Great sunshine and natural snow conditions – who wouldn’t find that appealing for a winter ski or boarding break?
But Les Contamine has much more, from guaranteed snow from early December to late April to breathtaking views from Mont Blanc to the Beaufortain region.
Think authentic villages, with wooden, stone and slate chalets and you won’t go far wrong, all set amidst pine forests, glens and dales and dotted with old farm buildings and church steeples.
So, while you get the magnificent views from the high runs, you also get tree-lined lower slopes, ideal for learners and anyone wanting to enjoy and easy ski.
The 120km ski area (between 1,200m to 2,500m) means there’s something for everyone at this resort, which prides itself on the Alpine values of respect for nature, the local environment and traditional architecture.
Infact much of the Contamine-Montjoie area has now been classified as a nature reserve to ensure its lakes and mountains are protected from development.
You can enjoy ski touring here, with itineraries to suit all abilities, and with more than 70 instructors in the ski school there are plenty of opportunities to improve your skiing or boarding.
Cross-country enthusiasts will find 23.5km of groomed and sign-posted trails; and there’s also a picnic site in the Nordic ski area, with an open fire and free sledging for the kids.
A Kids Club also allows two to four-year-olds to benefit from the snow garden in Loyers (1,200m). This dedicated area also offers a secure play area. And there’s also competition courses for good young skiers who with to improve their racing skills.
The resort is part of the Evasion Mont Blanc ski area, which includes Saint-Gervais, Megeve, Saint Nicolas de Véroce, Combloux and La Giettaz – and an
impressive 445kms of slopes.
· LES CONTAMINES-MONTJOIE/HAUTELUCE (part of Evasion Mont Blanc)
Skiing
Height 1,164-2,500m
No of Lifts 24
Km of pistes 120
6-day lift pass €157
Suitability
Beginners fair
Intermediate good
Advanced good
Families good
Snowboarding fair
Non-skiers f. good
Points out of 10
Après ski 8
Resort Charm 8
Lifts 7
Winter sports
Cross-country skiing, paragliding, speed-riding, snowshoeing, walking, dog sledding, sledding, ice climbing, ice skating
