The areas accessible from St Gervais provide an excellent variety of skiing terrain, from the steeps of the Grands Montets and Brevent areas of Chamonix to the interesting tree lined runs of  Les Houches and Combloux/La Giettaz. The resort of Les Contamines is within easy striking distance and the Megeve/St Gervais skiing is a quite extensive interlinked area very suited to intermediates, with some excellent beginners' slopes at the Princesse base area.

It's best to avoid the crowds in Chamonix and Megeve by staying in Le Fayet or St Gervais. You can get into the Chamonix valley via the old, rackety Mont Blanc Tramway to Les Houches. From the top station , you can ski down to the base on a long blue, red or black run and then take the rather slow free bus into Chamonix, then on to the other Chamonix ski areas. Alternatively, take the SNCF train into Chamonix from Le Fayet. It's only about 4 euros.

Don't miss the chance to ski at Le Brevent/Flegere and Argentiere but these are best for strong skiers. None of the Chamonix areas is very extensive but it's worth putting up with the overcrowded town just for the views. Off piste skiers will be in their element here.