from Le Bettex (1,400m) and Saint-Nicolas. You may come across chamois or mountain hare amongst others during your walk. It's a great winter exercise, an excellent low-impact aerobic exercise. You can also join a guided tour. Free access if you go alone.
Top activities to experience in St Gervais
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.
St Gervais Tramway du Mont-Blanc
The highest rack railway train in France provides a trip to the foot of Mont-Blanc. Starting in Le Fayet or Saint-Gervais, after a trip through forests and alpine prairies, skiers and hikers may access the Bellevue Plateau (1,900m) and the Le Prarion ski area at the heart of an exceptional panorama (panoramic view of the Bionnassay glacier).
Saint Gervais Thermal Spa
Access: by the new Valleen gondola, open 7/7 from 7am-8.30pm. 5 minutes journey time - arrival at Le Fayet SNCF station, 5-minute walk to the thermal baths (payable). By the lift Thermes from 6am-11pm, 5 minutes time and it's free. Or by car, 15 mins from centre of St Gervais.
The thermal baths are renowned for their exceptional thermal water, known for centuries for its curative virtues. Mineral waters rich in trace elements and sulfur are used in the various spa facilities to provide effective therapeutic treatments for curists, as well as a recreational experience for visitors. Whether in outdoor thermal pools, whirlpool baths or saunas, dive in and immerse yourself in a sensory journey filled with the benefits of this exceptional thermal water.
Located in the heart of the Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc thermal park, the Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc thermal baths offer an exceptional natural setting, conducive to relaxation and regeneration. Surrounded by lush forest and breathtaking scenery, you can enjoy a breathtaking view as you relax in the spa facilities.
Indoor skiing at Ski Indoor 4810
Dedicated to the practice of snow sports (skiing, snowboarding, telemark…) but also to other non-skiing activities. It’s a new and fun activity, accessible to all ages and levels, and always supervised by a state-qualified instructor. The slope and speed of the carpets can be adjusted to suit all levels and exercises. Each session is supervised by an instructor, skis are provided, just bring your ski boots, gloves and helmet. From 2 years old. The XXL mat is the largest in Europe. Open daily.
St Gervais news
What's new for the 24/25 season:
- Vallen Project - gondola lift is being built that will run all year around. The connection is designed to reach the Bourg de Saint-Gervais center from the SNCF station of Fayet and thus relieve congestion on the road axis reaching the resort. The cable car will depart from the SNCF and bus station of Le Fayet in 6 minutes from 7am-8.30pm. An adjoining car park (stadium car park) with 200 spaces also offers a long-term parking option. The first section will arrive at the centre of the town of Saint Gervais (850m). The project also plans to replace the second section (from Saint-Gervais to Bettex) which marked the birth of the ski area in 1936. This second part of the project will make it possible to directly connect the two cable cars within a single intermediate station, thus increasing the current capacity of the St Gervais/Le Bettex cable car while smoothing traffic.
Historic news 22/23:
- The Arbois 2-seater chairlift is being replaced with a new 6-seat chairlift for December 2022!
- Ski Tunnel - the resort is building a tunnel under the road at the end of the home run so skiers will now be able to ski all the way down without having to remove skis and cross the road.
- New beginner area - Located on Mont d'Arbois at 1,840m and easily accessed by the Bettex-Mont d'Arbois gondola, a brand new beginner area offers a drag lift and covered magic carpet lift, all improving the comfort for beginner skiers to develop their skills
St Gervais events
Events taking place in the 2024/25 season:
- Each Sunday of the French school holidays, the tourist office welcomes you with a Vin Chaud. Saint Gervais at 6pm and Le Bettex at 12.15pm,
- Every Thursday during French school holidays, take part in the torchlit descent from the Mont d'Arbois down to Bettex. Meet at 5.25pm at top of the Bettex-Mont d'Arbois lift,
- White weekend tbc January 2025: free activities on offer such as ski touring, ski test, snowshoeing, biathlon, massages at Thermes de St Gervais, avalanche rescue training, yoga, slaloms and more
St Gervais après-ski, bars & restaurants
Explore the diverse charm of Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc through our three sections: lively bars, cinema and the Casino. Enjoy an unparalleled gaming experience at the Casino de Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc, located in the heart of the village of Le Fayet in Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc.
Why not try:
- 'La Petite Cuisine' at the Folie Douce, at 2,100m. Gourmet break in an exceptional setting indoors or on the south-facing terrace, it is the perfect place to enjoy a breathtaking view of the majestic Mont Blanc. Stay on and enjoy the dance music after!
- 'Le Serac', located between the church and town hall in St Gervais. It overlooks the Mont Blanc. Michelin star chef Raphael Le Mancq is inspired by the seasons and his travels. In the dining room, his wife Stéphanie guides you in your choice of fine wines and different courses.,
- 'La Cabane a Leo', located on the piste Chateluy. Between two ski runs or when out on a hike, tuck into a burger, a Beaufort cheese tart, a local speciality dish or a salad. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the selection of desserts, including the delicious blueberry tart - an absolute must!
Why not try the famous Folie Douce in St Gervais/Megeve for a different kind of dance scene. At the top of Mont Joux, this branch of the Folie Douce opened in 2014, introducing the chain’s trademark Austrian-style afternoon party scene. You will find 7 other Folie Douce in the French Alps - Val d'Isere opened 1976, Val Thorens in 2009, Meribel in 2012, Alpe d'Huez in 2013, Chamonix and Avoriaz in 2018, Les Arcs in 2019.
Amenities
Saint Gervais is served by a range of amenities, including bakers, gift shops, deli, bakery, sports shops, regional produce, post office, cash point and mini-markets: Saint-Gervais Carrefour Express and Le Bettex Sherpa.
Getting to Saint Gervais, France
By Road:
Driving distance from Calais to Saint Gervais: 545 miles or 7hrs30
By Rail:
Direct TGV from Paris to Saint-Gervais
Saint-Gervais/Le Fayet railway station Tel. +33 836 35 35 35
Airports:
Geneva Airport is 86km from Saint Gervais (1 hour)
www.gva.ch
Chambery Airport 124km (1 ¼ hours)
www.chambery-airport.com
Lyon Saint-Exupery is 206km from Saint Gervais (2 hours)
www.lyonaeroports.com
Grenoble Airport is 214km from St Gervais (2 hours)
www.grenoble-airport.com
Public shuttle bus transfers from airport
Geneva Airport - St Gervais le Fayet or Le Pont (www.coach-station.com).
The Mont Blanc Express train also provides access between the Chamonix Valley resorts.
Saint Gervais Airport Transfer
For pre-bookable private transfer rates with Peak Retreats, view here.
In resort:
Every winter, Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc runs a free shuttle service, including one electric bus route.
The perfect opportunity to park & ride!
Vallen Project - gondola lift is being built that will run all year around. The connection is designed to reach the Bourg de Saint-Gervais center from the SNCF station of Fayet and thus relieve congestion on the road axis reaching the resort. The cable car will depart from the SNCF and bus station of Le Fayet in 6 minutes from 7am-8.30pm. An adjoining car park (stadium car park) with 200 spaces also offers a long-term parking option. The first section will arrive at the centre of the town of Saint Gervais (850m). The project also plans to replace the second section (from Saint-Gervais to Bettex) which marked the birth of the ski area in 1936. This second part of the project will make it possible to directly connect the two cable cars within a single intermediate station, thus increasing the current capacity of the St Gervais/Le Bettex cable car while smoothing traffic.
St Gervais Opening Dates
Saint Gervais opens from 17/12/22 - 10/04/23
