Mountain Layout—Skiing

Here is a larger, more detailed map.

When the snow cooperates the region has some of the most varied skiing you can find in Europe. Megève lies at a low elevation, which can be a serious drawback in winters with little snow, but this can also be a blessing, offering more comfortable skiing for the entire winter without the chilling cold found in higher resorts. With this in mind, Megève has one of the most extensive snowmaking operations in France.

Priority areas on any expert’s list should be Mont Joly and Mont Joux. Both peaks are actually in the St. Gervais area, but the St. Ger-vais and the Megève ski runs are so well-integrated that the connection is seamless. The two peaks separating Megève from St. Gervais are lined with black- and red-rated runs, as well as excellent off-trail drops down to-ward Le Gouet in St. Nicolas de Véroce. A favorite from the top of Mont Joly is the liftline, which starts from the 7,637-foot summit of the lift and drops precipitously to the base at 6,107 feet. You have one real choice coming down, and it’s black all the way. Nearby, a shorter run that descends from the Epaule lift is also rated black. To the right and left of both runs are wide open steeps with off-trail action.

From atop the Mont Joux lift there are a half dozen runs down to St. Nicolas. These runs shift from steep to mellow, starting from wide-open snowfields and ending in tree-lined trails. You can also descend the other side of Mont Joux and back into Megève.

The Mont d’Arbois summit offers a mix of black, red and blue runs. The summit is served by four lifts on the Megève side and by another four climbing up from St. Gervais. The brand new eight-person gondola serving the Princesse area has many great cruising runs perfect to warm up your edges before hitting the more challenging slopes over towards Mont Joly.

Across the plateau from Mont d’Arbois rising above Megève are three peaks—Rochebrune, Alpette and Cote 2000. This series of peaks offers another varied system of runs. The best is a descent from the Rochebrune summit through the trees and back to the valley station. Experts can test themselves skiing from Cote 2000 down to the altiport on black and red runs. Beginners and basic in-termediates can enjoy a field day with the swooping runs from the Alpette peak.

The third area served by the Megève pass is Le Jaillet. This lift system is half owned by the town of Combloux. It is best suited to beginners and lower intermediates who are gaining confidence or for experienced skiers who want to spend some time playing and cruising down mellow slopes. Advanced beginners and lower intermediates will find Le Jaillet, at 5,576 feet, ideal.

There are also four black-rated runs; as skills (and courage) increase, you won’t have to look far to find a challenge. Most scenic of the black runs is the mile-long trail (6,133 feet) from Christomet. Our favorite on this side is the run through the woods along the Creve Coeur lifts just below Le Jaillet summit.

Skiers who are looking for more of a challenge than the Jaillet should head over to the steep slopes in the 25-km expansion area that extends from the Jaillet side to La Giettaz.

If you find yourself lost or in need of directions, look around for the blue and yellow jacketed “ambassadeurs”. Two of these locals are on the slopes of each section of Megève (Mt. d’Arbois, Rochebrune, Jaillet) every day. They are at your service. Most of them speak both French and English.

Mountain rating
Taken together, Megève’s mountains offer several challenges and make the area an acceptable destination for the expert skier who realizes that this is no Chamonix or Val d’Isère. (Although if you’re skiing on a Mont Blanc ski pass, Chamonix is a possibility any day of the week.) Intermediates and those trying to push to the advanced level should find this a great place to improve and test their skills.

Beginners should go to Megève without hesitation. There’s enough good skiing at the lower ability level to keep them going until the improvements come. Then it’s on up the mountain with the big boys and girls.