The original leading French resort, Megève was modelled as a ski resort to rival Switzerland’s St Moritz and it succeeds in being the most chic and atmospheric of French ski areas, centred on its ancient square and cobbled streets. You’ll find enticing shops and gourmet restaurants here – indeed Megève has a reputation for offering the best dining in the French Alps (which some argue means the entire European Alps).

It’s a resort that’s easy to reach quickly for a weekend ski trip and it’s also got a lot to offer non-skiers with quaint cafes, jazz bars and sleighs to hire so it’s a good choice for mixed groups or even couples including both skiers, boarders and non-skiers. Although not created in the era of the big French altitude resorts with their giant ski areas, Megève is now part of one of the world’s largest lift-linked ski areas covering 445km (nearly 300 miles) of trails.

Learn more about Megève at skiweekends.com

• Megève has expanded its slopes over the years and after linking to its neighbours to create the Evasion Mont Blanc pass, it is now one of the world’s largest lift-linked ski areas covering 445km (nearly 300 miles) of trails around Mont Blanc.
• Many of the slopes are below the tree line with pretty runs and wonderful vistas out towards Mont Blanc.
• There’s plenty of terrain for all abilities with several steep blacks and off–piste runs particularly on Mont Joly and Mont Joux for experts.
• Megéve is very well suited to non-skiers who can explore the many designer shops, restaurants and sophisticated jazz bars.