St. Gervais:
Saint-Gervais was traditionally a fashionable spa town - attracting tourists since 1806. Today it is popular with families. It has retained much of its charm alongside modern facilities and extensive skiing. With the summit of Mont Blanc rising within the commune of St. Gervais, the village boasts the most extreme altitude difference in Europe, from 580 to 4,810 metres. The presence of Mont Blanc promises a unique panorama - the best views are obtained from the town, on the slopes facing the mountain or on walks in the meadows above the ski station of Le Bettex. St. Gervais is an ideal base to explore other areas all within easy reach, e.g. the historic skiing and mountaineering town of Chamonix, the pretty little town of Courmayeur in Italy (reached via the re-opened Mont Blanc tunnel), the beautiful ancient lakeside town of Annecy, the pretty and chic town of Megeve - one of the most stylish resorts in the Alps - and the lakeside towns of Geneva and the spa town of Evian les Bains.
Winter:
An extensive range of activities is available: skiing, snowboarding, walking, ice-skating, mountaineering, heli-skiing. The terrain is suitable for all abilities; children are most welcome. The pistes are mainly reds and blues, but for experienced skiers there are challenging blacks. Beginners, too, are well-catered for with two ski schools. The linked areas (with Megeve, Les Contamines, Combloux, St. Nicolas) offer a total of 420 km. of groomed, un-crowded pistes served by 116 lifts on one pass. Snow cannon ensure the resort stays open all season. It has a terrain park with a half-pipe; other skiing includes: snowblading, cross-country, slalom, telemark, ski touring. Skiing on the Mont Blanc side is served by the Mont Blanc Tramway (TMB), the highest train in France - a funicular rising to a col linking with Les Houches. Apres-ski can be enjoyed in the many bars/brasseries; there is also a good choice of Savoyard restaurants, pizzerias, cafes, cake shops and even a late-night disco!
Summer:
Activities range from: walking, mountain-biking, golf, tennis, swimming/water sports (there are lakes and beaches locally in Sallanches - 15 min. drive away), horse-riding, fishing, hot-air ballooning, parapenting (jumping off the side of a mountain with a parachute!), shopping(!), etc. In fact most summer activities are catered for locally. One of the most popular is taking the gondola lift from the town, walking in the fields above Le Bettex, taking in the breathtaking views towards Mont Blanc, while stopping off at one of the many mountain restaurants that open in the summer. At the end of the day there is also the prospect of cooling off in the chalet's open air, heated swimming pool.
Bathing lakes are available at nearby towns: one of the most spectacular is in Combloux (10 minutes by car) which is a 'biotope' - fed from a mountain stream with water filtered naturally by plants and heated by the sun - and has unrivalled views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguile du Midi peak.
Ski:
St. Gervais is at the heart of its own ski region linked to Megeve, St. Nicolas de Veroce, Les Contamines, Les Houches - all available on one ski-pass. The 'Evasion' pass also includes Chamonix, where you can ski the most famous off-piste route of all, the nine-mile 'Vallee Blanche', by taking the cable car up to the Aiguille du Midi. The St. Gervais town tourist website is updated frequently, giving details of all activities locally. You can even book your ski-pass/lessons on-line! Apres-ski is fairly quiet and mainly family orientated; all the local restaurants - mostly serving traditional Savoyard menus - and bars welcome children. St. Gervais offers a good selection of wide, open red runs; Megeve's slopes are extensive and very pretty, many set in the woods. Both resorts are ideal for beginners, intermediates and families. You can enjoy superb untouched powder and uncrowded off-piste - hire a local guide for insider knowledge. The ski-school and child care facilities are excellent.
Golf:
Courses can be found in Megeve and in Chamonix.
Other Activities:
Ice-skating (indoor), canoe/kayak, thermal spa/baths, climbing, lakes with water-sports + many more (excellent Tourist Office)
