Area Description::
The whole area has so much to offer with the widest range of activities imaginable in both summer and winter, for the young and the 'not so young'. The wooded mountains and views are magnificent and are an absolute paradise for skiers or mountain walkers. While you explore or ski, young children can be looked after at the crèche or kindergarten at Le Bettex, where there are also activity clubs for older children. In summer you can walk for miles on marked paths, in meadows or high altitude, including the well loved 'balcony walks' along the Chamonix valley. Megève, the beautiful town well known to the rich and famous, can be easily reached by car within about 10 minutes, or more leisurely with spectacular views via the very efficient mountain lift system. Chamonix, immediately at the foot of Mont Blanc (4807m), can be reached by car within 25-30 minutes and a visit by cable car up to the Aiguille du Midi (3804m high) near the summit of Mont Blanc is absolutely breathtaking.
Seasonal Activities::
WINTER: ski, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, tobogganing, snow shoe walking (snow hikes over special routes), snow park (for special snow activities), ski entertainment area for young children, crèche facility & kindergarten at Le Bettex (next village up the mountain from St. Gervais). SUMMER: tennis, walking, fishing, horse riding, golf (also championship courses at Megève and Chamonix), mini-golf, cycling, mountain biking on marked trails, canoeing, white water rafting, canyoning, kayaking, rock climbing, hot-air ballooning (discovery flight), water sports lake with beach (20 mins), summer tobogganing at Megève and Chamonix, summer skiing on Mont Blanc. SUMMER & WINTER: ice-skating, ice dancing & ice hockey (Olympic ice rink), swimming, paragliding, hang-gliding, thermal baths, mountain railway (St. Gervais to Mont Blanc), activity clubs for children (Le Bettex), sports centre (Megève), mountaineering at Chamonix (with professional guide).
Mountaineering::
The 4810m summit of Mont Blanc rises on the communal territory of Saint Gervais. From the resort, mountaineers can follow the famous 'Voie Royale' to Mont Blanc, conquered in 1855 by an Englishman named Hudson.
Start with an excursion on the Mont Blanc Tramway before walking towards the Tête Rousse mountain refuge and a stop over near the 'Aiguille de Goûter'. Climb the 'Dôme du Goûter' towards the Vallot mountain refuge and the final ridge to the summit at 4810 metres. It is advisable to hire one of the experienced professional mountain guides, who have offices at St. Gervais.
Ski:
The skiing area is integrated into the Megève domain with 360kms of pistes and over 100 lifts and is ideal for mixed ability groups. The pistes themselves vary from pretty tree-lined runs amongst the evergreen forests to large open areas, catering for skiers of all standards, beginners, intermediates and the really advanced. There are snowmaking machines on many runs during the winter for guaranteed skiing. Some areas are specifically allocated for snowboarding and there are large areas for safe off-piste skiing. The mountains included in the lift pass are Mont d'Arbois (1833m), Mont Joux (1958m), Mont Joly (2525m), Rochebrune (1754m), Cote 2000 (2014m) and Jaillet (1757m).
Golf:
There are championship courses at Megève, only 15 mins (11kms) by car from St. Gervais and also at Chamonix about 30 mins (24kms) away.
Mini-golf is also available at St. Gervais.
Other Activities:
ice-skating, thermal baths, canoeing and many others (see below for further details)
Learn more about this holiday rental at the owner's website: