Perhaps we’re just gluttons for punishment. Carrie Coon, Parker Posey and Lalisa Manobal haven’t even barely out of season three of The White Lotus but we can’t help wondering where Mike White’s deliciously dark jet-set drama might head next Season three of The White Lotus stars Parker Posey They want to go somewhere completely new since this season is in Asia ‘I can’t really say where we’re going to land Creator Mike White has also hinted at a potential change from the beach setting coming in the fourth season of the show. Speaking in an after-episode video feature I want to get a little bit out of the crashing waves of rocks vernacular but there’s always more room for more murders at the White Lotus hotels.’ ‘I'd bet $100,000 we don't end up in the cold next Mike just wouldn't want to be in the cold or some high society rutting on a Serengeti safari Could we see a Carrie Coon comeback on a camel ride Everyone who's anyone wants a role on The White Lotus and if you’re going to play the part of a doomed heiress you may as well spend your last hours in the lap of luxury… Courtesy of Four Seasons4/7Mexico CityOne too many mezcals and the cast of season four could well lose their heads in Mexico City. The local Four Seasons is a hacienda-style retreat in the heart of the buzziest of cities, a cocktail of modern manners and Aztec mythologies with more than a hint of hedonism. Close by to Paseo de la Reforma and Bosque de Chapultepec, the next stay at the White Lotus could be the most decadent yet. But those agave plants are looking awfully spikey… Courtesy of Four Seasons7/7CairoMurder on the Nile? Esoteric escapades could await on the banks of the world’s longest river if season four of The White Lotus sees the jet-set fly over to Egypt. Tutenkahmun’s curse, the mysteries of the pyramids, and an uber-stylish homage to Agatha Christie – what’s not to love? Five thousand years worth of history sit just outside the doors of Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, the only question that remains is who might play the modern-day Cleopatra? To receive new posts and to support independent ski journalism please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber subscribe for $5 per month in honor of ‘The Storm’s’ 5-year anniversary Share The Mountain Collective Pass, born in 2012 Aspen as a response to Vail’s Epic Pass, has always been a product of the West. Even entering year 12, its core masses along the towering, snowy Rockies, from Taos north to Colorado and Utah and Jackson and Big Sky, terminating with a loop around Canada’s Powder Highway. Seventeen destinations, 21 ski areas, some of the finest skiing in North America – or anywhere. For any destination ski pass, that would be enough. But like a luxe fashion emporium that sets up exclusively in Paris, NYC, and Tokyo, Mountain Collective has franchised its brand to the far-flung corners of the world: to Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, France. Chamonix, Niseko United, Valle Nevado, fabulous destinations that match well with Alta-Snowbird and Banff and Aspen-Snowmass. If only they weren’t so damn far away: Today, skiers are getting a little infill on the outskirts: Mountain Collective will add Megève, a sprawling ski kingdom just down the road from existing French partner Chamonix; and Sunday River, the widely adored multi-peaked ski bazaar two-ish hours south of sister resort – and longtime Collective partner – Sugarloaf. Even before today’s additions, the 2024-25 Mountain Collective roster was the largest in the pass’ history. Passholders get two days, with no blackouts, at 27 destinations: While Mountain Collective offers the smallest roster of any U.S.-based international multi-mountain pass today’s additions continue the coalition’s slow evolution into a low-budget particularly to the increasingly costly Ikon Pass By adding a fourth ski resort in eastern North America seated within driving distance of Boston and Montreal the pass offers plentiful weekend options for urban skiers with weeklong vacation gazes fixed west And a second Alps resort makes an overseas leap more palatable more because two ready-made destinations simplify logistics than provide economic benefits in Europe’s still humanely priced lift ticket market Here's a closer look at Mountain Collective’s two newest additions and how this resilient product stacks up against the larger Ikon Pass: Below the paid subscriber jump: everyone loves Sunday River Subscribe for $5 per month in honor of ‘The Storm’s’ 5-year anniversary The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast is a reader-supported publication subscribe for $5 per month in honor of \u2018The Storm\u2019s\u2019 5-year anniversary Share The Mountain Collective Pass, born in 2012 Aspen as a response to Vail\u2019s Epic Pass, has always been a product of the West. Even entering year 12, its core masses along the towering, snowy Rockies, from Taos north to Colorado and Utah and Jackson and Big Sky, terminating with a loop around Canada\u2019s Powder Highway. Seventeen destinations, 21 ski areas, some of the finest skiing in North America \u2013 or anywhere. For any destination ski pass, that would be enough. But like a luxe fashion emporium that sets up exclusively in Paris, NYC, and Tokyo, Mountain Collective has franchised its brand to the far-flung corners of the world: to Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, France. Chamonix, Niseko United, Valle Nevado, fabulous destinations that match well with Alta-Snowbird and Banff and Aspen-Snowmass. If only they weren\u2019t so damn far away: Today, skiers are getting a little infill on the outskirts: Mountain Collective will add Meg\u00E8ve, a sprawling ski kingdom just down the road from existing French partner Chamonix; and Sunday River, the widely adored multi-peaked ski bazaar two-ish hours south of sister resort \u2013 and longtime Collective partner \u2013 Sugarloaf. Even before today\u2019s additions, the 2024-25 Mountain Collective roster was the largest in the pass\u2019 history. Passholders get two days, with no blackouts, at 27 destinations: today\u2019s additions continue the coalition\u2019s slow evolution into a low-budget more because two ready-made destinations simplify logistics than provide economic benefits in Europe\u2019s still humanely priced lift ticket market Here's a closer look at Mountain Collective\u2019s two newest additions Subscribe for $5 per month in honor of \u2018The Storm\u2019s\u2019 5-year anniversary Megève was blanketed in snow every year without fail But with climate change taking hold across Europe the resort's low altitude — at barely 1,000m above sea level it's lower than Snowdon — the resort is at risk of soon having no snow Richard MacKichan finds out what they’re planning to do about it The French alpine town of Megève draws its name from the Celtic word meaning ‘village in the middle of the waters’ — bisected It had been not much more than a small hamlet with a storied church and cluster of agricultural holdings at the turn of the century but at the advent of the First World War it played host to a generous visitor Souring on her time in St Moritz across the Alps — owing mainly to its popularity with then-hostile Germans — French baroness and philanthropist Noémie de Rothschild found Megève to be much more hospitable A 1914 article in the French Alpine Club’s magazine had alerted Baroness de Rothschild — and many in high society — to the superior skiing on its panoramic slopes and she decided a resort must be built The early 1920s saw the opening of her sweeping hotel and a private Rothschild family chalet the first ski-specific cable car in France then erected in 1933 The area was swiftly frequented by the era’s great and good — ‘the 21st arrondissement of Paris’ writer Jean Cocteau himself a regular Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn were shooting Charade here earning Megève the honour of its own Henry Mancini theme on the soundtrack the Rothschild hotels remain and much of what makes up the rest of Megève is the work of Noémie’s anointed architect the godfather of the Savoyard chalet style So this ‘build it and they will come’ story has relied on a few things: wealth the white stuff is becoming less and less predictable An alarming 2022 report by the University of Basel predicted that resorts at Megeve’s level might have to shutter their lower slopes altogether and rely on artificial snow-makers to keep their higher ones in use Megève — embracing diversification and sustainably minded shifts — is becoming something of a bellwether for how it reacts to seasonal uncertainty Snowfall is certainly the talk of the town when I arrive the week before Christmas and begin the hour-ish ascent from Geneva (the relatively swift airport transfer is another tick in Megève’s ‘pro’ column) The preceding weekend had seen the first real dump of the year and although we’re at the very beginning of the season there is palpable relief following two quite patchy winters When I take a horse-drawn carriage ride through town by way of orientation my driver Michel fears a third might make people want to ‘abandon the station’ although quickly laments how chaotic the traffic gets when a busy season is in full swing the nature of ‘a season’ has been shifting somewhat across the travelsphere since the pandemic years School holidays might still dictate family trips and our collective embrace of more last-minute bookings has seen a shake-up of traditional surge times the seasonal shifts have been more radical After a hearty steak lunch at Le Café on Megève’s main square I walk west through the snow to L’Alpaga (above) for coffee with Camille Henri The hotel’s sales manager has lived and worked in the area for a number of years ‘We’re seeing more and more people coming in the summer,’ she explains ‘We’re not very high here so it can get very hot — every season we get to more than 30℃ People have discovered what the mountains in summer are.’ With some irony many visitors heading to the hills between June and September are doing so to avoid the now stifling temperatures of ever-hotter summers down at sea level L’Alpaga has also seen its winter guests skew a little younger and more open-minded sample the hotel’s Michelin-starred La Table restaurant or the growing gastronomy scene in general if the slopes aren’t at their snowy best the town has seen a notable jump in turnover from non-ski activities in recent years and many locals proudly mention La Palais the largest sports complex in the Alps which offers everything from climbing walls to thermal baths I decline the kind offer of a shuttle and decide to walk back across town as Christmas lights start to twinkle and the setting sun paints the peaks around Mont Blanc in pastel pinks and oranges is tucked into the tiny hamlet of Demi-Quartier and stands as an exemplar of UHNWI-tailored luxury — one of what the group’s stylish operations chief calls their ‘superyachts on land’ why-the-hell-not persuasion — booking when it snows But there’s plenty to distract either way: games room treatment rooms (I have maybe the best massage and facial of my life) and an army of staff chicly kitted out in polo necks and Timberlands to tend to every whim (chef Alessandro Bergamo tells me an anxiety inducing tale of a late-night rare truffle request that was miraculously procured whisked up into the mountains and served the next morning at breakfast) The high-spec mountain bikes parked up in the garage are another small nod to the growing year-round appeal Up on the slopes of Saint-Gervais the next morning — a true bluebird — Ultima’s go-to ace instructor Sebastian gestures over the grand vallée and points out his favourite forest paths for hikes and snowshoe treks ‘It’s not just up here that’s beautiful’ sipping a beer back down in the cobblestone town later that afternoon This ‘village in the middle of the waters’ might be just one caught in the tides of climate change but it’s plucky and has charm to spare whatever the season There will be many looking to follow its lead Transfers from Geneva airport to Megève take around one hour Helicopter transfers to Megève Altiport are also available Sallanches station is 13km from Megève and is served by the TGV from Paris and Lyon ShareSaveCommentLifestyle TravelMegeve Hotels 2024: 7 Must-Book French Alpine Mountain StaysByRooksana Hossenally Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights Rooksana Hossenally is a Paris-based writer covering luxury travel.Follow AuthorOct 26 12:04pm EDTShareSaveCommentAn iconic red ski lift cabin in Megève the high-end ski resort in the French Alps The French Alpine village of Megève has long been a favorite destination with skiers offering a sophisticated yet charming atmosphere and plenty of snowy slopes Originally modeled after the glamorous Swiss ski resort St Megève owes much of its popularity to the Rothschild family particularly Baroness Noémie de Rothschild who transformed it into a luxury ski resort by adding ski lifts and places to stay in the 1920s With an elevation of 1,800 meters in the Mont d'Arbois area Megève draws vacationers all year round for its skiing but also its hiking to mountain tops that are part of the Mont Blanc area The main village is a quick 10-minute drive away including past icons like French singer Sacha Distel and artist Jean Cocteau have come to soak up Megève's charms as the quieter alternative to nearby Courchevel Megève's charm reached new audiences as it featured in the popular Netflix series Emily in Paris putting it back in the spotlight as a must-visit winter destination Look past the newer spots and you'll find local haunts like Le Vieux Megève known for its hearty raclettes enjoyed by an open fire and L’Epicerie des Fermes packed with local produce as well as an ice rink surrounded by little Christmas trees cozy dining room of the upscale restaurant of Les Fermes de Marie hotel in Megève Les Fermes de Marie is the epitome of Alpine charm and one of the finest hotels in Megève Tucked in a residential area a short walk from the main village the mountain retreat was created by Jocelyne and Jean-Louis Sibuet who have poured their passion for the region into every detail Built in the 1980s from centuries-old farm chalets transported from across Savoie rustic feel that makes it seem like it’s always been part of the landscape make sure to check out the series of photos hanging on the wall depicting the beginnings of the project when Mr Sibuet built the chalets with his team Since 2011, the Sibuet children Marie and Nicolas have taken over the lead of the family's hotels and restaurants which include the Mont Blanc and Lodge Park hotels in the village and properties further afield in St Tropez and St Barts 67 rooms and suites are dotted across nine wooden chalets which give the sensation of staying in a private mountain farmhouse with an understated Alpine-chic style and have terraces from which to soak up the sunshine while admiring the views of the surrounding Alps The heart of Les Fermes de Marie is its lobby bar and the chalet restaurant with a big open fireplace The bar is often buzzing with a mix of guests and non-guests and the restaurant serves a seasonal menu blending traditional Savoyard dishes with French classics all sourced from the finest local producers the Pure Altitude spa is the perfect place to book some downtime offering pampering treatments in a tranquil setting with a deep blue pool that has views of the garden Also a skincare brand carefully crafted with ingredients from the area and reflects the family’s deep ties to the region and commitment to maintaining Megève’s authentic allure Whether you’re curling up by the fire with a good book lounging in one of the many cozy nooks while looking out at the surrounding landscape Les Fermes de Marie feels like a beautiful home steeped in the art of French Alpine living The cozy lobby café area at the Mont Blanc hotel in the heart of Megeve is a 38-room boutique spot located in the heart of the village that's also owned by the Sibuet family (behind Les Fermes de Marie above) this stylish yet relaxed hotel has long been a favorite with Megève fans combining a rich history with today's tastes The hotel has even served as the setting of Roger Vadim’s Dangerous Liaisons in 1952 and was a hangout for artist Jean Cocteau and his friends Le Mont Blanc’s inviting lobby tea room and bar is draped in cream tones Mid-century bouclé-upholstered armchairs invite guests to unwind while sipping on the hotel’s signature hot chocolate made from real melted chocolate including the Sacha Distel Suite—named for the famous 1960s French singer who often stayed here This suite’s private balcony has views of the village church spire and surrounding mountain peaks The hotel also has a small Pure Altitude Spa the adjoining Relais restaurant has a sophisticated take on local Savoyard cuisine There is classic fondue with a lighter touch alongside hearty dishes like risotto with chanterelle mushrooms or braised mountain lamb shank with creamy polenta A light and airy room at the Coeur de Megève in the French Alps Le Cœur de Megève a modern retreat right in the heart of Megève village where subtle textures and soft tones make for a comfortable stay There's also a cozy living area behind the reception desk where hot chocolate and coffee are served throughout the day High points include rooms with private terraces with village views a small Tata Harper spa and sauna offering revitalizing treatments and a bar that's popular with the local crowd replacing its really excellent restaurant Meige manned by a clan of stellar staff is an offshoot of trendy restaurant chain Beefbar there's also snowshoeing and electric mountain biking there’s a ratrack ride to a secluded mountain refuge for dinner followed by a thrilling sled descent under the stars Head a little higher up above the village towards the Mont d'Arbois area just 10 minutes' drive from the center for breathtaking views of the slopes and snow-dusted pine forests The fabulous pool at the Four Seasons Megeve The Four Seasons Megève is more than a mountain retreat As the premier resort for the luxury hotel brand it marks a historic collaboration with the Rothschild family who famously established Megève as France's first upscale winter sports destination in the 1920s rivaling the illustrious palaces of Courchevel a maestro known for his work at landmarks like the Four Seasons George V and the Peninsula Shanghai this is his first foray into a mountain setting His vision blends contemporary elegance with the warm crafting a sophisticated and cozy atmosphere throughout the Four Seasons Megève is one of the few hotels here with direct ski-in/ski-out access Tucked among pine trees that dot mountain peaks beneath crisp blue skies the resort is an all-encompassing sanctuary where time seems to slow flooded with natural light and sweeping views of the slopes connects to an outdoor area that invites you to revel in the alpine air rejuvenating Olivier Claire facials ensure relaxation after a day on the slopes Families will find thoughtful touches throughout from toddler-sized deck chairs to miniature bathrobes designed to make young guests feel right at home Dining at the Four Seasons Megève is a masterclass in culinary excellence The acclaimed Kaito brings a refined Japanese sensibility to the alpine experience offers a fresh take on French classics infused with local ingredients Edmond’s which serves light bistro specialties against a breathtaking backdrop of mountain views The resort's kids’ club is equally impressive engaging children in adventures and sending them back to their parents with hand-framed photos personalized invitations to join activities There's also an area for teens with video games and a cinema The 55 rooms here themselves are among the biggest in Megève with spacious layouts and panoramic views of the valley that make it hard to resist the temptation of staying in No room measures less than 35 square meters with an average size nearing 45 square meters outside of the suites Chic decor blends Four Seasons comfort with a distinct Savoyard charm while luxurious marble bathrooms—complete with mountain views One of the many high points here is the round wine cellar accessible via a stairway that spirals below ground as though into Batman's lair Walls lined with some of the world’s rarest wines - some 1,500 labels and 12,000 bottles including selections from the Rothschild family’s personal collection dating back to the 1860s There's also a smart marble-topped table that serves as the centerpiece which can be booked for private wine pairings and dinners The family sized chalet at Zannier in Megeve one of the coziest and most elegant stays in the area Situated amid the breathtaking expanse of the Mont Blanc ski area, Zannier's luxury chalet in Megève is a masterclass in privacy and elegance it's part of a distinguished hotel collection by the Zannier family and offers a bespoke experience that is both intimate and indulgent guests are welcomed by switched-on staff that embodies a genuine style of hospitality each with tasteful decor inspired by the natural surroundings in their earthy tones and natural fibers; some even have their own fireplaces and terraces with valley views Culinary experiences at Zannier are not to be missed La Ferme de Mon Père (open from Thursday to Sunday) standing out as one of the finest dining destinations in Megève The updated take on Savoyard gastronomy takes center stage with dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients and the finest local produce Guests can unwind in the stylish moodily-lit turquoise pool There are a range of treatments guests can book that are designed to refresh both body and mind Zannier's dedicated concierge team organizes winter sports for beginners to family-friendly outings; every experience is designed to immerse guests in the enchanting landscape of the French Alps Zannier’s chalet in Megève truly feels like staying at a friend’s luxurious retreat with a terrace that opens out onto a pine forest Tucked away on the slopes leading to Villaret just a few minutes from the bustling center of Megève Hotel Alpaga puts a contemporary spin on Alpine charm it has recently undergone a renovation by the acclaimed architecture firm Charles & Co known for their sophisticated designs that draw inspiration from places like Soho House Enchanting wooden chalets are scattered across the mountainside and have incredible views of the snowy mountain peaks inviting space that marries rustic Alpine elements with modern design and charming ceramics and vintage ski resort posters create a cozy ambiance perfectly complemented by a contemporary metal fireplace and stylish seating This gathering spot is ideal for socializing with evenings often spent mingling with fellow guests working with French organic brand Snö from around the Annecy Lake There's also a Swedish bath out in the garden and round wooden sauna from which guests can admire the panoramic views of the mountains The accommodations at Hotel Alpaga include 22 rooms and five suites and fluffy wool chairs create inviting nooks throughout Many rooms feature private balconies or terraces offering breathtaking views of the staggered pine forests and snow-capped peaks The decor reflects a deep appreciation for the natural surroundings and illustrations of alpine plants adorning the walls while the Prestige duplex rooms add an extra layer of luxury The best spot from which to take in the views is by the outdoor fire pit settle on one of the lounge chairs and gaze up at the starry sky before padding off to bed the restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with rustic wooden chairs and grey-green velvet banquettes that create a cozy yet elegant dining space Under the guidance of Chef Alexandre Baule the menu emphasizes a deep connection to the local ecosystem drawing inspiration from the surrounding nature through working with local ceramic artists Guests can savor comforting classics like leeks in vinaigrette with walnuts as well as more refined options such as smoked Chartreuse veal flavored with local juniper branches and served with turnips prepared in various ways glazed with mountain flower honey and cooked with salt Tucked up above the village in the picturesque heights of Mont d'Arbois Mamie Hotel offers rooms that are comfortable and family-friendly The hotel features 60 apartments that provide spacious living areas with a pop twist perfect for families to relax and reconnect after a day on the slopes One of the standout features of Mamie Megève is its bunk bed spaces which add a fun twist for children while providing parents with their own cozy sleeping quarters There are also full kitchens in each apartment making it easier for families at meal times offering a relaxed atmosphere where guests can enjoy very simple snacks like croque monsieur But the real high point is the breathtaking panoramas of the vast skies and the surrounding mountains creating a mesmerizing backdrop for breakfast 2024—The Mountain Collective Pass has expanded its network of resorts with the additions of Sunday River bringing the total number of resort partners to 27 worldwide “These two world-class resorts complement our existing network perfectly,” said Mountain Collective Pass CEO Todd Burnette “with Megève as an additional destination in France for our passholders planning their bucket-list worthy European ski adventure Sunday River ties in perfectly for weekend visits with our other Eastern resorts Megève is a massive ski area with more than 200 trails and 4,000 feet of vertical served by dozens of lifts spread across multiple peaks Sunday River is one of New England's largest ski resorts spanning eight mountain peaks and 139 trails With the addition of Megève and Sunday River the Mountain Collective Pass now features 27 resorts on five continents with two days of skiing or snowboarding with no blackout dates at each resort and a 50 percent discount on all additional days “We can’t wait to welcome Mountain Collective passholders from around the world to our beautiful resort,” said Megève sales manager Carole Lecomte “Megève has a wonderful mix of family skiing along with challenging slopes for experts and it is all part of a grandiose landscape with magnificent views of Mont-Blanc When combined with a visit to Chamonix [also on the Mountain Collective Pass] guests will enjoy the quintessential European ski vacation.” "We're thrilled to join the Mountain Collective and be part of such an impressive lineup of world-class resorts," said Sunday River general manager Brian Heon "Our team is excited to welcome guests and share the unique experience that makes Sunday River a premier destination on the East Coast." The 2024-25 Mountain Collective Pass is on sale until Dec The current price is $659 USD/$905 CAD for adults (ages 18 and up) $539 USD/$741 CAD for young adults (ages 13-17 at time of purchase) and $259 USD/$356 CAD for kids (6-12 at time of purchase) Ski Area Management - SAM | P.O. Box 644 Woodbury, CT 06798 | Tel. (203) 263-0888 | Fax (203) 266-0452 | Email news@saminfo.com Copyright © 2023. All Rights Reserved. Ski Resort Websites and Marketing by nxtConcepts In the latest season of Netflix show Emily in Paris Emily trades Parisian streets for snowy peaks The famous French resort of Megève takes centre stage with chic ski scenes and alpine glamour after the chic resort renowned for its art of Art de Vivre and prestige It appears in an episode of season 4 – Part 2 of the hit show One of the episodes of “Emily in Paris” was filmed last March in the Haute Savoie village of Megève The three-day shoot was organised in the utmost secrecy Episode six of Season four features a mountain getaway allowing subscribers worldwide to follow the adventures of the most French of Americans at altitude The cameras were set up around the village’s iconic spots including the village square the Idéal 1850 restaurant (Edmond de Rothschild Heritage/Four Seasons Megève Collection) and at Chalet des Fermes de Marie (Maisons & Hôtels Sibuet) So these are all now places for “Emily in Paris” fans to come visit the schedule was meticulously planned: one day filming on the slopes The Film crew was made up of more than 120 people and activity providers in Megève took part in this experience including the Four Seasons Hotel Megève L’Epicerie Noémie and the famous horse-drawn carriages of Megève A total of 116 extras (including stand-ins) participated in this experience Lily Collins had a double for the ski scenes It seems that there were four doubles on standby for Emily “The director of the series was looking for one of the most beautiful views of Megève with its panoramic view of the entire Megève valley and Mont Blanc We were able to provide a private room for the extras and crew to settle in during the filming of the slope scenes The two main actors of the series also enjoyed the Idéal Suite a secluded suite perched upstairs in the restaurant where they could rest between scenes” said Emilie Pignol “Our establishment was kept exactly as it is for our clients during filming has retained the soul of an authentic mountain pasture with a touch of modernity It took about ten takes to film the scene.” The Four Seasons Hotel Megève have now launched a special Emily in Paris holiday offer described thus: Spend an unforgettable night in the privacy of the Suite Idéal an exclusive retreat at the top of Mont d’Arbois facing Mont Blanc and accessible only by ski lift with its new “A Night Above the Clouds” offer the “A Night Above the Clouds” package offers a magical one-night escape in the Suite Idéal a bottle of champagne awaits to toast as the sun sets over Mont Blanc paired with French wines selected by sommelier Samy Sbiti guests will have the unique privilege of being the first to ski on freshly fallen powder a charming carriage ride through Megève’s picturesque streets—mirroring a scene from the popular series—will add a touch of magic to an unforgettable stay images copyright of Commune de Megève snow reports and unmissable features direct to your inbox every week with our weekly ski update If you want to subscribe to our monthly newsletter snow reports and unmissable features direct to you inbox with our weekly ski update a multi-chalet retreat in one of France’s original ski towns channels the carefree spirit of the slopes into an inviting take on laid-back alpine hospitality Get your weekly dose of armchair travelling This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Gabriel and Camille travel to the French Alps in the season 4 Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty; Stephanie Branchu/Netflix Snuggled in the mountains of southeasterly France at the point where Italy and Switzerland meet the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes is a ski destination where both the scenery and scene are on point Conceived in the 1920s by Baroness Noémie de Rothschild as a rival to the chic Swiss Alpine town of St Moritz the Haute-Savoie village was the first purpose-built resort in the Mont Blanc massif and was soon so glamorous that Jean Cocteau referred to it as “the 21st arrondissement of Paris” The Paris-based entrepreneur and design aesthete Cristèle Ederlé has been coming to Megève for decades the antithesis of bling-bling,” she says of the town People gather in homes more than public spots.” Cristèle Ederlé has filled her home with practical touchesSYLVIE BECQUETIn the bedroom a Liaigre Rocco sofa is paired with an Iliade coffee tableSYLVIE BECQUETWhich is why she decided to build her own beautiful house the wooden chalet manages to tick all the boxes of cute Alpine style and the cavernous interior belies any traditional tropes Ederlé entrusted the French design house Liaigre — part interior design firm (Studio) part purveyor of fine furniture — with its creation because she has been a devotee of the brand since she saved for her first Nagato stool aged 20 and I truly love Liaigre furniture for its pure “I genuinely have trouble seeing anything else.” stones and wood aligning with the spectacular views outside is a sculptural staircase that spans five floors — the heart of it all worked closely with Ederlé on this central piece of monumental design The staircase was made using the entire trunk of a Virginian tulip tree with steps in blackened cedarSYLVIE BECQUETAn elegant bathroom inside the chaletSYLVIE BECQUET“It was the starting point,” he says of the curvaceous piece carved from the trunk of a 300-year-old Virginian tulip tree “The intention was to emulate the shape of a pebble drawing on our client’s love for the landscape of Megève — its colours stones and the flowing water of its creeks.” “My mother was a prominent antique dealer in Grenoble,” Ederlé says and she grew up surrounded by contemporary art I learnt to blend modern elements with 18th-century antiques pairing art with a vintage buffet or contemporary chairs I’ve carried this aesthetic with me because I believe it’s the most beautiful association.” Which perhaps accounts for her affinity to Liaigre; its greatest talent is to create pieces that endure As Ederlé points out: “The Nagato I bought 40 years ago still fits beautifully in my home Liaigre’s pieces are treasures you don’t part with unless you must for financial reasons A drying room with geometric throw by LiaigreSYLVIE BECQUETThe wooden chalet ticks all the boxes of cute Alpine styleSYLVIE BECQUETAlthough a spectacular design space but function matters most.” She visits all year round and often entrusts the chalet to her four children “They must enter through the garage and take their bags immediately to their rooms via the Studio Liaigre lift.” The house may be functional but for some mundane tasks the beautiful staircase is strictly out of bounds studioliaigre.com Registered in England No. 894646. Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF. 2024Robert Niedring/GettySave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links For our 38th annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey voters weighed in on their favorite ski resorts in Europe while Levi in Finland broke into the top 15 for the first time Italy’s resorts have been gearing up for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games with new enhancements voting four Italian ski areas into the ranking this year Here are the ski resorts that you loved most this year This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date Bormio ski area lays claim to the greatest skiable vertical drop in Italy with lifts that whisk skiers up 5,905 feet Most of the mountain’s runs are geared toward beginner or intermediate skiers which means you’re guaranteed stellar alpine views which will be the official venue of the Winter Olympics in 2026 Freestyle fans should check out the new Jungle Snowpark head to Bormio’s historic thermal baths for a soak Where to stay: Hotel La Genzianella is a five-minute walk from the resort and features pinewood suites and chalets Stats: 14 lifts for 17 runs covering 31 miles The Bormio Skipass starts at $65 and allows you to ski three areas including Santa Caterina and Cima Piazzi-San Colombano free-riding playground while neighboring Nätschen is laced with cruise-y runs you can easily link to the family-friendly slopes of Sedrun When you legs get tired from all the skiing the Matterhorn Gotthard railway (also included in the ticket) will take you back to Andermatt Stats: Average price for a one-day lift ticket is $82; the Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis ski region comprises 33 lifts for 85 marked pistes; on the Epic Pass Stats: There are 79 lifts for nearly 110 miles of slopes One-day lift ticket from $87; on the Ikon Pass with terraces so you can work on your tan and take in the dazzling alpine views Freestyle fans will find one of the best snowparks in Switzerland One-day lift ticket from $82 on the Epic Pass Where to stay: Levi Spirit Luxury Villas & Resort is less than one mile from the nearest ski slope and provides unique experiences ranging from reindeer sledding and husk safaris as well as exceptional slopes that connect to the massive Dolomiti Superski area including the Gran Risa slopes where Ski World Cup races are held each year This season the new Braia Fraida lift will connect Corvara to San Cassiano The cuisine is just as appealing as the skiing with everything from Michelin-star gastronomic temples to humble family-run mountain huts set at 6,500 feet Outfitter Dolomite Mountains can curate culinary ski safari that showcase the best slopes and chefs A new sommelier on the slopes program pairs skiers with an instructor and wine expert and tastings are hosted at mountain huts including Ütia Bioch and Club Moritzino Where to stay: The 20-room boutique Hotel Recort opens this December experienced skiers can hire a guide (Chamonix has the world’s oldest and largest guiding organization) and schuss down the legendary Vallée Blanche 12.4-mile glacier descent in the heart of Mont-Blanc Massif two suites and two stand-alone chalets and a Michelin-star restaurant One-day lift ticket from $72; on the Ikon Pass The latter is a destination for freeriders and ski tour enthusiasts Stats: 51 lifts for more than 250 miles of slopes car-free city center featuring an open-air ice rink as well as a number of smart boutiques makes Megève a family favorite Stats: One-day lift tickets from $60; there are 112 lifts for 231 runs for the Evasion-Mont Blanc ski area newly designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta has the best terrace on the slopes with panoramic views of the Matterhorn Stats: One-day lift tickets between $53 and $84; there are 41 lifts for nearly 125 miles of runs you won’t want to miss exploring the charming holiday markets in the surrounding villages Stats: 111 lifts and cable cars and with just over 190 miles of runs AustriaLech Zürs may lack the bling of areas like St Behind traditional farmhouse facades you’ll find chic boutiques but it boasts the highest density of award-winning restaurants in the world (Rote Wand Chef’s Table at Rote Wand Gourmet Hotel is a must) And of course there’s the draw of its excellent snowfall and the famed White Ring a circuit of nearly 14 miles that links Lech Two modern new cable cars make the slopes even more accessible this season and his family continues the hotel’s legacy of hospitality 85 lifts and cable cars can access more than 180 miles of marked slopes and 120-plus miles of backcountry runs One-day lift ticket from $80; on the Epic Pass AustriaOne of four resorts that make up the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn among the most expansive lift-linked ski areas in the world Saalbach is known for its old-world Tyrolean village and lively après scene The combined super resort offers something for everyone from challenging terrain that has hosted the Freeride World Tour to family-friendly groomers Ambitious skiers can attempt “the Challenge,” a 40-mile circuit of downhill runs connected by 32 lifts it takes around seven hours without a lunch break a luxe all-inclusive right near the resort center and Schattberg X-press lift has been rebranded as ValSaa Alpine Resort and had a new restaurant and ski lockers The interconnected resorts feature nearly 170 miles of slopes linked by 70 lifts and dotted with 60 ski huts and a freestyle terrain park an intimate 55-seat dining room specializing in traditional fare Airelles Val d’Isère is the hot spot for après ski with its expansive terrace featuring DJ sets Stats: One-day lift tickets are $70 for Tignes and Val d’ Isère The linked Tignes–Val d’ Isère ski area has 163 runs connected by 75 lifts plus two skiable glaciers and two snow parks Ski passes are free for children under age 8 Where to stay: There are the luxe chalets mentioned above, but the W Verbier has the best location in town close to ski school meeting spots and opposite the Médran gondola Hotel Cordée des Alpes is another great boutique option with an award-winning restaurant Stats: One-day lift ticket from $82 on the Epic Pass There are 80 lifts for more than 250 miles of runs across the 4 Vallées ski area the town isn't too remote—though the towering ring of surrounding Dolomites might make it feel otherwise—and its low-key vibe (a far remove from the flashy see-and-be-seen culture of other comparable ski towns) continues to attract the likes of George Clooney Cortina connects skiers and riders to nearly 750 miles of slopes And Nordic fans can access Europe’s biggest network of cross-country trails Where to stay: The intimate Hotel de Len has just 23 rooms and a fabulous rooftop spa that overlooks the valley a lavish Belle Époque hotel about a mile from the gondola is closed for a refurbishment and will reopen under the Mandarin Oriental flag in 2025 Stats: One-day Dolomiti Superski pass from $78; on the Ikon Pass Austria’s most popular holiday resort has it all: posh hotels; a picturesque 750-year-old city center; a lively après-ski scene along quaint cobblestone streets; and unsurpassed skiing that includes 11 renowned ski schools and the most demanding course on the World Cup circuit With more than 60 mountain huts and restaurants there are plenty of delicious options to refuel or lounge leisurely over lunch on the slopes Where to stay: Hotel Schloss Lebenberg a medieval hillside castle overlooking the village that earns high marks for its stellar service Stats: 58 lifts for 96 runs covering 145 miles One-day lift tickets from $59; on the Ikon Pass Moritz finally offers a five star hotel 365 days a year Stats: One-day lift tickets range from $45 to $100; there are 58 lifts for 88 runs it’s hard to go elsewhere once you’ve gotten a taste for Courchevel’s heated pavements and impressive boasting a slope-side terrace featuring a menu by Michelin-decorated chef Yannik Alléno Stats: One-day lift ticket for the 372-plus miles of pistes in the Three Valleys $63 like its state-of-the-art lift system and swanky après-ski diversions Horse-drawn sleighs are the preferred choice of transportation in the car-free village be sure to stop for the burger at Chez Vrony (reservations a must) and a glass of bubbles at the tiny Champagne bar at the end of the Sunnega run The new Matterhorn Glacier Ride II now links the entire stretch between Zermatt and Cervinia by cable car connecting the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise mountain station with the Testa Grigia valley station Stats: One-day lift ticket from $87; on the Ikon Pass. There are 55 lifts for 147 runs. up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world Armancette on the Évasion Mont Blanc slopes But you can get the best of all worlds—epic terrain private stashes of pow—by choosing these alternatives hidden right around the corner from some of the world’s most famous destinations The fairytale resort of Megève has a rich – fabulously rich – back story, which began in 1919, when the business-savvy wife of Baron Maurice de Rothschild decided to create a French ski resort to rival Switzerland’s high-society favourite, St Moritz. To get the snowball rolling, Baroness Noémie bought several hundred acres of land on which she built some divine wooden chalets – and the rest, as they say, is history. With inside-track intelligence from Bhutanese royalty, Tori Cadogan revealed in Tatler’s March 2023 issue what it really means to live the high life in the high-altitude Himalayan kingdom The Rochebrune Suite at Les Fermes de Marie This retreat, created in the 1980s from nine abandoned centuries-old farmhouses, was our first stop – and it was love at first sight. It’s the ultimate chalet fantasy: a cocoon of wooden beams, blazing fires and cosy nooks for settling into, and the attention to detail is glorious. With rooms decorated in traditional Savoyard style, elevated by hotelier Jocelyn Sibuet’s keen eye for design and comfort, the whole place is about relaxed luxury. One standout is the bountiful buffet breakfast, where omelettes and crêpes are made to order and prosciutto is sliced in front of your eyes at the cured-meats station. Sublime and fortifying, it’s a must before hitting the slopes. Après is so passé, it’s all about the pre-ski now – and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express journey from Paris to Courchevel is the most sumptuous way to the slopes. In Tatler’s April issue, on sale now, Hope Coke gets on board for a sneak preview Equally essential to your day is an après-ski massage and Les Fermes de Marie takes its spa experiences very seriously and Japanese wooden barrels filled with water of varying temperatures to dip in and out of (an icy plunge does wonders for sore muscles the immune system and your metabolism) between the sauna and eucalyptus steam rooms Then there are the treatments: an extensive menu of massages features traditional Swedish the facials are elaborate and highly effective using Les Fermes’ own range of Pure Altitude products where every comfort has been considered: the beds are deliciously cloud-like and the bathtubs are huge where I enjoyed a succulent côte de porc and an intensely flavourful mushroom fricassée that I am still thinking about to this day fermesdemarie.com The High Life: Sophie Pera found a warm welcome more modern take on the traditional wooden chalet aesthetic The Four Seasons Megève has the advantage of being a ski-in the effect is quite enchanting – clean and minimal but no less cocooning The bedrooms are every bit as sumptuous as you would expect from a Four Seasons: the linen with a white marble Roman fantasy of a swimming pool featuring a swim-through trapdoor that leads to the heated outdoor pool It was magical to float in warm water while staring at snow-capped mountains the spa is home to one of the best practitioners out there: Melanie Amphoux whose lymphatic drainage massage was a revelation The fresh sushi at Kaito is a welcome change to all the rich French food but don’t miss the tasting menu at La Dame de Pic where you can feast on such Savoyard specialities as delicate ravioli filled with cheese and perfumed with a seaweed broth followed by venison with smoked vanilla and black garlic fourseasons.com/megeve Les Chalets du Mont d'Arbois were formerly private chalets for the Rothschild family We continued our odyssey by staying in the Four Seasons’ sister hotel located in what were formerly the three personal chalets of the Rothschild family roaring fires and jewel-coloured furnishings it has a different Alpine vibe to its sibling (although the swim-in swim-out pool situation is exactly the same) especially at the Table de Noémie restaurant (named after the Rothschild matriarch) which serves a memorable steak tartare and a tartiflette to make all your cheesy-potato-gratin dreams come true fourseasons.com/megevechalets The jewel in the Four Seasons Megève’s crown has to be the Suite Idéal On the peak of Mont D’Arbois and affording endless views of Mont Blanc it’s only accessible by cable car and is attached to a wonderful restaurant called L’Idéal 1850 carved into the slopes and available to book for one night only Waking up before the ski lifts open and having breakfast with the mountains all to yourself is an incredibly special experience – particularly for keen skiers who have the privilege and pleasure of being first to slice their way through the snow 2025Photo: Courtesy of HBOSave this storySaveSave this storySaveThe White Lotus season three may have only ended last night and the third season doubled as a tour of Thailand the fourth season will no doubt embed its viewers in another glamorous “That’s why it was so cool to shoot in Thailand we’ll do it in Paris!’ That feels like a cop-out.” our guesses on the hotel shortlist for season four The White Lotus’s first season took place in North America While there’s no hard and fast rule that they can’t return to those continents it does seem plausible that it would be more interesting to creatively explore a new one This leads us to our first guest: Marrakech the vibrant North African city that’s culturally linked to the Middle East but sits on the top of the African continent It has long been a tourist mecca thanks to its sites like the Bahia Palace and the souk markets as well its position as a global port: “It’s a cliché but there’s truly nowhere quite like Marrakech Sitting at a historic crossroads between Europe the city’s blend of cultures remains as complex and dazzling as one of the spice blends you’ll find stacked into pyramids within its labyrinthine souks,” wrote Vogue editor Liam Hess while visiting the city multi-cultural setting feels like a rich one for White to mine The Four Seasons Safari Lodge in Serengeti National Park Also uncharted territory for The White Lotus The Four Seasons has a lodge in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park which regularly attracts a moneyed cohort of families and honeymooning couples seeking a five-star African safari experience There’s a lot to say about filming here: the location is one of the last truly wild places on earth and even a bit of the lawlessness that’s associated with somewhere so remote Photo: Getty ImagesAlthough the region of Napa has already been creatively skewered in the 2004 film Sideways we’d love to see the White Lotus take on the luxury region known for its wineries an Alpine season at the French resort town would make for a snowy—and scandalous—setting Photo: Getty ImagesThe Four Seasons has a ski-in-ski out property on the base of Jackson Hole Mountain that could work as a cold-weather season just like Megève too: the Wyoming town is also known as the gateway to Grand Teton National Park and the grand splendors within there’s a fascinating element of both cowboy and Native American cultures… as well as Jackson’s reputation as a tax haven for the super-rich The Danish Home Lighting Trend That Can Improve Your Mental Health In America’s Cities, Saunas Are Becoming the Hottest Social Spot Millie Bobby Brown Shares Her Favorite Paella Recipe—and Details About Her Wedding to Jake Bongiovi A Day-by-Day Guide to Hiking the Legendary Nakasendo Trail in Japan Never miss a Vogue moment and get unlimited digital access for just $2 $1 per month Be one of the first to try our new activity feed After not quite arriving at Tignes in 2019 the riders return to finish there after passing through Megève the Tour de France will continue deep into the French Alps and end at the iconic ski resort village of Tignes the race was scheduled to arrive there but was called off because a mudslide occurred on the course The organizers promised to return as soon as possible Tignes’ summer ski operation is finally open meaning skiers can ski in the morning and head down the funicular for the Tour de France finish they will pass through a number of beautiful French ski villages the riders will finish after the category 1 climb to Tignes These two French resorts are a part of the Evasion Mont Blanc super pass which also includes Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains The riders will face a category 2 climb up the Côte de Domancy before arriving at Combloux a place that Victor Hugo described as “the pearl of the Alps in its glacier setting.” The Evasion Mont Blanc ski pass includes access to 220 designated ski trails and 108 ski lifts Combloux’s share of that total includes 64 trails and 29 ski lifts The main draw to Combloux is a very beautiful view of Mont Blanc Megève is a much more storied ski resort in France It was the setting of the 1963 film Charade It has always drawn a more affluent tourist crowd than many of the other ski resorts in France There are 89 ski lifts at Megève that service 184 designated trails From Megève, the Tour de France continues climbing until the Col des Saises, the first category 1 climb of the day. Before arriving at this leg-crushing climb, the cyclists will ride through Praz-Sur-Arly (sprint points available here), Crest Voland, Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, and the resort village of Les Saises. These ski areas are a part of the Espace Diamant collective Between the six villages that form the Espace Diamant are 192 kilometers (119 miles) of designated trails serviced by 81 ski lifts. There is also terrific Nordic skiing throughout these villages, and Les Saises hosted the biathlon events of the 1992 Albertville Olympic Games Want to get caught up on this year’s Tour de France? Don’t miss VeloNews’ world-class coverage of the biggest event in cycling. While the Tour de France won’t pass through the actual ski area of Les Arcs, it will go through the towns of Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Séez, two of the primary villages tied to the ski area. Les Arcs—when combined with Peise Vallandry and La Plagne—is the third largest ski area in the world and well worth a long visit when touring French ski areas Check it out: The 10 Largest Ski Areas in the World Tignes is one of the few French ski resorts that the current SKI Magazine editorial staff has visited and is one of the few ski areas in France that was able to open in 2021 (but only for summer skiing operations) The town is excruciatingly beautiful and French and riding the funicular to the toe of La Grande Motte glacier any time of year is a unique experience for any mountain lover There is an unbelievable amount of terrain to ski here as well. Tignes and its neighbor Val d’Isere can be skied on one pass and together form the eighth largest ski area in the world They were formerly known as L’Espace Killy—named after Jean Claude Killy—but it now just goes by Val D’Isere-Tignes There are 159 designated runs that cover 300 kilometers (186 miles) of trails serviced by 75 lifts The Tour de France riders will certainly have their work cut out for them to get to Tignes with a 21-kilometer (13 miles) climb averaging 5.6 percent before a flat finish in town It’s the second category 1 climb of the day and will set the tone for the biggest contenders early as the following day is a rest day Get Fancy While Skiing in the French Alps: From One to Eleven the riders will have to climb Mont Ventoux twice next which is equal to the number of ski areas on that windy peak Four Seasons Megève has designed a romantic escape pegged to the set-jetting trend and inspired by the Netflix series Emily in Paris The "A Night Above the Clouds" experience recreates moments from the series' fourth season which is set in the alpine village of Megève In the show, Emily enjoys a drink on the terrace of the Idéal 1850 restaurant overlooking Mont Blanc then takes a carriage ride through the village’s quaint cobbled streets The new package includes two nights at the Four Seasons Hotel Megève and a third night in the property's Suite Idéal an intimate one-bedroom getaway perched high in the mountains with panoramic views of Mont Blanc Guests will enjoy champagne in the luxurious suite along with a gourmet dinner of Savoyard specialities paired with wines selected by sommelier Samy Sbiti. A unique feature of the package is the opportunity for guests to be the first on the ski slopes the following morning offering the rare experience of carving through virgin pistes The romantic journey continues with a horse-drawn carriage ride through the village Nearly all ski resorts make a lot of offering a White Christmas to their guests but the stylish French resort of Megève A highlight is the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony marking the start of a period when the village comes alive during the holiday season offering a blend of holiday cheer and Alpine charm the 15th edition of Megève’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony will showcase a spectacular 20-metre-high tree created from 273 fir trees and adorned in collaboration with renowned jeweller The partnership with Messika adds a prestigious touch to this year’s event inspired by Messika’s iconic Move collection will dazzle with sparkling lights and artistic details blending timeless elegance with the enchanting charm of Megève “Megève is the jewel of French resorts,” says Valérie Messika “I cherish its authentic atmosphere and snow-covered streets – it’s where I make precious memories with my family each year.” The festivities will begin at 7.30 pm with a captivating sound and light show Highlights include the illumination of the village’s architectural gems designed by expert heritage lighting engineers 5,000 glasses of champagne from Vranken-Pommery will be served combining a metal structure with hundreds of locally grown fir trees “The illuminated fir tree will stand as a beacon of Alpine Christmas magic delighting visitors every evening throughout the winter season,” a resort spokesperson enthused the Christmas Village in Megève will offer a magical lineup of activities for families Visit Santa’s office from 22 – 24 December to meet Santa himself and share gift lists or thank-you letters in a warm and festive setting Winter Tales storytelling sessions for children aged featuring age-specific morning and afternoon programs from 27–31 December and 2–3 January Budding creators can explore the Little Elves Chalet with wooden crafts for kids while older children can enjoy making macramé gnomes and other festive treasures in the Adults’ Chalet Then the highlight of Christmas Eve is the Santa Claus Parade when Santa rides through Megève in his sleigh Discover the ideal destination for your next getaway with our comprehensive Resort Guide. Explore top vacation spots, find travel tips, and plan your perfect trip effortlessly. Visit Resort Guide for all the essential information you need Oct 30, 2024The Mountain Collective is expanding its East Coast foothold. Starting this coming ski season, holders of the multi-pass will now be able to access Sunday River, Maine.The inclusion of Sunday River—a multi-peak East Coast stalwart—puts the number of Eastern resorts available with the Mountain Collective to four. One destination, Sugarloaf is a roughly two-hour drive from Sunday River opening the possibility of easy multi-mountain trips. "We're thrilled to join the Mountain Collective and be part of such an impressive lineup of world-class resorts," said Brian Heon "Our team is excited to welcome guests and share the unique experience that makes Sunday River a premier destination on the East Coast."Out west joined by a cluster of Canadian ski areas north of the border. Sunday River wasn’t the Mountain Collective’s only play a titanic French ski resort with hundreds of trails and thousands of vertical feet standing alongside another European destination accessible by Mountain Collective skiers: Chamonix Mont-Blanc Montana.The 2024-2025 edition of the Mountain Collective pass is on sale until December 12th From ski resort news to profiles of the world’s best skiers Megève’s oldest hotel is the perfect base to explore the Mont Blanc massif Lifestyle | Travel If there’s one thing I don’t love about skiing it’s the concrete jungle resorts that have sprouted up to absorb the huge numbers of snow hunters who descend on the mountains every winter Some of these 1960s-built brutalist constructions which have mushroomed incongruously within the most stunning of natural wildernesses At the other end of the resort spectrum is Megève Nestled at the foot of the Mont-Blanc massif this French village resort is a culturally-rich and architecturally beautiful winter playground Megève was for centuries a thriving agricultural hub until its farmers awoke to its potential as a winter sports destination They began to build and test some of France’s very first ski lifts and the village hosted its first ever ski competition in 1914 While it has grown to become one of the most convenient access points to a sprawling 400km ski area facing Mont Blanc Megève remains a charming destination in itself The village’s famous square is dominated by an exquisite 18th century bell tower One of the best-known places to stay in this magical village is the five-star Grand Hôtel Soleil d’Or Grand Hôtel Soleil d’Or is located in the heart of Megève The village’s ski school is a five minute walk away and 500 metres from the nearest chair lift The hotel provides direct access to the Evasion Mont Blanc ski area it is perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers and includes the resorts of Saint Gervais The hotel decor combines the traditional charm of the Haute-Savoie region with modern elegance A comforting timelessness is underpinned by the use of age-old materials: natural stone floor tiles a crackling fire in the lounge — while the upcycled furniture books and quirky artwork offer a certain cosy charm The hotel’s 29 rooms are set between the historic main building and three chalets Each of the hotel’s rooms and suites offer extraordinary views of the Alps I stayed in Chalet Les Trois Champions – named in tribute to Megeve’s famous Olympians which blended ultra-chic seventies flair with elegant gold accents The four-bedroom chalet sleeps up to eight guests and also features a beautiful ground-floor living room with fireplace fully equipped kitchen and dining room and private terrace The comfort factor is ramped up even further at the hotel’s restaurant where traditional Savoyard classics like raclette and fondue are the order of the day A big draw for visitors and locals alike is La Chocolaterie where you can savour their hot chocolate in a variety of sweet and savoury flavours A rooftop bar is nestled at the top of the hotel inviting you to enjoy a drink or three with breathtaking views of the village and the mountains beyond in particular the personalised old fashioned with 12-year-old Macallan and a choice of bitters The hotel spa features a wellness area with a heated indoor swimming pool along with three treatment cabins for one or two people The range of treatments includes personalised scrubs and massages The town itself is an iconic winter sports destination As well as access to more than 400km of ski slopes the snow gives way to green Alpine meadows revealing numerous signposted trails for mountain biking Other activities available include hot-air ballooning La Chocolaterie is picture perfect and will bring your inner child to life The retro ski lifts at Mont d’Arbois are the essence of Alpine cool and the stunning views of Mont Blanc when you get off those lifts will take your breath away Stays at Grand Hotel Soleil d’Or start from £584 per night based on two guests sharing a deluxe room on a room only basis. The rate is based on stays in March 2025. For further information and to book. soleildor-megeve.com Where to go for guaranteed snow this winter: 2025's best ski resorts Make the most of the festive season with these unforgettable travel ideas Explore Christmas markets, winter sports and more in snowy Salzburg Prince Louis steals the show at VE Day parade as he keeps dad William looking sharp and mimics brother George Prince Louis steals show with sweet antics at VE parade Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in major blow for Putin ahead of Victory Day celebrations Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in blow for Putin VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte, Lady Victoria Starmer VE Day 2025 fashion: Princess of Wales to Lady Victoria Starmer New visa crackdown as Home Office plans to restrict applications from nationalities most likely to overstay New visa crackdown as Home Office plans to restrict applications Rihanna shows off baby bump at star-studded Met Gala 2025 as singer's third pregnancy with A$AP Rocky announced Rihanna debuts baby bump on star-studded Met Gala blue carpet Man charged after London student nurse stabbed to death in Texas 'in row over cat' Man charged after London student nurse stabbed to death in Texas Good for both skiing and hiking this is a large area with a great variety of slopes there’s a blue that’s just as good and areas for beginners and children hikers will find a great path in the summer The path that leads down to Planellet via the forests is probably the one with the best views so it shouldn’t be too hard to find quiet runs | Anik Labreigne / Unsplash Le Chemin du Calvaire A short walk From the mountainous surroundings to the tiny chapel along the route the word that comes to mind is picturesque The walk shouldn’t be too hard for people used to walking but it slopes upwards all the time and is quite winding so it’s probably not suitable for groups with children or mobility problems A great area with a great variety of slopes and the reds and blacks go through the woods This ski area offers the best views of Mont Blanc so it could be one to visit if you want to see the mountain against the sky Watch out for: The views from the chair lifts Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $800 on our unique trips See privacy policy Megeve Rochebrune Cable Car It’s just a cable car but it’s a cable car offering fantastic views of Megève itself It can be busy at peak times and during peak season with waits of around half an hour and packed cars but when it’s quiet there are no queues and it might just be you and the operator in the car Watch out for: The fantastic café at the lower base A small museum regaling the history of the town including the obvious skiing and the less obvious luge it’s sure to hold your interest for at least a little while After a hard day (or two) on the slopes, there’s nothing better than a massage in the warmth of this spa It really does feel like a mountain resort more than a spa there’s something to treat whatever is ailing you you can catch trout here in every season but winter and there are occasional watersports in the summer Watch out for: The lake’s distinctively clear water Lac de Javen, Megève, France | Photo by Les Elby on Unsplash Aerocime This isn’t cheap, starting at €100 per person, but it’s a pretty unique experience if you can spare the money. Your euro gets you a short aerial tour of the Alps from 3km up in the air flying over the Chamonix valley and then exploring some of the bigger glaciers and mountains The planes only take two or three passengers at a time but if your group is large enough to book two planes then they fly in tandem so you can wave across to your friends above the mountains Watch out for: The close-up views of the mountains Megève, France | Photo by Mario La PergolaMegève, France on Unsplash Palais des Sports An expansive sports centre, this spot has areas for basically any sport you might be into A large pool for swimming or aqua-aerobics accompanies a spa in the same chain as Les Fermes de Marie An ice rink and a snoeshoeing area might seem redundant given the centre’s setting but they’re both high-quality enough that it doesn’t seem to be an issue so that you can work on your form both on and off the pistes Watch out for: The excellent pool facilities Niall grew up in rural Co Tyrone and has since 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tripssupport@theculturetrip.com © Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd A fight between two French ski resorts is reaching bizarre heights culminating in one mayor comparing the the other to Hitler and stating publicly that he would seek counsel from Donald Trump on how to construct a wall You could be forgiven for thinking you are in a Monty Python movie but this is the odd reality in Megève and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains The mayors of the neighboring ski resorts in the Haute Savoie region have been at loggerheads over the operations of shared lift infrastructure in the interconnected ski area The recent fight does not represent a shocking fracture between friendly neighbors but rather another chapter in a century-old rivalry between Megève and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains The shared location in the Haute-Savoie region at the foot of Mont Blanc has resulted in at times fierce competition for winter sport tourists Part of the rivarly stems from their very different historical background Megève was developed as a ski resort in the 1920s by the Rothschild family who aimed to create a French alternative to the Swiss resort of St Moritz and quickly gained popularity among the aristocracy and well-heeled Saint-Gervais-les-Bains had a long-standing history as a spa town and saw itself as more of a family resort by closely associating itself with the Mont-Blanc massif as a mecca for serious mountaineers with Megève hosting events such as the Polo Masters and Jazz Festival while Saint-Gervais hosts the Mont Blanc Country Festival and the Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc Ultra Trail Things came to a head between the two resorts when the syndicate between the three lift operating companies for the interconnected ski area fell apart The ski area is split up between three municipalities: Megève The area where the ski area connects across municipalities was managed separately but the contract with the current operator Société des Remontées Mécaniques de Megève (SRMM) This is where things became contentuous between Jean-March Peillex mayor of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains and Catherine Jullien-Brèche the mayor of Megève (Demi-Quartier wisely stayed out off the argument) Peillex accused Jullien-Brèche of not following procedure and disregarding the candidacy of the Saint-Gervais based operating company STBMA and tattling to mommy or rather in this case the Prefect of the Haute-Savoie region This meant that instead of electing a new operator the former joined operation of the Crêtes ski area now has fallen apart and each municipality will now run its own lifts this causes the new problem of agreeing on certain issues with regard to lifts that cross from one municipality into another A new fight erupted between Peillex and Jullien-Brèche about the construction of a new lift that starts in Megève and terminates in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains with the parties disagreeing on just about everything down to the rate of depreciation Peillex in particular has not held back with his insults accusing Jullien-Brèche of trying to annex parts of Saint-Gervais-le-Bains and comparing her to Hitler saying he would not surrender an inch of territory to Megève and suggesting to instead build a wall with advice sought from none other than former U.S It’s not the first time Peillex has garnered publicity with outrageous statements the French mayor proposed to introduce a €15,000 “funeral deposit” for tourists hiking Mont-Blanc in a bid to deter poorly equipped foreign tourists from attempting to hike the famous French peak The competition between Megève and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains has driven both resorts to improve and diversify their offerings continuously making it one of France’s premier destinations for winter sports and alpine tourism this recent spat has turned into a war of roses that could put the ’24/’25 winter operations at risk One can only hope that both parties see the bigger picture and return to the table for negotiations rather than exchanging insults via social media Lindsey Vonn recently shared glimpses of having fun with her USA teammates during a practice session ahead of the Megeve World Cup The veteran Ski racer made a surprising return to skiing last year after having retired from the sport in 2019 In her first downhill practice session in Megeve she was all charged up to hit the snow and while enjoying the practice session with other skiers The three-time Olympic medalist has shared a sneak peek into the session on her Instagram story as teammates Lauren Macuga and Bella Wright delivered hilarious voice-overs mimicking Neil Tyson during the practice session surprised everyone by returning to competitive skiing in late 2024 The American Ski legend had decided to step away from skiing in 2019 claiming her body was "broken beyond repair" after a series of knee injuries in the latter part of her career During the 18 years of her career before retirement, Vonn won three Winter Olympic medals, eight World Championship medals, and 82 World Cup races. However, she hasn't found her rhythm yet since coming back with a best-place finish of fourth in a Super-G race US Ski legend Lindsey Vonn is ready to put all possible effort into achieving her dream of competing in the fifth Winter Olympic Games next year at Milano Cortina 2026 the American Ski legend revealed she had been facing criticism for her comeback but would continue to fight for her dreams Vonn has yet to register a podium finish since coming back from her retirement break. She has now started preparations for the final weeks to finish her season on a high Your perspective matters!Start the conversation Lily Collins's character in Emily in Paris visits the ski resort town of Megève in Season 4 of the Netflix show.STEPHANIE BRANCHU/NETLFIX/SUPPLIED I want to ski... | and ride in Montana | in Canada's backcountry | on strong ski legs The idea of horse-drawn carriages rolling over the cobbled streets of a quintessentially French ski resort may seem like a mere fantasy invented for Emily in Paris The scenes from aristocratic French ski resort Megève in Season 4 were a true depiction of one of the chicest vacation hot spots in the French Alps – only often the weather is a little better Emily had to make do with cloud and fog on the slopes which was unfortunate because when the sun shines in Megève after a fresh snowfall there are fewer more beguiling places to experience European skiing chic and truly an outpost of the French capital – once coined “the 21st arrondissement of Paris” by writer Jean Cocteau Just an easy hour’s drive from Geneva airport Megève was an old farming village when its potential was spotted in the 1920s by baroness Noèmi de Rothschild who was keen to distance herself from Switzerland’s ultrachic St There are endless designer boutiques in this quaint ski resort village.Marie Bougault/Municipality of Megève Italian restaurant Chalet Lupo in Megève serves haute cuisine by the mountainside.Marie Bougault/Municipality of Megève Megève quickly became the first ever purpose-built ski resort in the Alps – but unlike some of the Brutalist later resorts such as Flaine Megève has been carefully curated in exquisite traditional Savoyard style by the world-class architects employed by European nobility Visitors from North America should know that the skiing here is at a lower altitude The town centre is at 1,100 metres and slopes range from 850 m to 2,353 m – Megève and its neighbours St-Gervais and Les Contamines have something of a microclimate and the resort’s wide gentle pistes are set almost entirely among the trees There are 450 kilometres of runs available on the “Evasion Mont Blanc” lift pass many of which are cruisey blue (blue denotes easier routes in France) and red (intermediate) runs set over three areas Le Jaillet and Mont D’Arbois (featured on the Emily in Paris episode) One of the reasons de Rothschild was so attracted to the area was because of Megève’s spectacular views of Mont Blanc Western Europe’s highest mountain at 4,809 m the weather didn’t play ball and Emily (and her viewers) missed Megève’s strongest selling point She also failed to stop and marvel at the (approximately) 3,000 Swarovski crystals that adorn the Christmas tree in the town’s fairy-tale market square There wasn’t any après-ski action, either, for which Megève is famed. Emily should at least have visited Le Tigrr for a cocktail off the slopes (it has another location in St. Tropez) or later at night popped in to the legendary Club Les 5 Rues one of the oldest jazz clubs outside of Paris Since Emily wasn’t too comfortable on skis, perhaps she should have stopped for fondue at La Petite Fontaine which this year won the accolade of best fondue at the Toquicimes Megève food festival Or maybe Emily should have worn her faux-fur coat and strapped on snow shoes to make her way to the “apérigloo,” an igloo built in the Le Leutaz valley for an “apéro” (predinner drink) under the stars with vin chaud (warm mulled wine) and locally produced nibbles such as Val d’Arly cheese An experience priced at a very reasonable €38 ($56) for adults While it’s possible still to pick up a quaint French souvenir in town (beware trying to take cheese and sausage home in your luggage) shopping in Megéve is best left to the well-heeled – there are endless designer boutiques to browse on the town’s winding streets By far the best way to enjoy this beautiful ski resort is to soak up the truly French-Parisian ambience and just people watch Megève's town centre is at 1,100 metres and slopes range from 850 m to 2,353 m in altitude.Simon Garnier/Municipality of Me/Supplied Megève is quite spread out, and while the Residence Le Mont Arbois is four kilometres from the centre of town it is right on the slopes and is an excellent accommodation choice for those on a budget A studio apartment starts at €520 ($782) for seven nights If you’re looking for the ultimate in luxury, head to the ski-in, ski-out (fourseasons.com/megeve)Four Seasons Hotel Megève, as seen in Emily in Paris and the only hotel on the slopes of Mont d’Arbois. The hotel is also home to the region’s largest spa and Michelin-starred Japanese pan-Asian fusion restaurant, Kaito Fancy some authentic European nightlife? The infamous French nightclub on the slopes, (lafoliedouce.com)La Folie Douce, has an outpost on the top of Mont d’Arbois, on the border with Saint Gervais. Or a little more glam and Emily in Paris-style, the (chalet-sauvage.com)Savoyard Chalet Sauvage – also on the Mont d’Arbois but off the Piste des Mandarines – is a Megève institution and the chicest spot for après-ski in resort Report an editorial error Report a technical issue Editorial code of conduct Authors and topics you follow will be added to your personal news feed in Following I want to ski... | and ride in Montana | in Canada's backcountry | on strong ski legs Welcome to The Globe and Mail’s comment community. This is a space where subscribers can engage with each other and Globe staff. 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For more information on our commenting policies and how our community-based moderation works, please read our Community Guidelines and our Terms and Conditions This charming resort is steeped in A-list history and offers unique adventures from snowshoeing to carriage rides and dining in an igloo It’s the perfect place to live like a small screen star Travel Magical Megève, as it’s known by the locals, is a charming ski resort renowned for its picturesque setting and luxury accommodations, which are sprinkled with a dusting of traditional alpine charm. The resort was created almost a century ago by Noémie de Rothschild, a baroness from the famous banking family. In 1922, after discovering the enclave during a trip to France with her ski instructor she decided it was the perfect place for a hotel although Megève is a high-end resort it still manages to go relatively under the radar It has become known for its fine dining and attracts some very well-heeled (or booted) skiers The village boasts five-star hotels and a collection of chic boutiques similar to those that line the streets of Beverly Hills (but with skiwear) it’s often regarded as a more refined alternative to some of the better-known ski resorts in the region The Megève-based Edmond de Rothschild Heritage group has invested heavily over the decades to develop the village in an attempt to position it as a first-choice destination for a new generation of travellers This is your guide to the ultimate Megève trip Lined with cobbled streets and nestled in the Haute-Savoie region of France Megève is situated at just over 1100m in the French Alps This beautifully quaint and rustic resort lies in the Mont Blanc mountain range close to the borders of Switzerland and Italy Located just over an hour from Geneva airport you can be on the slopes pronto after landing — and that’s before you even start to think about the après ski at one of the many traditional bars and restaurants in the centre of the village Megève is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and with excellent ski schools and gentle slopes it makes a wonderful resort for those learning to ski or those looking a quieter few days on the piste The Four Seasons Hotel is a luxurious alpine option in the heart of the French Alps The hotel is the result of a collaboration between Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Thee lobby at the Four Seasons hotel greets guests to its panoramic view behind the reception area like a window into the snow-covered soul of Megève The uber cool and wonderfully chic Four Seasons Hotel ski-out access in the vicinity and is sheer perfection if you’re looking for luxury in the Alps Together they encapsulate the serenity and charm of Megève without losing sight of the village’s early history from the 1920s and 30s The hotel is home to an extensive display of rare design classics and original artwork from Baroness Ariane de Rothschild’s personal collection burst of colour or international flair to the resort After a long day skiing why not treat yourself and dive straight into the gourmet world of Brasserie Benjamin The richness of French cuisine is celebrated by Chef Armando Acquaviva and his team through refined dishes including Cévennes onion soup often made with locally sourced ingredients Each plate is inspired by the surrounding nature including rare Laffite Rothschild vintages enhances the dining experience — although it comes at a cost It’s open all day and boasts direct access to the slopes in winter and to the golf course during summer tasty tataki and sushi that sits alongside delicately crafted alpine specialties When the producers of Emily in Paris were looking to film Alpine scenes for the fourth series of the Netflix show, they chose Megève. So why not live like a star and sample the Emily in Paris experience where you can spend an unforgettable night in the privacy of the Suite Idéal an exclusive retreat at the top of Mont d’Arbois facing Mont Blanc and accessible only by ski lift The "A Night Above the Clouds" package offers a one-night stay in the Suite Idéal Upon arrival you’re treated like an A-lister as guests head off on a cable ride escorted by a personal assistant A bottle of Champagne awaits you ready to toast the sunset over Mont Blanc before dinner paired with French wines completes the evening The following morning you’re the first to ski on freshly fallen powder (new snowfall permitting) then take a charming carriage ride through Megève’s picturesque streets — mirroring a scene from the popular Netflix series that will add a touch of magic to an already unforgettable stay you can take in the charm of the surrounding areas with the snowshoe experience Vincent Patisserie (who comes from a long line of bakers) marched us through a maze of forestry with total confidence Hopping over streams and sliding down hills on our backsides as the snow and darkness started to fall simultaneously Vincent pulled out an array of cooked meats cheese and mulled wine from his backpack to form a rather impressive charcuterie board and we ate and drunk our way through his entire bag in the surprisingly warm igloo It’s a real magical moment and one not to be missed as you’re surrounded by nature as night falls Those looking for a luxury oasis guaranteed to fulfil your every skiing and culinary need Four Seasons Hotel Megève starting from £1600 in the winter season 12 of the best country spas near London to book for a new year reset The lesser-known Caribbean islands with secluded beaches ski and party in France's prettiest Alpine resort The most in-demand new chalets to book for 2025 — from party pads to cosy cabins The TimesOur favourite American in Paris is back for a fourth season with all ten episodes now available to binge on Netflix The City of Light is as much the star as the main character and Francophile fans will be relieved to see the fashionista returning to all her favourite Parisian haunts including her charming garret in Place de l’Estrapade in the 5th arrondissement and ultra-chic office in Place de Valois in the 1st arrondissement “The scope of the show is bigger — the storyline doesn’t play out in Paris,” the Emily in Paris creator Darren Star says we’re in Italy — it’s a big story.” Episode six sees the cast descend on the high-end Haute-Savoie village of Megève; and episode nine and ten include a holiday to Rome along with our favourites from the last four seasons Become a subscriber and along with unlimited digital access to The Times and The Sunday Times you can enjoy a collection of travel offers and competitions curated by our trusted travel partners The Emily in Paris star Lily Collins shared pictures of her time in Rome on her Instagram page@LILYJCOLLINS/INSTAGRAMSeason four features a new character: Rome with the Eternal City acting as the backdrop to several episodes including the penultimate Roman Holiday and finale All Roads Lead to Rome Lily Collins gave us a little taste of what to expect on Instagram in April posing in front of the Colosseum and the Roman marble mask (and ancient lie-detector) Bocca della Verità which invites visitors to put their hands in its open mouth and — according to legend — will bite it off if they tell a lie Viewers can expect many Audrey Hepburn-esque moments on the back of Vespas along with a bunch of new Italian characters including Rupert Everett’s Giorgio Barbieri the gregarious owner of a Rome-based interior-design firm and long-time friend of Sylvie (the French actress Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu) as well as the quietly luxe Marcello Muratori (the Verona-born actor Eugenio Franceschini) who might just end up as Emily’s new love interest (ooh la la) The Italian countryside is also included as a location so brace yourself for plenty of dolce vita wanderlust • Best hotels in Rome Some of the action takes place in Megève in the French AlpsALAMYOne of the most glamorous ski resorts in the French Alps Megève is another new location for the fourth season Located in the Alps of southeastern France in the Mont Blanc massif about an hour’s drive from Geneva (or about five hours by train from Paris) Megève serves as the location of Camille’s family’s chalet — an obvious choice as Camille is clearly old money wearing faux fur and vintage sunglasses on the slopes of MegèveSTEPHANIE BRANCHU/NETFLIX © 2024Season four was filmed during autumn and winter and the show makes the most of the festive atmosphere “It started snowing right when we got there to begin filming,” Star says Emily is dressed in a faux mink casaquin and sunglasses dating from 1956 The outfit is a sartorial nod to Audrey Hepburn (each season has one) and here the inspiration is Hepburn’s winter look from her 1963 film Charade (which became the code name for the episode during filming) If you want to follow in Emily’s footsteps book in for lunch at the Idéal 1850 restaurant (open December to March) at the Four Seasons Hotel Megève before an overnight stay at Les Chalets des Fermes de Marie • Best ski resorts in France Camille Razat as Camille in GivernyNETFLIX © 2024“Giverny is where I fell in love with art You understand why the impressionists painted the way they did,” Camille muses in the second episode of season four as she overlooks Monet’s lily pond Giverny is a must-visit for all art-lovers Monet lived here from 1883 until his death in 1926 Grande Allee and country home (it’s advisable to buy tickets in advance) Look out too for Camille cleaning the lily leaves in this episode; it was a practice started by Monet to keep them looking pristine for his paintings which are displayed in the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris Travellers can also check out the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny • Best places to stay in Normandy Place de l’EstrapadeGETTY IMAGESSome things never change: in the latest season Emily is still in her tiny garret on the sixth floor of a Haussmannian building in Place de l’Estrapade in the heart of the historic Latin Quarter of Paris the square couldn’t look any more charming Though Emily is disappointed by her paltry lodgings when she arrives back in season one her bright and characterful one-bedroom apartment is a far cry from the one-room chambres de bonne (or maids’ rooms) where many students and struggling artists stay picture a single bed with the “kitchen” (a hot plate) and loo within touching distance The fourth season picks up with the dreamboat chef Gabriel at his new restaurant which in real life is an Italian restaurant called Terra Nera located on the northwest point of Place de l’Estrapade sceen-it.com/sceen/4459/Emily-in-Paris/Place-de-l-Estrapade Lily Collins as EmilySTÉPHANIE BRANCHU/NETFLIXJust around the corner from Place de l’Estrapade is the grand Panthéon building It started life as a neoclassical church built on the commission of King Louis XV before becoming a secular monument to the “great men of the Republic” during the French Revolution and is the resting place of luminaries including Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Victor Hugo In November 2021 the American expatriate Josephine Baker became the first black woman — and only the sixth woman overall — to be honoured there In Emily in Paris the 18th-century building provides the backdrop to the heroine breaking up with her boyfriend in Chicago in season one It has continued to be Emily’s neighbourhood throughout the show to the consternation of locals who complained about the disruption caused by the filming in spring of 2021 Place de ValoisGETTY IMAGESThe swanky Savoir office is stationed on Place de Valois in the 1st arrondissement The square is named after King Louis Philippe I the last monarch of the French during the 19th-century restoration He was born in the neighbouring Palais Royal Today the square houses the high-end Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal and Le Bistrot Valois where Emily dines with her colleagues in season one sceen-it.com/sceen/4499/Emily-in-Paris/Place-de-Valois The courtyard of the Palais RoyalGETTY IMAGESPalais Royal is where Emily first meets her bestie how far she has come — in season four she competes in Eurovision This elegant park is in the heart of the city near the Louvre but tucked away from the tourist circuit It is popular with locals thanks to its manicured gardens featuring ornamental fountains and outdoor seating The Cour d’Honneur features striped pillars installed by the artist Daniel Buren that in recent years have become a favourite posing location for influencers — quelle surprise The Palais Garnier opera houseALAMYSeason four takes Emily to a masquerade ball at Galerie-Musée Baccarat but her visit to the sumptuous Palais Garnier in season one is hard to beat built by the architect Charles Garnier at the behest of President Napoleon III is almost monstrously imposing on the outside but undeniably beautiful on the inside Highlights include the fairytale marble central staircase and Marc Chagall’s dreamy mural on the ceiling of the grand auditorium Going to a show here is an unforgettable experience The venue also offers self-guided and guided tours giving patrons get a chance to learn about the legend of the Phantom of the Opera Pont Alexandre IIIGETTY IMAGESEmily is a keen jogger and throughout the show we have seen her pounding the pavements of the quays that line the River Seine The river that bisects the city and its picturesque bridges feature in many episodes In the first season Emily faces off with her French colleagues as they film an advertisement featuring nude models on the gilded Pont Alexandre III In season two she walks dreamily across Pont Neuf — the oldest bridge in Paris inaugurated by King Henry IV — and her friend Mindy busks on the decked Pont des Arts that links the Louvre to the French Institute And in season four we see a newly single Emily checking out not the sites here Klimt at L’Atelier des LumièresGETTY IMAGESEmily tends to stick to the grandeur of central Paris rather than its more offbeat outer arrondissements in season one her friends Gabriel and Camille take her to an exhibition at the Atelier des Lumières a popular art gallery in the hip 11th arrondissement brings an engaging roster of exhibitions that use immersive sound and projections to give visitors a new perspective on the work of artists In 2024 the venue is hosting a Van Gogh installation and The Orientalists an exhibition featuring pieces by Delacroix Père Lachaise cemeteryGETTY IMAGESIn season two we saw Emily integrate further into French life with a visit to Père Lachaise cemetery This large and prestigious resting place and park is part of the alternative tourist circuit thanks to its elegant tree-lined paths and the tombs of famed Paris inhabitants — Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison are buried here who was born in this traditionally working-class district in the east of Paris Emily walks among the gravestones with her eccentric colleague Luc who uses this site full of memento mori to advise her with the typically French sentiment to “not waste time with guilt” Palace of VersaillesALAMYFor the finale of season two we were treated to an extravagant fashion show held in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles played artfully by Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu is one of the most visited tourist attractions in France and the quintessence of ancien regime excess Highlights include the aforementioned Hall of Mirrors and the dazzling ornamental parterre in the gardens not only for all the royal debauchery that went down here (King Louis XV had a staircase direct to the room of his chief mistress but also for 20th-century military history notably the signing of the Treaty of Versailles near Villefranche-sur-MerALAMYAlso in season two our protagonist escapes with her friends to St Tropez one of the most glitzy locations in the south of France We see her in front of the bold red awning of the restaurant Sénéquier and devouring oysters by the beach But some French Twitter users were quick to point out that the postcard of “St Tropez” featured in fact displayed a photo of the more relaxed Villefranche-sur-Mer located about 60 miles east along the Mediterranean with Emily speeding along quaint roads in a sporty McLaren against a backdrop of lavender fields stretching towards the green hills In this season we’re spoiled with views of Bonnieux The serenity of the village offsets the glitz and glamour of Emily’s Parisian lifestyle — but the McLaren suggests that the fast pace of the capital isn’t easily forgotten Château de MontpouponALAMYAnother gorgeous location from season three is Château de Montpoupon The château was destroyed during the Hundred Years’ War and rebuilt during the Renaissance The turreted fortress now houses a museum of hunting — find out all about it with a visit to the museum and stables leschateauxdelaloire.org/en/members/chateau-de-montpoupon/ • Best things to do in Paris• Best budget hotels in Paris Sign up to the Times Travel newsletter for weekly inspiration, advice and deals here That spirit springs to life at Grand Hôtel du Soleil d’Or, which opened in 1901 then reopened with flair in 2019. The top-floor, glass-walled bar has epic views, the sun glinting off the chandelier; downstairs is La Chocolaterie, a chateau-like saloon centred on a table loaded with sweet treats. Megève’s elegance has long attracted the aristocracy, along with the rich and famous, from Hollywood star Jean Harlow in the 1920s to French film maker Jean Cocteau in the middle of the century, all dancing and drinking in jazz venue Club les 5 Rues, which is still swinging today. Much of Megève’s cachet is down to one family. Just after the First World War, Noémie de Rothschild, wife of Baron Maurice de Rothschild, decamped from France to Switzerland to spend time in glossy St Moritz, and soon set about creating a similar haven in her native country, choosing Megève as her crucible. A hotel opened, followed by golf and ski lifts, in Mont d’Arbois, an area that’s still a Rothschild stronghold, now under the guidance of Baron and Baroness Benjamin de Rothschild. Opened in 2017, the Four Seasons Megève is an exquisite, chalet-style hotel where Baroness Ariane de Rothschild has arranged favoured pieces of art to unite with contemporary design and old-world comfort — a vast front desk here, extravagant chandeliers there. I dine at La Dame de Pic - Le 1920, the latest Michelin-starred venue from Anne-Sophie Pic, the French chef whose string of restaurants has garnered 10 Michelin stars worldwide, a record for a female chef. The tasting menu — five courses plus extra little treats — is a revelation, with such standouts as fish from Lake Geneva and lamb from the local mountains. It’s £215 without wine pairing but it’s the food, rather than the cost that’s unforgettable. Far below, Megève is a web of cobbled streets lined with the likes of Hermès and Dior, and tiny stone bridges crossing a stream that, like us, eventually has to bounce down from the mountains heights. Back in town, across from cheese shop La Caverne des Lepinoy, I find a sculptural tribute to Jacques Revaux. Turns out it was here in Megève the French musician was inspired to co-write Comme d’Habitude, the song that became Sinatra’s My Way. Given Megeve’s inimitable class and style, this makes perfect sense. and the first gasp of shock jumping into a freezing lake which negotiate 196 bridges and viaducts and burrow through 55 tunnels.","ttl":"Big Trip-Alps-May2025 -Landvasser Viaduct","rchDsc":{"markup":"Switzerland’s UNESCO-listed Bernina and Albula lines which negotiate 196 bridges and viaducts and burrow through 55 tunnels "},"rchTtl":{"markup":"Big Trip-Alps-May2025 -Landvasser Viaduct "},"ratio":"3x2"},"isFeatured":true,"sections":[{"name":"Travel","id":"432c4f83-2d55-3974-b95f-a221c87c0fd1","type":"sources","uri":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel"}],"headline":"How to plan a classic summer adventure in the Alps","link":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/how-to-plan-classic-summer-adventure-alps"},{"description":"Whether you’re longing for the Austrian Alps Italian coasts or historic French hilltop towns looking down into a mountain-lined valley.","crdt":"Photograph by Francesco Riccardo Iacomino with gin production taking over ancient Cognac houses travel and Seven Daughters Moscato.","ttl":"Taraji P Henson MLIF","rchDsc":{"markup":"Taraji talks all things food travel and Seven Daughters Moscato. "},"rchTtl":{"markup":"Taraji P Henson MLIF"}},"sections":[{"name":"Travel","id":"432c4f83-2d55-3974-b95f-a221c87c0fd1","type":"sources","uri":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel"}],"headline":"Taraji P travel and Moscato wine","link":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/my-life-in-food-taraji-p-henson"},{"description":"With its seafood cheese and growing crop of Michelin-starred restaurants lively music and culinary feasts.","ttl":"Jamaica Montegro Bay","rchDsc":{"markup":"Jamaica's best hotels offer a seamless blend of captivating scenery Want to take advantage of Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits, including a space available room upgrade, complimentary breakfast, a hotel credit, and more? Contact Ford ([email protected]) for more details He may even be able to help if you already have a stay booked For the final stop of our ski trip to the French Alps, we spent a couple of nights at the 55-room Four Seasons Megeve I was looking forward to experiencing this hotel given that it’s Four Seasons’ only ski resort in Europe The standard of luxury hotels in the French Alps is among the highest in the world so how does the Four Seasons Megeve stack up There were a lot of things I loved about the Four Seasons experience. Megeve is much closer to Geneva than most other ski towns, and Megeve is ridiculously charming. Furthermore, the Four Seasons Megeve has a gorgeous, modern design, as the hotel is owned by the Rothschild family and Ariane de Rothschild is personally behind the interior design The hotel also features impeccable service and excellent dining (including a Michelin-starred restaurant) be aware that while the Four Seasons is located in the stunning Mont Blanc region so may not get snow that’s as good as in the ski towns at higher altitudes at least when Europe is having a bad winter for snow Full disclosure — Ford had won a prize through work with Four Seasons So in this case our room was complimentary Let me also mention upfront that we were assigned a great suite which was probably largely because it was the very end of the season and there weren’t many guests remaining at the hotel Suffice it to say that what we got isn’t a standard upgrade the Four Seasons Megeve isn’t just open in winter as I’d actually love to visit in summer Rates vary based on the season — in summer I’ve seen rates as low as €600 per night rates often start at over €2,000 per night Anyway, the best way to book any Four Seasons property is through a travel advisor affiliated with the Four Seasons Preferred Partner program You pay the same rate you’ll find directly on Four Seasons’ website Booking Four Seasons properties through Preferred Partner is better than booking through programs like Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts That’s because upgrades are generally prioritized for Preferred Partner guests and on top of that Preferred Partner perks can be stacked with virtually any publicly available Four Seasons rate You can’t beat getting all of these extra perks just for booking through an eligible travel advisor. Ford is happy to help book Four Seasons properties through Preferred Partner, and can be reached at [email protected] One awesome thing about Megeve is its proximity to Geneva as it’s just a 75-minute drive from Geneva Airport (GVA) This is a significant advantage compared to some places like Val d’Isère and Courchevel which are potentially a three hour drive from Geneva It especially makes a difference if you’re just going for a weekend Megeve is probably the most charming ski town I’ve been to in the French Alps in the sense that they’re bustling for the season and then totally close down the rest of the year where you see school kids running through the town Megeve also has all kinds of great restaurants and bars The town felt to me like a cross between Aspen and Paris The Four Seasons is located on a hill on top of the village and exactly what you’d expect from an Alpine ski resort Since the hotel isn’t right in the village there is a complimentary shuttle service that can take you to & from town in just a few minutes The drivers were super friendly and prompt the interior design is a bit… of an acquired taste I love that the Four Seasons Megeve has a modern and unconventional chalet-style design which you won’t find at many properties in the region There’s also endless art throughout the hotel most of which is part of the Rothschild family’s collection The hotel almost feels half like a ski resort and half like an art gallery you’ll see a beautiful lobby seating area straight ahead which gives you a sense of the design inspiration you can expect throughout the hotel Immediately behind this is an indoor smoking room which I know my dad would have appreciated Inside the entrance to the hotel and to the left is a hallway leading to all of the hotel’s restaurants Meanwhile inside the entrance and to the right is another lobby seating area Our check-in process was efficient and professional and in a matter of minutes we were shown to our room Let me once again acknowledge that we got a very generous room upgrade to the Mont Blanc Suite The hotel was pretty empty so late in the season and Ford books a lot of clients at Four Seasons so obviously this isn’t a standard room upgrade Inside the entrance of the suite was the dining area with an “L” shaped couch and a chair Also in the living room was the minibar area There was a beautiful terrace off the living room with views of the surrounding area (as you can tell but the views were nonetheless breathtaking) There was a half bathroom off the living room Inside the entrance of the suite and to the right was a large closet area The bedroom had the extremely comfortable signature Four Seasons bed Waiting on the bed was a welcome gift of a beanie as well as a scarf which might just be the coolest hotel slippers I’ve ever received I’m wearing them as I write this review The main bathroom was just off the bedroom Toiletries were in reusable containers from CODAGE Paris On the very other end of the suite was a TV room that could double as an additional bedroom There was also a whole additional bathroom here The Four Seasons Megeve has an epic spa and pool area which measures an area of 900 square meters (~9,700 square feet) the hotel has a heated indoor-outdoor pool which you don’t find at many resorts in the Alps The locker room next to the pool also had showers Immediately next to the pool is the Four Seasons Megeve spa, and you can find the spa menu here and has six treatment rooms — I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves It’s nice how hotels in the Alps put so much effort into special areas for kids and teens Airelles properties are known for their incredible kids and teens clubs and the Four Seasons has a great setup as well There’s also a large area for smaller kids ski-out resort on the Mont d’Arbois slopes This area gives you access to 136 groomed runs There are also more than 19 miles of groomed The catch is that Europe had a rough winter for snow and Megeve is also at a lower altitude than some other ski towns The resort is at an altitude of 1,350 meters (4,429 feet) while Courchevel and Val d’Isère are at an altitude of 1,850 meters (6,070 feet) Also keep in mind that we were there at the very end of the season ski-out wasn’t available at the time (unless you can ski on grass!) though the hotel provides a shuttle service to a nearby lift which frankly is quite modest compared to what you’ll find at an Airelles where the rooms are maybe five times as large and have all kinds of freshly baked cakes and more for guests to help themselves to The Four Seasons Megeve has a variety of dining options and then I’ll take a closer look at each individual one: Let’s take a look at each of the outlets Kaito is located in the lobby of the Four Seasons Breakfast is served daily from 7AM until 10:30AM You can find the breakfast menu below (keep in mind that if you book through Four Seasons Preferred Partner Breakfast consisted of a small but high quality buffet You could then supplement that with something from the menu The cappuccinos at breakfast were also exceptional… yum We had dinner at Kaito one evening, and you can find the menu here La Dame De Pic Le 1920 is the Four Seasons’ Michelin-starred restaurant and it’s a concept from Anne-Sophie Pic the female chef with the most Michelin-starred restaurants We absolutely loved this dining experience In recent years I’ve started to appreciate fine dining more It’s almost like going to dinner and a show and you can’t help but appreciate the quality of the service and the thought and effort that goes into each dish We went all out and did the tasting menu here and it was probably one of my favorite meals ever Please don’t ask me to describe everything because I feel like so much information is shared during a dining experience like this and I’ll otherwise let the pictures speak for themselves I can’t recommend this experience enough even if you’re not staying at the hotel Bar Edmond is the Four Seasons’ lobby bar The whole bar area didn’t feel particularly large to me given the potential number of guests who may want to come here as there’s no other bar at the hotel The Four Seasons Megeve has a hidden wine cellar which must be one of the most epic hotel wine cellars anywhere The hotel has a collection of over 15,000 bottles of wine and the cellar they’re stored in is just dazzling Guests can arrange to have either a dinner or wine tasting here L’Idéal 1850 is the Four Seasons’ restaurant on the slopes We had lunch here one day as Ford skied (while I just walked through the slush) The restaurant has a terrace with panoramic views and we both finished our meal with a cappuccino Service at the Four Seasons Megeve was flawless across the board Four Seasons consistently does a great job with service I also found the staffing situation to be interesting Airelles properties are almost entirely staffed by French people while the Four Seasons had more of a mixed workforce Many of the winter staff at the resort work at other Four Seasons properties in summer For example, a few dozen employees at the hotel work in Megeve in winter, and then at the Four Seasons Athens Astir Palace in summer So the staff here were much more international than you’d find at many other ski resorts I’m not suggesting that’s good or bad (since service was excellent) The Four Seasons Megeve is an excellent hotel It has everything you’d expect a Four Seasons ski lodge to have which I happen to find an especially charming town That being said, if you don’t have a specific reason you want to be in Megeve, I do think Airelles Val d’Isère and Airelles Courchevel over an all-around better value everything about the Airelles experience just feels a bit more elevated I also love how Airelles properties have rates that are full board which are comparable to (or in some cases even cheaper than) Four Seasons’ rates without anything included So if you’re a Four Seasons loyalist and want to visit Megeve But if you’re someone who wants a great luxury ski resort experience in the French Alps and don’t care about the brand or location What’s your take on the Four Seasons Megeve Want to take advantage of Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits, including a space available room upgrade, complimentary breakfast, a hotel credit, and more? Contact Ford ([email protected]) for more details Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" I am so happy you are starting to enjoy fine dining more I got into it around the same time I got into premium travel more generally and I love it I’ve been to Anne-Sophie Pic’s 3-star restaurant in Valence (it is truly worth a special trip) Another great review and splendid pictures which is an interesting dinner at 460 euros with wine pairing It is too cumbersome and inconvenient to figure out from the pictures which is what Please mention what it is in the legend of the picture as you usually do and is always appreciated Michelin ratings have become as debased a currency as Delta Skymiles I'd put little stock into them these days Thanks so much for reviewing these properties I really enjoy the review of non-points properties so much more I read this blog to learn about how to maximize points and miles to have luxury travel experiences I'd never pay cash for.. So I must say the Four Seasons feels a little out of place given that they don't have a loyalty program so your only choice is to pay the (high) cash rates just keep scrolling whilst the rest of us highly enjoy these luxury reviews Great review and I'm very jealous of this trip Not sure I'd call Megeve "charming" and "real" but I know you were comparing it to Courchevel and in that regard it's definitely quaint Skiing in that area is amazing and endless but there are far more charming and "real" towns scattered around the Alps (with luxury properties) My two nitpicks are that half empty shower gel pump dispensers and for-charge soft drinks/snacks are not a good look in a suite that probably costs €10K/night but I guess the French can butcher any other cuisine other than their own and get away with it just fine Can't wait to get your view on "Soy Milk" and "Turkey Bacon" Your feedback is important in helping us keep our community safe The comments on this page have not been provided approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered Can't wait to get your view on "Soy Milk" and "Turkey Bacon" You have successfully joined our subscriber list Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any entity mentioned herein. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. 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I would like to receive Newsletter from MICHELIN Guide Save lists of your favorite restaurants & hotels ShareSaveCommentLifestyle TravelMagical Megève: Why This French Mountain Destination Should Be On Your Winter Travel ListByRana Good Rana Good is a New York City-based travel and lifestyle writer.Follow AuthorNov 20 Four Seasons Hotel Megève can also make some extraordinary experiences happen for their guests the Four Seasons Megève Collection igloo will appeal to the gourmet who also likes a little adventure with their meal You will snowshoe trek through the terrain until you see a charming igloo in the dense fir forest which has been decorated with candlelight and cozy blankets local cheese and warm mulled wine in your own little wintery cocoon Another unique activity is soaking in an apres-ski bath carefully prepared by therapists and delivered to your doorstep to feel revived after a day of skiing or snowboarding savor a delightful Savoyard dinner highlighting local cheeses while taking in the majestic starry sky on the suite’s terrace,” says Joachim Jacob General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Megève “The next day enjoy a tailored breakfast before being the first to hit the ski slopes or other activities arranged by the in-house butler.” This stargazing suite was featured in Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts’ recent campaign “Based On A True Stay” which showcases how the hotel chain makes extraordinary experiences come to life for their guests a couple on their honeymoon spoke about their love for watching the stars which was overheard by a member of the team They then brought the couple’s dream of spending an evening “à la belle étoile” to life “This moment perfectly encapsulates the personalization and care that Four Seasons brings to our guests each day,” says Marc Speichert executive vice president and chief commercial officer of Four Seasons “Further illustrating our desire to provide luxury with genuine heart while fostering a true sense of belonging among each of our guests.” The village of Megève was built very intentionally which is reflected in its beauty and abundance of things to do wife of Baron Maurice de Rothschild wanted to launch a French counterpart to her beloved vacation destination St airfield and 18-hole golf course which eventually put Megève on the map as an A-list favorite winter destination Today the town is ideal for visitors that can’t wait to be the first on the ski lift or others who would rather focus on dining and self-care From food indulgences to hitting the slopes to observing the stars like an astronomer there’s much to enjoy at Four Seasons Hotel Megève this upcoming winter Skiing isn’t just for the Courchevel crowd Emma Spedding has your guide to the chic yet affordable resorts to book — and the hacks to get the best deals of the season The Standard's journalism is supported by our readers When you purchase through links on our site Think skiing and you’ll probably picture the millionaire’s playground that is the Alps Take Courchevel 1850 — part of the exclusive 3 Valleys ski area — where you can fly onto a private airstrip off the piste ride an Hermés horse-drawn carriage at the hotel Airelles and shop at Chanel in your ski boots I once spent 30 euros on a crepe and a soft drink there And if you didn’t go to the type of school that hosted annual ski trips it can be easy to think that this is an exclusive world that doesn’t belong to you so long as you pick the right resort and take advantage of a wave of new apps or organised trips it is possible to take a 0 off of your total bill without sacrificing on style (or the volume of melted cheese consumed) I first set foot in ski boots in my late 20s who didn’t grow up visiting the slopes either but was hooked after embarking on a five-month ski season aged 21 Thanks to my new hobby I no longer dread winter and have been surprised by how meditative I find a week in the mountains — focusing on your next turn quietens all other thoughts and screen time instantly plummets with a week-long trip to Andorra in Spain from £1,495 These trips tend to visit lesser-known resorts that are competitively priced and attract a younger crowd “There are lots of resorts across Europe that are more budget friendly,” explains Blessing Ekairia co-founder of Mount Noire “We recommend Andorra Vallnord-Pal Arinsa in Andorra is a family-friendly option with a good range of activities for non-skiers while Vogel in Slovenia is best for beginners.” A quick look at the Bankso Geo-tag on Instagram will make it clear that this is all about the après “I’ve found that resorts slightly off the beaten track offer just as much charm snow and style — and at a fraction of the cost.” Saving on what you wear will also keep down the cost of skiing This is a key reason why my husband launched Blanqo a platform that allows UK-based skiers to rent £1,000-something outfits from the likes of Goldbergh and Perfect Moment for the week It was founded in 2018 by brothers Marcus and Alexander Blunt who used to create elaborate spreadsheets to research and book every element of their ski trip separately Flights and transfers can be much cheaper on an off-peak day This arduous planning made them realise you can save money if you look beyond the restricted Saturday to Saturday model so they turned their spreadsheet concept into an online booking platform where you can assemble a bespoke itinerary “Choosing a lesser-known or smaller ski resort connected to a big ski area is one of our top tips for slashing costs without compromising on your ski holiday experience,” explains Marcus “Quieter resorts can also mean less time queuing and an overall more chilled-out vibe.” Swap Méribel for Birdes-les-Bains If you want to have a taste of old-school Alpine luxury Megève has more affordable accommodation than other classics Heidi has seen an 183 per cent year-on-year increase in bookings for 2024 to 2025 which is no doubt impacted by Emily in Paris visiting the village in season 4 of the show The episode showed Megève as a chocolate-box winter fantasyland with Emily dressed like Audrey Hepburn in Charade which was also filmed in Megève in the 1960s And while holidaying like Lily Collins’ on-screen persona might seem a little naff even the Four Seasons has launched a ‘Night Above the Clouds’ offer for those who want to “follow the path of Emily in Paris.” If Emily were scouting her next photogenic winter hotspot with its soft pink skies and chance to see the North Lights or a magical rain ride snaking through the Swiss Alps — which both happen to be possible on a budget affordable ski holiday this winter and beyond Megève is popular with beginners as it has 43 green and 65 gentle blue runs the village looks like the middle of a snow globe and has such a storied that the writer Jean Cocteau called it the “21st arrondissement of Paris.” Where to stay: Premium hotels in high-profile resorts can be eye-wateringly expensive but Coeur de Megève is an elegant choice that will give you the luxury experience at a more competitive price with walnut walls and a sculptural fireplace in the centre of the living room and no checked tablecloths or twee hearts in sight Book it: Stays from £249.75. mrandmrssmith.com (A 7-day ski pass is 300 Euros) The price of skiing in Switzerland can quickly spiral out of control it can be reached by cog railway (a truly magical way to travel) and it’s part of the Jungrau ski area with the majority being blue and red pistes Where to stay: The Grand Hotel Belvedere has just opened this season and the property has several special launch offers there are lots of other organised experiences snowshoeing trips and kayaking in Lake Brienz The interiors reflect the natural surroundings with wood panelling and indulgent wool textures while the mountain views are designed to be the focal feature of every room Book it: Stays from £278.47. mrandmrssmith.com Lake Bohinj is emerging as a popular alternative winter destination Although the ski area at Vogel resort is small with 22 kilometres of mainly red and blue runs it is ideal for an affordable weekend — a one-day lift pass is 44 Euros which is known for the snow-capped fairytale-like island in the centre of the lake The ski infrastructure is deliberately designed to be subtle in the region meaning you can truly immerse yourself in nature with backcountry ski touring the eponymous boutique Hotel Bohinj has been designed to maximise on the panoramic vistas with each room looking out onto a winter wonderland as each guest has two hours access a day to the Finnish and Turkish saunas Book it: Stays from £136. mrandmrssmith.com Sweden is growing in popularity with Brits as a snow-sure destination and Åre is the largest ski resort in Scandinavia with 89 runs and magical powder fields There are also lots of activities for the non-skiers in your group from a guided tour of the Northern lights to dog sled tours is a contemporary alternative to a Scandinavian wooden cabin that featured on Grand Designs a large sauna and an outdoor jacuzzi overlooking the snow-capped forest Book it: Stays from £650 for a week, based on a group of 12. airbnb.co.uk Let’s start with the obvious benefit of skiing in Italy – the après ski meals ”The country’s alpine regions are known for their food and you won’t find anything better after a long day on the slopes than a hearty bowl of polenta or an indulgent truffle pasta,” says Lohan the founders of the Heidi app recommend families try Pila where kids under nine ski for free which has lower prices thanks to its tax-free status Where to stay: Chalets are ideal for families and the Apartment Astra on the Heidi app will be a cosy base that is a three-minute walk from the centre of the resort and a seven-minute bus to the slopes It’s an unpretentious option that families will feel relaxed in with spacious areas for you to have dinner and play games together after a day on the mountains Book it: Stays from £1,039 for 2 adults and 2 children for 7 days. heidi.com Bulgaria is emerging as a popular party destination for Brits travelling for a long weekend — it’s only an hour from Rila airport Advanced skiers might not be impressed by the more cruisey slopes and the smaller ski area (it has 58km of pistes) however it’s ideal for beginners wanting to practice their wide turns “Cheap and cheerful,” is how Marcus describes it Where to stay: Iglika hotel is less than a five minute walk to the ‘Yastrebets’ gondola and has a more modern decor than some of the other options in the area that can feel a little tired Book it: Stays from £153 a night. iglikaborovets.com Not sure what to pack to look the part on the slopes Perfect Moment Women's Chevron Polar Flare Ski Jacket, £61 for a 6 day rental. blanqo.co.uk Jimmy Fairly The Ski Goggles, £135. jimmyfairly.com Goldbergh Women's Snowball Ski Suit in Gold, £101 for a 6 day rental. blanqo.co.uk Varley Marcie Fair Isle Yoke Knit, £142. uk.varley.com Curdova Aurora ribbed merino wool turtleneck sweater. theoutnet.com Zara Thermolite Jacquard Leggings, £25.99. zara.com The chicest London hotel Christmas trees and displays to inspire your festive scheme The chicest ski hotels in Europe — from authentic alpine chalets to a converted hospital VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day From Michelin-starred mountain cuisine to late-night après-ski parties with culinary TikTok stars here’s where to eat in the glitzy Alpine hot spot If you buy something from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy Of the eight countries touched by the Alps France is home to some of the range’s most beloved and internationally renowned destinations serious skiers and snowboarders flock to the Three Valleys — the world’s largest contiguous ski area connecting the resorts of Courchevel 1850 host of the 1924 winter Olympics and widely considered Europe’s capital of mountaineering If its neighbors are known for attracting expert skiers and glacier hikers has emerged as the gourmet destination among the region’s prestigious resort towns As the snow piles up outside huge picture windows diners dip into rich pots of fondue at elaborate wood-lined chalets clink craft cocktails while cozying up on faux fur and leather banquettes party late into the night with culinary stars and eat their way through Michelin-starred Alpine cuisine from some of the country’s most esteemed chefs With even more elevated fairytale vibes than Chamonix and a more laid-back atmosphere than the Three Valleys Megève is beloved among mountain newbies and full-time diners who consider any winter sport a perfunctory prelude to après-ski the town became a stop on the Tour de France Baroness Noémie de Rothschild opened a resort at the foot of the Mont d’Arbois to compete with Switzerland’s glamorous St the former farming village has evolved into a well-manicured storybook town complete with horse-drawn carriages Jean Cocteau) cemented Megève as a luxurious Alpine lifestyle destination Like Aspen (which originated as a mining town) Megève became a playground for wealthy winter enthusiasts — though it retains some affordable pastimes (like snowshoeing) and dining options (traditional fondue spots plus a new crop of bars for cocktails and shared plates) but “the quality of the cuisine and wines is inversely proportional to its size.” It wasn’t until the late 1990s that Megève landed on the destination dining map, mostly thanks to Emmanuel Renaut, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France and chef at three-Michelin-starred Flocons de Sel not worthy of any kind of dining expedition,” he says After coming up under celebrity chef Marc Veyrat an early proponent of country cooking and sourcing local ingredients Renaut broke out on his own in 1998 with (the original location of) Flocons de Sel where he started cooking local freshwater fish like pike perch and arctic char; building his own produce and herb gardens; cultivating his own honey; and raising his own chickens As a self-proclaimed messenger of the mountain Renaut’s nature-driven cooking paved the way for rising culinary stars like Anthony Bisquerra and Julien Gatillon award-winning chefs such as Eric Frechon of Le Bristol and Anne-Sophie Pic to set up operations in and around Megève and briny fish stews have come to define Brittany Alpine cooking is built around the rich and nourishing ingredients that proliferate in the Savoie region There is some disagreement about the particular mixture of cheeses that make up the Fondue Savoyarde but you’re likely to see Beaufort Cheese is also woven into dishes like tartiflette gut-busting potato gratin with Reblochon and bacon a signature dish meant to keep mountain dwellers warm through long winters and root vegetables thrive in the region and appear regularly on restaurant menus in soups There are also more obscure local items like cardoon (an artichoke relative) which Renaut famously serves with truffles You can also expect a variety of charcuterie and local game including chamois (a goat-like animal native to European mountain ranges) and freshwater fish as well as Savoyard staples such as crozets (tiny cubes of buckwheat pasta) and potée a one-pot pork and vegetable stew that can be found across ski towns everything gets a bit lighter — the meat might be served in a tartare rather than a stew; the fish accompanied by zucchini and herbs; and the tarts overflowing with apricots and red fruit if potatoes or bread topped with oozing cheese appeals to you despite the heat Ski season: Megève’s low altitude can mean limited snow cover in the earlier parts of the season from December through January The scene heats up (or cools down) by mid-February Summer in Megève: Don’t overlook an Alpine trip during the summer purpose-built ski towns elsewhere in the region that empty out of big spenders at the end of the winter Megève is a second home for families from Lyon and Paris who keep restaurants humming even as the snow melts and the hikers take over Institutions such as Flocons de Sel remain open year round Après-ski: Considered by some to be the most appealing part of a ski getaway this is anything and everything that happens off the skis and snowboards That may range from sipping Champagne and vin chaud on a slopeside terrace to spa treatments and late-night dancing Henry-Jacques Le Même: The distinctive wood and stone ski chalet style built out by architect Henry-Jacques Le Même and wide balconies add an element of storybook drama to dining experiences and midday strolls through town as professional cyclists ride through town for the 10th stage of the Tour de France followed by hundreds of amateurs close behind Camping vans and groups of supporters line the sides of the road but you’re unlikely to experience much disruption when it comes to dining or shopping in the main village area the Basque-born chef Anthony Bisquerra has presided over the L’Alpaga hotel’s excellent duo of restaurants earned a second Michelin star in 2020 for the chef’s inventive mountain cooking He makes liberal use of local herbs and produce and takes a firmly anti-waste approach to fish and meat Bisquerra salvages the claws from a jumbo shrimp starter for stuffing and repurposes the head and shell to infuse oil for a sauce A fully plant-based tasting menu is available beautifully highlighting the diversity of regional agriculture Tasting menus starting from $147 for six courses If there is a single reason to eat in Megève three-star celebration of the Alpine larder and mountain views through floor-to-ceiling windows the chef takes Savoyard cooking well beyond cheese to feature wild lake fish and game and a vast array of locally grown vegetables signature dishes include a beetroot and parsnip gnocchi in a horseradish consomme; steamed and lightly roasted cardoon with a truffle and herb vinaigrette; a lightly toasted mound of pike with the texture of tofu served on a bed of onions and topped with tiny balls of black rice and buckwheat; and tender roasted venison served with mushroom tartelettes and a shallot and beetroot puree which comes around with an irresistible display before dessert If chef Renaut’s three-star table is beyond your budget there are two other options to get a sense of his culinary style and appreciation for local ingredients sits directly on the Forestier ski run in the Rochebrune massif An international crowd of ski bunnies pack into the woody dining room and sun-drenched terrace (with ample ski storage) for hearty twists on classic dishes from fera fish nuggets and souffled quenelle de brochet (pike with prawn sauce) to venison Bolognese and mascarpone Mont Blanc for dessert ($30 to 50 for lunch) the chef has both a modern bistro with more involved dishes (grilled char fish and seasonal soups) and an Airstream parked out front for to-go comforts like Beaufort and truffle croque sandwiches and sausage with hay-smoked potatoes ($5-25) When Julien Gatillon left the Edmond de Rothschild Heritage group where he spent nearly 10 years in charge of various restaurants including the Chalet du Mont d’Arbois (now part of the Four Seasons) spacious dining rooms for a far more intimate space and concept From his perch in a new wooden chalet overlooking the village of Megève he runs a private chef’s table with his wife Sonia Torland Available for reservations of two to 12 people plotted out with guests in advance (wines can be selected directly from the chef’s cellar) the idea of a design-centric Italian trattoria with a three-lane bowling alley seems gimmicky crowd-pleasing pizza and pasta (get the zucca this new spot from the Annie Famose group (named for the Olympic and world champion Alpine skier) is legitimately fun The latest arrival to the Megève nightlife scene comes from a trio of young restaurateurs known for their hotspots in Saint-Tropez. Kitted out like a private wooden chalet, with plush banquettes and armchairs, cozy dining nooks, and floral wallpaper, the two-level restaurant plays it demure through dinner and then dials up the festivity (and the music) from 10 p.m. until late. Chef Diego Alary who competed on the last season of French Top Chef (and is reportedly the most followed chef on TikTok) developed the menu of comforting From Beaufort and pesto garlic bread and morel mushroom soup with puff pastry crust to a revisited tartiflette and pumpkin veloute with fresh goat cheese Alary demonstrates that quality food can exist in a party atmosphere (between $18 to $50) one of head mixologist Melina Carnio’s supremely balanced craft cocktails with green Chartreuse This is the quintessential après-ski nighttime destination An intergenerational crowd sinks into chunky leather sofas and comfortable armchairs layered in faux fur to sip craft cocktails while listening to live music Superstar chef Renaut developed a solid menu of elevated bar snacks and mountain hummus (chickpea mixed with root vegetables and juniper berries) suitable for a light meal or pre-dinner aperitif (starting at $16) As varied as the cuisine has become in Megève a stop for traditional fondue is a non-negotiable during any stay the Sibuet family who own Les Fermes de Marie joined forces with master cheese maturer Frédéric Royer of La Fromagerie Boujon for a menu of Savoyard classics including a fondue recipe that was named the best in Megève in 2019 at the Toquicimes culinary festival Other worthy options include péla des Aravis a rich potato dish with bacon and onions; lake fish soup; raclette; and the region’s standout sponge cake In an immense restored farmhouse in the middle of town this restaurant-bar-club plays up the cozy winter chalet aesthetic with exposed wood beams created by Michelin-starred chef Eric Frechon of Le Bristol in Paris (and restaurants in Saint-Tropez leans into après-ski with comforting dishes best enjoyed after sweating it out on the slopes all day and Alpine cheese platters (starting from $30) Go for lunch and sit outside on the veranda or go for dinner and watch the crowd transform throughout the evening from lazy listening to live singers to dancing on tables to a DJ set The 22 rooms and common areas of this property set off from a quiet country road less than a 10-minute drive from the center of town were entirely rethought by the New York design firm Charles & Co They gave the rustic chalet and spa a contemporary touch with locally made furnishings in velvet and leather vintage decorative pieces set among framed ski scenes The goal was to complement the natural visual drama right outside the hotel; many rooms have their own balconies or terraces so you don’t even have to head to the slopes to experience magical mountain light and Mont Blanc views A complimentary shuttle drops guests in the village and at ski lifts upon request Rooms starting at $665 per night during high season This isn’t only a spot to spend the night after what could be a life-changing meal at Flocons de Sel have designed the place like a private home and one wooden apartment with a full kitchen overlooking the valley and one of the best in-room dining menus in the area make a comfortable refuge in any season It’s not unusual to find the chef plating eggs for the breakfast service and checking in on the temperature in the outdoor Nordic bath — he is hands-on in every aspect of his operation and it’s all the better for it the Renauts also run a two-room private chalet for rent adjacent to their restaurant Flocon Village Rooms starting at $475 per night during high season this 22 room hotel is what the locals would call dans son jus old-world wooden skier’s chalet is in the exact architectural style that Henry-Jacques Le Même established in the 1930s with an understated farmhouse aesthetic (think lots of wood it’s the postcard mountain views from guest room balconies that make this an ideal home base For those who want a home base in the heart of the village Coeur de Megève is the least traditional of the boutique properties in the area The 39 rooms feature a markedly sleek Scandi aesthetic (think brushed wood floors and walls Lounge areas and dining rooms are more colorful the solid hotel bistro that does light riffs on Savoyard classics Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois put Megève on the map when the Rothschild family opened its doors in the 1920s but the property got a top-to-bottom design overhaul a few years ago when it joined the Four Seasons portfolio The 41 rooms are decked out in a mix of rustic and bohemian design and suites are spread across three traditional wooden chalets several on-site restaurants (La Table de Noémie offers a fine dining twist on classic Savoyard fare) and close access to the Mont d’Arbois slopes If there’s anything you can’t do or find here will certainly be able to deliver (including a new outpost of chef Anne-Sophie Pic’s excellent Dame de Pic – Le 1920 restaurant) it’s easy to mistake this hamlet of wooden ski chalets and farms for a private residence But it’s actually one of Megève’s most iconic places to sleep Opened in 1989 by France’s influential boutique hotelier duo Jocelyne and Jean-Louis Sibuet the property is made up of 70 rooms spanning nine chalets and mazots (pasture huts) each designed by the couple with the kind of rustic chic decor (lots of fur and fuzzy cushions and plenty of fireplaces) that has inspired an entire generation of Pinterest users Lindsey Tramuta is a Paris-based writer and the author of The New Paris and The New Parisienne: The Women & Ideas Shaping Paris. Joann Pai is a food and travel photographer in Paris The freshest news from the food world every day