Frequently asked questions

1. Where is St Gervais and Les Contamines?

St Gervais and Les Contamines valley is in Haute Savoie, department 74, Rhone Alps. It's the next valley along from Chamonix and 1 hour (46miles) from Geneva airport.

The easiest way is by flying to Geneva airport. However, see the Travel section of this website for all the different options.

2. Are snow tyres recommended?

If you hire a car from Swiss side of Geneva airport then it will come equipped with snow tyres and a set of chains. If you self-drive then a set of chains are a good idea though roads are cleared quickly. For those staying at Les Domes in St Nicholas snow chains may be more important. It's a fairly steep and winding road up to the village.

3. What type of skier/boarder is the terrain suitable for?

Absolutely everyone. The Evasion ski area is enormous and now provides 450 km of piste, of all grades. You'll never be bored and will always find a run that suits you.

Beginners are well catered for with some excellent nursery slopes at St Gervais and Les Contamines. These are easy to get to and close to the cafes for those all important refreshments.

Expert skiers will have all sorts of fun on the steeper reds and blacks, or exploring the off-piste through the trees and open powder fields. There are also lots of options for ski-touring and back-country excursions too.

Snowboarders of all levels will have a great time here. There's a never-ending supply of good freeriding, and year after year St Gervais builds and maintains one of the region's best fun parks, including a well groomed half pipe.

4. Is good snow guaranteed?

You can never guarantee what the weather will do, but on the whole you should get good snow conditions from late December through to mid April. The high altitude and close proximity to Mont Blanc are all in our favour, and an investment in artificial snow making helps to keep the lower runs open late into the season.

Here's the snow record for Les Contamines in the last few years which shows there's been plenty from start to finish.

	Altitude 2500 m
15 Dec 07	40 cm
15 April 07	145 cm
15 Dec 08	170 cm
15 April 08	205 cm
15 Dec 09	130 cm
15 April 09	135 cm

5. How much do ski lessons cost?

The cost of lessons varies depending on how many you book, whether you are in a group or having private lessons.

As an indication it costs 87E for 6 lessons of 2h30 in a group. See our winter page for the link to the ski schools.

6. How much do lift passes cost?

1 day pass costs 31.50 E for adults and 25 E for children.

6 day passes costs 151 E for adults and 121 E for children.

Many options are available such as discounts for family or those wanting to ski a restricted number of runs. See our winter page for the link to the ski pass information.

In the summer months you should budget for somewhere between 3 and 7 Euros per ride.

7. I would like to book. What do I do?

If you wish to book then simply call Tel + 33 (0)4 50 93 82 23 or email info@evasion74.com us so that we can confirm availability and prices with you and answer any questions you may have. By booking you agree to the Terms and Conditions.

8. What essentials do I need to bring?

Passport
Travel, personal liability and medical insurance documents. eg E111 card. If you plan to ski then it really is essential to have specific ski cover. This can be purchased with your lift pass for around 1E per day.
Your vehicle documents if driving or hiring a car (i.e. driving licence, MOT and insurance certificates, car registration document). Check your vehicle insurance covers you for driving in Europe.
Suitable clothing for the type of activity you will be undertaking. Bring some warm clothes even in summer if you are considering going to high altitudes.
Sunscreen and sunglasses are necessary whatever the time of year.

XTOP

1 Where are St Gervais and Les Contamines?

2 Are snow tyres recommended?

3 What type of skier/boarder is the terrain suitable for?

4 Is good snow guaranteed?

5 How much do ski lessons cost?

6 How much do lift passes cost?

7 How do I book?

8 What essentials do I need to bring?

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