The white gold's true worth was only recognised at the end of the 19th century, with the introduction in 1878 of the Nordic skis by Henri Duhamel on our snowy slopes. From then on, winter holidays found a new impetus with this sport practice and the Mont-Blanc villages were the first ones to develop the appropriate infrastructures. Thus, the Rothschild family created the resort of Megève in the beginning of the twenties, while Combloux got a ski-lift as soon as 1935. With the paid holidays and the institutions like the French Ski School, the winter holiday was born there.

Almost a century later, we can find from now on the Évasion Mont-Blanc skiing area, one of the greatest in the world, gathering seven resorts. As an amphitheatre open on the stage of our national summit, its 183 slopes can reach 2350m in height, between valleys of alpine pasture, stretches of forests, and charming villages. In its heart, the Portes du Mont-Blanc are composed of Cordon, La Giettaz, Legève and Combloux. Shared between Savoie and Haute-Savoie, this centre of winter and summer activities proposes neat alpine slopes for all levels, but also introduction to new sliding sports, treks on foot, by bicycle, snowshoe, or even sled dogs, without forgetting the spaces dedicated for children.

La Giettaz kept its pace of days gone by and its traditional friendliness, but above all, remains dominated by the Tête de Torraz and its 360° panorama, considered as one of the most beautiful in the Alps, a terrace with view on the chains of the Arravis, the Beaufortain and the Mont-Blanc. Megève, that almost doesn't need an introduction, has known how to combine a top end quality of hosting and a preservation of its identity to create one of the most sought-after places of winter holidays in the world. A stroll in its alleys full of character is enough to understand how Megève managed to conserve its mountain authenticity, while offering a lively local, cultural and sport life, as well as a precious art of living.

Finally, Combloux is the ultimate touch of charm in these valleys, the one that Victor Hugo called “the pearl of the Alps, in its setting of glaciers”. Only 45 minutes from the airport of Geneva, and 2 hours from Lyon, this village of more than 2000 inhabitants attracts 4000 lucky ones every season, winter and summer. Guarantor of the preservation of the traditional wood and stone architecture, composed of hamlets facing the roof of Europe, the richness of its soil can be found in its Protected Designation of Origin products, like Reblochon or Chevrotin cheeses, enjoyable in the Savoie markets.

For more than 80 years, an anniversary the resort celebrated during the 2015-2016 season, it proposes varied touristic and sport activities, with of course, its ski area, but also 250 kms of cycling or walking treks, paragliding take-offs, a biotope lake, first ecological pool of France, rafting courses, a fitness centre, or even its Baroque church. This natural, historical, cultural and sport heritage gives to Combloux a new status : the pearl of alpine well-being in its setting of ski areas.