St Gervais

Hi

Have been looking at booking a week in St Gervais at the beginning of March. Have got a really good price but not 100% sure whether to go ahead or not. Is this a good family resort? How easy is it to get on the slopes from our hotel in Le Fayet. What's the skiing like, I've heard it is the best in France! I'd be grateful for any reviews that will help me make a decision!!

Cheers Shona :D

Hi Shona61
I've been to St Gervais and will be there again this Christmas.
I think your hotel would be in the lower area of the valley which would mean catching the base station gondola and then the second gondola to take you to the top of Mt D'Arbois.
Why don't you try looking at hotels around Le Bettex area. This is close to the start and finish of the pistes for St. Gervais.
I thouroughly enjoyed my skiing the last time I was there. My family and friends don't go out seeking the thrills of blacks all the time and found that the mountains of St Gervais together with Megeve had a good combination of greens, blues and reds to suit each member of the party. The long piste back to Le Bettex from Mt. D'Arbois is a relaxing way to finish the day. The beginning and end of the season could be prone to lack of snow. We had 90% open during the last Christmas holiday, which was enough.

Best in France? Very subjective.

Thanks Colin, that helps a bit. I had heard that the end of season was prone to lack of snow, unfortunately, my son has various exams from November through to February so its March or nothing!

It's been a while since I stayed in that area, but from recollection a Hotel in Le Fayet would be nowhere near the ski slopes. You will need a car. I think it's in the valley, and you really need to be up near Le Bettex.

Thanks Bandit, that was what was making me so
undecided as it didn't look like it was that close to the slopes and probably explains why we were getting such a good deal! Mind you if the hotel is close to a ski shuttle then I wouldn't really have too much of
a problem.

Shona,
Do you really need a hotel. We are the DIY holiday types, self catering, flights, car hire, buy ski passes online.
We have rented a chalet approximately 10 minutes drive from Le Bettex. The skis and boots are stored in the hire shop, with heated lockers.
At that time of year there may be discounts on the lift passes.
Easyjet flights in March are only around £100 per person.
From your posts I understand that price is an issue, as with all of us, but if you want guaranteed snow at that time of year the you need to go to higher resorts but that will probably guarantee higher prices.
Have a look at the following link that gives historical snow depths for St. Gervais, and other resorts. Maybe this should ease your worries.
Finally the closer to Le Bettex the better for getting onto the pistes.

http://www.igluski.com/france/st-gervais-snow-history_4822

Thanks again Colin, your posts are really helpful. The deal I have works out cheaper than the self catering apartment I had last year and it includes, accommodation plus 3/4 board, lift passes, ski hire, free jacuzzi & steam room, WiFi. My biggest concern is how easy it will be to get to the slopes and, obviously, if there will be adequate snow. I will have a look at the link and also see what response I get to my questions from the Ski company. Thanks again.

Personally I would look to stay in St Gervais as fabulous spa town. If you stay up by Bettex you really are in middle of nowhere. Either drive or take shuttle to skiing. March will be fine as is middle of ski season. You also have option of train into Chamonix valley and some higher altitude and different aspect skiing.