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Thollon les Mémises Resort Reviews

Visitor reviews for Thollon les Mémises Ski Resort



  • October 23, 2011
    Eileen leech from United Kingdom

    As with all the previous reviews, my family and I love Thollon (Thollon les Mémises) and have been skiing there for 8 years. We have also been to this delightful village in summer and love the lake for swimming and waterskiing ! Bliss

    The good news is the village will receive a huge investment in 2012 as the lift system is being replaced, which is superb news for the whole area. We have never encountered problems with the lifts etc like the previous reviewer, however, we look forward to a new system, as it means we can reach the pistes more quickly and savour the glorious view.

  • Thollon les Mémises Ratings

    Based on 10 votes. Vote

    Access: 4.9

    (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 Thollon les Mémises.

    Public Transport: 3.7

    (1) There are no buses or taxis to Thollon les Mémises, (3) there are slow or infrequent buses / trains available, (5) getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections.

    Scenery: 4.8

    (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: 4.2

    (1) No places to stay in/near Thollon les Mémises, (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets.

    Cheap Rooms: 4.2

    (1) No budget accommodation available, (3) just one or two hostels so book ahead, (5) several cheap hostels and pensions available.

    Luxury Hotels: 3.5

    (1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in Thollon les Mémises.

    Ski in/Ski out: 4.5

    (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: 4.1

    (1) There are no child care facilities at Thollon les Mémises, (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche.

    Snowsure: 4.0

    (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) Thollon les Mémises is snowsure even in the poorest seasons.

    Snowmaking: 4.2

    (1) Thollon les Mémises 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 Thollon les Mémises, (3) occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state, (5) all the runs at Thollon les Mémises are groomed daily.

    Shelter: 3.4

    (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) Thollon les Mémises is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close.

    Nearby options: 3.7

    (1) If snow conditions are poor at Thollon les Mémises, 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: 4.1

    (1) Thollon les Mémises 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: 4.7

    (1) The staff at Thollon les Mémises are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at Thollon les Mémises are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help.

    Crowds/Queues: 4.2

    (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: 4.4

    (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: 4.8

    (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: 3.8

    (1) The ski runs are featureless and unvaried, (3) the ski runs are varied but not extensive enough for a week, (5) Thollon les Mémises has diverse and interesting pistes including forests and high alpine terrain.

    Beginners: 3.6

    (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: 4.2

    (1) No intermediate terrain at Thollon les Mémises, (3) intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days, (5) vast areas of cruising runs.

    Advanced: 3.8

    (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: 3.8

    (1) Not even a kicker at Thollon les Mémises, (3) average sized park quite well looked after, (5) huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails.

    Off-piste: 3.6

    (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: 3.7

    (1) There is nowhere to go for cross-country skiing around Thollon les Mémises, (3) there are some cross country trails available, (5) the area features many spectacular and well maintained cross-country trails.

    Luge/Toboggan: 2.6

    (1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) Thollon les Mémises has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages.

    Mountain Dining: 3.3

    (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: 4.2

    (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: 3.9

    (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: 3.5

    (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: 3.9

    (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: 4.2

    (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: 4.4

    (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): 4.3

    (1) Overall, Thollon les Mémises 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): 4.3

    (1) Overall, Thollon les Mémises 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 10 votes. Vote

  • March 10, 2011
    Snow Man from France

    Thollon (Thollon les Mémises) is a great place and has served us well for many years. However, be warned the lift system is now creaking with age and frequently breaks down.

    Often the queues for the telecabine become long (half hour wait time) and for the telesiege also and when the telecabine break, the beginners must ski down a long red piste to get back to the village.

    Good skiing and beautifully maintained pistes but the lifts need serious investment.

  • March 07, 2011
    Paul Lamberth from United Kingdom

    I was in Thollon (Thollon les Mémises) with my family, at half-term and was very lucky with the snow. The Western Alps have been badly hit this winter but a few snowfalls managed to keep 70% of the resort open and bizarrely, there was some good off-piste from the top

    I'd agree with the other contributors in that if you're a expert skier, Thollon is a weekend resort but it is a wonderful family resort and we found the mountain teams, ski shop and restaurant staff knowledgeable, helpful and friendly.

    Being half-term, the ESF Ski School was very busy and, to be honest, I'm not sure that my 8 year old daughter progressed during the week as the classes were so big (this was her 3rd ski holiday), but we loved the village and will go back.

  • September 20, 2010
    Dennis Green from United Kingdom

    All the previous reviews are to be commended for balance and honesty. Thollon (Thollon les Mémises) is a fantastic place. I've been coming here for 20 years and never tire of the views or the sking. In recent years the facilities for beginners have improved and the new run down the front means you can ski straight back to the village. There are 2 excellent hotel restaurants: Belle Vue and my favourite, the Bon Sejour. Family run, the atmosphere and service are from another era. Many independent skiers use Thollon as a base. Skiing a few days there before heading off to Avoriaz, Les Gets etc. About an hour away. Good for children. For many of the local people it's where they learned to ski as kids.

  • December 28, 2009
    David Greenwood from United Kingdom

    If you are looking for a ski resort full of Porsche Cayenne's and the "In-set" then you won't like Thollon (Thollon les Mémises). If on the other hand you want to experience genuine French hospitality, friendly bar staff and restauranteurs, shop owners, ski instructors and lift operators (yes, it all makes a difference) and great views albeit on a small ski area then Thollon is for you.

    OK - Thollon is not Les Gets or Morzine - but as someone who has worked up over my tri-annual visits from the Green runs through to the Red runs there is something to genuinely challenge everyone. I never get bored of Thollon but it is good to know that if you do, Bernex is 10 mins around the corner with some black runs to boot and the Morzine/Les Gets ski areas are only an hour away when you do want a change (such as on a Saturday when tariffs are cheaper).

    When it is open my absolute favourate run is Vieille Cases - amazing views over the lake and a really satisfying run. The "when" is important - sometimes Dec more often Feb - just depends on the snow conditions.- but if you choose your time right - an absolute treat.

    As for children - my daughter has been skiing here since she was 3 - she has spent time with English speaking instructors whilst the ski school caters for English speaking children as well - ski school is for 5 and overs. Enquire beforehand about the creche and any French specifc medical requirements which seem to vary from year to year.

    Overall, Thollon (Thollon les Mémises) is a great skiing choice both in its own right and as a gateway to other resorts if you want some variety. I'm going to keep on coming!

  • December 17, 2009
    Jack from United Kingdom

    Have been skiing in Thollon les Mémises for nearly 20 years now and it is a super resort! It is fairly small but that is what makes it enjoyable as it is not usually overcrowded. Had a few seasons with little snow however last year was one of/if not the best! Thollon les Mémises itself is a fairly small village (although growing quite rapidly at the moment) with a few nice local bars and restaurants. Would recommend 'L'Outa' for a super traditional/local meal. Not far from Geneva airport - just over an hour drive! Would definitely recommend, and I'm looking forward to getting out there after Xmas....hoping for some good snow again!

  • October 22, 2009
    David from United Kingdom

    Getting to Thollon les Mémises.
    Public transport to/from Geneva airport:
    Train from airport to Geneva Cornavin, then bus/tram across town to another station (Eaux Vives), then rail to Evian, then an infrequent mini-bus to Thollon.
    Alternatively, there is a ferry across the lake to Lausanne, which offers beautiful views back to Thollon. Taxi from Thollon to Evian costs 25-30 euros, ferry 15 euros, train from Lausanne *direct* to Geneva airport (45 mins) 25 Swiss francs (2009 prices).
    Of course, the train from Lausanne can also take you to the Swiss resorts, including via the scenic railway from Martigny to Chamonix.
    Yeti Sports (and the ski school) are right under the gondola base station at Thollon les Mémises. From the others it is a short uphill walk with all your gear.

  • February 02, 2008
    Kathy Lee from United Kingdom

    What a little gem!!
    Our family recently discovered this small village beautifully positioned overlooking Lake Geneva and what a find. The small compact village has everything to make your stay memorable. There are two good restaurants in St Nicholas and La Outa. The 'Sli Bar' is a recent addition complete with pool table and plasma screen. The new supermarket stocks all the essentials and, slightly further afield, is the newly refurbished Tabac and superbly stocked Boulangerie.
    As mentioned in the other reviews, the skiing is not extensive but there is certainly enough to keep an intermediate skier busy for several days. For a change of piste Chatel is 40 mins away by car.
    The scenery is simply stunning and the new run down to the village must surely be one of the most picturesque in the Alps. Lift passes and equipment hire are very reasonable making this an ideal resort for family skiing .We intend to return to this beautiful, friendly and tranquil village before the end of the season.

  • January 19, 2008
    J Quinney from United Kingdom

    Thollon is a fantastic location with great skiing (snow pending). The village offers some great restaurants and bars all be it very limited, but this adds to the attraction.
    The views are probably some of the best in Europe when skiing looking down across Lake Geneva. In the summer the place changes into a beautiful Alpine setting with great walks and mountain biking all at your door step. To see for yourself, enter Thollon Les Memises on YouTube and it will give you a great idea of what's on offer. I will be returning shortly for both winter & summer.

  • January 16, 2008
    M.Mason from United Kingdom

    Thollon is a great village with a small but lovely ski resort. Although it is by far not one of the highest resorts it provides great skiing for all the family. The ski-school is particularly friendly and is usually not overcrowded. Unfortunately, last year (2006) was a disappointing snow season, Thollon, basically, struck that season off due to poor skiing conditions - hardly any snow at all! Will still return this February as usual and hope for a better season. There is little "night life" although Thollon provides one or two nice restaurants/bars with friendly locals. There are many chalets/appartments to rent in Thollon with decent food shops etc therefore there shouldn't be a reason for wanting to go too far out unless, of course, you are trying other resorts nearby. The Tourist Information Centre is a great place to get all info, such as weather, what's going on and other places to visit/ski. I am looking forward to returning in a few weeks time. It is also a beautiful place to go to in the summer as well.

  • December 27, 2007
    Ricky Straughan from United Kingdom

    Our family and friends have been going to Thollon for nearly 20 years, a new run down to the village along with the new apartments has added an exciting dimension to the place, all that is needed is some investment to the ski lifts and it would be the perfect ski resort.
    It is already a very friendly village, great for children and the odd long skiing weekend, easy transfer from Geneva.
    Try it in the summer as well.

  • October 10, 2006
    the finnerans from United Kingdom

    A truly super place to escape it all. It takes time to get used to the silence and beauty that surrounds you.
    But it is sure to make you want to return soon.
    No english louts and no queuing.

  • November 24, 2005
    Guy Price from United Kingdom

    I've been skiing in and from Thollon for 20 years. Despite its size, its a super little ski area and friendly little village. Its the place to go if you want to escape the pretentious, chic, 'places-to-be-seen' ski areas that are now all to common. It has no airs and graces, apart from that afforded by the most amazing and spectacular lake views in the Alps. Great for those photos to really impress your non-skiing friends. Its also the place to go with a young family who have never skied before. We went for a 'no-expectations' week with a 7 year-old, 5 year-old and 3-year old, and had all three of them skiing the nursery run and using the drag lift within 2 days, 2 days when we virtually had the place to ourselves. Its also a very 'French locals' ski area - they arrive from miles around each day. Bar St Nicolas is the best place to eat and drink. L'outa is very nice, very traditional Savoie atmosphere, but not particularly child-friendly. Meda Sports is the best bet for ski hire. Highly recommended, especially as a base to ski from - Villars in Switzerland is less than an hour's drive, Chamonix an hour and a half, and best of all, you can access the Portes Du Soleil in half an hour.

  • November 13, 2005
    Chris from Netherlands

    I went to Thollon les Mémises a few years now. Thollon les Mémises is an orgin farmer village in the Haute Savoie, nearby Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). Although a low altitude resort (1000 meters - 2000 meters), compared to the other skiing domains in the Alps, Thollon les Mémises has a good amount of snowfall, along with good quality snow. From the village there are beautiful views to Lake Geneva, to the Swiss Jura and the cities Lausanne and Montreux.
    It is a family ski resort with a mostly blue and red runs. For children from 8 months up to 6 years there is a nursery present at the village and a "Jardin des Neiges" at the top of the cable-car at 1600 meters altitude. The ski school is accessible for childeren from 4 years old. There is snowpark with a halfpipe.