Two neighbors, one shared ski area

Megève and Saint-Gervais are only 5 km apart and share the same ski area, Évasion Mont-Blanc (445 km of pistes, 5 linked resorts). On the skiing side, the choice between the two barely matters: it's the same lifts, the same pistes, the same view of Mont-Blanc. The real difference lies elsewhere: in the atmosphere, and above all the budget.

Atmosphere: chic vs. authentic

Megève is the ultimate chic resort: luxury boutiques, palace hotels, horse-drawn carriages on the village square, an international clientele. An elegant, lively atmosphere, but one that comes at a price. Saint-Gervais plays the authentic Savoyard village card: quiet lanes, a thermal spa town, a warm family atmosphere, without its neighbor's buzz or its prices.

The budget: a clear gap

This is the deciding factor. For comparable quality, accommodation and dining cost noticeably less in Saint-Gervais, often 20% to 40% less than in Megève. The lift pass costs the same either way, since the ski area is shared. In other words: you ski the exact same thing, but pay much less to sleep and eat.

The food scene

Megève is home to the area's Michelin-starred restaurants (including the 3-star Flocons de Sel). But by staying in Saint-Gervais, you keep Megève 10 minutes away for an exceptional dinner, while enjoying Saint-Gervais's more affordable Savoyard restaurants day to day. See our local favorites.

Access & the little extras

You can easily reach both resorts from Sallanches and the motorway. Saint-Gervais adds two advantages: its thermal spa (ideal for recovery) and the starting point of the Tramway du Mont-Blanc. Megève, for its part, relies on its nightlife and shopping.

Verdict: which one to choose?

• Choose Megève if you're after prestige, luxury boutiques, nightlife and Michelin-starred dining, and budget isn't a concern.
• Choose Saint-Gervais if you want the best value for money, an authentic and family-friendly atmosphere, and peace and quiet with thermal baths, all while skiing exactly the same ski area, with Megève just 10 minutes away.