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 (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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.