Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains | Properties and Insights into the Resort
Nestled at the foot of the iconic Mont-Blanc, the Haute-Savoie ski resort of Saint Gervais is unique for being a real town, offering a comprehensive experience from Fayet to Bettex, the snow front, and the authentic Savoyard village of Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce. Saint-Gervais itself, with its historic center and typical thermal architecture, is a highlight.
Saint-Gervais provides a plethora of activities, whether it’s exploring trails, skiing down slopes, enjoying freeride spots, or the snowpark. For a picturesque ascent towards Mont Blanc, options include hot air ballooning, paragliding, or the Tramway du Mont-Blanc, one of the last three cogwheel trains in France. In winter, this tramway reaches the Prarion/Bellevue ski area (1,800 m), and in summer, it goes up to the Nid d’Aigle at 2,372 meters near the Bionnassay Glacier, a starting point for climbers heading to Mont Blanc via the Tête Rousse and Goûter refuges.
Besides skiing and mountaineering, Saint-Gervais is renowned for its thermal baths. Since 1806, the Saint-Gervais-les-Bains thermal baths have been known for treating skin conditions. The therapeutic waters offer anti-inflammatory, soothing, and healing benefits, with a unique focus on treating the common dual pathology of Asthma/Eczema in children.
Saint-Gervais has recently been awarded the Famille Plus Montagne label, reflecting its commitment to family-friendly holidays. Parents can enjoy a peaceful vacation, knowing that Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc caters to all family needs.
Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains | Our Property Insights
Saint-Gervais is at the heart of Mont-Blanc country, home of the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area, has recently emerged as a favoured destination for new property developments.
After a relatively quiet period over the past decade, during which its neighbouring resort Megève and Combloux attracted most of the new property investments, Saint-Gervais is now experiencing a resurgence. This revival is seen in the renovation of old hotels and the construction of new-build developments on new plots. Additionally, there has been a significant increase in real estate prices in Saint-Gervais. Previously, property prices ranged between €3,000 and €4,500 per square meter but we are now seeing new properties hitting the 6,000-7,000€ per sqm mark.
The new Valley lift which will link Le Fayet area (near the train station) to Saint-Gervais centre and Le Bettex/Mont d’Arbois ski area is certainly a catalyst for improved connections and property prices to increase in the near future.
For property owners, Saint-Gervais also offers train connections to Geneva and its airport, not to mention also Chamonix and nearby resorts. With French ski resorts now often above the 7,000€/m2 mark, Saint-Gervais still offers excellent value. We have some new developments in the Le Fayet area still around 4,000-5,000€/m2.
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Best Time To Ski
► Saint Gervais Alpine Ski Area:
The Saint Gervais ski area, spread across several sectors (La Princesse, Mont d’Arbois, Mont Joux, Mont-Joly, Le Bettex), has four main entry points: Le Bettex (ski-in, ski-out), Saint-Gervais (via the Bettex gondola), Saint-Nicolas de Véroce (via the Chef-lieu chairlift), and Le Fayet (via the Mont-Blanc Tramway).
Saint-Gervais actually comprises two ski areas:
- Evasion Mont-Blanc Ski Area: This is France’s third-largest ski area with 445 kilometers of slopes, including Saint-Gervais, Megève, Les Contamines/Hauteluce, Combloux, and La Giettaz.
- Prarion Ski Area: Accessible from the town center via the Mont-Blanc Tramway, linking Saint-Gervais with Les Houches.
Depending on your skiing level, desires, and budget, you can choose from four different ski passes starting from Saint-Gervais:
- Micro Pass for Saint-Gervais: Covers 4 km of slopes and 3 lifts, ideal for beginners.
- Bettex Pass: Offers 10 km of slopes and 6 lifts.
- Saint Nicolas de Véroce Pass: Grants access to 35 kilometers of slopes and 9 lifts.
- Evasion Mont-Blanc Pass: A comprehensive pass for skiing across various domains including Saint-Gervais, Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce, Megève, Les Contamines, Combloux, and La Giettaz.
► Skiing in Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains
► Evasion Mont-Blanc Ski Area This extensive area opens at Saint-Gervais, offering 445 km of slopes winding through pine trees. It’s famous for two snowparks and off-piste skiing in Saint-Nicolas de Véroce and Mont-Joly. The area is well-equipped with snowmakers to complement its good exposure and alpine terrain, ensuring plentiful snow.
Apart from a road link to Les Contamines-Montjoie – Hauteluce and a small shuttle or walking connection in Megève, the area is interconnected for skiing. It offers breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, 445 km of slopes, over a hundred lifts, at altitudes ranging from 1000 to 2350 meters, with a total elevation gain of 2000 meters.
► Saint Gervais / Les Houches Ski Area Unique to Saint Gervais is the Mont-Blanc Tramway, France’s highest railway line (2372m) and one of the last cogwheel trains in the world, connecting to the second ski area linked with Les Houches. More than the 55 km of slopes, the unique access via the tramway adds charm to the experience. The tramway, starting at Fayet (584 m) or Saint-Gervais (850 m), gently ascends through farms and forests to the Col de Voza at 1650 m, the ski area’s starting point.
► Snowparks and Fun Areas in Saint-Gervais The WOSP (Saint-Gervais snowpark) is accessible via the Mont-Joux chairlifts and features two zones: a family-friendly area with border cross, fun jumps, and a Big Air Bag, and a more technical area with original modules and a Jib area. For children, there are two specially designed sledging areas at La Croix in Saint-Nicolas and under the Bettex gondola arrival station.
The off-piste skiing offers 1000 meters of vertical drop, with stunning Mont Blanc views and challenging slopes like the Envers du Mont-Joly and the Lanches. For beginners in off-piste, the forests of Mont d’Arbois and La Princesse are ideal playgrounds.
► Saint Gervais Mont Blanc Nordic Ski Area Nordic skiing in Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc is an opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of Europe’s highest peak along 28 kilometers of trails. Options include La Croix Plateau in Saint-Nicolas, Bettex/Princesse near Megève, or Prarion Plateau in Les Houches (accessible via the Mont-Blanc Tramway). A highlight is the 5.5 km Bettex/Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce trail, offering a moderate challenge and extraordinary Mont Blanc panoramas.
► Essential Must-Dos in Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains
Saint Gervais offers a blend of natural beauty, convenient access, and wellness experiences:
Mont Blanc: The summit of this iconic mountain is within the Saint Gervais municipality, making the town a gateway to this legendary peak.
Direct Access from Paris: The direct TGV train from Paris provides an easy journey to the Saint-Gervais / Le Fayet station, located at the heart of the Pays du Mont-Blanc ski stations.
Relaxation and Wellness: Saint-Gervais transforms into a haven of relaxation, whether for a weekend or a longer stay. The century-old Saint Gervais thermal baths invite visitors to immerse in mineral-rich waters, offering a gradual ascent to a state of bliss and relaxation.
Les Bains du Mont-Blanc: This modern facility, spread over 1200 m², offers naturally warm thermal waters. Its contemporary design, inspired by the mineral world of Mont-Blanc’s waters, creates an environment conducive to relaxation and wellness.
Tramway du Mont-Blanc: Departing from Fayet or Saint-Gervais, this high-altitude cogwheel train, the highest in France, provides a spectacular journey to the foot of Mont Blanc. The ride itself is a unique experience, offering stunning views and a memorable approach to the mountain.
Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains | The Main Events
Saint Gervais hosts a variety of key events throughout the year, each adding to the charm and appeal of the resort:
Christmas and New Year Celebrations: These festivities are a highlight in Saint Gervais, bringing the magic of the holiday season to life with a range of events and activities suitable for all ages.
La Diagonale du Mont-Joly: This event is a unique challenge for athletes, offering an exciting and demanding sporting experience in the stunning backdrop of the Mont-Joly.
The Six Nations Tournament: An essential event for rugby fans, this tournament adds a touch of sporting fervor to the resort’s atmosphere.
Mont-Blanc Humour Festival (March): This festival brings laughter and joy to the town, featuring a range of comedy acts and performances.
Various Sports Competitions and Events: Saint Gervais regularly hosts important sporting events, including European Cup stages and F.I.S. races, showcasing high-level skiing and snowboarding talent.
These events, among others, contribute significantly to the vibrant cultural and sporting life of Saint Gervais, making it an exciting destination not just for its ski slopes and scenic beauty, but also for its rich calendar of activities and events.
Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains | Learning To Ski
In Saint Gervais, for ski learning and guidance, the ESF (Ecole du Ski Français) is the go-to establishment:
ESF Saint Gervais: It’s the only ski school in Saint Gervais, boasting 75 certified ski instructors. This team includes high mountain guides, children’s instructors, and experts in various ski disciplines like snowboarding, snowblade, powder skiing, carving, and mogul skiing. They offer a range of lesson formats, from standard group courses and private lessons to specialized ski camps, providing valuable advice to refine your skiing techniques.
Alternative Option – Bureau des Guides et Accompagnateurs de Saint Gervais: For those interested in exploring the broader ski areas and experiencing more rugged mountain terrain through ski touring, this bureau offers collective outings or private engagements. These can be day trips or all-inclusive stays, including the classic and magnificent Vallée Blanche.
Club Piou Piou for Young Children: Tailored for kids aged 3 to 4 years, Club Piou Piou offers a safe space for the little ones to discover the joys of skiing. The area is equipped with child-friendly facilities:
- Two moving carpets, including one covered by a wooden dome.
- Two rope tows.
- Educational figures and teaching aids.
The Club Piou Piou instructors teach children the basics of skiing in a fun and engaging way, covering skills like how to gear up, use beginner ski lifts, control speed, ski forward down a slope, and perform snowplow turns.
Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains | Looking After Your Little Ones
The “Garderie des Neiges du Bettex,” in association with the ESF (Ecole du Ski Français) of Saint-Gervais, enhances family vacations by offering a convenient all-in-one package for children aged 3 to 9 years. This package includes daycare, ski lessons, and meals, allowing kids to enjoy their day with peers while their parents can relish a full day of skiing without worry.
This arrangement is particularly beneficial for families, as it ensures that children are not only learning and having fun in a safe environment but are also being cared for and fed throughout the day. This service provides parents with the peace of mind and freedom to explore the slopes of Saint-Gervais at their leisure, knowing their children are in good hands and enjoying their own winter adventures.