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Visitor reviews for Aillons-Margeriaz Ski Resort

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Ski Resort Rating: Rate Aillons-Margeriaz

• February 05, 2012
  Neil Woolford from United Kingdom
  

  I've now explored Aillons Station a little as well as Margeriaz, and there is good to report of both.

  This year we sidestepped the lack of hotels by finding a small studio appartment through the Office de Tourisme's website (lesailons.com). The appartment was comfortable, very good value and within a few yards of the pistes at Aillons Station. It doesn't look like there will be any hotel accommodation in the foreseeable future, but the Hotel du Soleil is being rebuilt as self-catering accommodation.

  Ski conditions were ok at the lower station, though freeze-thaw was in evidence at the bottom of the pistes. Some of the higher pistes are pretty technical, according to my brother.

  Margeriaz, higher up and with an excellent micro-climate had masses of fresh powder most days of the week, though sometimes this was accompanied by poor visibility. As my skiing improves (a bit!) I've skied more of the resort, finding a small but well equipped snow park and the 'Foret' piste which is just perfect for trying cross country skills.

  Aillons Station does actually have some restaurants and bars - the Mont Pelat is good for a treat but moderately dear - and there is a weekly disco during the main February holiday season. Still not the place if your interest is constant apres-ski...

  The Sherpa shop at Aillons Station is well stocked and has excellent bread (the owner started as a baker) and the Intersport ski shop is friendly and efficient.

  So still highly recommended; we'll certainly be returning, as it is still an ideal place for me to enjoy improving my intermediate skills while
  my brother can ski hairy technical pistes when he's bored with teaching me!

• February 13, 2011
  Neil Woolford from United Kingdom
  

  Yes, this is a little gem of a resort. Absolutely perfect for the beginner to intermediate skier. The layout of Margeriaz is logical and has plenty of blue runs that are actually fun to ski. My tip is the lower section of Les Coqs, which is an undulating piste through forest with some interesting bumps and curves. The pistes are maintained to a high standard.
  Apart from me and my brother, I've heard English spoken here about twice in three years of visiting and although some of the instructors speak enough English to teach, you'd do better here with reasonable (understanding of) French.
  Note that hotels are currently not available, as the Chamois is now owned by a ski club for its members and the Hotel du Soleil unfortunately burned down. There's no apres ski apart from buying cheese to take home from the dairy in the village.

• February 29, 2008
  Paul Tuohy from United Kingdom
  

  What a gem of a resort! We stayed at Le Chamois in Les Aillon and skied 2 days, with 4 at the higher resort of Margeriaz. Whilst most Brits were heading to the headline resorts of Les Arc, la Plagne, etc.. you will be struck by the complete non-existence of British skiers in the beautiful Les Bauges country park. With no snow for over two weeks, Margeriaz still had 135cm and the conditions were great. It's a family holiday dream with ample blues and reds. All the skiers are French locals with visitors coming from the northern departments such as Pas de Calais. Ski de Fond (cross-country) is popular as is snow-shoeing for those who prefer off-piste mountain air. It's like going back in time with children using 80's equipment and hand-me-downs and no one cares..And best of all - both resorts for a 90 Euro lift pass - less than half the price of the major resorts. Most beginners and intermediates will only use 25% of the big resort runs so this represents amazing value. You are only 13miles from Chambery airport!! and an hour from Geneva or Grenoble. An afternoon trip to beautiful Annecy (40mins drive) for lunch was thrown in after an early morning ski on one day.
  In summary - a traditional French ski resort that is incredibly understated with masses of country appeal. Family of four with ski passes, hotel accommodation, breakfast and 3 course meals 7 nights, petrol, tolls, ferry, 50 Euro a day spending for lunch and drinks - all in - £1,980. Our similar trips to larger resorts have come out at about £3,200. Check out the Les Ailoon Margeriaz website and treat yourself...