Despite how many Mont Blanc ski resorts there are in the French Alps, a luxury ski holiday in Saint Gervais and Saint Nicolas still manages to make its mark. The charming town and surrounding villages, including the quaint Saint-Nicolas de Véroce, provide excellent skiing and activities. It’s no surprise that people often opt for a luxury ski chalet in Saint-Gervais. Of course, the best way to get to know a ski resort and see if you want to head there for your next luxury ski trip is to talk to an insider.
We sat down with Becca, one of our chalet partners in resort, to see what makes this ski resort near Mont Blanc shine, and to hear a little more about the chalets and hotels on offer for a Saint-Gervais-les-Bains ski holiday…
What was the inspiration behind operating your three chalets; Aster, Carline, and Silène?
The owner has spent his holidays in Saint-Nicolas de Véroce, one of the Mont Blanc ski resorts, since he was 5 years old. Over time, the village began to lose visitors. In response, he decided to create a hotel, as well as three luxury chalets to attract new customers and to introduce Saint-Nicolas to mountain-lovers everywhere, summer and winter. These chalets, Chalet Aster, Chalet Carline and Chalet Silène, are ideally located right on the pistes and at the start of hike routes. This makes them perfect for a luxury ski holiday in Saint Gervais, or a summer mountain retreat!
What can clients expect on a self-catered luxury ski holiday in Saint Gervais at your chalets?
Our self catered ski chalets in Saint Gervais are ideal for those looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating setting in the heart of nature. From the moment you arrive, you are immersed in luxury. On the first day, guests receive a welcome basket of locally sourced products, from their pre-arrival concierge team. All the services can be adapted, allowing guests to choose from self-catered, just breakfast service, or fully catered. Whatever the preference, our chalets can offer the flexibility to meet the desires of every guest experience.
Regular cleaning and linen changes are all part of the dedicated essential service, as well as an in-resort shuttle. On reservation, the shuttle service may be utilised until 11pm, perfect for those late night après-ski sessions! Also, available on reservation is a kid’s club to entertain the little ones in your party. We aim to think of everything when holidaying in a luxury ski chalet in Saint Gervais.
What do you love most about Saint Gervais and Saint Nicolas?
We love the peacefulness of the village, and the Dômes de Miage and Mont-Blanc massif views. As the village is in the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area, you can benefit from all the Mont Blanc ski resorts. It is easy to ski in Megève as well as Saint-Gervais. In Saint-Gervais, you’ll find a lively town with a multitude of restaurants, bars and shops. The charm of the area is guaranteed to have you booking more Saint Gervais ski holidays!
The chalets are located just outside Saint-Gervais in the ‘petit’ village of Saint-Nicolas de Véroce. What is it like there?
Saint-Nicolas de Véroce is a village with a year-round population of 250 people, just 15 minutes from the Saint-Gervais-les-Bains ski area. Via the Chef-Lieu ski lift, you can access the heights of the village via the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area. The village has 5 shops, including a grocery shop, sports and hire shops, and our Armancette Hotel with two restaurants, a tearoom, and bakery. Saint-Nicolas de Véroce is an authentic mountain village, with many chalets still in their original condition. It boasts one of the most beautiful Baroque churches at the entrance to the village, as well as a sacred art museum.
What is your favourite thing about skiing the Evasion Mont Blanc?
The Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area offers almost 400 kilometres of slopes. The area is the 3rd largest ski area in France, covering Saint-Nicolas, Saint-Gervais, Combloux, Megève and Les Contamines Montjoie. With all these ski resorts near Mont Blanc included, the area is vast, and diverse.
Beyond that, people can ski neighbouring towns, or hike further in summer. The ski area is accessible to everyone, from beginners to advanced and boasts exceptional views of the mountains, particularly the Mont Blanc massif. It also has plenty of restaurants and après-ski, allowing guests to enjoy fine dining, or more traditional dishes. Wherever you are, you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the mountains, summer or winter. In short, there is nothing not to love about the Evaision Mont Blanc for your luxury ski holiday in Saint-Gervais and Saint Nicolas.
How does the Evasion Mont Blanc appeal to various ski abilities?
The ski area is accessible for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers, as well as families. Evasion Mont Blanc has 34 black runs, 82 red, 65 blue, and 38 green. This wide spread of pistes makes it perfect for groups with mixed abilities. But skiing isn’t the only thing to do on your Saint-Gervais holidays. There are plenty of activities off the slopes to enjoy as well!
What is the skiing access like to Evasion Mont Blanc from Saint-Nicolas de Véroce?
It is possible to access the ski area from the village of Saint-Nicolas, thanks to the Chef-lieu chairlift, located 50 meters from the hotel. This is also where the ski school meets, in the centre of the village. Our concierge is available to book instructors and lessons for the whole group. The rest of the ski area is easily accessible by a variety of lifts and ski runs, so getting there from your luxury ski chalet in Saint Gervais couldn’t be easier!
What sort of non-skiing activities are available in the area?
Whilst staying in the warmth of your cosy luxury ski chalet in Saint-Gervais might tempt you, getting out to explore the sights is definitely worth the trip! For sightseers, the Mont Blanc tramway from Saint-Gervais that scales Mont Blanc is really incredible. It gives you unrivalled access to stunning views of one of Europe’s most famous mountains. There is also an incredible thermal spa in Saint-Gervais offering guests the chance to bathe in 6000-year-old glacial waters that run down from Mont Blanc.
In winter, I would also recommend snowshoeing from the chalets. There are some really lovely trails through the trees, with views of Mont Blanc throughout. Guests can also take a picnic from the hotel’s bakery, as there are some lovey picnic spots and view points. Alternatively, you could explore options such as the warm and authentic mountain refuges.
The activities are never-ending. Thrill seekers can opt for paragliding from Saint-Gervais, or take a panoramic helicopter flight over the valleys. Calming yoga sessions at Hotel Armancette are available to soothe your body and mind after a day skiing in the Alps. For a bit of culture, guests can explore the town; visiting the Church of Saint-Nicolas and touring the local farms are just some of the endless possibilities.
What are your recommendations for restaurants in the area, and why?
Naturally, we recommend the gourmet restaurant of Armancette Hotel, La Table d’Armante. This fabulous fine dining restaurant uses locally sourced produce from across the region. We would recommend trying the tasting menu and wine pairings, as the sommelier is adept at choosing incredible local wines to go with the unique French flavours. To close out the meal, the carefully selected trolley of local cheeses is a must. Once you try La Table d’Armante, it’s easy to see why it features in the prestigious Michelin Guide.
In Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, ski in the day and dine at night in no other than Source Restaurant. Featuring a seasonal menu that perfectly balances the land and the sea in their dishes, it offers a flavour experience that patrons always enjoy. Alternatively, you can experience traditional Savoyard dining on a casual level with a visit to Le Galeta. This charming alpine spot is open for winter dinners, with additional lunchtime hours in the summer.
For a slope side experience, a meal at Refuge De Porcherey is an unrivalled spot. The seating allows for panoramic mountain views, and is easily accessible by skis, snowshoes, or a summer hike. Saint Gervais and Megeve also share La Folie Douce, famed for its après-ski. But also, the venue serves up a fabulous lunch for those who fancy a cocktail with their mountainside meal.
Describe the après-ski choices around the chalets.
The aforementioned La Folie Douce is many people’s first stop for après, and often the last one to be left! Kick off a great night with a cocktail and dancing, and close out the day at a famous après-ski bar.
After heading back down the slopes, indulge on a homemade pastry and warming drinks in our tearoom before heading for cocktails on the terrace of Bistrot du Mont Joly. This relaxed spot serves Savoyard classics such as fondue and raclette. It’s also a great lunch spot with stunning views directly onto Mont Blanc from their terrace – perfect for a bluebird day! Indoors, you can sit by the roaring fire in Mont Joly Lounge, listening to the live music whilst getting cosy. Can you imagine anything better to reflect on once you’re back relaxing in your luxury ski chalet in Saint-Gervais after a day of celebration?
What is it like to stay with you in the summer?
A luxury ski chalet in Saint-Gervais is always best if it doubles as a summer chalet. In summer, the mountains remain snow-capped to offer a panorama just as exceptional as in winter. The hotel and the chalets are located at the foot of hiking and biking trails. Summer in Saint Gervais is much less crowded, so customers can take advantage of quieter hiking trails. The temperatures are very pleasant, and many events take place nearby, such as the ultramarathon race UTMB, the yearly mountain-biking race, and the music and heritage festival in Saint Nicolas. In addition, there are always the incredible summer chalets on offer that are perfect for relaxing and recharging amongst luxury. Lounge in the Jacuzzi, relax on the terraces, or dip into the wine cellar following a day hiking in Saint Gervais. Bliss!
If you’re beginning to feel the Mont Blanc Massif calling you and want to start planning your luxury ski holiday to St Gervais, we at Ski In Luxury are here to help. You can enquire with our expert Ski Specialists by calling us on +44 (0)1202 203650 or send us an email.
