Getting The Most From Your Ski Holiday

The French resort of Saint Gervais, home to Mont-Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe, offers a combination of everything skiers and snowboarders expect from a ski area – four villages, the highest cog railway in France – the Mont-Blanc Tramway, an historic thermal spa, and two ski areas including ‘Evasion Mont Blanc’, the third largest ski area in France with more than 400km of slopes.

With so much to choose from, locals with historic links to Saint Gervais have put together a list of tips to help skiers and snowboarders get the best from the area.

Best Challenge: Grande Épaule red run – 1,000m vertical drop with views of Mont-Blanc

Best Views: Mont-Joly at 2,352m, the highest point in the Evasion area, with panoramic Alpine vistas

Best Powder: Forest alongside Princesse run for an accessible off-piste introduction

Best Beginner Run: 4km Chateluy green run, which starts high up the mountain from where skiers and snowboarders can get more stunning views of Mont Banc.

Ski touring: Guided tours for all levels. Touring routes above Le Bettex (accessible by the Alpin Gondola) are ideal for beginners. For experienced ski tourers, the Dômes de Miages 2-day itinerary is guaranteed to be a challenge.

Saint-Gervais and its villages and hamlets can be accessed via the TGV terminus station and a new gondola lift. Lyon is a three-hour train journey, and Geneva can be reached in one hour 45 minutes aboard the Léman Express. Alternatively, a road transfer from Geneva takes less than an hour.

Ski areas

Évasion Mont-Blanc: 400km of slopes and 108 lifts. The area stretches from 1,150m and up to 2,353 metres. Aside from sharing the area with neighbouring Megève, it includes the villages of Saint-Gervais, Saint-Nicolas de Véroce, Les Contamines, Combloux and La Giettaz. The beginner area starts in Le Bettex at 1,840m, meaning mixed ability groups are still able to easily meet up slope side.

Les Houches: 55km of slopes and 15 lifts. The area benefits from great snow cover and excellent conditions throughout most of the season. The area is accessible by using the legendary Tramway du Mont Blanc, which is France’s highest cogwheel train.

Enjoying The Magic Of The Mountains On Your Ski Holiday

As mentioned in a previous blog, there is a definite split between those who go to a resort just to ski and snowboard, and others who want to experience other snow-based activities during their ski holiday.

If you fall into the second category, here are a few more ideas from the Tyrol that provide winter magic beyond the lifts and the pistes.

Enjoy a high-speed thrill this winter in the Austrian Tirol

Several of the Austrian Tirol’s popular summer coasters continue to operate throughout the colder months, including the Lauser Sauser in Alpbachtal, the Arena Coaster in Zillertal and the Drachenflitzer in Wildschönau.

The Tirol also offers a wide selection of family-friendly toboggan runs, from gentle slopes for younger children to more dynamic routes, many of which end at welcoming mountain huts perfect for a restorative stop.

Ski Mountaineering in Silvretta

Set to make its Olympic debut in 2026, ski mountaineering, or ‘skimo’, combines the endurance of uphill touring with the thrill of downhill skiing. The sport involves ascending snowy peaks on skins before skiing back down. Some say it is a way to ‘earn your turns’.

The Silvretta range in the Austrian Tirol has become one of Europe’s premier destinations for ski mountaineering. You can take in breathtaking scenery while tackling routes such as the Silvretta Traverse (linking huts between Austria and Switzerland), which are ideal for multi-day tours. Local guides also offer single-day ascents for beginners.

Skijoring in Avoriaz

Skijoring pairs skiers with a horse or dog for a ride with a difference along snowy trails. The activity, which originated in Scandinavia, featured at the 1928 Winter Olympics. It’s now a fun winter activity you can try in the French resort of Avoriaz, part of the Portes du Soleil.

Freeride in Verbier, Switzerland

If you can handle deep powder and steep terrain, Verbier is freeride heaven. The area offers legendary descents from Mont Gelé and Mont Fort, plus natural terrain parks for advanced skiers and snowboarders.

These are just a few examples of the experiences available on and off your skis and snowboards. For more information on these activities, the resorts, and the accommodation available, speak to the experts at Ski Line using the contact details or online chat facility on the website