Outstanding spas in the snow

In Savoie Mont Blanc, within a unique setting, several of the resorts offer a wide range of spas, havens of rejuvenation and wellbeing.

Some examples that are worth checking out:

In Brides-les-Bains, at the foot of the 3 Valley ski area, the Grand Spa des Alpes is a light-filled centre built over 2100m² that is devoted to wellbeing : thermal water treatments, different types of massage from across the world, beauty treatments, sports and relaxation sessions, fun activities etc.

• In Chamonix: a 600 m² mountain spa offering body and face treatments based on essential oils, organic treatments from the Dr Hauschka range.
• The Spa Pure Altitude in Megève where you can enjoy relaxing, conditioning treatments based on plants and active mountain ingredients.  They regularly add new features to the menu: massages with semi-precious stones,  gentle jade rollers, "weightless" moisturising baths, gentle body wraps using clay and mountain plants, honey and brown sugar exfoliation, pink clay and minerals body wraps...
• In Morzine, the Spa Un Cocon au Milieu des Flocons is a haven of pleasure: specialist massages, eco facials and skin treatments, Fleurs de Bach, organic shop, yoga and pilates, tea and herbal infusion bar.
• The fitness and wellbeing centre in Méribel's Parc Olympique offers dedicated areas for men and women with steam rooms, saunas and hydro massage plus a spa bath that will take up to 14 people at a time.  There is also a rest area and tea room which boasts panoramic views over the Mont-Vallon.
• The Spa de Val Thorens has the very best technology and offers treatments and organic sun protection products.
• The Compagnie de Gestion Hôtelière has a range of resort Spas & Beauté Montagne based in holiday residences and hotels, providing "After the Rain" treatments.  Available in the following resorts: Peisey-Vallandry, La Rosière, Les Saisies, Les Ménuires/St-Martin-de-Belleville, Les Houches, Tignes, Le Grand Bornand Chinaillon.
• In La Léchère, the Spa Radiana located within the Hôtel Radiana stands out from most other hotel spas because of one major characteristic: its thousand year old thermal water which comes out of the ground at a temperature of 61°.  The property offers holidays combining skiing with wellbeing treatments. 
  

Aqua centres

Places that are both for fun and for serious sports, fully equipped with a range of facilities including health spas, aqua centres appeal to everyone.

A few examples: 

• Located right in the middle of the natural cirque in Tignes, the Lagon has 3 sections dedicated to wellbeing: a gym, spa centre and swimming pools.  Be tempted by treatments such as hydro-massage (brilliant after a day's skiing) or themed showers such as "rainwater", "energizing"... For serious swimmers there's a 25 m pool and for children, a play pool with 4 30 m slides.  An added bonus is the solarium with access to the terrace and a gym.
• The Espace Aquatique des Aravis in La Clusaz has an outdoor pool that is heated to a temperature of 29°, plus an indoor area with paddling pool, fountain, swimming pool, jacuzzi, and a fitness centre offering sauna, steam room, health spa and UV cabin.  See opening hours and rates.
• Coming soon online: a list of swimming pools that are open in resorts during winter months.

Great skiing and thermal water

Discover the benefits of two sources of thermal water at the heart of two big ski areas:

• Within the Evasion Mont Blanc ski area (445 km of ski runs), Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is a thermal resort known for treating skin conditions.  With its Spa de la Beauté, Les Thermes de Saint-Gervais offer wellbeing treatments using thermal water.  Worth testing are the benefits of the Balnéothermale de Montagne. The resort has also put together holiday packages that combine skiing or snowshoeing with balneo treatments... check out the holiday suggestions.
• Linked directly to the ski area of the 3 Valleys (600 km of ski runs), the thermal resort of Brides-les-Bains is considered a benchmark when it comes to improving fitness and dealing with weight problems, due to the treatments on offer at the Grand Spa des Alpes. Brides-les-Bains, linked by a 25-minute cable car ride to Méribel and the 3 Valleys ski area, offers fully inclusive ski holidays.

Down in the valleys, there are thermal resorts that offer year round programmes of balneotherapy and tailor-made spa treatments, just 45 minutes from a ski resort:

• Evian-les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains are just 40 minutes from the Portes du Soleil ski area  (650 km of ski runs).
• Aix-les-Bains is 30 minutes from the Savoie Grand Revard ski area.
• In the Tarentaise, La Léchère is a mere 20 minutes away from the Grand Domaine ski area (150 km of ski runs).

All-inclusive or tailor-made treatments

The choice is yours!

• Several resorts offer all-inclusive packages, including ski pass, accommodation and spa treatments.
• Some hotels, holiday residences, centres and villages also offer relaxation centres: indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi.   A welcome treat after a day out in the fresh air.

Updated in October 2009