Our guide to savoring Combloux in winter

Combloux, the destination for winter holidays

This charming mountain resort is located 6 km from Megève in the heart of the French Alps in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.  More precisely, Combloux is nestled between the discreet village of Cordon and the lively Saint-Gervais les Bains. The resort is therefore at the heart of a territory that is intensely rich and dynamic: the Mont Blanc region. This is why so many families choose this destination in winter. Whatever your level of training or your wishes, it suits every kind of need. To round off this mountain introduction, it is also from this village that you will enjoy the most beautiful view of Mont Blanc!  It is time to discover this mountain destination and enjoy everything it has to offer!

1. A village facing Mont Blanc

Combloux benefits from a privileged geographical location. The village is certainly the most sought-after spot for admiring Mont Blanc. Throughout the year, sunrises and sunsets are unique and spectacular, as the photos captured to immortalize these magical moments attest. Both children and adults will see stars in their eyes, so captivating and moving is the spectacle. Like any mountain village, you can feel the local warmth, the cheerful, family-friendly atmosphere. 

2. A family-friendly destination

Since 2008, Combloux has been a resort that has been awarded the Famille Plus label. Here’s what that means. Family holidays are a special time for parents and children alike: it is a time for reunions, sharing, and discoveries, whether together or separately.

The Famille Plus label and the municipalities that have earned it are committed to families and children, doing everything possible to ensure a welcoming stay and a successful holiday!

The village of Combloux has therefore committed to: 

• A personalized welcome for families

• Activities tailored to all ages 

• From the youngest to the oldest: a price for everyone

• Activities for children and adults, to enjoy separately or together

• All shops and services close at hand

• Children lovingly cared for by professionals

3. A privileged geographical location

To admire the panoramic view of Mont Blanc and fully feel the joyful energy of a mountain village, Combloux is the perfect choice! To reach the village at 980 m altitude, several options are available: 

By car: 

• 600 km from Paris 

• 400 km from Marseille 

• 200 km from Lyon

By train: 

Access is possible by TGV to Sallanches station, then by bus with the SAT company – line 83 (there is no night service, so you will need to book a taxi) 

By plane: 

By landing at Geneva Airport, you are then about 1 hour away from reaching Combloux, or from Lyon Airport (about 2.5 hours). 

Once at your destination, you can easily reach other villages around the resort (Megève, Cordon, Saint-Gervais-Mont-Blanc…) or make a stop in Switzerland, since you are about 1 hour away by car. 

4. Gastronomy and local heritage

Fondue, raclette—these Savoyard specialties resonate with all of us and are an immediate invitation to high-altitude gastronomy. As a gourmet destination, do not expect the refined dishes you may find in large cities; here you’ll discover the generosity on the plate of Haute-Savoie, the indulgence of local produce and the hospitality of the locals, immersing you in a region where gastronomy is sacred—and deliciously so. 

To whet your appetite: 

• To enjoy local cheese: Abondance, Beaufort or Tomme de Savoie

• The (few) specialties: raclette, fondue, tartiflette or its cousin croziflette, farcement (which resembles a panettone, with a sweet-and-savory mix including ingredients such as potatoes, smoked bacon or prunes)

• Wine: there are 3 protected designations of origin (Savoie, Roussette de Savoie, Seyssel). The area has around 2,000 hectares of vineyards. To be enjoyed, of course, in moderation

Some restaurant addresses in Combloux: 

• Le Chalet d’Emilie 

• Les Terrasses du Cuchet

• Le Coin Savoyard  

Near Combloux, the Verde is a new festive restaurant with a view in Megève. 

5. The ski area

Ski and snowboard enthusiasts can indulge their passion on the Combloux slopes, which offer a variety of terrain for all levels. With the luxury of Mont Blanc as a daily backdrop. 

Combloux is part of 2 ski areas: « Les Portes du Mont-Blanc » and « Evasion Mont-Blanc ».

Between 1,200 and 1,900 meters above sea level, the « Les Portes du Mont-Blanc » area connects Combloux to the Jaillet massif (Megève) and to the resort of La Giettaz in the Savoie department. 100 km of runs of varying difficulty await you in an enchanting setting, with its fir trees and 360° panoramic view.

The pass (so the price is variable and fluctuates according to demand) also allows you to ski in the neighboring resort of Cordon, best done over a day as there is no ski-to-ski connection.

Many snowshoeing and ski touring routes are also to be discovered in « Les Portes du Mont-Blanc », along with 2 cross-country ski trails.

The « Evasion Mont-Blanc » ski area includes, in addition to Les Portes du Mont-Blanc, the resorts of Megève, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains and Les Contamines-Montjoie, representing a total of 445 km of slopes.

The Combloux ski area is equipped with a modern lift system, allowing skiers to move quickly and easily between the different sectors. There are also free shuttles to reach the resort of Megève.

6. Ski Touring

Ski touring is a discipline of skiing and an alternative to alpine skiing. This activity does not require the use of ski lifts. However, snow-covered terrain is necessary to practice it safely. To make the activity safe, the resort has marked out a dozen routes that allow you to fully enjoy the pleasure of this sport while ensuring safety.  With varied lengths and elevation gains, you should therefore choose the one best suited to your level. We recommend checking the weather conditions in advance. Are you intrigued by this activity and would like to try it in a group setting? Head to our winter calendar (point 9) to discover the Échappée Rando, which is sure to win you over! 

7. Snow activities

For those who prefer quieter activities or for those who do not ski, the resort has thought of everything so you won’t miss out and can also enjoy the joys of snow and the mountains: dog sled rides, sledding, ski touring. 

The newest addition: the XXL swing on the Les Portes du Mont-Blanc ski area. At 16 meters high, this activity is reserved for thrill-seekers aged 8 and up (speed of 20 km/h). The good news? It is also an activity to enjoy in summer. 

The tetraski: a unique ski chair in Europe. With the Loisirs Assis Évasion association, this chair allows people with severe disabilities to ski independently thanks to steering controlled by a joystick or by breathing. This new piece of equipment is part of the accessibility policy implemented by the resort. 

8. Voyage avec Vue’s recommended addresses

Wake up in a dream setting, whatever accommodation you choose for your stay in Combloux. Here is a selection nearby: 

• Les Roches Blanches, new tourism residence 

• Warm and intimate atmosphere at the Hotel aux Ducs de Savoie

• Chalet Le Bruxellois in Courchevel 1850 (92 km) 

• More alpine inspiration in our latest article 

9. Your winter 2024 calendar

Winter 2024 promises to be invigorating! Here are the dates to keep in mind: 

• Every Wednesday during school holidays: torchlit descent with ESF instructors 

• La Crève-coeur: on Friday, January 12, 200 runners take part each year in this nighttime ski touring race over a 5.8 km course. 

• Les Légendes de Combloux: each week, a variety of events are offered to retrace the true history of Combloux and its local legend. 

• L’Échappée Rando: every Tuesday during school holidays, come and try your hand at nighttime ski touring. 

10. A destination for all 4 seasons

While our guide to Combloux today focuses on the winter season, the village is also a meeting place for lovers of the outdoors and sensational experiences! A village that is appreciated in both spring and summer. Hiking, mountain biking, swimming in the lake facing Mont Blanc, are just some of the activities that will help you fall under the irresistible charm of the mountains in a T-shirt and sneakers!