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Visitor reviews for Saint Gervais Ski Resort

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• December 17, 2011
  Tony from United Kingdom
  

  I've been skiing at St Gervais for many years and can endorse the comments made by others reviewing this resort. The big advantage for Brits is the ease of access. A flight to Geneva of not much more than an hour, followed by a transfer of about the same time means that you can leave home at 6am (if you're reasonably close to the airport) and be skiing by lunchtime.
  For ski-in, ski-out ability, I would recommend staying in or around Le Bettex. For me there's nothing better than clipping into the skis immediately outside the boot room and skiing down to the first lift at the beginning of the day, and then coming back off the mountain at the end of the day to return to the same spot!
  The ski area is enormous and is worth exploring. On the first day you would probably get to know Mt D'Arbois and Mt Joux, discovering the welcoming bars/restaurants in places like Les Communailles and, on return, dropping in to Le Boitet just above Bettex, where you will be greeted by Gilles and a roaring log fire.
  On the following days you will probably venture down to Megeve and across to Rochebrune where you will find your way to L'Alpette and then the wonderful reds of Fontaine and Lanchettes. If you start early enough, you can then reach Cote 2000 in time for a couple of runs before lunch in Le Radaz.
  Another day would probably involve a trip to St Nicolas via L'Epaule and maybe a trip to the top of Mt Joly, perhaps the most challenging area of the resort.
  For the adventurous, a trip by Navette into Megeve and across to Jaillet, Combloux, Christomet and Le Gettaz (bit of a trek this one) makes a good day out.
  Then there's always the option of skiing down to St Gervais and catching the mountain train to the Col de Vosa ...

• Saint Gervais Ratings

  Based on 6 votes. Vote

  Access: 5.0 (1) At least one overnight stop, (2) requires a whole day, (3) requires more than half a day – you may have time for a few turns (4) arrive by lunchtime and ski all afternoon, (5) there is a main airport within an hour of Saint Gervais.	Public Transport: 5.0 (1) There are no buses or taxis to Saint Gervais, (3) there are slow or infrequent buses / trains available, (5) getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections.
  Scenery: 5.0 (1) An ugly resort in a bland setting, (3) average mountain views and resort, (5) a spectacular setting and a beautiful / historic resort town.	Accommodation: 4.3 (1) No places to stay in/near Saint Gervais, (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets.
  Cheap Rooms: 3.2 (1) No budget accommodation available, (3) just one or two hostels so book ahead, (5) several cheap hostels and pensions available.	Luxury Hotels: 4.2 (1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in Saint Gervais.
  Ski in/Ski out: 4.0 (1) The ski area is located far from any accommodation, (3) a free ski bus takes you to the ski area in a short trip, (5) Ski-in ski-out accommodation is available.	Childcare: 4.2 (1) There are no child care facilities at Saint Gervais, (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche.
  Snowsure: 3.7 (1) Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing, (2) is often closed due to a lack of snow, (3) occasionally suffers from a lack of snow, (4) rarely suffers from a lack of snow, (5) Saint Gervais is snowsure even in the poorest seasons.	Snowmaking: 4.0 (1) Saint Gervais relies entirely on natural snow, (3) there are just a few snow cannons, (5) there are snowmaking facilities on all pistes.
  Snow Grooming: 4.5 (1) There are no snow groomers at Saint Gervais, (3) occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state, (5) all the runs at Saint Gervais are groomed daily.	Shelter: 4.7 (1) there is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut, (3) there are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close, (5) Saint Gervais is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close.
  Nearby options: 4.5 (1) If snow conditions are poor at Saint Gervais, it will be poor everywhere nearby, (3) there are good alternatives within an hours drive, (5) other locations on the same lift pass provide a rich variety of snowsure ski conditions.	Regional rating: 3.7 (1) Saint Gervais usually has poor snow conditions compared to other resorts in region, (3) has average conditions for the region, (5) usually has the best snow conditions in the region.
  Lift Staff: 4.5 (1) The staff at Saint Gervais are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at Saint Gervais are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help.	Crowds/Queues: 3.8 (1) the resort is always busy and there are usually long lift queues, (3) it is quiet apart from occasional weekends and school holidays, (5) it is uncrowded and lift queues are very rare.
  Ski Schools: 4.5 (1) No ski schools available, (2) one or two ski schools but local language only, (3) a few ski schools but book early for multi-lingual instructors, (4) plenty of ski schools and multi-lingual instructors available, (5) excellent ski schools with friendly multi-lingual ski instructors.	Hire and Repairs: 5.0 (1) Nothing can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex. (3) there are some ski shops but rentals need to be booked in advance, (5) good quality ski equipment can be purchased or hired and overnight repairs are possible.
  Variety of pistes: 5.0 (1) The ski runs are featureless and unvaried, (3) the ski runs are varied but not extensive enough for a week, (5) Saint Gervais has diverse and interesting pistes including forests and high alpine terrain.	Beginners: 5.0 (1) Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard, (3) a few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week, (3) Vast areas of gentle terrain.
  Intermediates: 4.8 (1) No intermediate terrain at Saint Gervais, (3) intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days, (5) vast areas of cruising runs.	Advanced: 4.0 (1) Nothing for advanced skiers and snowboarders, (3) enough steep terrain for a few days with some good offpiste, (5) Enough steep terrain and offpiste areas to entertain advanced skiers for at least a week.
  Snow Park: 3.7 (1) Not even a kicker at Saint Gervais, (3) average sized park quite well looked after, (5) huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails.	Off-piste: 3.7 (1) No off-piste worth mentioning, (2) off piste is out-of-bounds, (3) some varied offpiste that stays fresh for one or two days, (5) a vast array of off-piste routes that can stay untracked for several days.
  Cross-country: 3.6 (1) There is nowhere to go for cross-country skiing around Saint Gervais, (3) there are some cross country trails available, (5) the area features many spectacular and well maintained cross-country trails.	Luge/Toboggan: 2.4 (1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) Saint Gervais has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages.
  Mountain Dining: 4.8 (1) Nowhere to buy food by the pistes, (3) some places to eat up on the mountain but they are often busy and expensive, (5) there is a variety of excellent mountain eateries right next to the slopes to suit all budgets.	Eating: 4.7 (1) Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. (5) A wide variety of places to eat and drink in the resort, from fast food to fancy restaurants.
  Apres-Ski: 3.5 (1) Nothing to do, not even a bar, (3) there are a few bars in the resort but nothing special, (5) clubs and bars stay open until very late and have a friendly atmosphere.	Other Sports: 4.2 (1) No sports facilities at all apart from ski lifts, (3) resort has just a small public swimming pool, (5) resort has all kinds of sports facilities, including a full-size swimming pool.
  Entertainment: 4.4 (1) Besides the snow and walking there is nothing to do here, (3) the non-skier will find things to do for few days but may become bored after a week, (5) the resort area is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of winter sports.	Winter Walks: 4.6 (1) Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails, (3) a couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails, (5) extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities.
  Ski Pass Value: 4.7 (1) A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available, (3) the ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts, (5) ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area.	Value (National): 4.0 (1) Overall, Saint Gervais is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country and not worth the money, (3) overall represents average value for money, (5) overall offers the best value resort in the country.
  Value (Global): 4.2 (1) Overall, Saint Gervais is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, (3) overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries, (5) internationally the resort offers excellent value for money.

  Based on 6 votes. Vote

• September 08, 2010
  Steve from United Kingdom
  

  For those skiers with families of varying ags and abilities (and even non-skiers), St Gervais is spot on.

  The access to all parts of the area (even Cote 2000) is easy and if you can navigate the runs and lifts to get there, the far reaches of the Megeve area can be reached in about 1 hour from le Bettex.

  I have been going to St Gervais for 5 years now, having tried the Cham Valley and Les Arcs previously, and although the resort doesn't have the 'name' of these larger resorts, you also don't get the issues such as over-crowding, drunken skiers and high altitude weather problems (I lost half a week of skiing in Les Arcs due to a snow storm that forced all of the higher lifts to close - we were at Arc 2000!!).

  I can also recommend the creche at le Bettex for those with really young children. Our son went there this year aged 14 months and had a great time with the staff and other children. We left him there from 10am - 3pm which was long enough for us to have a good ski, and short enough for him not to feel abandoned!

  Accommodation is also good value and good quality in the main. I have stayed at a different self-catered chalet each year, and have not had a bad experience yet. I would certainly recommend looking outside the town if you want to get good value for money, although you will need a car and be prepared to drive to the lifts in the morning.

  All in all, I personally rate St Gervais as one of the nicest resorts in France because of its friendly, quiet (low number of Brits abroad) and easily accesible demeanour, and unless you are an off-piste god, the skiing will keep you smiling all week.

• March 07, 2009
  Graeme Dunbar from United Kingdom
  

  Just had our first week skiing this area (Saint Gervais) at February half-term and we had a great time. The snow was admittedly fantastic, which always makes a big difference, but I loved the breathtaking beauty of the place, with lovely and varied tree-lined runs coupled with stunning views of Mont-Blanc and surrounding peaks. There are many nice huts to eat in on the mountain; we liked the Mont Joux and the 2 places in Les Communailles, particularly. That said, as in almost every French resort, food and drink are a tad expensive.

  Would agree that Saint Gervais is mainly an intermediate's ski area, but with over 400km of available pistes to aim for, all but the best of experts will stay interested (that being said there are loads of off-piste possibilities). Although not all sectors are lift or piste linked, transport is easy (especially with a car), so exploring the various sectors is relatively easy.

  We thought ESF were excellent at Le Bettex; well organised and catered well for non-french pupils. I would avoid Sport Evasion in Saint Gervais for ski hire, as quality and quantity of equipment was poor, as was their customer service (there are lots of other better ski hire options both in town or in Le Bettex).

  Would agree that some of the lifts are painfully slow (esp the Mont Rosset and Chattrix chairs), and the gondolas get a bit busy, but not bad considering it was the busiest week of the season (waited no more than 15 minutes for any lift and that was rare). There is tons of free parking at the gondola station in Saint Gervais, so relatively unstressful in the mornings.

  Saint Gervais is a real (and beautiful) town with a year-round life, extending much beyond skiing. There are several good places to eat; would recommend the 4 Epices, L'Eterle (great pizzas) and the Royal, particularly. The local people are very friendly and welcoming, and they have cracking sports facilities, including ice rink, tennis, mini-golf and (in the summer) a great outdoor municipal swimming pool.

  Despite skiing solidly for a week we have only scratched the surface of the ski area. There is so much still to go at, so we are going back to Saint Gervais for 2 weeks at New Year. Can't wait.

• March 02, 2009
  Clive Lawton from United Kingdom
  

  Having just returned from Saint Gervais, I can confirm that I have nothing but praise for the resort. However, for advanced skiers there may be several drawbacks.

  Good points:
  (1) Saint Gervais has an enormous skiing area. In a week I only scratched the surface. I went at half-term week and the sheer size of the ski area absorbed the crowds very easily away from the important lift stations. Out of peak times I'm sure the area would appear almost deserted. With nearby resorts of Combloux and Les Contamines also on the area pass there are at least two hundred miles of ski runs to explore.

  (2) Saint Gervais has a huge number of runs that will suit a family group towards the bottom end of the ability range. There are a great number of long greens and blues whilst the reds were relatively unthreatening. Family groups of differing abilities easily met up for lunch on the mountain.

  (3) The scenery is extraordinary. Many runs through the trees or with views of trees with Mount Blanc visible from much of the area.

  (4) Saint Gervais is an 'all year round' destination for both summer and winter holidays therefore the range of shops and facilities are above the norm for a ski resort.

  (5) Everybody on the mountain seemed very relaxed and happy from the lift people to the restaurant workers to the skiers.

  (6) Saint Gervais has a great range of accommodation from studios in Saint Gervais town to seven bedroom chalets up at Le Bettex.

  Bad points:
  (1) The resort is relatively low although Mount Blanc has its own weather system so I'm told. Having said that the snow, when I was there, was more than adequate as much of the area is summer pasture and therefore needs only a relatively small depth of snow to ensure great conditions.

  (2) Saint Gervais has some of the slowest lifts I've ever ridden. It wasn't a problem for me as the weather wasn't so cold but if it had been? Also, the lift from Saint Gervais to Le Bettex is really too small to cope with holiday crowds but seemed to move the skiers up the mountain relatively quickly. The Le Bettex lift upwards was also a bit of a scrum but a good natured one. I never waited more than 10 minutes and there are alternatives albeit slow ones.

  (3) Skiers of a high calibre may need help in searching out runs to suit their standards at Saint Gervais. Even the off-piste slopes visible from the lifts seemed somewhat gentle.

  (4) The collapse of the £ against the euro helped no one. Costs were up on last year but there's a spread of cost options on the mountain and you can budget accordingly.

  All in all, Saint Gervais is a great resort with the positives far out weighing the negatives. However, the snow (or potential lack of it) question is a bit worrying. Having said that, would I go again? A resounding 'yes' and I've already booked again for 2010.

• December 05, 2008
  Pete Mitchell from United Kingdom
  

  I couldn't agree more with Greg Watts' review of Saint Gervais. He sums it up in a nutshell. I don't live in this beautiful part of the world, so he is a very lucky boy. But I have been holidaying here for a number of years now. I have stayed in the fully catered Chalet La Charme, a wonderfully peaceful chalet, run by Chris, who has always met our needs with professionalism and friendliness. His cooking standards are first rate, and his ability to show us the best spots to ski at Saint Gervais are uncanny. It's almost as if he has a sixth sense for finding empty pistes, or untracked powder. As for the skiing itself, I can't really add anymore to the review of Greg, one of the "locals". Praise indeed.

• November 27, 2008
  Greg Watts from France
  

  Having now lived and skied here for 5 years - and having skied in may other places - I feel I can give a balanced view.
  - The views are simply stunning and really can't be beaten
  - It's true that St Gervais retains it's character and charm and has a great feel. It's also true to say that it is not a party town. but there are many good bars and places to eat. (Try the new Pur Bar for classy champagne & cocktails)
  - The resort works really well for families and mixed ability groups, with everyone being able to re-group at Bettex throughout the day, or just at the end of the day
  - We've had very good feedback on the various ski schools
  - 450km of piste is a lot. It took me 3 seasons to actually get every run ticked off! And there really is terrain to suit everyone, from beginner to experienced, skiers and snowboarders alike. (I do both, so I know.)
  - Les Contamines, covered on the Evasion pass, does seem to have its own microclimate and is very snow-sure. Perfect for early and late season.
  - There is plenty of good off-piste, but some of it is a little hidden and you need to know where to look, or put the time in to find it (top lift from Mt Joly can provide steep, long and challenging runs.)
  - But as a result, you can still score fresh tracks days after a storm, unlike many resorts (hu hum, Chamonix) where everything is tracked out within hours.
  - It's a very 'low stress' resort. The lifties are friendly and you get the sense people are here to have fun, not to impress. Having said that, the W.O.S.P fun park has developed greatly in the last 2 years with all kinds of rails, table-tops and all manner of hips and jumps for the freestylers.
  - A car is a good idea and gives you more freedom to explore the whole Evasion ski area. As well as St Gervais/Megeve and Les Contamines, take the time to explore the Jaillet/Combloux areas if you have the time.
  - St Gervais is investing heavily. In recent years new lifts have gone in, more snow-making equipment has been added and the town is improving its roads and infrastructure as well as renovating town centre buildings in a very tasteful way. Year on year the resort is becoming more attractive, classier, easier to use and better equipped. It's also becoming increasingly popular as word gets out about this formerly little-known French treasure.

  Come. I doubt you'll be dissapointed.

• February 23, 2008
  Scott Mountifield from United Kingdom
  

  Having just returned from spending a few days in St Gervais, I can honestly say that I WOULD go back! This resort has loads to offer in that the whole of St Gervais/Megeve offer the most picturesque skiing through tree lined runs, all with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc. Les Contamines (on the Evasion lift Pass) offers the high altitude skiing if runs are becoming heavy in St Gervais.
  We tried to get around as much as we could in 3 days but were unable to explore anywhere near the whole area. A car is a must in this area though. The bubble from the main village was often rammed and then, equally, the next bubble up form Le Bettex is just as busy. This can, however, be avoided by making the 9 am lift up. If you have a car then you could drive to Le Bettex (or better still stay there), Megeve, and Les Contamines. You can get a bus to Les Contamines but I am led to believe you have to change to do it and there is only 1 there and 1 back a day.
  To summarise, St Gervais / Megeve is the perfect place for those that love to 'cruise' through trees down intermediate runs and enjoy stunning views. I cannot comment on the off-piste as unfortunately it was so tracked and hard it was not worth trying. I will be back though.
  PS. This place is expensive!!!! The Grange bar in town is probably the cheapest for apres-ski.

• February 11, 2008
  Chris Barrow from United Kingdom
  

  In response to Tom Wells:
  The St Gervais/ Evasion area is extremely good for experienced and advanced boarders. You just have to know where to look. When the weather closes down the Chamonix valley, McNabs, the snowboarding clinic, come to St Gervais. If you know where to go, the trees are never too dense, and there are many untracked areas days after a fresh snow fall. A short walk from the top lift station to the summit of Mont Joly yields an unforgettable descent over the back side to Les Contamines. Beware, this is for advanced boarders only, experienced in avalanche rescue, and consult a guide if you have any doubts.
  It is an amazing area, if you take the time to get to know it. A week's holiday for an "experienced" boarder is not nearly enough to discover it's many hidden delights.

• January 27, 2008
  Tom Wells from United Kingdom
  

  The only reason for a slightly negative review is so others with a similar focus to me don't make the same mistake! I can understand why many people love the place.

• January 27, 2008
  Tom Wells from United Kingdom
  

  Just got back from staying for a week at Le Bettex, which is the main point of access to the slopes at St Gervais. From my point of view as an experienced snowboarder with a focus more towards freeride/off-piste I must admit I was pretty dissapointed. The face from Mt Arbois back to Le Bettex looks to have good potential but the lift service seems to lack focus. The tree runs ought to be good in this area but the forest is just too dense, I suppose tree felling is environmentally questionable? At lower levels exposure to the sun means a lot of freeze/thaw conditions. The opposite side from Le Bettex drops towards Megeve village and is a vast bowl extending to the Mt Jolie area and around to Roche Brune area, but getting to these places often means long descents to Megeve then uping and downing a lot to move across to a desired area. This whole bowl has a very similar gradient all around it. In its favour you could move around the bowl during the course of the day staying in the sun, thus, the softer slopes. Altitude in the area is relatively low I think the top is about 2500m. To be fair the area is definitely suited to those who like to have a day not skiing the same run twice, getting a good tan, and who love red runs. And that is good but not what I was after. I rode past the freestyle park (not through anymore!), Was a bit dissappionted as on the web site they make a big deal out of it and to be honest it was very limited considering the reputation of the main park sponsor. I hate being negative so just bear in mind that it wasn't what I wanted and next holiday I will be more careful choosing a destination and wont be swayed by the big names. I love smaller areas, rolling terrain, and sessioning a lift to scope new lines for each run. If I find amazing areas I am not going to review them because I don't want you there, sorry!

• January 18, 2008
  John Bowman from United Kingdom
  

  I can't speak more highly of St Gervais. Friendly, traditional, great mixed ability skiing, and excellent restaurants. We stayed at the delightful, fully catered Chalet La Charme, run by Haute Altitude, and situated in St Gervais on the road to Les Contamines. The holiday was a welcome breath of fresh air (literally!) from the purpose built resorts, and the skiing was marvellous. Just the views made it all worthwhile, with Mont Blanc a constant backdrop. We skied St Gervais, Les Contamines, Les Houches (via the Tramway du Mont Blanc), and Megeve, all on the one lift pass. The restaurants are very good, the pistes uncrowded, and with off-piste this good, I can see why a lot of the Chamonix locals make their way over here. I just can't wait to return to the chalet for my next holiday.

• December 07, 2007
  Gary Burks from United Kingdom
  

  I must agree with the last 2 reviewers. St.Gervais has something for everyone! I have stayed in St.Gerrvias for the last 5 seasons with varying sizes and types of party.
  I've taken my immediate family (wife and young girl), my extended family (10-12 people) and a small group of lads and all have enjoyed what St.Gervais has to offer.
  This resort hasn't been spoiled by the large tour groups.
  The slopes within the St.Gervais area are ideal for the Beginner/Intermediate. If you want anything that is more extreme then Chamonix is only a 25 minute car journey.
  If you have a car and are staying in St.Gervais then it is the ideal base with several good ski areas within a 45 minute drive (nothing compared to Canadian transfers). Please be careful on the road to Flaine. If the weather is harsh then this drive can be very treacherous but the skiing/boarding is superb after a big dump of snow.
  Les Contamine seems to have a weather system all of its own. It seems to retain its snow better due to the majority of its slopes facing north. Be careful as the weather can turn very quickly and visibility can be very poor.
  St.Gervais has a good variety of restaurants and bars. The Four Spices restaurant has a very good rustic feel with good food at a reasonable price and you can't go wrong with the pizza house across the road.

• December 06, 2007
  Sarah Andrews from United Kingdom
  

  Great resort, ideal for families and mixed ability groups as there is a wide range of skiing. The ski pass covers 450 km piste, plenty for all! St Gervais is a gorgeous market / spa town, very characterful and plenty of bars and restaurants for a week. Friendly locals!

• March 25, 2007
  Rupert Bowers from United Kingdom
  

  The last reviewer, in fact, appears to have stayed in Le Fayet rather than Saint Gervais proper. Le Fayet is the start of the Mont Blanc tramway and has the well known spa of Les Thermes. It also has a large Quechua store but limited bars and restaurants. St. Gervais proper is an historic town and the traditional starting point for Mont Blanc assents as the tram stops here on it's way up the mountain.
  The ski area links to Megeve and the views are stunning down the l'avre valley. The skiing is relatively easy (compared to nearby Chamonix) but there is good off-piste when there has been a dump. It is a great area if your party is mixed ability and a good place for children to learn and there is also a creche at Bettex (up the mountain) to leave the little ones while you ski.
  Saint Gervais still has the feel of being traditionally French. Have a drink in Le Grange which is the hub of life in the town. Best restaurants are La Galleta and Lou Grangini and The Yucatan is a late night venue with live music.
  The town is suited to families and those that don't want to be out until 3 every morning but enjoy a few drinks and a meal after skiing. Eating up the mountain is always going to be pricey but try the small restaurant under the Bettex bubble station where you can get 2 courses of home cooked food for about 12-14 Euros.
  At 850m the town is low so don't expect much snow in the valley. The fashion for ski in-ski out resorts has seen the purpose built towns encroaching ever higher up the mountain but as many of you will know these resorts are pretty souless and generally totally shut in summer. The traditional ski resorts were always in the valley (Cortina, Chamonix, Morzine are all about 1000m). The beauty of Saint Gervais' location is that it is a 45 minute drive to Geneva. I can't stress the importance of having a car enough. With a car the whole area opens up and you can ski Les Houche (10 mins ot take the tram), Les Contamines (15 mins), Megeve (15 mins), Combloux (10 mins), Chamonix (20 mins), Argentiere, Flaine, Samoens, and Morzine are all about 45 minutes. You can even go through the Mont Blanc tunnel and be in Cormayeur in an hour. So, if the snow is poor in Saint Gervais and Megeve there are any number of options.
  Although quieter in summer the climbers and walkers move in and being at the heart of Alpinisme it is not hard to see why. There are not only the mountains to climb but many easier walks and hikes plus mountain biking. There is an indoor ice rink and children's play ground with a traditional merry-go-round to keep the kids amused and a large sporting club with all weather tennis courts and outdoor pool with stunning views and crazy golf for the children. As with much in France, the club is municipal so anyone can go and, unlike municipal facilities in the UK, it is very good!
  I bought a flat here with some friends last year and can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The ease and speed (my record is 4 hours door-to-door London-St. Gervais) of getting here means that weekends are a great option without spending all night on a snow train and feeling totally knackered on arrival.
  Travel to Saint Gervais and Chamonix under your own steam hiring a car at Geneva and you will have a great time; take a package and you will be tied to one place and beholden to ski-buses. There is a tourist office in town and a website with links to hotels and the ESF so it's pretty easy to sort yourself out.
  I can't recommend the whole area highly enough, winter or summer, and would be happy to help anyone wishing to visit- rupert.bowers@ntlworld.com.

• February 23, 2007
  Dave Clark from United Kingdom
  

  A great ski area once you get to it. The passes are divided into 3 areas with the "evasion pass" covering all routes and about 450 km of pistes. The St. Gervais pass is about 100kms. We stayed at a hotel next to the train station. The morning trek requires a coach to the cable car station (approx 10 mins, longer journeys are to be expected at weekends) then to Betex in the cable car where there is a ski hire shop restaurants and beginner slope and a further cable car to get the non-beginners skiing. You can ski all the way to the cable car station snow permitting but this was not possible end of Jan this year (2007) due to the late start of the season.
  The area around the train station seems quiet and ideal for families. The only life appears to be in the Terminus Hotel run by Snowcoach. Also the French have introduced smoking laws inside public areas so the non-smoker no longer gets " fogged out" except when entering designated smoking areas.
  Slopeside restaurants are expensive 18-25 Euros for a main course although the portions are large. They do a children's menu with portions for 12 Euros which would suit the average adult diet.