St Gervais Overview
Only an hour away from Geneva airport and set in a spectacular position at the foot of Europe’s highest mountain Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc is perfect for a short ski break. Part of the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski domain most of the ski area is tree-lined and covers the 263km of slopes of St Gervais, Megeve, Combloux, St Nicolas de Veroce and Bettex. With the nearby resorts of Les Houches and Les Contamines the area extends to a massive 445km. If that wasn’t enough the huge Chamonix Mont Blanc ski area is also within easy reach.
St Gervais Mont Blanc (aka St Gervais Les Bains) is a pretty 19th century spa and market town famous for its thermal baths and Belle Époque architecture. The town has a significant year-round population and is a destination for weekend trippers but overall, it is less busy and better value than some more well-known neighbours such as glitzy Megeve. The thermal baths are well known for their healing properties and have been attracting visitors to the town since 1807. Located in the heart of a beautiful woodland, the thermal baths have modern facilities with indoor and outdoor pools and are well worth a visit for those seeking rest and relaxation.
A highlight of any visit to St Gervais is a journey on the Mont Blanc Tramway. This is the highest cog railway in France and takes skiers and walkers on a picturesque adventure, past ski slopes and through forests, from St Gervais up to the Plateau de Bellevue (1,900m) in the Les Houches / St Gervais ski area. The scenery on the journey is breath-taking and includes panoramic views of the Bionnassay glacier.
St Gervais has over 50 restaurants to choose from, with everything from the simple creperie to laid back local restaurants or even a gourmet Michelin star option. Shoppers are well catered for with over 100 shops with a variety that reflects the population and year-round nature of the town. There are plenty of activities away from the slopes including ice skating, ice hockey, snowshoeing and curling.
Skiing in St Gervais
Access to the ski area from the center of St. Gervais is via by a large gondola, providing direct access to the ski areas of Bettex and Mont d’Arbois, which link to Combloux and Megeve. Mont Joux and Mont Joly offer excellent terrain for intermediate and advanced skiers, with access to St. Nicolas de Veroce, where a short bus ride takes you to Les Contamines. With over 200 runs and more than 100 ski lifts, this area ranks as the third largest ski area in France.
Alternatively, guests staying in St. Gervais can explore the Les Houches ski area in the Chamonix valley by heading east on the historic Mont Blanc Tramway. This scenic route ascends the mountain and connects to Les Houches, offering 55km of mostly gentle blue and red runs that wind through the trees.
For convenience, ski lockers are available for rent at the gondola base station.
What we like
The town is a popular year-round destination that offers great value and lots of amenities.
Worth Knowing
For convenience, ski lockers are available for rent at the gondola base station.
