Megève vs Les Saisies — Which Is Better?

Les Saisies comes out ahead overall — it offers better snowfall than Megève. Megève still has plenty to offer, especially for beginners and intermediate skiers who don't need the biggest mountain. But if you want the fuller experience, Les Saisies wins this one.

Side-by-Side Stats

Highlighted cells indicate the stronger result for each metric. Numbers are measurements — compare them directly.

MegèveLes Saisies
Vertical Drop
Height from top to bottom — more is a longer, bigger mountain feeling
1,100m (3,609ft)1,170m (3,839ft)
Summit Elevation
How high the mountain reaches — higher tends to mean colder, drier snow
2,350m (7,710ft)1,950m (6,398ft)
Base Elevation
Height of the base village — affects snow quality at the bottom of the mountain
1,113m (3,652ft)1,650m (5,413ft)
Annual Snowfall
Average natural snowfall per season — more means better powder odds
356cm (140in)700cm (276in)
Trail Count
Total marked runs — more variety over a week-long trip
23177
Lift Count
Total lifts — more lifts typically means shorter queues and better mountain access
7632
Skiable Area
Total groomed and patrolled terrain in hectares
445ha (1,100ac)192ha (474ac)
Beginner Terrain
Percentage of trails rated beginner — higher means more options for new skiers
40%35%
Intermediate Terrain
Percentage of trails rated intermediate — the core terrain for most holiday skiers
40%45%
Advanced Terrain
Percentage of trails rated advanced or expert — higher means more challenge
20%20%

Category Breakdown

These two resorts are genuinely well-matched. The best pick will come down to what matters most to you — and possibly just which flights are cheaper.

Vertical DropSimilar

Both resorts have comparable vertical drop — you'll get a similar length run at either mountain.

Annual SnowfallLes Saisies wins

Les Saisies gets substantially more snow each season — a meaningful edge for powder seekers and late-season skiing.

Beginner TerrainMegève wins

Megève has a slight edge in beginner-friendly terrain, with a bit more dedicated green-run acreage.

Mountain SizeMegève wins

Megève is much larger — significantly more trails means more variety and far less chance of skiing the same run twice in a week.

Snow PreservationLes Saisies wins

Les Saisies's higher base elevation helps snow stay cold and dry longer — better conditions through the day and into spring.

Who Should Choose Which?

Megève
Beginners and families with young children

Megève has more beginner-friendly terrain and is a lower-pressure environment for new skiers.

Les Saisies
Powder chasers and late-season skiers

Les Saisies gets more snow annually — better odds of fresh powder and better conditions into late season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for beginners — Megève or Les Saisies?

Megève is the better pick for beginners. It dedicates more of its mountain to green runs and easy terrain, which means less time hunting for appropriate slopes and more time building confidence.

Which resort gets more snow — Megève or Les Saisies?

Les Saisies gets more snow on average. That translates to better powder days, longer seasons, and more reliable conditions throughout January and February.

Which mountain is bigger — Megève or Les Saisies?

Megève is the larger mountain by trail count (Megève: 231 trails, Les Saisies: 77 trails). On a week-long trip, a bigger mountain means more variety and a lower chance of feeling like you've exhausted the terrain.

Which has better terrain for expert skiers?

Both resorts offer a similar proportion of advanced terrain (Megève: 20%, Les Saisies: 20%). Expert skiers should look beyond percentages at the quality of the black runs, off-piste access, and whether there's lift-accessed backcountry terrain.

Which resort is better for families?

Megève is generally the better family resort based on its terrain mix. More beginner-friendly slopes means children and less experienced parents have plenty of room to ski without feeling pushed beyond their comfort zone. That said, both resorts have established ski schools — check current program reviews before booking.

Related Comparisons

Other matchups featuring these resorts and their regional peers.

Full Stats