A week in Megève: what to do?

Set in a veritable jewel case of nature, in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif, Megève is the ideal winter destination for lovers of skiing and luxury. Blending authentic Savoyard tradition with chic elegance, it was once the destination of choice for royalty. Today, the village attracts a wide public who want to enjoy one of the most beautiful ski areas in the world, stretching over 500km. To make matters worse, the area offers ideal conditions for all the family, from beginners to advanced skiers.

As well as skiing, there are many other winter sports and activities on offer in Megève. Snowboarding, tobogganing, sledging, spas, designer boutiques, snowshoeing, ice skating... here's just a taste of what's in store if you want to visit the town. A week is not too long to discover this beautiful village and its superb natural surroundings. Check out our suggestion for a 7-day winter programme**, to make sure you don't miss out on any of the treasures of this enchanting region.

Aerial view of Megève in winter.

- © Benoit GVA / Shutterstock

Day 1: Skiing at Domaine Evasion Mont Blanc

To get your stay in Megève off to a good start, why not take advantage of your first day to ski in the heart of the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area? The village of Megève is right in the middle of the area, so it's easy to get to from the village centre via the Chamois gondola, or the lifts from Mont d'Arbois or Rochebrune. With its 400km of ski runs, this area will delight amateurs and experts alike. 7 freestyle areas are also available for fans of the discipline.

Skiing is one of the most popular winter activities around Megève.

- © godongphoto / Shutterstock

Depending on your level, you can choose to take to the slopes of your choice, or take a few lessons with a qualified instructor.

🍴For your lunch break, the Refuge du Mont-Joly, with its traditional family cuisine, is the place to be. Located at an altitude of 2002 m, it is the highest restaurant in the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area. In the afternoon, you can continue your skiing or go tobogganing on the 3 km piste.

The Megève toboggan run is open to everyone aged 10 and over.

- © Ground Picture / Shutterstock

Day 2: Skiing at Les Portes du Mont Blanc

On this second day, we invite you to discover Megève's second ski area: Les Portes du Mont Blanc! This family-friendly ski area is a paradise for skiers of all abilities. It is accessible from the Jaillet, Mont d'Arbois and Rochebrune gondolas. The slopes of this area, between mountain pasture farms and fir trees, offer exceptional panoramic views of the Aravis mountain range and Mont Blanc.

🍴To recharge your batteries, treat yourself to Savoyard specialities at the Auberge de Bonjournal mountain pasture chalet.

Ski or snowboard$2 Make your choice before hitting the slopes!

- © Melih Evren / Shutterstock

Day 3: Sleigh ride and cinema screening

After these two sporting days, it's time to relax a little. To do so, we suggest you opt for an enchanting and rejuvenating activity: a dogsled ride. The team of 7 to 10 dogs, led by the musher, will give you a whole new way of discovering the mountains around Mege-sur-Mer. This is your chance to find out more about the relationship between dogs and their master, and the technicalities of driving a dog team.

Passez un moment inoubliable avec les chiens de traîneaux de Megève.

- © gillmar / Shutterstock

After a gourmet break in one of the restaurants in Megève town centre, continue your day at the Panoramic cinema, with its 290 seats and 3D screen. With its ultra-comfortable seats, great sound quality and giant screen, your love of the 7th art will be multiplied tenfold!

Very pleasant cinema, friendly welcome, comfortable seats, not too many people: a great way to end the day after skiing. The children were delighted! Marion, customer of the Panoramic cinema in Megève.

Day 4: Snowshoe hikes

For this new day, we're offering you the chance to discover the magnificent snow-covered mountain scenery on snowshoes, with your family or friends. You can choose between a walk with a guide, or a self-guided hike along the signposted trails. You can even opt for a magical walk under the stars, as long as you are well covered up against the cold. And to recharge your batteries after the walk, you can set your sights on one of the town's 89 restaurants: you'll easily find what you're looking for, even without a reservation.

Put on your snowshoes and hit the mountain trails.

- © l i g h t p o e t / Shutterstock

Day 5: Shopping day, discovering designer boutiques

Megève is a veritable paradise for shoppers and fashion lovers. In fact, the wide variety of boutiques is the lifeblood of the village. You're sure to find what you're looking for, from small designer shops to authentic boutiques and big brand shops. These include Hermes, Zadig et Voltaire, the Poudreuse concept store and the Events Family fashion ski boutique. You'll also find gourmet grocery shops, such as l'Épicerie des Fermes, selling products from local farms, art galleries and beauty salons... enough to bring back many souvenirs of your stay!

Downtown Megève is a shopper's paradise.

- © Arsenie Krasnevsky / Shutterstock

To make matters worse, these shops, with their Alpine architecture and elegant windows, are perfectly integrated into the village. They are a delight to visit as you stroll along the cobbled streets.

Finally, to warm up and take a gourmet break, what could be better than one of Megève's tea rooms?

🍴Among them, the Comptoir du Père Sotieu offers a wide choice of fine pastries, savoury snacks, home-made pastries, chocolate and macaroons. All homemade!

Day 6: Ski touring around Megève

If you've never tried ski touring before, now's the time! This activity lets you discover the surrounding countryside in peace and quiet, away from the ski lifts. Ideal for those who love the great outdoors.

As always, there's a wide range of tours to suit all levels, so novices can opt for a course with an instructor to learn the basics. For the more experienced, there's the option of an outing at the end of the day, with an aperitif and a sunset at the summit. The descent is then made by moonlight and headlamp. A magical experience!

Ski touring is a must-do activity around Megève.

- © michelangeloop / Shutterstock

Day 7: Spa and Michelin-starred restaurant

What better way to round off your stay than with a day of spa, well-being, relaxation and beauty? It's the ideal way to get rid of those aches and pains and pamper yourself. Many hotels offer their own spa, including a relaxation area and high-quality treatments, such as Le M in Megève. Some even feature cosmetics with active ingredients derived from local plants and flowers. But rest assured, you don't have to stay in a hotel with a spa to take advantage of their relaxation areas. Balneoform, hammam, jacuzzi, sauna, treatments - the choice is yours.

© Hôtel M de Megève - spa & bien-être / Youtube

🍴And to round off your last day in style, surprise your taste buds in one of Megève's three Michelin-starred restaurants. You can choose between:

  • La Dame de Pic - Le 1920 and its French cuisine thought up by Chef Anne-Sophie Pic, and built around local flavours.
  • Flocons de Sel, a 3-star Michelin restaurant since 2012. Its chef, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, offers colourful, contemporary and gourmet cuisine.
  • La Table de l'Alpaga, a double Michelin-starred restaurant offering a gastronomic journey in several stages, evolving with the seasons.
Hotel l'Alpaga 5* Megève

Hotel l'Alpaga 5*

This 5-star hotel overlooks the Val d'Arly and Mont Blanc.
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Megève
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Further reading
Megève: a lively year-round town in the heart of the Alps
Megève
Megève: a lively year-round town in the heart of the Alps
Unlike many ski resorts, which seem to fade away at the end of the winter season, Megève is a dynamic and lively town all year round! From spring to winter, major events are organised...
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