Love - Megève

WINTER
WINTER 2011 2010 - - 2012
2011
m a g a z I N E
love
SACHA AND FRANCINE, A LOVELY STORY
THEY TALk AbOuT THEIR FAVOuRITE pISTE
A DREAm wEDDINg uNDER THE SNOw
1

as has NoW bEcomE aN uNdENIablE TRadITIoN IN mEgèvE, ThE
chRIsTmas TREE dEcoRaTEd by sWaRovskI, WIll spaRklE WITh ITs cRysTal
sTaRs IN ThE cENTRE of mEgèvE foR ThE ThIRd coNsEcuTIvE yEaR! a
NaTuRal gIaNT of TEN mETREs hIgh aNd fIvE mETREs IN dIamETER,
ENchaNTINgly adoRNEd, aNd ToWaRds Whom all REgaRds WIll bE
TuRNEd oN ThE 3Rd dEcEmbER WhEN IT Is IllumINaTEd foR ThE fIRsT
TImE ThIs sEasoN. a magIcal spEll ThaT WIll lasT all WINTER loNg.
WE lovE IT!

editorial
These days there is an enormous desire floating in the air to soothe
our aching hearts, to hear tender words, to get back to the essential,
to quite simply say that we love each other… And where could be
better than Megève to do so? With its unique setting, its immaculate
snow, its glittering lights and its exceptional ambiance, Megève
inspires, makes hearts beat stronger. love is in the air everywhere in
the streets… As if by enchantment stories of love have begun here for
some, declared themselves or kindled the flame for others… And it’s
not only couples who love each other… There are also the people and
the places we love. So many passions to fulfil. So, yes! In the latest
winter edition of the Megève Magazine, there will be love stories, in
all their different forms and expressions, and on all the pages. And
yes, we would like to tell you, you who are also in love with Megève,
that our village loves you too!
The Megève Tourism Team.
official partnership.
5

Pamplemousse 04 50 10 2000 - Crédit photos : O. Tops, Atelier du Cyclope.
BUREAU DE MEGÈVE
+33 (0)4 50 21 05 40
www.grossetjanin.com

08 ThE WoRld of mEgèvE
10 lovE
12 I lovE my skI slopE
17 ThE spoRTs club’s 80Th aNNIvERsaRy
20 foR lovE of EmIlE allaIs
24 JumpINg INTo coTToN Wool
28 lovE Was madE To bE shaREd
36 a lEssoN IN ThE aRT of sEducTIoN
38 poRTfolIo
42 hE dId IT hIs Way
44 gETTINg maRRIEd IN mEgèvE
47 I lovE you Too
20
48 ThE lovE of bEauTIful ThINgs
contents
52 IN lovE To ThE TIp of ThEIR fINgERs
56 mEgèvE, a cRadlE of lovE sToRIEs
60 puRE skIINg
62 fITNEss aT hEaRT
65 mouNTaIN WEaThER
66 a gREaT dIvE ahEad
71 lovE hoRsEs To bITs
72 ThE gRaNd odyssEy
73 sNoW golf cup
74 dIaRy
76 accEss
12
66
7

News
ThE WoRld of mEgèvE
WElcomE To ThE uNIvERsE
of sTEfaNo foREvER
fRom mId-dEcEmbER To ThE bEgINNINg of apRIl,
sTEfaNo foREvER Is back aT ThIs NIghT spoT ThaT
has bEcomE a culT, ThE “RouTE du TéléphéRIquE”.
A much awaited and dazzling return at the heart of a sublime
atmosphere in a decor of entirely relooked baroque. Bright
red and pearly silver for the warmth of these atypical
premises where the widely varied entertainment includes
artistic productions and fashion shows in the image of an art
and dream seller. An excellent cabaret where we can have
dinner and a drink, presenting artists from the “cirque du
Soleil”, music hall numbers, and an ephemeral boutique
upstairs selling objects from the world of Stefano Forever.
On the programme this winter, numerous theme evenings
including: The thousand and one nights of Stefano, The “cage
aux Folles”, “les Femmes”, the Night of Stefano… and even
more for unusual and unforgettable nights.
Johana Trossat
8
lovE aT
1,754 mETERs
Alfred leung chi kin and venus yiu
yin ping from Hong kong had a
somewhat unusual experience on the
ski slopes of Megève. On arrival at the
summit of Rochebrune they took part
in a photo session. As the photographer
was packing his equipment Alfred
made a sign for him to wait a moment.
He took a little red casket from his
backpack before falling to his knees
in front of his beloved… to ask for her
hand in marriage. Then, looking at the
eternal snow, he took her into his
arms and they declared, “Next year
when we are married we will come
back for our honeymoon!” Decidedly
on the romantic front the chinese
have nothing to envy the French!
Béryl Ziegler

aN EvENINg
NamEd dEsIRE
ThE myThIc paRIsIaN cRazy hoRsE
TRoupE Is puTTINg oN a shoW aT ThE
coNgREss cENTRE, a fIRsT foR mEgèvE.
The evening kicks off on the 3rd December after
the illumination of the Swarovski christmas
tree. Around 550 people are expected for this
prestigious gala dinner with an orchestra, magic
show and the dancers from the crazy Horse,
paris. A cabaret that, since it was created, has
celebrated the beauty and sensuality of women
in an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere.
And despite being 60 years old, the most avantgarde
of parisian cabarets continues to reinvent
and inspire our imagination! Many thanks to
Gilles chaussinand, who runs IScE consulting,
the producer and organiser of this event.
Béryl Ziegler
facEbook
lovEs mEgèvE
hoW caN you fINd ouT WhaT’s
goINg oN IN ThE vIllagE?
The answer : by connecting to facebook.megeve.
com. With 30,000 friends and daily updates,
there’s no doubt of the interest shown in the
Megève page. Some find out about the quality of
the snow, others announce their arrival thanks
to the check-ins. you can also find out about
the different village events or ideas for going
out, look at photos, get the results of sports
competitions and of course… comment on
everything that’s circulating on the wall. There
are also competition games with products to win.
In a nutshell, Megève on Facebook is a real link,
to visit without further delay!
Béryl Ziegler
fIvE sTaRs foR ThE alpaga
Just one year after opening, it has become the
third hotel in the village to be awarded five
stars. With comfortable chalets in the heart
of its hamlet, this luxurious 22-room hotel in
an exceptional setting offers a very up market
and personalised service. A magnificent hotel
complex blending tradition and modernity and
offering spacious contemporary areas of wood
and stone. Each of the three chalets forming the
hotel is independent yet harmoniously linked
to the other chalets and annexed facilities :
fitness, Turkish bath, spa, bar and restaurant.
The concierge services, underground garages,
shuttle busses, terraces and balconies underline
the majesty and beauty of this site in one of nature’s
most generous settings and so close to the village.
www.lodgemontagnard.com
Johana Trossat
lovE vERTIgo!
The vertigo project is an imagined ephemeral concept, designed and developed by Jérôme Foucaud…
facing the Mont-Blanc… in the heart of Megève’s skiing area… on the ski slopes of Mont d’Arbois…
a concept that is reinvented and rethought every winter by the happy owner of the premises that have
given him the opportunity to express his creativity and inventiveness… to astound and disconcert
his guests of a day, or always… to enhance the different ambiances by creating areas with subtle and
diverse atmospheres: gastronomic or “bistronomic” restaurants, a terrace, a lounge bar or a reading
room… The vertigo project is an ephemeral concept that will cease to exist as we approach 2012,
because the aim of this beautiful adventure is the opening of a five star hotel that will be a sign of the
best and the unexpected!
www.vertigo-hotel.com
Alexandre Mollard
9

love
somETImEs IT’s lovE aT fIRsT sIghT. somETImEs IT dEEpENs
WITh ThE passINg of ThE yEaRs. ofTEN, IT’s a loNg sToRy,
ThaT lasTs, ThaT Is haNdEd doWN fRom faThER To soN aNd
fRom moThER To daughTER… so maNy To lovE IT. ThEy
comE fRom so maNy dIffERENT couNTRIEs. loyal, ThEy
comE back yEaR afTER yEaR. IT Is NEvER faR fRom ThEIR
hEaRTs, ThEy NEvER foRgET IT aNd EvEN lovE To Talk abouT
IT. ITs TENdERNEss. ITs ambIaNcE. ITs RomaNTIcIsm. ITs bEauTy
IN all foRms. ThEy aRE ThE pEoplE Who lovE mEgèvE!
11

dossIER

ski slope!
I lovE my
IT’s a WEll-kNoWN facT ThaT ThosE Who
lovE ThEm spEak ThE bEsT abouT ThEm! aNd
To Talk abouT mEgèvE’s skI slopEs, WhaT
bETTER ThaN To ask ThosE Who usE ThEm.
The idea germinated when the GpS tracks of the
slopes were put on-line: launch the contest for the
best commentary of your favourite Megève ski
slope. Around thirty people joined in the game
giving a remarkable result.
“We were surprised by the creativity and quality
of the commentaries!”, Jean-Marc Seigneur,
Deputy Mayor for Tourism told us, before adding :
“people have an emotional relationship with
Megève. At heart, we all have our favourite slopes,
but the funny thing is to see how each person is
attached to a particular detail!”
The jury, who had a lot of difficulty in separating
the winners, finally nominated the author of the
commentary of the “Belle d’Arbois” piste. “Now
there’s no chance that I will forget the name of this
slope that I have always used but never really
paid attention to until now”, recalls Jean-Marc
Seigneur! And before reading the three finalists,
what is your favourite slope?
Flora Bornstein

l’Alpette, c’est un mot au goût d’enfance, charmant,
The Alpette is a charming word with childhood flavours
That of a little name, light and tasty
Short for deceptive flirtatiousness
The image of the Alps in miniature
Whereas in fact we discover a happy view there
Of the high mountains in their purest state
14
Mont d’ARbois
The Belle d’Arbois
As the name implies, it is a very special piste…
like a pretty woman it has to be deserved and
is characterised by its capacity to stand out
from the other slopes; it can also be capricious
and you can’t approach it whenever you want.
But when you are lucky enough to find it
dressed in all its white finery, it guarantees you
some moments of pure pleasure and ecstasy.
A pretty red, it is approached from the start of
the slope by the pylons,
a gentle start between two
hedges of tall fir trees from
which you can see the gentle
slopes of the pré Rosset
and véry in the distance.
Then, once you are a little
away from everything, it
reveals itself completely,
the gentle slope giving way to a more assertive
character where there is no room for approximation.
The succession of short turns in this wall offering
a magnificent 180° view from the cote 2000
to the Aravis must be precise, neat and, in a
RochebRune
The Alpette
I always love climbing up there
In the heat and effort of summer,
And in the breezes
In the heart of winter.
The arrival at the summit is well worth this effort
As the majestic Mont-Blanc
like a pretty
woman it has to
be deserved.
winneR of the contest
word, extremely careful. like a dance between
you and the slope, your descent is made
cheerfully to the exit of the forest, and just
before you run out of breath, the rhythm slows
down allowing you to join up with the great
sloping ledge of the Mandarine piste that leads
you gently to the depart of the Mont d’Arbois
cable car. A slope with a varied profile, it also
changes with the seasons, its southern orientation
offering the best snow at the
beginning of the season,
guaranteeing warmth and
light all the time, but sadly
refusing you in the spring
when the greenery of the
pastures takes the upper
hand… you have understood,
the “Belle d’Arbois” is a
unique piste offering all the pleasures of skiing
and, as it often feels lonely and forlorn, the
pleasure of being alone with it is even the
greater.
Waits for me like a gift in gold
kindly and ever snow covered.
The piste decides, easy or hard
Depending on age, confidence or style;
powdery, the snow left there
On a hillside is much more risky.
Everywhere at mid-slope, in the open air,
We slide, speed accelerates.
And I feel the shivers of freedom
Which tell me already at the bottom
That I must start all over again…!
Thomas
Claire Grémont

JAillet
The coq
Now here’s one of my favourite ski runs on
the Evasion Mont-Blanc skiing area. A real
afternoon’s pleasure! After a rapid ascent
with the christomet TSD6 (detachable,
high-speed 6-seater chairlift), which allows
us to admire the black Aigle below, we
descend to the right at the summit of the
chairlift. There, high up and in the sun, we
take the time to contemplate the snowcovered
croisse Baulet in the foreground
with the Aravis range behind. We get
started, peacefully carving this red by little
flats and a few broken slopes. The speed
There, high up in
the sun, we take the
time to contemplate
the snow-covered
croisse Baulet in the
foreground with the
Aravis range behind.
increases, the wind blows, the snow flies
and we continue towards the Frasses. The
slope forks off suddenly to the right and
goes into the forest. A little schuss welcomes
us, we build up speed, faster and faster, no
time to brake… and the serious things begin
as two long and wide walls succeed one
another. Facing the slope and with tight
little turns, the snow marches under our
feet, no time to catch our breath on the short
sloping ledge, and the second wall is
already burning our thighs. A few more
turns and we are at the bottom, at the foot of
the christomet. We can catch our breath,
and take just the time to admire our tracks
before going up again! What happiness
Romain Dubreuil
15

SKI LIFTS PRICES
sKi lifts
altitude 1113 to 2350 m. cable cars and
ski lifts will be open from 17th december.
(may open 3rd december if enough snow.)
cable cars and ski lifts at le Jaillet, princesse
and la giettaz will close on 1st april,
mont d’arbois on 9th april, 15th april for
combloux, Rochebrune and the cote 2000
closure on 22th april. If you do not yet
possess a rechargeable hands free pass support,
you will need to add €2 to the price
of all these passes at the initial purchase.
on following stays you will then be able to
recharge it on www.skiamegeve.com
eVAsion
Mont-blAnc
sKiPAss
(445km of slopes, 107 ski lifts.) valid on
the following areas: Rochebrune, mont
d‘arbois, Jaillet, cote 2000, la giettaz,
combloux, st gervais, st Nicolas and les
contamines. free meg-bus shuttle service
within megève.
1 to 16 days skipass available.
adult child senior
1 day e 39 e 31 e 35,50
2 days e 74 e 59 e 67
6 days e 186,50 e 150 e 168
6 days
«liberty»
e 210,50 e 168 e 190
REDUCTIONS
evasion - season skipass
purchased before 15/11/11 or
from 05/01/12
children: from 5 to 14 years old.
This information might be modified.
mIdWEEk
This winter with the midweek package, give yourself a
maximum of pleasure over 4 days. 4 days of unlimited
skiing on the 445km of ski runs which make up the
Evasion mont-blanc skiing area. 4 days of relaxation
without moderation in the swimming pool, sauna, hammam
(minimum age 15 years old) and ice rink at megève sports centre.
4 nights (monday to Thursday inclusive) in a hotel or apartment.
from € 234 /person in a 2 roomed apartment for 4 people.
This exceptional offer is valid from 9th January to 3rd
february 2012 and from 12th march 2012 to the end of
winter season.
16
MegèVe sKiPAss
(325 km of slopes, 83 ski lifts.) valid on
Rochebrune, cote 2000, mont d‘arbois,
Jaillet, la giettaz, combloux, saint-gervais
and saint-Nicolas. free meg-bus shuttle
service within megève.
adult child senior
morning e 28 e23 e 26
afternoon e 28 e 23 e 26
day e 36 e 29 e 32
«PoRtes du
Mont-blAnc»
sKiPAss
(90km of slopes, 27 ski lifts.) valid on Jaillet,
la giettaz and combloux. free meg-bus
shuttle service within megève.
1 to 13 days skipass available.
adult child senior
afternoon
(11h)
e 25,50 e 20,00 e 23,70
afternoon
(12h30)
e 24,50 e 18,90 e 22,60
day e 27 e 20,60 e 25
6 days e 134,20 e 104,00 e 123,80
Family: - 10 % or the simultaneous
purchase of at least 4 evasion
skipasses, 6 consecutive days
or more (except season) with
a minimum of 2 children (under
18 years old).
non-sKieR PAss
valid on the ski lifts open to walkers in
megève, saint-gervais (Tmb not included)
and combloux. 6 days and season for les
contamines.
1 day: e 16
6 days: e 65
season: e 218
book online: www.skiamegeve.com
contact@skiamegeve.com
sEm megève ski lift company 220, route
du Teléphérique Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 38 39
fax: +33 (0)4 50 21 31 39
Jaillet area
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 21 01 50
Rochebrune - cote 2000
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 21 01 51
mont d’arbois
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 21 22 07
princesse
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 93 00 83
Insurance «carte neige» on sale at the sports
club, the ski lifts offices and the ski schools.
photo compulsory for passes of 3 days
or more (and also for non-skier pass)
senior: over 60 years old
free passes for children under 5
and adults over 80 except free-hand
card (€ 2) Written proof of age is
required.
mEgèvE lIbERTy
a mountain of activities! 7 nights in a hotel, residence
or apartment, 6 days of unlimited skiing on the Evasion
mont blanc domain slopes and 6 daysof unlimited
access to the swimming pool, ice rink, pingpong,
fitness room (15 years old minimum) and medialibrary.
from € 324 / person in a 2 roomed apartment for
4 people.
This exceptional offer is valid from 7th January to 4th
february 2012 and from 10th march 2012 to the end
of winter season. more information page 67.
information and booking: +33 (0)4 50 21 29 52 - www.megeve-reservation.com

Megève Sports
club team
1952-1953
ThE spoRTs club
WITh 14 sEcTIoNs,
NEaRly oNE ThousaNd
mEmbERs aNd aRouNd
ThIRTy coachEs,
mEgèvE’s spoRTs club
Is IN ExcEllENT hEalTh
dEspITE ITs gREaT agE.
WE look back To a
hIsToRy of aRdENT
spoRTs lovERs.
A celebRAtion
in its honouR
The sports club is organising a
great celebration this year to mark
the eightieth anniversary of the
creation of the association. Thus, on
tuesday 20th december the
resort, and in particular the village
square will come alive to a
programme of festivities concocted
by all the club’s members. The aim
of the event is to honour the
managers, coaches, members and
all the top-level sportsmen and
women who have been trained
there. an event that holds many
surprises in store.
is 80!
The birth of the Sports club dates back to the beginning of the 1920s.
At that time, Megève was just starting its development as a great ski and
tourist resort. A handful of keen sportsmen and women decided to create an
organisation called the “Megève Sports club”, gaining membership of the
French Winter Sports and Skiing Federations and therefore able to organise
sporting competitions. Then, on the 17th July 1931, the association made a first
declaration at the sub-prefecture of Bonneville. Its objective was to promote the
practice and development of physical and sports education, and also military
preparation, particularly for Megève’s youngsters. As a coach, competition
organiser and events partner, the Sports club was then to experience a fabulous
development, based around winter and summer sports. This old, local institution
well deserves a beautiful homage.
Evelyne Périnet Marquet
AMbAssAdoRs “en Piste”!
perhaps you have already run into them on megève’s skiing
area or maybe they have already given you their precious
assistance. They are the ambassadors; a team of 50 volunteers
that was established in 2000, and present in all the resort’s
strategic points. armed with kindness and a sense of
humour they inform, guide and advise skiers about
the quality of the snow cover and the different events and
entertainment that create a certain rhythm, highlighting the
season. attentive to even the slightest details, they help to
make your day’s skiing even more pleasurable.
www.megeve-ambassadeurs.com
17

18
sKi MAP

Émile Allais and Jean-claude killy
20

For love of
émIlE allaIs
ThERE aRE 100 Ways To WIsh émIlE allaIs
a happy bIRThday. hERE aRE hEIghT,
addREssEd To hIm by hEIghT pERsoNalITIEs
closEly coNNEcTEd To ThE REsoRT’s
coNTEmpoRaRy hIsToRy. EvERy oNE
of ThEm has a dIREcT lINk WITh ThE
advENTuRE of TouRIsm aNd skIINg aNd
has had a moRE oR lEss closE coNTacT
WITh ThE champIoN.
« My Émile, I say “my”, how pretentious! As you yourself
know, you belong to no one. On the other hand, you have
always been the man who knows how to give and
assuredly I, we, can only strive to be like you.»
Pierre Margara
« I would like to thank Émile Allais for all that he has
done, and for the totality of his works. He launched the
French skiing method, contributed to its development
and promoted its image.»
Maxime Tissot
compETITIoN
«Émile Allais founded the profession of ski patrol and
maintenance man. Without him this profession would not
exist. He also founded the profession of ski instructor. My
grandfather, clovis Duvillard has skied with him. »
Nicolas Chambet
« It wasn’t until quite late that I learnt of my Dad’s
exceptional career. Until that time, he was my hero
simply because of his qualities as a father, his deep
kindness, patience, his ability to listen, his
broadmindedness and so many other reasons.»
Karen Allais
«Enthusiasm, the spirit of initiative and innovation
have animated each of our encounters.»
Stéphane Grosset
21

22
Émile Allais and his family
« From the first time I met Émile, I keep
the memory of a discreet and reserved
man who loves to share his experiences.
But what impressed me the most is
his long-term vision of the future of
Megève. »
Marithé Crozet
« Dad is the champion of
dads! you have given me so
much time, so much love.
you have given me a love
of skiing, the sea, nature,
and the ability to enjoy the
simple things in life. But
also to have dreams and to
see a project through right
to the end. Thanks Daddy.
Now, you’ll have to keep
doing all that with your
grandchildren.»
Kathleen Allais
« For me Émile will always
be the living legend of the
first tracks, the first ski
slopes and the first medals.
A real pioneer in the white
gold rush! I never get tired
of hearing the story of his
life and century. Thank
you Émile, thanks for
everything »
Marc Béchet

mEgèvE TEam
achIEvEmENT aNd pRomIsEs
season after season the “megève Team”
reflects the successes of mègevan sportsmen
and women in important competitions and the
excellence of the training offered by the sports
club. formerly reserved for snow sports, the
group is now open to megèvans who ride on
two wheels, who fly or run, and a “promising
youngsters” team now puts those whose results
are encouraging for future performances into
the spotlight. Today the team is the embodiment
of the visible part of the resort’s sports knowhow.
and it is filling out, which can only be
a good sign! for all that, the admission and
the “mission” are never the same for any two
people. “Within the megève Team we are
very demanding in terms of selection criteria
because sportspeople who take part in the
World or European cups are involved. The
“promising youngsters” team operates more
to encourage those youngsters present who
are likely to represent megève in the coming
years”, sums up lionel burille, deputy mayor
for sport. slalom skier maxime Tissot, member
of the Team since 2007, joined the top 30
in the World rankings in his discipline last
season. used to communicating about the
resort, he underlines the direct link between his
achievement and the resort. “megève is always
behind us and supporting us”. a commission
whose members are from the town council and
the sports club study the entrance applications,
the first criterion being membership of the club.
This year maxime Tissot, anthony benna,
arnaud burille and albert bedouet have been
selected to take part in the World cup.
Pascal Arvin-Bérod
23

skI
24
woRld cuP fReestYle finAl
duAl Moguls sKi
sunday 18th march 2012

Jumping
INTo coTToN Wool
Would you lovE To TRy skI JumpINg buT aRE afRaId of huRTINg youRsElf?
ThE bIg aIR bag WIll lENd you WINgs!
located at the top of the petit Rochebrune chairlift, this
inflatable mattress of eight by eleven meters has been
specially designed for ski jumpers’ landings. With it
everything is possible, even the craziest acrobatic figures!
Whether you are a beginner or experienced, skier or
snowboarder, this structure is ideal for performing jumps
in complete security
without worrying
about the landing.
you just have to build
up speed and take
off from a two-meter
high ski jump on a
55°slope… and let
yourself be projected
seven meters away. The key being: guaranteed thrills and
exceptional performances. “Thanks to the Big Air Bag,
I have been able to do figures like the back flip without
hurting myself”, testifies a skier who has become a big fan.
And he’s not the only one…
“The Big Air Bag was put into service for the first time
last winter. It was a great success with more than 10,000
jumps recorded”, says Stéphane Grosset, who firmly
believes that this project would never have seen the
light of day without the active participation of ludovic
Morand, Technical Director of the Rochebrune ESF.
Incorporated into a zone dedicated to freestylers near
the Waidzai park and the skier cross, this mattress
bearing the colours of coca-cola Zero, is a great hit
with teenagers and adults looking for intense sensations.
Everyone can jump at their own rhythm under the
watchful eye of a technician and instructor specialising
in free-style. “They are there to ensure that the module
is working well and give optimal advice to users”,
Stéphane Grosset informs us. All this in a relaxed
atmosphere, as here we jump to music.
Guaranteed sensations
and exceptional
performances.
Nevertheless, don’t be too relaxed: a helmet and dorsal
protection are obligatory to be admitted to the module.
Just spend a few minutes near the Big Air Bag to feel
how it triggers off your emotions: jump higher and
further still and with more rotations in the air! And
because it would be
a shame to miss out
on such a spectacle,
this year the Big Air
Bag has decided
to lend itself to
demonstrations.
All those who have
trained during the
day can come back in the evening and perform their
favourite tricks to thunderous applause. And lastly a
word of advice for fans: Megève’s Big Air Bag has a spot
on the Facebook social network. Don’t hesitate to come
and post your most extreme videos. And don’t forget
to “like” the page. Because the Big Air Bag is loved
without counting the cost!
Béryl Ziegler
PRActicAl infoRMAtion
module accessible from 12 years. for younger
children, a parental responsibility discharge is
required.Tickets can be obtained on the spot.
price : €10 for 2 hours
opening times
outside french school holidays: every
Wednesday, saturday and sunday
(from 1pm to 3pm).
during french school holidays: every day
from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm.
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 21 00 97
25

sNoW spoRTs schools
sKi AgencY
At MegèVe
an Excellence ski school.
professional skiers in megève.
private lessons for all standards.
personalised upmarket service.
your lessons in french, English or spanish.
Information and reservations online at:
www.agencedeski-megeve.com
mobile: +33 (0)6 99 18 52 00
fRench
sKi school
Whatever your ski style or your chosen
discipline, let the professionals of the
Esf (french ski school) share their skills
and pleasure of the snow with you. you
will find your feet from the first day with
private lessons (by the hour or the day,
given in french, English, spanish, german
and Italian) or group lessons. With the
easiest access to the ski slopes: discover
the domain, with unattainable perfection
and conviviality as a bonus. please book
your lessons on line:
www.megeve-ski.com
esf - Maison de la
Montagne
176, rue de la poste
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 00 97
www.megeve-ski.com
Reservation recommended.
All seAson long
Private lessons
1 or 2 people - 1 hour: €42
from 3 to 5 people - 1 hour: €54
from 1 to 5 people - The day: €350
handiski
mono-ski or bi-ski, 2 hours minimum:
€42/hr.
material provided by Esf, 3 instructors
available.
Reservation recommended.
26
26
gRouP lessons
chRistMAs And winteR
school holidAYs
christmas (17/12/11 to 03/01/12)
and Winter (11/02/12 to 12/03/12)
Reservation recommended.
ADUlTS from 13 years old
Alpine skiing
2 ½ hrs/day for 5 mornings: €149
caboche only
2 ½ hrs/day for 6 afternoons: €149
lessons in English
2 ½ hrs/day for 5 mornings: €149
noRdic sKiing at the mont d’arbois
2 ½ hrs/day for 5 mornings: €149
ChIlDREN (from beginners to Etoiled‘or
level)
from 3 to 5 years old
5 mornings or 6 afternoons Esf princesse/
Jaillet/Rochebrune
2 h/day: €128
From 5 to 12 years old
2 ½ hrs/day for 5 mornings: €138
2 ½ hrs/day for 6 afternoons: €138
tRAining couRses
Introduction to competition
«Etoile d’or» mini level
3 ½ hrs/day for 6 mornings
or 6 afternoons: €210
Day racing at the caboche
«flèche de bronze» mini level
from 10 years old
6 days (9.30am - 5pm): €420
Gold competition at the caboche
«flèche de vermeil» mini level
from 14 years old
6 afternoons (1.30pm - 5pm): €219
freeski & teenager ski at the
mont d’arbois «flèche d’argent» mini level
from 14 years old
4 half-days + 1 day: €219
Snowboard from 10 years old
6 lessons of 2 ½ hrs/day: €197
6 lessons of 3 ½ hrs /day*: €275
*snowboard 3 and expert
esf cAboche onlY
gRouP lessons out of
fRench school holidAY
PeRiod And eAsteR
holidAYs
(from 04/01/12 to 10/02/12 and from
13/03/12 to the end of the ski season)
Reservation Recommended.
Princesse
only group lessons week end
from beginners to «Etoile d‘or» level
for up to eight pupils
2 half-days of 3 hrs/day: €68
Adults from 13 years old
Alpine skiing
3 hrs/day for 5 mornings: €149
nordic skiing at the mont d’arbois
3 hrs/day for 5 mornings: €149
snowboard at the caboche
5 lessons of 3 hrs/day each: €149
childRen (from beginners to Etoile
d‘or level)
from 3 to under 5 years old
2 hrs/day for 5 mornings: €128
from 5 to 12 years old
3 hrs/day for 5 mornings: €138
week end competition
«flèche de bronze» mini level
from 10 years old
2 half-days: €85
timed tests
With ski open ranking, evaluation of your
exact skiing level.
Registration for 1 timed test: €12
5 timed tests: €38
inteRnAtionAl sKi
school
a team of qualified and multilingual
professionals who will do their utmost to
satisfy your requirements. Tailored quality:
group lessons of 8 children maximum, for
beginners to advanced skiers (possibility of
competitions), private lessons or days upon
request, at megève or elsewhere..., vallée
blanche, heliski, hikes. a professional
warm and receptive team.

AssociAtion
téléMARK
MountAin guides
MegèVe snowshoes: 1/2 day, day and
for information:
www.telemarkmegeve.com ou
s.seigneur@telemarkmegeve.com
with Megève esi learn at your
own pace:
Private ski instructor:
Intense technique - 1 h
personalized technique - 2 h
personalized technique with the
possibility of discovering the local ski
area - 3 h
Instruction at your own pace to suit your
wishes, morning or afternoon, 4 h
a full day 100% at your service, all your
requirements met from the moment you
step outside your residence: ski passes,
equipment, restaurant bookings, routes,
etc…
group lessons, children:
Tailor-made for up to eight pupils.
EsI «p’tits groupes»: mouse (beginners),
crystal, bronze crystal, silver crystal, gold
crystal, 10 am - 12.30 pm or 2.30 pm -
5pm. (including test and medals).
group lessons, teenagers
and pre-teenagers:
Teenagers and pre-teenagers
kid race and kid ride courses
one day and half-day teenage
competition course
free-ride course
from monday to friday, from 10 am
to 1 pm
(Tests, medal, loan of jacket and meal)
ski adventure
ski touring (seal skin)
day or raid.
off-piste skiing: for beginners and
advanced in powder snow.
discovery of the skiing areas in and
around megève:
diamant area, chamonix, flaine,
The gateway to the sun…
White valley
heliski: Italy, switzerland and canada.
ski guiding/ski excursion
seminars
company groups and leisure
organisation of races timed with a
stopwatch.
EsI mEgEvE
237, rue de la poste
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 58 78 88
www.esimegeve.com
nocturnal; discovery of a natural
environment, of wildlife and landscapes.
from 10 years.
glacier snowshoeing:
a day outing, discovery of the
“mer de glace” glacier and
the “col de géant” (mountainpass).
ski excursion: 1/2 day or day;
discovery of the region’s skiing areas:
megève, “Espace diamant”, chamonix,
the grand massif, the aravis, flaine
and courmayeur.
off-piste skiing: initiation by
the 1/2 day and perfection by the day
at megève, Espace diamant, chamonix,
the aravis, flaine, and courmayeur.
the Vallée blanche and its
variations: day excursion, the petit
Envers, the Rognon, the Envers du plan,
the real vallée blanche, the grand Envers.
RéVolution glisse
skI & sNoWboaRd a radical new
combination of air and snow sports in
a school with a difference.
a group of free lance, english-speaking
instructors and guides, all fully qualified
with national certification (bEEs),
who offer you a five-star service, in a
broad range of activities.
see for yourself. a unique and flexible
approach for unique experiences.
a main objective :
- quality, enjoyment and safety for young
and old alike.
- With our guides, discover the best skiresorts…
- a fREE dvd ! you are filmed as you
learn so that you can see first hand your
own progress and your children’s
This dvd will leave you an unforgettable
souvenir of your holidays.
- private lessons from 6 years ski
and 8 years snowboard
Tel. +33 (0)6 67 60 89 64
into@revolutionglisse.com
www.revolutionglisse.com
fReeRide school
ski instructors and mountain guides.
private lessons for all levels.
adults and children from 3 years old.
personalised upmarket service.
off piste skiing, heliski, vallée blanche...
champfort sport
188, Route Edmond de Rothschild
mobile: +33 (0)6 80 30 68 98
www.ecolefreeride-megeve.
ski touring: excursions of a 1/2 day,
day or several days with nights in a
mountain refuge.
ice falls: initiation by the 1/2 day in
the contamines and by the day in othe
nearby sites (megève, Notre dame de
bellecombe, chamonix).
winter Mountaineering: arête des
cosmiques, petite verte, Tour Ronde.
heliski: Italy, switzerland and
canada.
climbing and tyrolean: group sessions
for children and adults of 1h 30
or individual lessons.
Paragliding: 1/2 day or day initiation.
maison de la montagne
76, rue a. martin
Tél. +33 (0)4 50 21 55 11
www.guides-megeve.com
sKi PRos MegèVe è
very select ski and snow sports school.
qualified independent american, french
and british instructors. Tuition in English
or
french. private lessons, company groups,
for all levels, of any age to fit everyone.
lessons confirmed without delay! your
starting point for «skiing better and
more».
mobile: +33 (0)6 81 61 06 15
www.skiprosmegeve.com
suMMits
snowboard & ski school
summits is an international ski school
(micro structure).
private lessons for all standards, adults
and children from 4 years old.
quality group lessons for children and
adults, of 6 persons maximum, all levels.
handiski: lessons for the disabled.
crosscountry skiing - off-piste skiing
ski touring - vallée blanche
«ski concept» shop
Impasse de la Telécabine du chamois
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 93 35 21
mobile: +33 (0)6 84 01 26 00
www.summits.fr
27 27

lovE Was madE
to be shared
IN mEgèvE WE lovE shaRINg ThE good TImEs. moRE aNd moRE of Today’s
gRaNdpaRENTs aRE TakINg ThEIR gRaNdchIldREN To WINTER spoRTs.
mEgèvE Is sTIll ThE IdEal holIday dEsTINaTIoN, havINg so maNy aNd vaRIEd
acTIvITIEs pRoposEd foR youNgsTERs.
28

Grandparents and grandchildren have never
been as close as they are today. It seems that the
generation gap is progressively disappearing.
And so the hierarchic relationships that
prevailed thirty years ago have given way to
more loving and harmonious relationships. We
must admit however that today’s senior citizens
are dynamic in all situations and are very young
at heart. Qualities that allow them to create
strong and loving ties with their grandchildren.
Many of today’s grandparents enjoy sharing their
free time with this new generation of
grandchildren thirsty for time and affection.
less strict, more available and more tuned in to
their needs, grandparents are taking more and
more place in their grandchildren’s lives. And
for the greatest happiness of all concerned!
fRaNçoIsE aNd JacquEs, gRaNdpaRENTs
of ThIbaud, 9, maRINE 8 aNd Emma, 5.
Françoise and Jacques, in their early sixties,
both active and sporty, have been skiing in
Megève for years. A love that they hope to pass
down to their grandchildren when they join them
for the winter holidays. With 445km of sign
posted and groomed slopes Megève is a fabulous
playground for adults and children alike. While
the youngest is discovering the joys of snow and
sliding at the “piou piou”
club, the older brother
and sister are having
skiing lessons with the
ESF to attain their 2nd
and 3rd stars. But in
the afternoon they will
devour the slopes with
their grandparents.
A moment of great
complicity between the two generations, but also
the opportunity for the children to perfect their
skiing by listening to the sound advice of their
grandparents. Some afternoons, the children
alternate with other equally fun activities.
Thibaud loves climbing on the artificial wall at
the Sports centre, and also biathlon that he has
recently discovered with his friends. He is really
happy to go to the beginners’ lesson at the
livraz. Marine prefers to relax with her
grandmother and little sister at the heated
indoor swimming pool. But their greatest
pleasure is to go together to the ice rink to round
off the day in beauty. With such dynamic
grandparents the children never have time to be
bored during their holidays.
daNIEllE aNd RENé, gRaNdpaRENTs of
Tom, 12 aNd hugo, 11.
Françoise and Jacques
have been skiing
in Megève for years.
A love that they hope to pass
down to their grandchildren.
Danielle and René, both nature lovers, devote
their retirement to hiking, an activity they do
both in summer and winter. Quite naturally they
take their grandchildren with them as often as
possible to enlighten them about the mountain
fauna and flora. In Megève there is no shortage
of ideas for hiking outings. In winter it is with
cross-country skiing that they prefer to cover the
mountains at their own rhythm on the tracks of
the livraz-cote 2000 site. The children have
even had lessons to master the skating
technique perfectly. last year they also loved
the special family snowshoeing outing organised
by the Mountain Guides. This accompanied and
commentated excursion allowed them to have a
better understanding of the way of life of wild
animals in the mountains. But their favourite
activity is the dog and sleigh ride on the heights
of Megève; even more so because they learned
to drive the dog teams themselves under the
musher’s guidance.
A wonderful adventure!
The children’s
grandparents have
also enlightened them
about the mountain
farmers’ way of life.
They visited a farm in
Megève. Not simply
another experience
for these little citizens
to discover goats, sheep, kids… but also to taste
the farm produce. To make the visit even more
fun, they were even taken there by horse and
carriage. Once more the children leave Megève
with their heads full of wonderful memories.
chaNTal aNd bERNaRd, gRaNdpaRENTs of
claRa, 8 aNd maNoN, 6.
Newly retired, chantal and Bernard have
decided to share the good times in life with their
granddaughters. When they were still working
29

they were not able to spend much time with their
own children. But today they have every
intention of making up for that!
These grandparents
especially love
cultural and artistic
activities. So they
often take their
granddaughters to
the media library to
choose the books
that they will read
together. The girls
love the story time
for children every Wednesday morning at the
youth section. They also love going to the
creative workshops. last time, they made little
objects such as pencil cases and christmas tree
decorations with re-cycled cardboard and
chantal and Bernard
have decided to share
the good times in life
with their granddaughters.
plastic. Their grandparents, history lovers, have
also taken them to the Haut val d’Arly museum
to explain how the region’s farmers lived in the
19th century.
A visit that is both
fun and educational.
But the girls’
favourite outing
must be going to
the cinema where
they love watching
cartoons with their
grandparents,
giving the latter the
opportunity to return to their own childhood for
a few moments.
Stéphanie Pioud
31

chIldREN’s
club Piou-Piou
«fun school» for children over 3 to 5
years old, introduction to skiing with the
Esf (french ski school) ski instructors.
snow garden with border-cross and magic
carpet. day, half day and week-ends (with
or without meal).
Reservation in advance is essential.
(out of winter season)
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 00 97
www.megeve-ski.com
la cabochE
access from the centre of the village by
the chamois’ gondola.
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 58 97 65
(from the 15th of december)
moNT d’aRboIs
at the bottom of the mt d’arbois’ cable car.
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 65 86
Meg’Accueil
sKi KindeRgARden
And dAY nuRseRY.
sports, artistic or handicraft
activities.
Initiation to skiing through games.
children are taken to the collective lessons
from 3 years old. (school holidays).
day or half day, with or without meal.
Reservation is required
nursery «les p’tites frimousses»
from 12 months to 3 years old.
at the mont d’arbois’ cable car
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 65 86
(from the 17th of december)
Activity centre for the 3 to
12 years old.
located next to the sport centre.
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 58 77 84
megaccueil.enfance@megeve.fr
ActiVities
for the 5 to 11 years old during
school holidays. Exploring different
materials and colours, and around varied
and original themes, children can create
their own unique objects.
by reservation only:
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 59 09
megaccueil.activites@megeve.fr
32 32
corner
spoRTs
MountAin guides’office
Rock climbing, initiation snowshoe trek on
Tuesday afternoons, «little laplanders»
outing on Thursday afternoons during
school holidays.
from 8 years old
maison de la montagne
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 55 11
www.guides-megeve.com
dog sledding
AdVentuRes
a unique adventure in family
discover the sport - 1h:
€40 for kids of 8 to 12 years old.
€30 for kids of 3 to 8 years old.
free for children under 3 years old.
an adult must come with the child.
(for 2 children: prices of a child under
8 years old.)
basic principles of dogsled driving
1/2 day:
€68 for children of 8 to 12 years old.
more information and booking only by
mailat:
montduvillard@aol.com
gift vouchers are available
on www.montduvillardnord.com
Tel/fax: +33 (0)4 50 21 37 03
sKi schools
Individual or group lessons -
helmets required.
see pages: 26-27.
PAintbAll
an unforgettable experience!
from 8 years old 2 paintball sites in the
middle of the cote 2000 forest with
7 different game scenarios for 1 to 2 hrs
of fun. special equipment from 8
to 12 years old.
admission, supervision and equipment:
€25/pers. with 100 units.
for an extra 100: €5 and €15 for 400.
open every day for reservation from
9 am to 10 pm.
capacity of 1 to 40 persons.
group or seminary prices: please ask us.
paintball experience
just before the altiport take the road
on the right Route de la cote 2000
(at the foot of the airfield)
mobile: +33 (0)6 09 81 31 17
www.paintballexperience.net
sPoRts And congRess
centRe
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 15 71
open air ice rink
Animations for children
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 23 77
olympic ice rink
60m x 30m
musical animations, late evening
openings.
skating lessons with laurence austin
mobile: +33 (0)6 61 15 83 49
swimming pools
heated indoor pool of 25 x 12,50 m.
heated indoor children’s pool of
12,50 x 12,50 m.
swimming lessons
meg’ accueil
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 59 09
diving
mobile: +33 (0)6 83 73 96 81
climbing wall
artificial structure of more than 200 m2 .
Equipment not provided.
access exclusively for those accompanied
by a guide.
indoor tennis court
free for children under 5 years old
(also for the swimming pool and
the ice rinks)
AdVentuRe PARK
a multitude of activities in the heart of the
forest, climb up high, swing from tree to
tree and put your body and courage to
the test in total security.
from 5 to 10 years old special kids level.
please book in advance.
junior: €17 children: €10.
cote 2000 aventure
mobile: +33 (0)6 76 29 71 04
www.cote2000aventure.com

fAMille Plus
megève is
labeled
«mountain
family plus» a
label that is given to resorts that
privilege a warm welcome and
family activities.
sKi lifts
beginners pass for the day:
• Mont d’Arbois: ................................€9
petit vorassetskilifts and magic carpet of
snow garden.
• Princesse: ....................................... €7
petit bois skilift.
• Jaillet:............................................. €6
les pattesskilift and prellet chairlift.
• Rochebrune:............................. .€11,50
petit Rochebrune, grands champs chairlifts,
cabochon, moutely, schuss skilifts and
access by the chamois and Rocharbois’
cable cars.
• Free magic carpet for beginners at
Rochebrune, la princesse, le Jaillet and
snow garden.
If you do not yet possess a rechargeable
hands free pass support, you will need to
add €2 to the price of all these passes at
the initial purchase. on following stays you
will then be able to recharge it on
www.skiamegeve.com
good ideAs foR fAMilies
for the skipasses «Evasion mont blanc»
and «Jaillet/combloux/la giettaz/
cordon»
• -10% for the simultaneous purchase of at
least 4 Evasion skipasses, for 6 consecutive
days or more (except season) with a minimum
of 2 children (under 18 years old*)
• Free passes for children under 5*
• Reductions for 5 to 14 years old* kids
(*proof of age required)
snow PARK And hAlfPiPe
at mont Joux and le Jaillet.
wAidzAi PARK
under grandschamps chairlift, attractive
modules: whoops, pyramids,up-turned
bends…
«lA liVRAz» cRoss
countRY sKiing tRAcKs
open every day from 9am to 5pm.
free access by ski bus.
• Cross-country skiing: free for children
under 6, with easy beginners loop.
• Fun beginners’ trail: Snow parks with
moguls, ski jumps, upturned bends,
from 4 years old.
• Secured tobogganing area,
free for children.
• Trekking by foot or with snowshoes.
• Snack bar and picnic area.
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 21 47 52
fAMilY PAcKAge
from 7th January to 4th february 2012 and from 10th march to the end
of the season. your holiday in a 2 room apartment for 4 persons from
€1175* Including: ski passes for 6 days, ski lessons for the children,
2 megève pass (info. page 67).
* 2 adults and 2 children under 5 years old.
information and booking : www.megeve-reservation.com
otheR tobogAning
AReAs
pré saint amour, under 6 years old.
areas cote 2000 and caboche,
from 6 years old.
culTuRE
aNd lEIsuRE
lAnguAge couRses
for 7 to 16 years old.
With or without accommodation.
language lessons with ski or surf.
cIfEl Jeunes diplomates
Tel: +33 (0)4 79 37 19 78
www.cifel.fr
the Youth section
in the MultiMediA libRARY
The youth section of the media library
offers its young visitors a wide selection of
comic books, storybooks, dvds and cds…
To read on the spot or to borrow (after
registration). a special “baby readers”
area is open to families where tiny tots
accompanied by their parents can discover
stories, fairy tales nursery rhymes and
songs in a cheerful and specially designed
environment. different shows and
amusements are also proposed (see diary).
story time: every Wednesday from 10.30
to 11.30 am for children aged 4 and over.
free, no registration necessary.
sport and congress centre
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 91 57 70
http://mediatheque.megeve.fr
hAut VAl d’ARlY MuseuM
The heritage discovery in an old
farmhouse.
children: €2.80 (free for kids under
6 years old). accompanying notebook
for 7-10 years old.
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 91 81 00
museehautvaldarly.free.fr
seRVices
baby changing tables, picnic areas,
pushchairs and baby carrier hire:
Information at megève Tourism.
document «children’s paradise»
available at megève Tourism.
33 33

gasTRoNomy
a magIcal
Saintvalentine’s
mEgèvE offERs WIThouT doubT ThE mosT RomaNTIc sETTINg possIblE foR a saINT
valENTINE’s EvENINg. bETWEEN a sTRoll uNdER a sTaRRy NIghT sky aNd a caNdlE-lIT
dINNER, youR lovEd oNE WIll NoT bE ablE To REsIsT youR chaRms! hERE aRE a fEW
suggEsTIoNs To makE a RomaNTIc EvENINg a REal succEss.
IdEa N° 1 suggEsT a RIdE IN ThE lIghT of
ThE sIlvERy mooN
Not at Maubeuge Horse Show, but through Megève’s
village centre! Snuggled together in a pretty sleigh
with a soft and cosy blanket around your shoulders,
let yourselves be cradled by the rhythmical trotting of
the horses while you admire the starry sky. Apart from
the village itself, you can also enjoy a beautiful ride on
the heights facing the Mont Blanc. There are several
itineraries to choose from depending on your desires.
And to make the moment even more enchanting, why
not sip a glass of champagne along the ride. What
better way could there be to begin the evening?
IdEa N° 2 aRousE ThEIR TasTE buds
To awaken your loved one’s taste buds invite them
to one of the many village restaurants. To suit your
budget and chosen ambiance, you may opt for a refined
gastronomic dinner, or typically Savoyard cuisine in a
more rustic setting. It doesn’t matter where you decide
to go, magic is always in the air in Megève. Even more
so if you choose an altitude restaurant that offers an
enchanting wonderland vista over the illuminated
village.
36
IdEa N° 3 a momENT of TogEThERNEss
For even more intimacy, you can simply offer yourselves
a candle-lit dinner at home, by the fireside. A pretty
table will have been set, decorated with taste. As for
the meal itself, two options are possible. Astound your
guest by preparing a romantic dinner yourself after
having had cooking lessons with one of Megève’s great
chefs. If you are allergic to the oven however, you can
call in a caterer and enjoy the best vintages from one of
the village’s wine cellars. The evening is guaranteed to
be a success.
IdEa N° 4 daNcE ThE NIghT aWay
Bring the evening to a perfect ending over a drink,
either in a fashionable and lively night bar, or in the
lounge of a luxurious hotel if you are looking for a
quieter, cosier ambiance. For a wild and frenzied night
however, head for the discotheque, where you can beat
to the sounds of music on the dance floor until the small
hours. With such a programme, you will without a doubt
capture your valentine’s heart.
Stéphanie Pioud

goINg ouT
cAsino
50 slot machines.
game tables: English roulettes,
black jack, Texas hold’em poker.
open from 11 am.
access to the machines with Id
compulsory (free).
purple lounge live music & bar.
dinner with a concert.
open from 6.30 pm to 0.30 am
Palo Alto night club
199, rue charles feige
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 93 01 83
www.casino-megeve.com
www.palo-alto.fr
cineMAs
Panoramic - 3 d
chemin des Roseaux
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 29 34
Rochebrune 1 and 2
Rue charles feige
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 03 52
programs:
Tel: +33 (0) 892 687 333
bARs And clubs
le bar des Alpes
Rue de la poste
Tél. +33 (0)4 50 93 08 15
le bar saint Paul
Impasse saint paul
Tél. +33 (0)4 50 91 93 03
la calèche
place de l’église
Tél. +33 (0)4 50 58 99 13
le cocoon club
Route Edmond de Rothschild
Tél. +33 (0)4 50 21 09 91
le georges
hôtel mont-blanc
Tél. +33 (0)4 50 21 20 02
le Kitschen café
130, route Edmond de
Rothschild
Tél. +33 (0)4 50 21 69 33
le Palo Alto
Rue charles feige
Tél. +33 (0)4 50 91 82 58
le white Pearl
30, rue ambroise martin
Tél. +33 (0)4 50 58 71 72
le bar des trappeurs
hôtel lodge park
Tél. +33 (0)4 50 93 05 03
M le vin
50, rue saint françois
Tél. +33 (0)4 50 34 41 49
stefano forever
allée du sporting de Rochebrune
Tél. +33 (0)4 50 93 39 18
cookINg lEssoNs
flocons de sel:
cooking lessons with
Emmanuel Renaut, 2-star
michelin. Two or three
recipes will be presented
and prepared during each
session, according to ideas
suggested by participants.
€60 (2 h 30).
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 21 49 99
www.floconsdesel.com
the “Atelier” at the
fermes de Marie:
is the dream place to
prepare a variety of recipes
with the chef: the “pure
altitude” and “Energy
and vitality” recipes. an
inventive, healthy and
well-balanced cuisine,
blending pleasure and
healthy eating and where
the local seasonal products
are the stars. €100 per
person (including 2 hours of
kitchen workshop and
lunch).
Tel : +33 (0)4 50 93 03 10
www.sibuethotels-spa.com
Megève, delicious and
comfortable alpes
Traditional restaurants or
exceptional tables:
find the best addresses of
megève in the champérard,
the guide michelin, the
gault & millau, the bottin
gourmand, the guide pudlo
and the official guide of
restaurants. Nature at
the corner of the streets,
megève’s market put
in place their stands at the
«palais des sports» and
in the village square. The
natural flavors, the grocers
and the best traditional
products are waiting for you
in a warm and friendly
atmosphere.
37 37

Nicolas, snow groomer on the Rochebrune skiing area.
38

victor, croupier at the casino of Megève.
portfolio ERIc fRaNcEschI
afTER covERINg ThE NEWs aNd alTITudE of maRsEIllE foR ThE pasT 20 yEaRs oR so, ERIc
fRaNcEschI Took To ThE maquIs IN 2008. hE clImbEd ToWaRds ThE mouNTaINs To
sETTlE aT aRouNd 800m, IN ThE hauTE-pRovENcE alps, WhERE hE coNTINuEs To
phoTogRaph NEWs WhEN IT happENs by. aNd hIs gazE has halTEd hERE IN mEgèvE To
makE a sERIEs of poRTRaITs of ThE mEN aNd WomEN Who WoRk IN ThE shadoWs of
ThE NIghT. a TWofold REasoN To puT a facE To, aNd alloW a collEcTIoN of
phoTogRaphs To spEak abouT ThEsE pEoplE, usually INvIsIblE yET so INdIspENsablE IN
ThE lIfE of ThE REsoRT.
39

Audrey, night receptionist at the Arboisie hotel.
40
Righthand page:
Ayan, DJ at the palo Alto.

culTuRE
hE dId IT…
his way
composed at the canada hotel in Megève by his friend
Jacques Revaux, exported to the USA by paul Anka,
adapted by Don costa and immortalised by Frank
Sinatra on the 30th December 1968, My Way reached
the top of the charts in April 1969 to become the most
reproduced song in the World. The American crooner’s
version was just the beginning of a long series… Elvis
presley, Nina Simone, luciano pavarotti… they all
wanted to sing it their own way! To celebrate the 40th
anniversary of this XXth century standard, to seal the
friendship that binds him to the composer and the love
story that he has maintained with Megève for more than
four decades, pierre Margara decided to engrave in
bronze and marble these few musical notes of an eternal
melody which have never stopped travelling the World,
with a sculpture inspired by the words of paul Anka…
42
WhEN hE composEd
a TuNE pRovIsIoNally
ENTITlEd For Me IN
mEgèvE, JacquEs
REvaux haRdly
ImagINEd ThaT hE had
JusT WRITTEN a soNg
ThaT Would bEcomE
a gREaT sTaNdaRd - My
Way - Today cElEbRaTEd
by a sculpTuRE ThaT
pIERRE maRgaRa has
dEcIdEd To offER To
hIs vIllagE by
adopTIoN, aNd ThE
EREcTIoN of WhIch Is
plaNNEd foR 2012.
Fingers poised on a piano keyboard taking off into the
skies… a man and a woman symbolising expectation
and chance encounters… working of the matter, the
hand, music, the couple… this majestic work of art –
measuring 10 meters long, 4 meters high and 4 meters
wide – unites all the themes to which the artist is
particularly partial. presented at the Fer à cheval hotel
on the 21st August 2008, then unveiled on the church
square on the 12th April 2009, the maquette has since
then been metamorphosed into a monumental
sculpture. Offered to the village, it will be erected in
2012 in the rehabilitated “5 Rues” quarter, near the
famous jazz club bearing the same name, and where
musical notes have resounded forever… the wheel has
turned full circle… He did it… his way !
Alexandre Mollard

culTuRE aNd hERITagE
MediA libRARY
Read the newspapers, a comic
book or a hiking guide;
consult your e-mails on the web,
plunge into a beautiful book of
photographs of mountain
flowers and plants or listen to
music… There are so many
different activities
possible at the media library
with its wide choice of books,
cds, dvds, cd-Roms and
magazines, not forgetting the
multi media area: 11 posts
available to subscribers, adults
and children alike; Wireless
Internet connection free for those
with alaptop.
press area, multimedia etc…
parvis andré mollard
247, route du palais des sports
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 91 57 70
http://mediatheque.megeve.fr
bRidge club
le puck, patinoire centrale
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 06 63
eXhibitions
And shows
concerts, films, conferences,
skating galas, ice hockey
matches, painting or sculpture
exhibitions in local galleries,
at the congress centre and in
some of the hotels.
lAnguAge couRses
children and adults
cIfEl Jeunes diplomates
Tel: +33 (0)4 79 37 19 78
www.cifel.fr
PAinting clAss
learn how to draw and paint
creatively.
The atelier du chat Noir is an
association, a place to express
yourself, to exchange
knowledge with artists.
painting lessons from the age
of 15.
all year long enrolment.
open to everyone, initiation or
perfection of your techniques.
private lessons on demand.
group lessons.
Theme lessons 2 or 3 days
(portrait,
oil painting, travel book,
initiation...)
atelier du chat Noir
mobile: +33 (0)6 63 21 45 53
www.atelierduchatnoir.fr
the «cAlVAiRe»
an unusual calvary, a former
pilgrimage site, was built in the
xIxth century on the east side of
the village.
Inside the 14 chapels and
oratories, many wooden
sculptures depict the scenes
of the passion of christ. The
calvary in megève, inspired by
the one in varallo en valsesia,
is the only one of its kind in
the Rhône-alps region. It is a
European sacred mountain site
and has been on the national
historic monuments additional
list since 1988.
following huge restoration
work, carried out from 2001,
the site has been restored to its
former glory.
The chapels and oratories
have been carefully renovated,
both inside and outside, and
the surrounding countryside
has been landscaped to look
as it did in the xIxth when the
monument was built.
hAut VAl d‘ARlY
MuseuM
discovery of the heritage in an
old farm: agriculture, handicraft,
daily life, ski and mountain.
50m from megève’s Tourist
office.
adult: €3.50 - child €2.80
group prices.
88, rue du docteur charles
socquet
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 91 81 00
mobile: +33 (0)6 03 08 07 73
museehautvaldarly.free.fr
MegèVe MuseuM
The megève museum is
temporarily closed due to
reconstruction and restoration
work.
guides of the
«Pays de savoie»
guided tours on reservation,
for the following themes:
«The historical centre of
megève»
«The calvaire»
«a very present past»: discovery
of the rural, religious and
architectural heritage of
2 hamlets
«The Water».
more Information at
megève Tourisme.
MegèVe hoRse sleigh
Rides
sleigh bells ringing, the clipclop
of hooves on the cobbles,
a relaxing ride at a gently
cadenced rhythm that belongs
not to moscow or vienna and
even less to the 1900’s, but
here to the streets of megève.
Every day of the year!
place du village
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 30 47
groups: +33 (0)6 62 47 64 70
43

accommodaTIoN
Getting married
IN mEgèvE
a lITTlE vIllagE, a RomaNTIc TREasuRE TRovE NEsTlINg IN a mouNTaINous dEcoR, oNE of
ThE mosT bEauTIful laNdscapEs IN ThE WoRld… IT’s NoT suRpRIsINg ThEREfoRE ThaT mEgèvE
has ThE 5Th posITIoN amoNg ThE 10 mosT bEauTIful placEs To gET maRRIEd, accoRdINg
To a REpoRT publIshEd by ThE famous agENcy REuTERs. afTER haWaII, buT bEfoRE NEW
yoRk! ThE INfaTuaTIoN sTRETchEs faR bEyoNd ThE NaTIvEs of mEgèvE oR ThosE Who aRE
IN lovE WITh ThE vIllagE. WITh aRouNd 40 WEddINgs IN ThE vIllagE Each yEaR, IT musT
bE saId ThaT mEgèvE offERs all ThE facIlITIEs aNd amENITIEs NEcEssaRy To oRgaNIsE aN
uNfoRgETTablE occasIoN foR boTh ThE bRIdE aNd gRoom aNd ThEIR guEsTs. ThE laTEsT
TRENd Is To oRgaNIsE ThE WEddINg duRINg ThE WINTER. WhITE oN WhITE aNd ThE daNcINg
sNoWflakEs caN oNly add To ThE magIc of ThE sETTINg aNd ThE ENchaNTmENT of
ThE momENT! WhaT could bE moRE RomaNTIc? WhERE caN WE say, “I do” IN mEgèvE? a
look aT ThE cuRRENT TRENds WITh vIRNa aNd lIza lucchIaRI of daylovE EvENT, WEddINg
plaNNERs sITuaTEd IN mEgèvE…
44

The idyllic reputation and magic of Megève
have made the village the 5th favourite
wedding destination in the World.
Megève is the 5th favourite wedding destination in the
World, does that surprise you?
Not at all! And even less for two people like us totally
in love with Megève! The idyllic and magical reputation
of this village makes it an undeniably perfect World
destination… Somewhere really unique to get married!
How do you explain the increasing popularity of winter
weddings?
Getting married in the winter is still original and quite
new. And that is exactly what more and more young
brides and grooms to be are looking for. They want to be
different and their wedding to be a memorable occasion
for their guests. The high-class services that Megève
offers become more accessible in the off-season.
What are the questions to ask before choosing a hotel for
your wedding?
First you need to know if the hotel can cater for the
number of guests you expect, in terms of both the
reception and accommodation. Then you need to find
out the conditions regarding the private hire of the
premises, closing and licensing hours and of course the
service and facilities the hotel offers: catering, wine,
accommodation, spa…
afNoR
apart from chamonix, megeve Tourisme is
the only tourist office in haute-savoie to have
been awarded four stars for the quality of
it’s facilities. This recognition is the user’s
guarantee that the easy access, the welcome
given to visitors on the spot, by phone, by
postor by email, the layout of the amenities,
the freely available information, the helpfulness
and competence of the personnel, staff training
and visitor satisfaction are all regularly
monitored.
What are the different ambiances that Megève can offer
future brides and grooms, and what style of wedding?
No matter the chosen hotel, by getting married in the
winter, under the snow and in Megève, the style of
the wedding will inevitably be very romantic and the
ambiance enchanting! After that, the tone will vary
depending on the star rating of the hotel… Somewhat
chic and sophisticated or more relaxed and natural.
For a wedding in Megève, what is it that distinguishes
one hotel from another?
All of Megève’s hotels offer a great comfort and an
abundance of up market services. cosy decor for
some, authentic for others, with a more intimate
setting and wonderful panoramas as a bonus…
Menus will vary also from one venue to another,
some being quite frankly gastronomic! There are also
differences in terms of Spa facilities or the possibility
to have Brunch on the morning after the wedding…
And adapted to everyone’s needs:
as part of the quality control procedure,
megève Tourisme. In partnership with mitra
(Rhône-alpes tourism engineering mission) is
committed to a voluntarist policy designed to
promote the development of tourism adapted
to the needs of the disabled.
more information on www.megeve.com
45

Can you describe a typical reception?
The evening commences with cocktails and, in some
hotels with special heating equipment, this can even be
outdoors. Otherwise inside around a cosy open log fire!
Then it’s time for the dinner, of a gastronomic excellence,
and rarely the more rustic “mountain” cuisine. After
dinner the dancing begins with a Dj or band.
What else can be organised?
A torch lit descent if the
cocktails take place in an
“alpage” or altitude restaurant.
And the suite for the newly weds?
The bride and groom’s suite,
often the most beautiful on the
premises and decorated with
flowers for the occasion, is
usually offered by the hotel!
Most of the time, the hotel teams lavish the young couple
with small gifts and extra special attention, such as care
and beauty treatments.
And the day after?
95% of the time, the newly weds like to offer their
guests a brunch, giving them the opportunity to prolong
the festivities with their family and friends. This can be
organised in an altitude restaurant, offering guests the
possibility of an afternoon’s skiing. An other enjoyable
idea for the next day: suggest activities such as everyone
making a video clip (lip dub) together. Great memories!
46
The teams lavish
the young couple with
small gifts and extra
special attention
Some examples of weddings you have recently organised
in Megève?
last March we organised a civil wedding with the vows
being taken outside in the snow. yet another style: a small
wedding in a mountain refuge, for truly sporty types
with a fondue and skiing on the menu of festivities!
What’s the most unusual request you have already answered?
Organise a wedding facing the Mont-Blanc and with
private hire of the Jaillet ski
lifts. At night, all the guests
in their full wedding attire,
wearing snow boots and
carrying dainty shoes and
wedding slippers! Upon
arrival at the restaurant,
a quick change of footwear
and everyone dressed for
the occasion! Then the
wedding photographs with the couple beside a snowplough!
Is there a particular anecdote that stands out in your
memory?
Marie and Thomas’ dog and sleigh ride, two hours
before the ceremony, to be completely relaxed before
saying “I do”
Flora Bornstein

I lovE you
too!
“mEgèvE”? IT Is ExTRaoRdINaRy, ThE skI slopEs aRE WoNdERful, WE caN skaTE aNd ThE
pEoplE aRE so NIcE! …” ThEsE fEW WoRds could havE bEEN saId Today, aNd yET ThEy
aRE foRTy yEaRs old!
In 1969 Gilbert le Bescond, at the time the Mayor of
Megève, made a speech that seems to be very topical,
even timeless. The critics, negative or positive,
are identical…the images, real or imaginary, remain
intact… the way Megève is perceived is the same.
The first magistrate of the village, born in carhaix in
Brittany, knows that we must beware of pre-conceived
ideas, of prejudices and biased opinions… that those
who stigmatize the resort are precisely those “who have
never laid a foot in Megève” neophytes who “know
nothing about winter sports except by hearsay”. But
the mayor of Megève knows that those who have visited
Megève, “be it only for a few days”, who have got to
know and mixed with the native Mègevans “have left
with the impression” of leaving “a second home”.
Gilbert le Bescond knows that Megève was a village
before being a resort, and that its history, dating back
many centuries, has left traces still visible in today’s
landscape… but he also knows that recent history
has transformed the village into a capital of the art of
living in the mountains, that the “aristocrats who haunt
it […] have impregnated the succeeding generations
with their class and sense of hospitality”… that real
class is not a question of fortune or birth, that “the most
modest families mix […] with celebrities” and that
Megève’s strength lies in its ability to “offer everyone
the possibility to come […] and have a wonderful
holiday”… a strength that remains a resolute topicality.
Alexandre Mollard
47

shoppINg
The love
of bEauTIful ThINgs
WhaT bETTER sETTINg ThaN mEgèvE To makE you WaNT To say ThaT you lovE Each oThER? so, abovE
all, doN’T hEsITaTE To sEIzE ThE momENTs To lovE aNd savouR ThaT lovE, dEclaRE youR lovE foR
ThE WoRld To sEE, pRovE youR lovE. hERE Is ouR haRvEsT of dEdIcaTEd IdEas To REap To dEclaRE
youR aRdouR, To makE youR lovEd oNE’s hEaRT bEaT fasTER aNd To offER youR oWN bEauTIful
lovE sToRy ThE mosT RomaNTIc of dEcoRs.
48
1
3
5
4
2
8
6
7
11
12
10
9

13
17
16
15
14
18
24
19
1 - aRpIN blaNkET: €225, décoRaTIoN TIssoT NavaRRo. 2 - fuR TRImmEd slIppERs: €77.50, homE sWEET homE. 3 - Roxy
skI JackET “ToRa bRIghT”: €245, Roxy. 4 - fRamEd azNavouR phoTo IN muRaNo glass by vENINI: €2,000, galERIE
56. 5 - bEaRbRIck 1000% “dEsIgNER alExaNdER gIRaRd”: €1,500, galERIE luxuRy sTuff & Toys. 6 - oRIgINal paINTINg
oN Wood: €800, décoRaTIoN TIssoT NavaRRo. 7 - sET of 2 goblETs: €50, maRIE REd WINE: €10 “domaINE dE
maRIE” - ThE fERmEs dE maRIE. 8 - soNIa RykIEl sWEaTER avENuE moNTaIgNE. 9 - WoollEN hEaRT cushIoN: €40,
homE sWEET homE. 10 - “chocolaTE” hEaRT boxEs, fouRNIl dE mEgèvE. 11 - sWaRovskI kEy RINg “vINyl & cRIsTal
x RougEs: €49, “Thomas sabo” sIlvER bRacElET: €298, bouTIquE chIc alTITudE. 12 - REd hEaRT dIsh: €25, baRoN
dE RoThschIld champagNE: €72, domaINE du moNT d’aRboIs. 13 - “kIss mE”, mETal sculpTuRE, aRTIsTE fd63:
€1,500, galERIE luxuRy sTuff & Toys. 14 - cRIsTal hEaRT pENdaNTs “apaRTmENT foR RENT”: €95 Each, folkloRE
bIJoux. 15 - almoNd macaRooN, fREsh RaspbERRy & bouRboN vaNIlla moussE: pÂTIssERIE - “compToIR du pèRE
soTIEu” TEa shop. 16 - cashmERE Rock, coNfIdENcE cachEmIRE. 17 - REd hEaRT: €20, fIocco & fIls. 18 - vEuvE
clIcquoT sakuRa pINk champagNE: €45, m lE vIN. 19 - “glIssE aNd lovE” chaRlIE adam: €160, phoTo Tops
socquET. 20 - TEa poT: €60 - Jug: €32, poTERIE péNélopE. 21 - slEEvElEss T-shIRT: €95, faITh coNNExIoN. 22 - “sylvIE
ThIRIEz” baTh ToWEl: €40, TRèflE vERT. 23 - book “lE RENdEz-vous”, écolE dEs loIsIRs: €11, bécassINE. 24 - RElaxINg
aRomaThERapy EssENcE, “dEcléoR” EssENTIal oIl sERum: €52, moIsTuRIsINg mIlk: €23, “fER a chEval” hoTEl. 25 - vah
“WoodEN boW & aRRoW”: €24, bécassINE. 26 - hEaRT cushIoN: €85, décoRaTIoN TIssoT NavaRRo. 27 - supERlIghT
quIlT JackET, 100% NaTuRal fEaThERs: €329, colmaR. 28 - TERRacoTTa by J.balloNI: €1,900, 1864 aNTIquITés...
Our Thanks TO The “Fer à Cheval” hOTel.
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28
25
27
49
26

shoppINg
15 - almoNd macaRooN, fREsh RaspbERRy & bouRboN vaNIlla moussE: paTIssERIE - “compToIR du pèRE soTIEu” TEa
shop. 11 - sWaRovskI kEy RINg “vINyl & cRIsTal x RougEs: €49, “Thomas sabo” sIlvER bRacElET: €298, bouTIquE
chIc alTITudE.
50
15
11

14
16
14 - cRIsTal hEaRT pENdaNTs “apaRTmENT foR RENT”: €95 Each, folkloRE bIJoux. 20- TEa poT: €60, poTERIE péNélopE.
16 - cashmERE Rock, coNfIdENcE cachEmIRE. 10 - “chocolaTE” hEaRT boxEs, fouRNIl dE mEgèvE.
20
10
51

WEll-bEINg
IN lovE
To ThE TIps
mEgèvE, aN ExcEpTIoNal vIllagE by dEfINITIoN,
has a NumbER of spas, bEauTy INsTITuTEs,
haIRdREssINg saloNs, pERfumE shops aNd
EvEN sEvERal pRofEssIoNals Who comE To
youR homE foR TREaTmENTs foR boTh mEN
aNd WomEN. hENcEfoRTh a REvoluTIoNaRy
dyNamIc WIll ENablE couplEs To folloW ThEIR
WEll-bEINg aNd bEauTy TREaTmENTs TogEThER.
Advertising campaigns are increasingly showing men that
there are a number of products created especially for their skin,
and that well-being can also be conjugated in the masculine.
They no longer have to content themselves with standard
products with slightly feminine fragrances, or to stand by
and watch while women care for the needs of their bodies.
Esthetical treatments for men are becoming a part of
everyday life and no longer represent a niche, but an
exponential market. The village’s dozen or so institutions,
salons and spas bear witness : “More and more men are asking
for facials, muscle relaxation after skiing or well-being treatments”.
The days of confusing the genders are over, as taking care of
oneself is no longer just a feminine notion… To meet the
needs of this growing demand, the professionals no longer
hesitate to propose made to measure formulas to this new
clientele. Skin cleansing for men, facials based on specific
ointments, algae body wrappings, manicures, sport or comfort
massages. However the institutes are the first to consider that
men need more intense massages : “We do a lot of facial treatments,
hair removing and manicures, but we prefer to recommend
our clientele to go to physiotherapists for massages”. So ladies
and gentlemen, you have heard correctly, it is possible to go
to these institutes and spas together and take advantage of
“à la carte” treatments, alone or in duo, to get the maximum
out of romantic holidays for two in the mountains.
Johana Trossat
52
of
their fingers

WEll-bEINg
AlPAgA
dedicated to well-being and
serenity, this intimate spa, entirely
in stone, has 2 treatment cubicles,
a Turkish bath, a fun pool and a
fitness studio ensuring relaxation
and pleasure.
hôtel alpaga
74, allée des marmousets
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 91 48 70
www.lodgemontagnard.com
Anti-Age technologY
the “PARfuMeRie de
MegèVe“
Technology of International
repute bringing a flawless
service tailored to your needs
combined with the know-how
that has guaranteed our
reputation for decades.
The “parfumerie de megève”:
highly skilled treatments with
the most prestigious carita
selection, crème de la mer,
kanebo, prairie, valmont.
a privileged moment to pay
tribute to the passing years in
comfort and pleasure….
place de l’église
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 21 25 38
www.parfumerie-megeve.com
AQuAfloRès hoMesPA
a cosyspa moment in your home
or one of the registered
aquaflores hotels.
aqua bike hire and happy’florès
Evenings: vIp spa bubbles!
health’sense comes to you:
specialists at your service
(physiotherapist, hairdresser,
beauty therapist, sports coach).
Experience the biomineralp
treatments with the aquaflorès
product line “glacier Waters”,
100% natural, active and
certified organic. personalised
procedures: high performance:
slimming, the ultimate technique.
Essentials: massages tailored to
your personal requirements from
€34, health’sense assessment,
treatments for the body, face and
hair, manicure, hair removal (halflegs
+ bikini + underarms) from
€38*, short haircut from €22…
conditions: upon request.
original: aqua tennis, Nutriblu,
pilates.
54
54
cures of 2 to 6 days: back
health, happy mum and
Wedding packages.
all year, 7/7 at your home,
order our packages and gift
vouchers on www.homespa.pro
Tel: + 33 (0)6 16 30 16 36
ARboisie sPA
The latest edition to the spas of
megève, blending well being and
gentleness for moments of intense
relaxation. body and facial
treatments, specific programs...
hôtel l’arboisie
541, route du gollet
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 55 35 90
www.hotel-arboisie-megeve.com
beAutY woRKshoP
chAlet du Mont
d’ARbois
The spa at the 5* chalet du
mont d’arbois is a unique venue.
chantal and her team offer
massages and rituals from
different countries all over the
World, together with a wide
range of astounding and high
performance treatments using the
anne semonin aromatherapy line
and the new kéraskin active
ingredients.
The focus is on slimming treatments.
Treatments to measure, based
uniquely on high-performance
manual techniques of guaranteed
efficiency and having a real
impact on the body:
- The martine de Richeville body
remodelling technique;
- The kéraskin Esthetics
morphologist ritual;
- The chalet special to measure
with its palpate & roll massage.
our massages from around the
World are accompanied by
hatha yoga, the energy yoga,
guaranteeing harmony of the
mind and body. The spa team,
with their well-defined specialities
will bring you moments of wellbeing
and deep relaxation.
possibility of duo massages.
chalet du mont d’arbois
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 21 09 18
www.domainedumontdarbois.com
cARole RAVieR - beAutY
tReAtMent
a professional in beauty and well
being who also pampers you
with treatments in your home.
personalised and specific treatments,
latest generation facials,
energetic modeling, reflexology.
Tel. +33 (0)6 13 80 73 63
www.megeve-esthetique-etmodelages.com
decléoR sPA At
the feR À cheVAl
discover aromatherapy the
decleor way and the powers
of essential oils on the skin and
mind. unique, with 450 m 2 , the
fer à cheval spa is waiting to
pamper you with treatments
and massages in 6 treatment
rooms, of which 2 are double.
swimming pool, sauna, Turkish
bath, fitness room, yoga lessons,
aqua bike, coach on request…
hotel le fer à cheval
36, route du crêt d’arbois
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 30 39
www.feracheval-megeve.com
en PARAllèle
centre for energy-giving treatments,
comprising 3 treatment rooms
and 4 therapists:
bi-aura therapy, multi-level
healing, Touch body harmony,
plantar reflexology or massage,
Reiki des anges, sophrology.
2, allée du sporting de Rochebrune
Tel. +33 (0)6 12 22 80 81
esPRit coAch
The “Esprit coach” team bring
the spa atmosphere into your
home or holiday residence.
massages from around the
World, facial and body
treatments tailored to your
personal requirements, coaching,
aqua gym, hairdressing…
Exceptional treatments based
on organic essential oils
regenerate your being thanks to
a complete range of personalized
services lavished on you by
qualified professionals.
With 8 years experience in home
services, the Esprit-coach team
offers a brand new range of

personalised treatments this year:
hotcold slimming massages…the
special skier’s massage…
treatments from asia and the alps.
open throughout the year 7/7 -
at your home and by
appointment.
1592 route de lady
Tel. +33 (0)6 28 32 56 93
espritcoachmegeve.fr
flocons de sel
The new “flocons de sel” has a
spa offering innovative beauty
treatments, reflections of the
chef’s gastronomic cuisine.
a tribute to the savours and
colours of the mountains, the
fun themed treatments are
inspired by the aromatic
ingredients used in the “flocons
de sel” restaurant
1775, Route du leutaz
Tel.+33 (0) 4 50 21 49 99
www.floconsdesel.com
Meg’Accueil
activities department. good
health all year. gym,
aquagym, pilates, stretching
and Relaxation. one session
rates, or subscriptions from
€6,50.
Information and reservations:
sports centre
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 59 09
megaccueil.activites@megeve.fr
sYlVie feRRe PilAtes
Method
The pilates method makes it
possible to carry out a sporting
activity with gentle, yet efficient
graceful movements, combining
muscular reinforcement,
mobilization, stretching and
relaxation.
Individual session, possibility of
a package of several sessions,
at your home, upon request or
at the studio.
sylvie ferre - pilates method
coach (pilate Institute graduate)
Tel. +33 (0)6 09 49 64 37
sylvie.ferre@adeli.biz
“le PRiVilege”
Thalgo facial and body
treatments. lpg-cellu,
m6 keymodule (2)s latest
generation, body (lipomodeling)
and facial (liftmodelling),
hammam, uv, balneo,
massages, modelling,
treatments using hot stones.
New: “memoire oceane”
(ocean memory) marine
emotion spa ritual: sea salt
and seaweed petal scrub
and new modelling vital with
a mineral pouch and energising
massage oil.
déclic weightloss package:
€436
destination beauty week:
5 treatments €177
package of 3 remineralising
treatments: €107
relaxation week: €479
anti-age treatment: €415
open all year round.
Impasse du sorbier
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 45 25
www.leprivilege-megeve.com
VieuX Moulin sPA
the “VieuX Moulin”
beAutY And well-being
centRe
“massage is an art, a sacred
dance”.
harmony and serenity in a
spa dedicated to the awakening
of the senses.
Enjoy the benefits of our
professionals’ expertise in the
realm of well-being and beauty:
creative massage with organic
plant oils, ayurveda massage,
foot reflexology, Thai, Tibetan
ritual. at the “vieux moulin”,
facial treatments and body
cocooning, 100% organic by
vitacology, auto-make up lessons
as each woman has their own
beauty secrets just waiting to be
revealed.
body care, slimming cures,
body hair removal, manicure,
feet beauty,
sauna, balneo-therapy.
hôtel le vieux moulin
188, rue ambroise martin
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 91 90 46
www.vieuxmoulin.com
PuRe Altitude
spa and range of treatments
derived from organic
dermacosmetics, based on
Edelweiss, alpine flowers and
natural ingredients for intense
skin regeneration and a radiant
complexion.
personalised and original
rituals, rare massages, out of the
ordinary procedures:
“Radiant frost” or “himalayan
Rose” facial treatments (from
€58): “mineral Elixir” or “White
as snow” body treatments
(from €112).
“Energy giving alpine massage”,
kansu massage.
programmes from 2 to 6 days,
from €358.
body wrappings, hydrotherapy,
cellu m6 keymodule, g5,
treatments for the hair and
body.
les fermes de Marie
chemin de Riante colline
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 93 03 10
hôtel Mont blanc
place de l’Eglise
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 20 02
le lodge Park
100, rue d’arly
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 93 05 03
www.sibuethotels-spa.com
www.pure-altitude.com
55 55

RENcoNTRE
56

mEgèvE,
a cRadlE
of
love stories
aNd If ThIs hEavENly dEcoR Was JusT madE foR faIRy
TalEs aNd lENT ITsElf To WRITINg ThE mosT bEauTIful
lovE sToRIEs. aNd If ThIs ENvIRoNmENT, WoRThy
of pIcTuRE books, Was To blENd WITh ThE bIRTh of
passIoNs.
When dreams and reality merge into one, such was the music score
composed in Megève between Francine and Sacha Distel. Born
Bréaud, Francine had discovered the joys of skiing in the village
during her childhood. It was to Megève that she then came to ski in
January. It was also in Megève that she met the love of her life, on the
Rochebrune gondola. It is in Megève that we love to believe that
everything is possible. As it is in the village that the lovely Francine
married Sacha Distel, the show business star who broke the hearts of
all the girls. Mind you, from the moment they met in January 1961,
he only had eyes for her and she for him! A love story that was to last
for over 40 years, for the better and for the worst! They took their
vows in January 1963 at the town hall of Megève. The ski champion
and the singer wanted to be wed in the utmost discretion but, on
leaving, an archway of ski poles and the flashing lights of photographers
were waiting for them. The young and naïve bride discovered a world
that she would have to learn to get accustomed to.
57

ENcouNTER
a RomaNTIc Idyll
Was boRN
“Our meeting was a real case of love at first sight!
Until that moment this feeling had been unfamiliar to
me. We had only been together for a few weeks when
Sacha had to leave for a tour in Brazil. He asked me
to go with him and I accepted, me, the young, well
brought up and convent educated young lady, and
from then on we were never apart”.
58
A romantic idyll was born. Megève as the backdrop
had really engraved the memory of its heritage. The
village had inspired the couple, and then their family,
to be loyal to the resort. As Francine feels a profound
love for the village that she has transmitted to her
three children. Her son, Julien, and his wife live in
Megève where their children go to school, a school
that Julien and his brother laurent know very well,
because they too went there between christmas and
Easter when they were young boys. In her book,
“l’amour n’est pas simple “ (“love is not simple”),
published in 2007 by Jc lattès, Francine Distel
recalls the story of her life, her universe, both
wonderful and complicated at the same time, and
recounts the most beautiful memories of this love.
like an invitation to happiness and with much
generosity she gives an account of the different
strategies that enabled her to preserve her universe
despite her sorrows and keep her love intact forever.
Johana Trossat

EsT of ThE alps
chamonix Mont-Blanc, cortina d’Ampezzo, Davos,
Garmisch-partenkirchen, Grindelwald, kitzbühel,
lech/Zürs am Arlberg, Megève, St. Anton am Alberg,
Saint Moritz, Seefeld and Zermatt. Well known tourist
destinations, places appreciated for their natural quality,
blending perfectly into the surroundings with the
splendid association of conserved traditions, and taking
progress into account carefully. These twelve alpine sites,
rare and precious have joined together.
busINEss TouRIsm
combining the useful, the pleasant,
work and detail, megève with its
infrastructure is perfect for organising
corporate seminars, meetings and
events.
AlP’incentouR
maison de la montagne
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 58 66 70
contact@alpincentour.com
www.alpincentour.com
PKRi
Rue d’arly
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 58 39 42
megeve@pk-rivoyages.com
www.pk-rivoyages.com
Red sKi oRgAnisAtion
176, rue de la poste
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 21 00 97
redskiorganisation@megeve-ski.com
www.rso-megeve.com
MegèVe RéseRVAtion
Information
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 21 57 24
charlottes.nuques@megeve.com
www.groupes.megeve.com
Why?
To be the best winter sport’s champions and summer
mountain resorts, to show and guarantee together the
greatest tourist quality. Because they are lucky to be
situated in the heart of one of the most magnificent
landscapes on this Earth, and to benefit from an
international recognition. They are the ambassadors of
the Alps.
59

skI TouRINg
puRE
skiing
WhEN skI TouRINg, you caN foRgET ThE cRoWds aT ThE skI lIfTs aNd ENJoy ThE
magIc of ThE mouNTaINs. gREaT, buT hoW caN WE lEaRN ThE plEasuREs of ThIs
NaTuRE oRIENTaTEd spoRTs dIscIplINE IN complETE sEcuRITy? JEaN gadolET, mouNTaIN
guIdE, INvITEs you To “puT oN youR skINs” aT ThE gaTEWay To mEgèvE. oN ThE
pRogRammE: calm, ThE gREaT ouTdooRs aNd a fEElINg of ToTal fulfIlmENT.
Ski touring is not only good for the body, but also
for the mind… with the stipulation that you start in
the best conditions. First recommendation : equip
yourself lightly by renting your equipment – skis,
shoes, skins, and poles – from a specialist. Not
forgetting the irreplaceable and essential trio : “ARvA
(avalanche beacon, echo-location device), shovel and
probe” which are essential should there be a snow
slide. Whenever possible, we don’t hesitate to use
the ski lifts before starting our ascent : the descent
will be even longer! last point : before leaving, take
the advice of a mountain professional to choose an
itinerary and always abstain from ski touring if the
risk of avalanche is too great.
Here is a tour without difficulties or dangers with, as
a bonus, a lovely reward at the summit: a magnificent
view over the Mont-Blanc mountain range. From
WINTER
favouRITE
in need of A snow-shoe
tReKKing bReAK?
60
the centre of Megève, head in the direction of the
Rochebrune gondola and take the “Route du Bouchet”
to the station. park in the car park that is the starting
point of the tour (1,836 meters). put your skis on
and follow the snow-covered road that climbs to the
chevan “Alpage” passing by the Fontanettes, the
Tête, and the Stiard. At chevan (1,620 m) go up
southwards to the point marked “1,836” on the map.
Then following a quite steep wall (heading east) you
reach the final gentle slopes that lead to the summit
(2,139 m). After the effort of climbing up, now’s the
moment to enjoy the downhill skiing. Two choices: go
down by the same route as you came up by or via the
chavannes cirque.
Total altitude difference : 720 m
Time: 2 h / 2 h 30
IGN Map : 35310T Béryl Ziegler
from €205 per person for a 3 nights in a 2*
hotel and 2 half-days of snowshoe trekking with
a guide. offer valid from the 7th January to the
4th february 2012 and from the 10th march to
the end of the season.
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 21 29 52
www.megeve-reservation.com

NaTuRE sENsaTIoNs
MountAin guides’
office
ski touring: excursions of a
1/2 day, day or several days
with nights in a mountain refuge.
snowshoe hiking on a
glacier: discover the «mer de
glace» glacier and the «col
du géant».
snowshoes: half-day and
day trek to discover the natural
environment, animal wildlife
and landscapes; nocturnal
hikes and outings under
starlight.
from 10 years old.
maison de la montagne
76, rue a. martin
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 55 11
www.guides-megeve.com
dog sledding
AdVentuRes
as a family, with your children
or friends, we have several
formulas to offer.
discover the sport - 1h*: €60
basic principles of dogsled
driving ½ day*: €110
Night time outing: € 75
canadian trapper style evening
on request (* for adults and
children from the age of 12.)
more information and booking
only by mail at:
montduvillard@aol.com
gift vouchers are available on
www.montduvillardnord.com
Tel/fax: +33 (0)4 50 21 37 03
AdVentuRe PARK
a multitude of activities in the
heart of the forest, climb up
high, swing from tree to tree
and put your body and
courage to the test in total
security.
from 5 to 10 years old: special
level. please book in advance
adult: €25 Junior: €17
children: €10
cote 2000 aventure
mobile: +33 (0)6 76 29 71 04
www.cote2000aventure.com
loPs & tReKs
signposted tracks will guide
you through snow-covered
fields and fir trees.
Tired? The non-skier pass
makes your ascension easier
thanks to the ski lifts.
hungry? The mountain
restaurants are waiting for you
during your trek to eat a pela
ordiots de savoie. map on
request at megève Tourisme.
PAintbAll
an unforgettable experience!
2 paintball sites in the middle
of the cote 2000 forest with
7 different game scenarios for
1 to 2 hrs of fun.
admission, supervision and
equipment: €25/pers
with 100 units.
for an extra 100: €5 and €15
for 400.
open every day for reservation
from 9am to 10pm from
12 years old.
capacity of 1 to 40 persons.
group or seminary prices:
please ask us.
paintball experience
Just before the altiport take the
road on the right
Route de la cote 2000 (at the
foot of the airfield)
Tel: +33 (0)6 09 81 31 17
www.paintballexperience.net
iMegève
The imegève application makes life in megève even easier,
giving your smartphone access to a maximum of themed and
geo-localised information: the current week’s events, cultural
activities, for families and children, shopping, bars and
discotheques, spa and well-being, local products and produce,
partner restaurants and hotels, good deals and reductions…
m.megeve.com
61

cRoss-couNTRy skIINg
at heart
fITNEss
IN mEgèvE WE lovE opEN-aIR spoRTs acTIvITIEs. aNd cRoss-couNTRy oR NoRdIc skIINg Is
oNE of ThE bEsT Ways of gETTINg ExERcIsE. bEcausE ThIs ENduRaNcE spoRT Is as good
as all ThE caRdIo-TRaININg sEssIoNs IN ThE WoRld. NoT suRpRIsINg ThEN ThaT IT aTTRacTs
moRE aNd moRE folloWERs.
For years Alpine skiing has taken the limelight, but
cross-country skiing is finally getting its revenge, as
Skiers are now rediscovering the pleasures of this
winter sport that is coming back into fashion. We have
to admit that cross-country skiing has more than one
advantage. Open to everyone, it attracts nature lovers
as much as sporty types looking for physical effort, or
even performance.
Endurance, cross-country skiing is in fact one of the
most complete sports there is, as it uses every major
muscle group. “It is the best cardio-training session
that you can do, helping to strengthen the heart,
improve respiration and endurance. Not forgetting the
good it does for the abdominal muscles, arms, thighs
and legs”, explains Thierry porret, cross-country
62
skiing instructor in Megève. But before throwing
yourself onto the prepared trails, it is important
not to jump certain stages. Beforehand it is best to
prepare physically with running sessions or abdominal
exercises. We would even advise beginners to have
a few initiation lessons. Once on the tracks it is
preferable to start with a relatively easy and short
trail, then increase the intensity and the degree of
difficulty progressively over the following days. At the
end of each session, remember to do a few stretching
exercises to relax the muscles and drink a lot of water
for an easier recovery.
A complex physical sport, cross-country skiing
is equally a pleasure sport where there is no room
for monotony, as there are several methods of doing

this activity. Other than the traditional technique called “classic”
where you progress in parallel grooves or tracks cut into the snow,
you can also opt for “skate skiing”, where the skis are in a v
position. Not forgetting Biathlon, a combination of skiing and rifle
shooting. In Megève all the different versions of cross-country
skiing are possible, and on 50 km of trails. The favourite site is
still the livraz, which benefits from a good snow-cover and a wide
variety of trails. Optimum conditions for embarking on exercise
with family or friends!
Stéphanie Pioud
nordic ski initiation (free)
biathlon discovery and initiation
from 5:30 pm to 7 pm at the pré st amour, opposite the
bus station.
mondays 19th and 26th december 2011
mondays 13th, 20th and 26th february 2012
monday 5th march 2012
bIaThloN: mEgèvE hITs
ThE bull’s EyE
since the french biathlon team’s victories in bursts in the
vancouver Winter games last year, biathlon has the wind in
its stern. a very complete sport, it is a combination of
physical effort, skill and extreme concentration. moreover,
it is still open to everyone, even children from 7 years. There
are so many reasons to discover this rather atypical sport.
besides, the megève Esf is one of the rare ski schools in france
to have two shooting ranges (10 meters and 50 meters) on
the livraz site. Initiation lessons are proposed throughout
the winter and even during the summer by experienced Esf
instructors and the megève cross-country skiing club, where
there are lessons for both beginners and the more
experienced.
cRoss couNTRy skIINg
some splendid, skating or classic trails
will take you all the way along the
resort’s 38 km (24 miles) of marked
pistes.
odier/plaine d‘arly: 5 km (3 miles)
cassioz-praz sur arly: 5 km (3 miles)
mont d‘arbois-Encraty: 10 km (7 miles)
la livraz-cote 2000: 18 km (11 miles)
The mont d’arbois, plaine d’arly and
cassioz loops are free of access.
cross-country ski pass for sale at the
first-aid post.
chalet la livraz
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 47 52
Insurance «carte neige» licence for
sale at the sport’s club.
Iso 14001
Megève a breeding ground
for environmental high quality
having obtained, since 2007, the
Iso 14001 certification, megève
Tourisme created the event. megève’s
structure can, in effect, boast for
becoming the first certified office.
zoom into the «environmental service»
standard. published in 1996, the standard
Iso 14001 is an international standard
applied to all types of organisations
whatever their size or activity.
The concept of this Iso 14001 standard
lays on the continued improvements of
the environmental performances.
The certification includes notably an
understanding of environmental activities,
the definition of an ecological policy
and controlled procedures. These
criterias are drastic, but on the other
hand, the Iso 14001 standard adds
a strong credibility to our partners,
accommodation owners and shop
keepers. In the offices of megève
Tourisme, everyone is already aware
of the environmental impact issues.
The Iso 14001 standard was firstly
felt like a company project and a
challenge for all. a reduction in water
and energy consumption, ecological
light bulbs and insulating doors,
possibility of downloading the
«megève magazine» on usb keys,
reducing printing, recycled paper
for all documents... there is no limit to
ecological procedures.
Béryl Ziegler
63

hEIghTs
flYing
MegèVe cote 2000
AltiPoRt
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 33 67
AéRociMe
discovery and sightseeing flights
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 03 21
www.aerocime.com
AéRo-club
pilot training school, for
mountain flying qualification
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 33 67
Mont-blAnc helicoPteRs
megève valley (10mn) from
€70/pers
chamonix valley (20mn) from
€140/pers
mont blanc Tour (30mn) from
€190/pers
links with airports and other
resorts
heli-ski and parachute jump
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 92 78 00
www.mbh.fr
64
PARAgliding
AA hAut Vol
ski, mountain first flight: €65
souvenir diploma awarded
after the flight.
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 46 01
mobile: +33 (0)6 11 11 95 29
bAPteMe PARAPente
specializing in maiden flights
for 20 years. a dream come
true, for all ages from 7 to 77.
maiden flight: €65
performance flight: €85
Tandem piloting lessons
(3 flights): €180
family and groups rates.
Tel. +33 (0)6 62 13 27 71
www.megeve-parapente.com
MountAin guides‘
office
first Tandem flight
½ day and day initiation.
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 55 11
www.guides-megeve.com
MegèVe AdVentuRe -
PARAgliding
Three instructors at your
disposal to discover tandem
flying with 0% «carbon
gas emissions», and 100%
«thrill emissions». several
different formulas proposed -
paragliding maiden
flight - initiation with dualcontrol
(3 or 6 flights).
Tel. +33 (0)6 82 01 68 40
www.megeve-aventure.fr
hot AiR bAlloon
flights
AlPes MontgolfièRe
open all year round, on
reservation.
673, route du val d’arly
praz sur arly
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 55 50 60
www.alpes-montgolfiere.fr

weather
mouNTaIN
IN hauTE-savoIE ThE
Top spEcIalIsT IN
mouNTaIN WEaThER Is
yaN gIEzENdaNNER.
WEaThER foREcasTER
foR all ThE mouNTaIN
RaNgEs IN ThE
WoRld, hE Is also a
WEaThERmaN aT ThE
chamoNIx foREcasT
offIcE, WhERE hE has
covEREd ThE ENTIRE
dEpaRTmENT’s WEaThER
foR 35 yEaRs.
aIR
Megève, being an important tourist centre in Haute-Savoie benefits from a
specific programme that comes out every six hours giving temperature forecasts
for five days. This information is sent to the Tourist Office and village of
Megève. pierre Jond from the village’s Technical Services Department measures
the temperature, the wind, the rain or snowfall and the cloud cover every day of
the year. Nicolas Maboux and patrick Dousset, ski patrol and maintenance men,
use probes to find out the depth of the snow cover throughout the winter so that
we can be forewarned of avalanches. The weather forecast is indispensable and
irreplaceable for those who do mountaineering or hiking sports. In winter it is
also useful in other areas. Starting with snow clearing in the streets, the upkeep
and maintenance of ski slopes and lifts, and triggering off avalanches. “Weather
forecasts make it easier for holidaymakers to choose their activities and get
the most out of their stay! yan informs us, “Our forefathers made do but today
we like to take maximum advantage of the weather;” If it is true that there is a
change in the climate, according to yan it is not irreversible. “We could easily
return to the much colder and snowier winters of the past; I am convinced that it
is simply a question of weather cycles.” There have always been large variations
in the temperatures in Haute Savoie. The good news is that Megève, being
situated in a wide and thus sunny, open valley, benefits from a microclimate that
also means a special snow cover, with milder temperatures.
Marie-Christine Hugonot
65

spoRTs
a gREaT
dive ahead!
66
ThE INauguRaTIoN of ThE NEW
fITNEss aREa IN apRIl 2011 sET
ThE complETE REsTRucTuRINg
of mEgèvE’s spoRTs aNd
coNgREss cENTRE IN moTIoN,
commENcINg WITh ThREE fIRsT
sTagEs: RENovaTIoN of ThE
INdooR ThEN ThE ouTdooR
pools aNd ThE cREaTIoN of
a balNEo-fITNEss cENTRE. a
hugE pRoJEcT pREsENTEd To us
by pascal sIRop, ThE pREsENT
maNagER of ThE complEx.
Megève Magazine: How do you present the renovation project of
the nautical centre?
Pascal Sirop: During the summer of 2011 the renovation of the indoor
nautical centre will allow us, in a short time, to study carefully the
different pools fitted with stainless steel 316l, a material that is very
pleasant to the touch, easier to look after and will enable us to envisage
shorter closing periods and thus gain between three and four weeks
each year, allowing us to open for 350 days! The natural pools,
overflowing and with the colour of a torrent will be more aesthetic
and even more attractive. After renovating the centre we will be able
to offer a 25 meter pool, fitted with depth contours or “équiprofondeur”
at a depth of two meters along the entire length, quicker and better
adapted to sports swimming, and a smaller pool with a zone for aqua
gym 1m 30 deep, and a shallow “baby swimmer” zone heated to 32°c.
MM: How will the nautical centre operate this winter?
Pascal Sirop: This year we are starting something new: a prolonged
opening of the outdoor Olympic pool after the summer, throughout
the winter, with the water heated to between 28°c and 30°c and
accessible by an airlock passage. It is a testing phase that inaugurates
the future installations.
MM: What are the next stages in the renovation of the Nautical Centre?
Pascal Sirop: This first phase precedes a complete restructuring
operation of the Sports and congress centre which plans the renovation
of the outdoor Olympic pool in stainless steel with varying depths,
notably of over 3 meters to make it easier to do an activity that has
become very important in Megève: diving. The new pool which will
also include a more shallow area for children, will be heated to 28°c
in the winter thanks to energy given off when making ice for the
skating rink. The restructuring also anticipates the creation of outdoor
balneo-fitness pools, the renovation of the beach and a new layout
for the Sports Spa: an area of 400 m² which could be accessible
independently from the nautical centre. The global idea is to offer
sports and relaxation swimming activities throughout the year.
Alexandre Mollard

VillAge centRAl oPen AiR
ice RinK
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 23 77
olYMPic ice RinK
dimensions: 60 x 30 m.
musical animation, Nocturnal.
swiMMing Pools
Indoor pool 25 x 12.5
children’s pool 12.5 x 12.5
sauna, hammam, lessons.
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 59 09
cliMbing wAll
equipment not provided
access exclusively for those
accompanied by a guide.
fitness centRe
indooR tennis couRt
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 15 71
palais@megeve.fr
http://palais.megeve.fr
the MegèVe PAss*
UnLImITEd Snow
a zero limit ski pass that gives you access to
the 445 km of ski runs that make up the Evasion
mont blanc skiing area. Needless to say, you
won’t be bored. Not forgetting that, with the
megève pass, the pleasure continues after skiing,
as it also gives you access, without moderation,
to cultural and sports activities at the sports and
congress centre, including unlimited admission
to the swimming pool, ice rink, body building
(minimum age 15), table tennis and media library.
With the megève pass, you have all the pleasure
without counting the cost.
* offer reserved for holders of an Evasion ski
pass, paying for 6 to 16 days, bought in megève
and only during the period from 8 th January to
4th february andfrom 11 th march to the end ofthe
winter season.
on sale at ski lift selling points
www.skiamegeve.com
spoRTs aNd coNgREss cENTRE
diVing
diving school at the sports centre
swimming pool throughout the year and
diving into the lake from april. Try a diving
baptism and make your first bubbles alone
with an instructor: €30 for 30 minutes.
Initiation sessions in small groups
(max 4 pers), individual lessons-getting
back to scratch or perfection, lessons for
ssI specialities, rescue and life-saving training
sessions and diving in waterproof wetsuits.
professional instructors, sEa centre
(scubapro Education association), school
registered with ffEssm/cmas, aNmp/
cEdIp and ssI (scuba schools International).
la plongée d’en haut
Tel. +33 (0)6 83 73 96 81
www.plongee-megeve74.fr
67

mEgèvE polo masTERs
FROM 19 TO 22 JANUARY,
ThE polo masTERs Is a
REal lovE sToRy: ThaT
of a maN – JEaN-yvEs
dElfossE – foR a spoRT;
ThaT of a maN foR hIs
soNs – maThIEu aNd
clémENT – aNd ThaT of
aN oRgaNIsER foR a
REsoRT – mEgèvE.
EvENTs
lovE hoRsEs To bITs!
On the 19 th , 20 th and 21 st January 1996, Jean-yves Delfosse organised the first
“International Snow polo Trophy” in Megève, transposing the know-how and
professionalism that had already proved their worth in Saint-Tropez. Megève,
the pioneer, thus became the first resort in the French Alps to host such a
competition. By transmitting his passion for polo to his sons – young players
with impressive winner’s lists – and to the general public, and by remaining
loyal to Megève, Jean-yves Delfosse was able to create a convivial and festive
event where elegance and sportsmanship are the key words. The polo Masters
have become an essential and much awaited rendezvous… a unique show where
every match is a real performance… a remarkable and unique tournament
where each period is an authentic equestrian jousting match, a sometimes
fratricidal duel… an exceptional show that celebrates the beauty of the gesture,
the control and precision of the riders, the strength and the spirit of their
mounts, the beauty of these Argentinean criollo horses… an event full of thrills
and shivers, of discovery, of surprises and the unexpected… a friendly and
festive event where sport, emotion, adrenaline and charm are united together for
the better and for the style… an annual rejoicing to discover or rediscover with
delectation!
Alexandre Mollard
71

EvENTs
72
ThE gRaNd odyssEy
a sToRy
of mEN
aNd dogs
dog lovERs aRE gIvEN a RENdEz vous
oN ThE spoRTs cENTRE EsplaNadE IN
mEgèvE oN ThE 12 th And 13 th JAnuARY
To applaud ThE passagE of ThE gRaNd
odyssEy savoIE moNT-blaNc. sETTINg
ouT fRom ThE gRaNd massIf, ThE coNvoy
WIll cRoss ThE mosT bEauTIful skIINg
aREas IN ThE alps bETWEEN ThE 8 Th aNd
18 Th JaNuaRy.
“An event is born when the public appreciates it”,
Henri kam, president of the Grand Odyssey Savoie
Mont-Blanc, confides to us. And for eight years,
thousands of spectators have followed this competition
that unites men and dogs in a great sporting and
friendly adventure. During the race nearly 300 four
legged athletes provide the show over ten days or so.
At their side, the best mushers in the World guide the
teams with kindness. yet the route, the speed, the
snow conditions and the weather bring added
challenges. “A musher commits 14 dogs, for whom he
is entirely responsible, to the competition. He doesn’t
want them to come to any harm. These dogs are used
to taking part in competitions in the Far North, where
climatic conditions are hard, but where the terrain is
flat”, explains Henri kam. Here lies the great
difference with dog and sleigh racing in the
mountains. Here, the climate is less harsh,
particularly temperature levels. On the other hand, the
topography and the nature of the terrain is a tough
challenge for the teams of dogs and their masters. But
these latter, who cannot do enough to look after their
dogs : visits to the vet, massages, ointments and
booties to protect their pads, and of course a profusion
of caresses! They are ready to do anything out of love
for their dogs, acting like real rescuers. And if a dog is
injured, it usually finishes the race on a sleigh!
Evelyne Périnet Marquet

sNoW golf cup
sNoW golf cup
gREEN vEERs To WhITE,
ThE balls spIN RouNd
a gENERous golfINg
mENu Is aNNouNcEd
fRom ThE 2 nd to the
12 th febRuARY : TEN
days of compETITIoN
To pRovE, If NEEds bE,
ThaT ThERE Is NoThINg
ouT daTEd abouT
WINTER golf.
Slowly but surely snow golf has imposed itself to become one of the winter
season’s much awaited events. Winter golf has gone beyond the stage of being
a daring bet and won its place on the competition calendar. In this winter of 2012,
that of the twelfth edition, there will be a total of a week and a half of competitions,
all to be played on the Mont d’Arbois golf course.
The first balls will be hit on the 2nd February during the vacheron constantin
Snow Golf cup, a private competition. The under sixteens will then challenge one
another in the Snow Golf kids on Sunday, a prelude to the Megève Winter Golf
that will beat to the rhythm of several successive events. Finally, the ultimate day
of competition will be devoted to the 4th Amateur Snow Golf World championships.
Over the ten days some 500 golfing starts are expected, giving the spectators
as many opportunities to come and grasp the nuance between green and white.
Because the “greens” rechristened “whites” and the coloured balls contribute
to the fun aspect but are not everything. With their usual landmarks somewhat
blurred, the snow golfer needs to bring twice as much skill into play.
Tennis player Nicolas Escudé and rally driver Bruno Saby have already tried
out this sports discipline on Megève’s golf course, both with a certain success.
Pascal Arvin-Bérod
73

Essentiel diary
74
3
dEcEmbER
fRom saTuRday 3Rd Illumination of the Swarovski christmas
tree in the village square.
saTuRday 3Rd crazy Horse show
Since its creation this cabaret has
celebrated the beauty and sensuality
of women in an intimate and
sophisticated atmosphere.
ThuRsday 8Th Echos - liés show
fRom ThuRsday 8Th To suNday 11Th “Restos du cœur” children’s
christmas.
moNdays 19Th aNd 26Th Nordic Skiing and biathlon for
beginners
TuEsday 20Th 80th anniversary of the Sports centre.
TuEsdays 20Th aNd 27Th Ice Hockey for everyone.
Open-air ice rink.
saTuRday 24Th Arrival of Santa claus through
the village streets.
ThuRsday 29Th princess Sarah’s christmas.
Show on Ice.
saTuRday 31sT Grand torch lit processions with the
Ski School instructors.
JaNuaRy
19
fRom fRIday 6Th To suNday 8Th International curling Tournament.
“Sulpice” challenge.
ThuRsday 12Th aNd fRIday 13Th The Grand Odyssey Savoie Mont-Blanc.
Dog and sleigh race.
fRom ThuRsday 19Th To suNday 22Nd 17th Megève polo Masters.
An exceptional event of the utmost
elegance and at the height of tradition.
suNday 29Th cross-country skiing Grand prix.
“la Bûcheronne”.
Ski Mountaineering race
“la Montée de Megève de l’Allais”vertical
race.

2
fEbRuaRy
fRom ThuRsday 2 Nd
To suNday12 Th
12 th Megève Winter Golf Trophy
The traditional meeting that gathers
Snow Golfers has been made even
more attractive with 11 days of golf on
a course which is as exceptional as it
is prestigious: The Mont d’Arbois.
This packed 2012 edition has a
competition for everyone wishing
to test out their clubs.
fRom fRIday 10 Th
To suNday 12 Th
kandahar Masters FIS – Alpine Skiing
moNdays 13Th , 20Th aNd 27Th Nordic Skiing and biathlon for beginners
TuEsdays 14Th aNd 21sT Hockey for everyone.
Open-air ice rink.
WEdNEsday 22Nd young Mogul ski cup
fRIday 24Th The ESF (French Ski School)
celebrates its stars.
suNday 26Th French Mogul Ski cup.
Snow carnival.
18
maRch
fRIday 2Nd The ESF celebrates its stars.
moNday 5Th Nordic Skiing and biathlon for beginners.
ThuRsday 8Th Theatre, the “clan des Héritiers”.
fRom moNday 5Th To suNday 18Th Alpine Ski – FIS.
Men’s – downhill and super G.
fRom ThuRsday 8Th To suNday 11Th Megève High-Tech.
2nd edition of new technologies days,
sport and well-being products and
services.
suNday 18Th World cup Freestyle Final Dual Mogul Skiing
fRom moNday19Th To ThuRsday 22Nd 59th International Ski Tournament,
the 6 Nations.
fRom fRIday 23Rd To suNday 25Th 16th Bridge Festival.
fRom WEdNEsday 28Th To saTuRday 31sT 18th “coq d’or” (Golden cock) Ski Open.
1500 youngsters compete for a place on
the national programme, aiming for the
highest level.
13
apRIl
TuEsday 3Rd concert by the “pays de Savoie”
Orchestra.
saTuRday 7Th ESF (French Ski School) alpine ski
racing
suNday 8Th Sports club alpine ski racing
fRom fRIday 13Th To suNday 15Th 6th Sports Dance Open.
From the paso Doble to the Rumba,
all the standards and latin American
dances will be represented over the
weekend.
suNday 22Nd Skiing at the cote 2000.
For the last day of opening on the
slopes, the ski lifts are free.
75

Access
To mEgèvE
by caR
- 70km (43 miles) from Geneva - 180km
(112 miles) from lyon
- 272km (169 miles) from Milan -
600km (373 miles) from paris
- 760km (475 miles) from lille -
1000km (621 miles) from london
- calais / paris / Mâcon / Annecy /
Sallanches: A26 + A1 + A6 + A40
- lyon / chambéry / Annecy /
Sallanches: A43 + A41 + A40
- lyon / chambéry / Albertville: A43
+ A430
- Genève / Sallanches: A40
Trafic Information:
www.bison-fute.equipement.gouv.fr
Covered car parks:
1980 parking places
by TRaIN
Sallanches station: 12km (7 miles)
from Megève (terminus St Gervais les
Bains / le Fayet)
- TGv train from paris, change at
Annecy on weekdays. Direct weekend.
- Shuttle Bus service to resort from
Sallanches station
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 25 18
sat17@wanadoo.fr
www.sat-montblanc.com
- Shuttle bus service to resort
from Geneva’s bus station (The
«dorsière»square)
- Borini Bus - www.borini.com
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 18 24
- SNcF info and reservation
Tel: +33 (0) 892 35 35 35
www.voyages-sncf.com
- SNcF Megève Bus station
information and reservation on the spot
by TaxIs
Station - Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 28 20
Alain Taxi
Mobile: +33 (0)6 84 01 23 77
taximegeve@wanadoo.fr
www.taximegeve.com
76
MACON
LYON
PARIS
587km
VALENCE
MARSEILLE
SAINT-EXUPERY
AIRPORT
Alpine Taxi
Mobile:+33 (0)6 09 41 75 40
contact@alpine-taxi.com
www.alpine-taxi.com
Devesa Taxi - Tel: +33 (0)6 76 52 61 95
Jo le taxi - Mobile: +33 (0)6 09 42 05 00
Pascal Taxi
Mobile: +33 (0)6 09 31 51 30
www.pascal-taxi.com
TRaNspoRT aNd vEhIclE RENTal
les Transports du Mont-blanc
Mobile: +33 (0)6 84 71 02 07
ltmb.megeve@orange.fr - www.ltmb.fr
Transports Perinet G
Mobile: +33 (0)6 89 33 39 39
perinetgilbert@orange.fr
Europcar - Rental of cars, vans and 4x4
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 91 99 28
VIP limousines
luxury vehicle, 4x4, and mini bus
rental. possibility of a bilingual driver.
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 90 84 66
Tel: +33 (0)6 85 66 99 41
www.vip-limousines.fr
Palladium limousine
luxury vehicle and 4x4 rental.
possibility of a driver
590 rue charles Feige
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 78 07 80
info@palladiumlimousine.com
BORINI Buses - vehicle rental with
driver for 2 or more people.
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 18 24
borini@borini.com - www.borini.com
SAT Buses vehicle rental with driver
for 8 or more people
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 25 18
www.sat-montblanc.com
sat17@wanadoo.fr
GENEVA-COINTRIN AIRPORT
GENÈVE
ANNECY
CHAMBÉRY
le
Bourget
lake
Annecy
lake
GRENOBLE
NICE
ALBERTVILLE
FRÉJUS
TUNNEL
LEMAN LAKE
SALLANCHES
ZÜRICH
350km
CHAMONIX
MONT-BLANC
TUNNEL
TORINO
MILANO
mEg bus
Free shuttles for Rochebrune, Mont
d’Arbois, cote 2000, Jaillet, cassioz
and except for princesse.
by plaNE
Annecy’s Airport
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 27 30 06
www.annecy.aeroport.fr
Geneva’s International Airport
Megève: 70km - www.gva.ch
Tel Standard: +41 (0)22 717 71 11
France Reception Office
Tel: +41 (0)22 798 20 00
acc-france@bluewin.ch
www.accueil-france.org
lyon - Bron’s Airport
Business Aviation
Tel: +33 (0)4 78 26 81 09
www.bron-aeroport.fr
lyon - Saint Exupéry’sAirport
Tel: +33 (0)4 26 00 70 07
www.lyon.aeroport.fr
Megève
aIRpoRT lINks
BORINI buses
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 21 18 24
borini@borini.com - www.borini.com
Direct coach service by request
Mont-Blanc helicopters
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 92 78 00
info@mbh.fr - www.mbh.fr
AOSTE

MINEFI
TONS RECOMMANDÉS (4)
MIN_08_1926_RdVFrance_Cir
Doc livré le 04/12/2008
A NOUS RETOURNER SIGNÉE AVEC VOTRE ACCORD OU VOS CORRECTIONS
CYAN MAGENTA JAUNE NOIR
JFB
ACCORD DATE
CRÉATION
ÉCHELLE 1/1 - FORMAT D’IMPRESSION 100%
PRODUCTION
CONSULTANT
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CLIENT + QUALITÉ*
CARRÉ NOIR - 82, bd des Batignolles - 75017 Paris - FRANCE / Tél. : +33 (0)1 53 42 35 35 / Fax : +33 (0)1 42 94 06 78 / Web : www.carrenoir.com

INdEx
sPoRts
adventure park ............................. 32-61
altiport ............................................. 64
climbing ...................................... 27-67
cross-country ski .................. 26-27-33-63
day nursery / activity centre ............... 32
diving.......................................... 32-67
dogsledding ................................. 32-61
fitness .............................................. 67
helicopter .................................... 27-64
hiking ......................................... 27-61
hot-air balloon ................................... 64
Ice rinks ....................................... 32-67
mountaineering ................................. 27
Nautical centre ............................. 32-67
off-piste ski ....................................... 27
paint ball ..................................... 32-61
paragliding ....................................... 64
ski ..........................................25-26-27
ski lifts ......................................... 16-33
ski schools ...............................26-27-32
ski touring .................................... 27-61
sledges (children) .............................. 33
snowboard .................................. 26-27
snowshoe .................................... 27-61
Telemark ........................................... 27
Tennis ............................................... 67
Waidzai park big air bag................... 33
cultuRe & leisuRe
bridge .............................................. 43
casino .............................................. 37
cinema ............................................. 37
cooking lessons ................................. 37
heritage ........................................... 43
horse sleigh ...................................... 43
language courses ......................... 33-43
media library ............................... 33-43
museums...................................... 33-43
painting ............................................ 43
spa .........................................54-55-67
78
contacts
mEgèvE TouRIsm
Open every day from 9 am to 7 pm from the 17/12/ 2011 to the 31/03/ 2012
Open every day from 9 am to 12:30 pm and from 2 pm to 6:30 pm in April
Open every day, except Sundays and Bank Holidays, from 9 am to
12:30 pm and from 2 pm to 6:30 pm in October and November until
the 17/12 and in May.
During the autumn half-term holidays: open on Sundays 23 rd and
30 th October and Tuesday 1st November from 9am to 12:30 pm and
from 2 pm to 6:30 pm.
INfoRmaTIoNs
Bp. 24 - 74120 Megève
Tel : +33 (0)4 50 21 27 28 - Fax : +33 (0)4 50 93 03 09
megeve@megeve.com
www.megeve.com
accommodaTIoN - avaIlabIlITy
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 21 29 52
www.megeve-reservation.com
Accommodation brochure available at Megève Tourisme
Tourism partners
credits
EdIToR Megève Tourisme
EpIc (établissement public à caractère Industriel et commercial)
70, rue Monseigneur conseil - Bp 24 - 74 120 Megève - France
REpREsENTaTIvE Marithé crozet
publIcaTIoN dIREcToR Marithé crozet
dEsIgN aNd aRTIsTIc pRoducTIoN 360 EuRo Rscg
chIEf WRITER Flora Bornstein
WRITERs pascal Arvin-Bérod, Flora Bornstein, Evelyne périnet-Marquet,
Marie christine Hugonot, Johana Trossat, Alexandre Mollard, Béryl Ziegler,
Stéphanie pioud.
phoTogRaphERs Tristanshu.com, Daniel Durand/DDD, Agence Zoom,
lokigraf.com, Jp Noisillier/Nuts.fr, ludovic di Orio, philippe Gandelin, Simon
Garnier, Bionnassayimages.com, Thierry Guillot/le dauphiné, Eric Franceschi,
Henri Bureau/Gamma.
covER ludovic Di Orio, Robe - Boutique Faith connexion,
parure Mauboussin - Boutique chic Altitude
INTERIoR ludovic Di Orio, Boutique Avenue Montagne
pRINTEd by FOT Imprimerie - 69881 MEyZIEU
Issued July 2011 for winter 2011/2012
8 500 copies printed - please do not throw into the nature.
This document has no contractual value
REspoNsIblE aTTITudE
In keeping with Megève’s commitment to protecting the environment, this magazine
has been printed with vegetable-based inks, on paper made of 60% recycled pulp
and 40% pulp from sustainable managed forests. When you have finished with this
copy, please support our efforts by placing it in an appropriate paper recycling bin.

P.L.S BOUTIQUES EXCLUSIVES MEGEVE
29 Arcades du Mont Blanc +33(0)4.50.21.27.89
64 rue Ambroise Martin +33(0)4.50.91.80.43