Saint-Nicolas De Véroce ski village ticks all the boxes for me in the way of a ski holiday and luxury. Stunning scenery with Mont-Blanc as your backdrop, great location, local atmosphere and appreciation for the finer things in life.
What makes it even more appealing is it’s part of the Saint-Gervais ski resort and linked to Evasion Mont Blanc ski area, covering 445 kilometres of ski slopes.
I did not know too much about Saint-Nicolas De Véroce or Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc France apart from the renowned thermal baths. But I was intrigued to explore this area by ski and excited to stay in the new 5Star luxurious ski-in and ski-out chalets owned by the prestigious Armancette Hotel.
There were two things that I noticed straight away when we arrived in Saint-Nicolas De Véroce ski village in the afternoon. The beautifully lit up church of Saint-Nicolas and how amazing Mont Blanc looked in the distance. I clearly understood why Saint-Nicolas De Véroce uses it to their advantage.
St Nicolas De Véroce Saint Gervais Ski area
Most people know Saint-Gervais ski resort but Saint Nicolas de Véroce is a small village within the Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc region. Saint Nicolas de Véroce is part of two main ski areas, the Les Houches/Saint Gervais and the Evasion Mont Blanc ski area covering over 500 kilometres ski area. Meaning that you will be spoilt for choice on your ski holiday.
On the opposite side of Saint Gervais Mont-Blanc town is Le Prarion and Les Houches which covers an additional 55kms of slopes. The area is known as the Les Houches/Saint Gervais ski area. This ski area can be accessed via the Mont Blanc Tramway or also known as Tramway du Mont-Blanc in Saint Gervais.
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As for the Evasion Mont Blanc ski area, you only need one lift pass to be able to access 6 other ski resorts. Though not all the resorts are linked via chairlifts or gondolas.
Megève, Saint Gervais and Saint Nicolas de Véroce are linked via chairlifts that also cover the highest point, Mont Joly at 2525 mtrs. Les Contamines-Montjoie situated on the other side of Mont Joly you will need a car to drive to as it is not linked.
Hauteluce, Combloux and La Giettaz are on the other side of the Megeve ski town and are not linked by chairlifts. However, they can be accessed by chairlift when you crossover Megeve town centre and take another lift.
Skiing in Saint-Nicolas Saint Gervais
Saint-Nicolas and Saint Gervais Mont-Blanc area was a great place to ski, especially with Mont-Blanc as your backdrop. We only skied two full days but I felt like I had only just scratched the surface of this vast ski area. We stuck mostly to the blue and red slopes as we were testing out the new ZAG Chamonix H-96 lady skis.
Even though it had not snowed for a few days, the conditions on the slope were still good even with an overcast sky, for our first day. On the second day, we had a huge fresh dump of snow which meant we really got to feel how the ZAG Chamonix skis worked.
About the slopes
The slopes were big, wide and open around the Croix Du Christ chairlift making turning easier. Around the new Chattrix they were also wild but through the trees. This was my favourite spot to ski, especially after the fresh dump of snow.
It felt more like we were off-piste skiing and the ZAG Chamonix skis made you feel like you were just gliding through clouds.
Up high at the top of the Mont Joly chairlift the views of Mont-Blanc massif are exceptional. However, the only way down from there is either a red or a black piste. If you decide on the red slope there are a few steep bits that are a little narrow at the start before it ends up being back on the wider slopes.
Check out the range of downhill skis which can be used for both on-piste and off-piste terrain.
Ski passes
Getting a single-day or half-day ski pass for just the Saint-Nicolas area is optional but you can only purchase directly from the ticket office. Then you have the Evasion Mont Blanc ski pass that covers Saint-Gervais, Saint-Nicolas de Véroce, Megève – Rochebrune – Côte 2000, Les Contamines – Hauteluce, Jaillet – Combloux, La Giettaz ski area.
The Evasion Mont Blanc ski pass is available for single-day, multi-day, season and year passes, which can be purchased online in advance.
If you are not skiing but want to use the lifts then you can purchase an evasion pedestrian pass.
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St Nicolas de Veroce Ski Area
- 35km piste ski slopes
- 9 ski lifts (5 chairlifts, 4 draglifts)
- 23 slopes – Green 1 / Blue 9 / Red 11 and Black 2
- 1 Luge sledging near the at the top of the Chef Lieu chairlift.
- The ESF has a ski school in Saint-Nicolas, located at the Plateau de la Croix area.
New for 2019/2020 season is a 6 man chair lift (Chattrix chairlift) replacing the 2 man chairlift.
Whether you are confident skier or beginner, it is always best to wear a ski helmet ski helmets when skiing.
Domaine Evasion Mont Blanc ski area
- Covers the ski resorts (Saint-Gervais, Saint-Nicolas de Véroce, Megève – Rochebrune – Côte 2000, Les Contamines – Hauteluce, Jaillet – Combloux, La Giettaz)
- 445km piste
- 107 Ski lifts
- 220 slopes – Green 37 / Blue 63 / Red 84 and Black slopes 33
- 831 Snow cannons
- 2 Snow parks
- Plenty of on and off-piste skiing, especially through the forest after a fresh dump of snow
Don’t forget your GoPro for all those action shots the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area.
New Chattrix 6-seater chairlift
As a part of the modernisation program for Saint-Gervais area, the Chattrix chairlift has recently been upgraded. With the official opening being earlier in the 2019/2020 season. It has gone from an old 2 seater to 6 seater chairlift that gives you direct access to the Grande Epaule piste. As well as access to the highest part of the ski area, Mont Joly.
Chattrix chairlift is not only now more efficient and faster but was implemented in such a way that it would not impact the environment too much.
The church of Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce de Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
Take a culture walk through both the church of Saint-Nicolas and the Sacred Art Museum next door. Located in the centre of the Saint Nicolas De Véroce village, it is one of the first things you will notice when you arrive at Saint-Nicolas de Véroce village.
Built during the first half of the 18th, it is considered to be the jewel of sacred Baroque art in the Savoie region. The church is very well maintained and paintings on the ceiling inside are beautiful. It is definitely worth taking some time out to see.
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The Sacred Art Museum displays the treasures of the Saint-Nicolas church and houses temporary exhibitions based on the village and its colportage. It is not a very large museum, so it should only take you about 15-20 minutes to walk around.
Additional Information
- Entrance Fee – €3.50 Self-guided (Min 5 people) / €5.00 Guided tour
- Opening Hours – The grounds are open 24hrs but the museum is opened between 3 pm – 6 pm every day.
- Duration – 30mins
- Closed – Mondays and Tuesdays.
- No photographs inside the museum
Les Thermes de Saint Gervais
Nothing beats having a nice relaxing Spa (or even a massage) while on a ski holiday, especially when your muscles are tight and sore. The Les Thermes de Saint Gervais is the perfect place to go on your own, with friends or even as a family. This 19th Century spa located in the main town of Saint Gervais is the only ‘alpine spa resort’ in the Alps. The natural spring water has supplied the spa for more than 200 years.
Les Thermes de Saint Gervais is made up of various spa pools indoor and outdoor, which can be accessed via an interface plastic flap. All the thermal pools are heated around 38 degrees and you can also enjoy the steam bath, sauna, hydro massage alcoves and massage jets.
If you are looking for something a little extra then you also have beauty treatments such as massages, even specialised treatments for expecting mothers.
This was a great way to end our ski trip on our way home. Not to worry if you cannot make it there during winter, as it is opened all year round.
Additional Information
- The towels and robes are available and are part of your entry fee.
- Remember – To take your Swimwear
- Opening Hours – 9 am until 9 pm
- Entrance Fee – €42 per adult €15 per child
- You will need to €2 coin for the locker to place your personal belongings when you’re in the spa.
- Address – 355 Allée du Dr Lépinay, 74170 Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
Saint-Gervais Accommodation
Chalet
During my time in Saint Nicolas De Véroce, I stayed in one of the three newly opened 5-star luxurious ski-in and ski-out chalets owned by The Armancette Hotel. Located at Plateau de La Croix and directly on the Chattrix blue ski slope.
These gorgeous chalets are a mix of old and modern architecture. The interior design combining traditional wooden furnishing and marble. The most impressive bit was the spectacular views of Mont-Blanc and the surrounding mountains.
They had everything that I needed and more, with heated indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, adjoined sauna, gym. As well as a ski room with a washing machine and dryer.
All the double bedrooms had their own ensuite bathrooms, as well as a TV that you could translate into several languages, as well as a dormitory with four single beds on the top floor. If you are driving then that is not a problem either as there is a huge underground car-park.
I loved getting up in the morning, having the chef make my breakfast while taking in the impressive views of Mont-Blanc out the window.
Armancette hotel
The five-star Armancette hotel that owns the chalets is just as luxurious and beautiful. Located in the heart of Saint Nicolas De Véroce village. This 17 room hotel is designed to create luxury with an intimate setting. Which is carried through within its three chalets.
The hotel has an indoor-outdoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi, as well as a beauty treatment area. Not to mention a fine dining restaurant, bar area and a terrace with stunning panoramic views of Mont-Blanc.
I was really impressed by the attention to detail, even down to the point of the driver wearing a traditional French/Swiss military beret. As the chalet is located 5-10 minutes further up the mountain than the hotel. A free shuttle service is available at the front desk of the hotel upon request.
Check the current availability of accommodation for both Saint Nicolas De Véroce and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains Mont-Blanc area.
Where to Eat
Lunch on the mountain
Le Tremplin De La Croix (also known as the Restaurant le Tremplin) is a cosy mountain restaurant that serves nice food and good wine. It is a great spot for lunch while skiing and is located on the slope down from La Croix chairlift with views across Saint-Gervais. I understand that this place is usually fully booked, so if you know that you want to eat here then I suggest booking in advance.
- Address: 897 Route des Orgères, 74170 Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
Dinner in the village
La Table d’Armante definitely needs to be on your list, especially if you appreciate fine dining and quality food. The restaurant is getting a name for itself in reinventing gastronomic food while keeping with tradition.
The menu has been carefully created by three-star chef Antoine Westermann. Then implemented by the talented chef Julien Darcy and looked like pieces of artwork.
With classy chic decor setting, scenic views and beautifully cooked and presented food La Table d’Armante is the perfect way to discover the flavour of the Alps.
- Address: 4088, route de Saint Nicolas – 74170 Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
Le Coin du Feu is a charming restaurant has a great atmosphere that specialises in showcasing traditional Savoyard local food. It is located in the centre of Saint Nicolas village and only 2mins walk from the Chef Lieu chairlift. During the day, you can sit on the terrace that faces Mont Blanc and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
I really liked the food here, it was delicious, especially the cheese and bacon dish.
- Address: 3924 route de Saint Nicolas Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce 74170 Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
Rond de Carotte is considered to be the number 1 restaurant in Saint-Gervais on TripAdvisor and I can understand why. Located in the centre of town in Saint-Gervais, this fine dining French restaurant was just a great way to end the trip. The food was carefully prepared, fresh and beautifully presented.
- Address: 50 Rue de la Vignette, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, France
Getting to either Saint Nicolas De Véroce Saint-Gervais
Closest Airports
Geneva Airport is the closest international airport to both Saint Nicolas De Véroce Saint-Gervais, which is about an hour’s drive. If you fly into Chambery Airport (Much smaller and limited flights) then add on additional 30-45 minutes drive to the resorts.
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Travelling by road
Driving from Geneva to Saint-Gervais and St Nicolas de Véroce is the most convenient and quickest way to the resorts. Most of the roads are highways and are clearly marketed. If you are comfortable driving in the snow or on ice, I suggest hiring a car at Geneva airport.
You can compare companies and rates for FREE and book it in advance, so you get what you want and can usually lock in a rate straight away.
By Train
By train, you can go to Le Fayet railway station, located in the town centre of Saint-Gervais. From there you can take the free shuttle bus called Facilibus or arrange a taxi transfer for the short journey.
Top tips for both St Nicolas de Véroce and Saint-Gervais
- Don’t forget your GoPro for all those action shots on while on the slopes in Saint-Gervais
- Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc area uses European adaptors
- The currency used in Saint-Gervais France area is euro’s
- If you have the time take the Mont Blanc Tramway or Tramway du Mont-Blanc for a scenic tour. The mountain rack railway is the highest in France.
- Saint-Gervais, so if you are looking for a for the day before or after your trip. Then there is plenty to do.
- Facilibus is a free shuttle bus which circulates around the whole of Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc area. You can use it between the ski areas.
- There is a 2.5km snowshoe route in Saint-Nicolas called the Plateau de la Croix long loop.
- Le Schuss is the place be if you are looking apres ski that has great wine at local prices.
Conclusion
Often the smaller French resorts are overshadowed by the bigger ski resorts like Meribel, or even Chamonix. However, these days the little resorts are starting to make a name for themselves in their own right.
I really liked where I stayed and what I saw in both Saint Nicolas and Saint Gervais Mont Blanc. It felt like I only just scratched the surface skiing and if anything it has made me want to go back and explore even more.
Having Mont-Blanc as your backdrop and access to 500 kilometres of ski runs. Plus being only an hour to an hour half away from an international airport. Makes both Saint-Nicolas and Saint-Gervais ski area accessible, especially for a weekend. Not to mention a five-star hotel Armancette with three luxury chalets makes it even more appealing.
Though I think to really appreciate the skiing here, I highly recommend at least a full week.
Other Ski Resorts in France
Discover other Ski Resorts in France, then feel free to read the following. All are great options for ski holidays.
- More to offer than a Ski Resort – Lets Gets France
- Winter holiday guide – La Clusaz France
- Where the season starts early – Val Thorens France
⇒ Make sure you have the right travel insurance before hitting the ski slopes. Compare the ski travel holiday insurance for FREE
If you are staying in Geneva before or after your ski holiday or you simply want to take a break from your skiing. Then there is plenty of activities to do that you be booked in advance.
Have you been to Saint-Nicolas de Veroc or Saint Genavis Mont-Blanc for a ski holiday before? I would love to hear your experiences in the comments below.
Disclaimer: Even though I was there as a guest of the Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc. All views are my own and based on my own experience.
Here are some good suggestions for day backpacks for skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing, all are reasonably priced.
Saint Nicolas facts and Information
⇒ For more information on both Saint Nicolas De Véroce Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc is and what’s available to see and do, visit: Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc.
⇒ Our Ski hire was through PENZ Pierre et fils located in Saint Nicolas De Véroce (village) and at the entrance of Chef-Lieu chairlift.
⇒ Accommodation in one of the three new Armancette luxury chalets, ski-in ski-out is available from 1950 € per night for 14 people. To book, either the chalets or the 5* hotel in the center of Saint Nicolas then visit booking for available. 4088, route de Saint-Gervais, 74170 Saint-Gervais-les-Bains.
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What a beautiful ski resort. I love that view of Mont-Blanc and that Chalet you stayed in sounds amazing.
Thank you for your comment, Catherine. It really was a hidden gem and certainly a place, I would not hesitate to go back to. Let me know if you ever go or want any tips for the area. Always happy to help.
The slopes of this ski resort look amazing! I love that they are wide are don’t look too crowded. It’s super cool that there’s a village nearby to explore as well, perfect for bringing along non-skiers! All around looks like an amazing place to ski and spend some winter holidays.
It was such a pretty little resort and loved having Mont-Blanc as the backdrop. I think it would be an amazing place to go back and do some hiking.
My husband would love this place…23 slopes, etc. with Mont Blanc as a backdrop. And I would probably have a great time in the luxury spa!
The spa was amazing and so were all the little resorts and bar scattered everywhere. Definitely one that you should add to your list.