Have you tried Megeve family ski breaks yet? Family Traveller CEO, Andrew Dent, visited the classic French resort recently and discovered Hotel L’Alpaga. Find out why he now thinks Megève should be your next family ski break.
Contemporary, ethical design in the lobby of Hotel L’Alpaga, Megève
Megeve family ski breaks at L’Alpaga break with tradition
Megeve had been on my radar for some time and I had heard good things about it. I had heard that it was classy in an understated way; the Lech of France if you will, but without the showiness of Courcheval 1850. I also assumed it would be slightly old-school in a buttoned-down fashion; quietly restrained perhaps. So, when the opportunity arose to visit, I was intrigued.
On the accommodation front I expected to be offered a selection of very nice and comfortable luxury hotels. Ones that probably had been in the same family for decades and had the same guests for just as long. So, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the website for Hotel L’Alpaga. I could tell straight away this was something different and worth a visit.
Cosy elegance is a signature at Hotel L’Alpaga, Megève
Hotel L’Alpaga brings ethical luxury to Haute-Savoie
L’Alpaga is part of the Beaumier Group, a forward-thinking hotel collective that is quietly creating a portfolio of beautiful, ethical properties across Europe. The property sits just outside the village looking across towards the slopes of the resort and Mont Blanc in the background. L’Alpaga is a collection of 11 chalets that surround the main communal buildings and restaurants.
The hotel also offers both rooms and suites, but the obvious choice for families are its chalets. There are different sizes (3, 4 and 6 bedrooms) and configurations, so they would suit a single family or you could upsize for a group of more than one family or a multi-generational trip. All the spaces and fixtures at L’Alpaga are stylish. There is certainly an alpine vibe, but with all the mod-cons and cool touches.
The reception and bar area is cosy. The fire pit area provides a perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink and, arguably, affords the best view out of the property down the valley. And the outdoor hot tub is a perfect spot to soothe muscles and dissect the day’s adventures. As well as the hot tub, there’s a sauna, a decent sized indoor pool and hammam. So, all in all, you have no excuse not to be ready for the next day’s skiing.
Michelin-starred La Table restaurant, Hotel L’Alpaga, Megève
Add Michelin stars to your Megeve family ski breaks
L’Alpaga is also well known for its culinary offerings. Its gourmet restaurant, La Table, has two Michelin stars and attracts diners from far and wide. Not exactly an experience for kids, so save it up for an adult treat one night of your trip.
Le Bistrot is a more relaxed affair, albeit in the same building as La Table. Again, in the same building is the daily breakfast offering – an excellent way to start the day and not to be missed.
As I mentioned, perhaps the only short fall of L’Alpaga is the fact that it’s 10 minutes out of town and therefore requires a transfer to the lifts. Whilst this is certainly a little inconvenient, the staff are great at making sure your transfer is where you need it, when you need it.
But what about the skiing on Megeve family ski breaks?
So, what about Megeve as a family ski resort? The reality is that it’s a perfect resort for the whole family with something for everyone, including non-skiers. There is limited really advanced terrain, but still enough to keep more ambitious parents and gnarly teenagers happy. I particularly enjoyed the vibe skiing the many runs through trees. The views are spectacular at every turn and Mont Blanc features prominently and provides an impressive backdrop for mandatory family skiing pictures.
Megeve is well known for its on-mountain dining options and multiple options are available. Although it’s wise to make a reservation. I would recommend Le Tremplin de la Croix for an excellent but casual mountain menu. For a special occasion, or if one of your older kids has a birthday, head to the iconic La Folie Douce where you’ll end up dancing on the tables with the rest of the crazy gang.
After a day of bombing around the slopes with your kids, and a good lunch, you can ski down in the knowledge that all of the delights of L’Alpaga are waiting for you. What could be better? Go, you won’t regret it.
Tempted by the idea of Megeve family ski breaks? Take a closer look at family-friendly Hotel L’Alpaga. Follow Family Traveller on Instagram and Facebook for more ideas and travel news.