Megève ski holidays on a budget

Stanford Skiing is a friendly family‑run ski company in Megève. For many years we’ve helped our guests enjoy everything our beautiful resort has to offer without necessarily breaking the bank. With a bit of planning and some local knowledge, we’re going to show you how you can achieve an awesome but budget‑friendly Megève ski holiday. Our guide covers all the major elements of your Megève ski holiday, with tips on how to get each for the best price and maximise your enjoyment per £ / € spent!

We cover:

• When to ski
• How to get to Megève
• Where to stay
• Ski hire
• Ski pass
• Eating and drinking

How to get to Megève

From the UK, a ferry then driving from Calais to Megève is going to be the lowest cost option, and you can bring lots of food and drink with you. The train is the more sustainable overground option and we wholeheartedly recommend it but it is not necessarily the cheapest. It leaves from London St Pancras with typically two changes before you arrive in Sallanches (more on getting from Sallanches to Megève in a minute). 

If you are flying, pack light to save on baggage costs, and fly during the week, early or late to get the best prices. But you still need to factor in the transfer to Megève which can be expensive. 

A shared transfer is always going to be cheaper than private. If you’re flying into the closest airport, Geneva, we recommend the following transfer companies. 

AlpyTransfers (discount code available when you book with us)
Mountain Drop-offs
Alps2Alps
Ski-Lifts
Alpine Fleet
Alpine Taxi

If you really want to reduce the cost of a transfer we recommend a train-bus combination. From Geneva you can get the train to Sallanches and then the bus to Megève.

Where to stay in Megève

Self‑catering accommodation is typically the best option if you are on a budget, as you can control what you spend on your food and drink. You can always mix it up – cooking up simple meals most days, with one or two special evenings out to enjoy one or two of Megève’s famous restaurants. 

There are a diverse range of accommodation options in Megève but we would be a little bit upset if you don’t give our selection of self-catered apartments a look. 

Ski chalet apartment Roseau is a well appointed, chalet style apartment which sleeps up to 8 from £367 per person per week. 

Apartment Le Chamois also has a fantastic location in the centre of Megève and if you are happy to make full use of the double bed and alcove bunk beds, it’s yours from only £298 per person per week!

Apartment Clochettes is a more spacious self-catering apartment in a quieter part of town but still only 230m from the pistes, sleeping up to 5 from £399 per person per week.  

If you don’t fancy cooking but are also concerned about budget a catered chalet can actually work out as a very sensible option, especially if you like your wine which is included in the price! We offer Chalet Hotel Sylvana and Chalet Les Clochettes from only £770 and £960 per person per week.

Ski hire

Depending on where you are staying you might be able to get special rates on your ski hire. At Stanford Skiing, for example, we have negotiated special rates with Henry Sports and Ski Concept. Contact us to find out more or see our ski hire page. Equipment is priced according to your ability and how up to date you want your skis and boots to be. Going for the budget or next range up as opposed to the luxury option can save you some Euros.  

Larger discounts are available if you are coming at the end of the season so something to bear in mind when choosing when to visit!
 

Eating and drinking

Megève is famous for its gastronomy, but that doesn’t mean every meal has to be a splurge. Mountain self‑service restaurants offer hearty, well‑priced lunches. Many village cafés have excellent lunch menus.

Popular choices for affordable and informal meals include:

• Chez Marie - lots of options with a huge outdoor terrace
• O’Dahu – hearty Savoyard classics at the foot of the pistes
• Le Torrent – generous portions and a friendly, local feel
• Bar des Alpes - beer and pizza in a locals bar

Eating at lunchtime often provides the best value, with set menus and daily specials.

Mountain Restaurants Without the Premium

On the slopes, good-value self-service and accessible restaurants include:

• Le Gouet - fabulous and family run
• Chez Marie
• Staduel, close to home if you are staying at Rochebrune

These are ideal for families wanting predictable pricing and classic alpine dishes.

Affordable Bars & Après-Ski Spots

Megève has plenty of places to enjoy a drink without the full après-ski price tag. Relaxed, good-value bars include.

• Le Bar des Alpes – casual atmosphere and reasonable prices
• Bar St Paul – popular with locals and seasonnaires

Hotel bars such as Le Fer à Cheval or Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois can also be good value during happy hour. Lots of other bars also offer happy hours, typically between 4 and 6pm. Keep your eye peeled or ask when in Megève.

For groceries you we recommend Carrefour Market or Petit Casino for a good range and fair prices. For even better prices and a wider range of products try the Super U or Carrefour Sallanches on your way if you are driving to Megève.

We also recommend the following local shops & bakeries

• Le Choco – excellent bread and pastries just next to the 5* M hotel
• Le Torrent Fromagerie – local cheeses without restaurant mark-ups
• La Halle de Megève – ideal for fresh fruit, vegetables and regional products

And don’t forget the tip we already mentioned, if you’re driving bring as much with you as you can!