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Les Contamines Ski Holidays
But if you head just a little further north, tucked away in the shadow of the Mont Blanc massif, you’ll find Les Contamines-Montjoie.
Les Contamines is located at the head of a dead-end valley. While that might sound isolating, it’s actually the resort's greatest strength. Because there’s no through traffic, the village has maintained an incredibly peaceful, authentic atmosphere. You aren't just visiting a ski station; you’re visiting a community.
The village itself sits at about 1,158m and is characterised by its stunning 18th-century churches and traditional wooden chalets. It’s part of the Evasion Mont Blanc ski area, but it feels worlds apart from the glitz of nearby Megève. Here, the luxury is found in the scenery and the silence. It’s a place where you can find a quiet corner of the mountain even in the middle of the February school holidays.
Enjoy exceptional snow records and stunning views of Mont Blanc on a massive 120km of varied, high-altitude terrain!
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
Mountain facts
Don’t let the traditional village vibe fool you into thinking the skiing is limited - Les Contamines packs a serious punch. The local area alone offers around 75 miles of pistes, and with the full Evasion Mont Blanc pass that expands to an eye-watering 277 miles across neighbouring resorts. The ski area rises to 2,499m at the Aiguille de la Pennaz, delivering a satisfying vertical drop that will leave your quads negotiating terms. A network of 25 lifts keeps everything flowing nicely: while a few older drag lifts remain (and help keep certain slopes gloriously quiet), the main routes are served by fast, modern gondolas. You’re also perfectly placed, with Chamonix just 20 miles away and the elegant streets of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains a short 5-mile drive down the valley - which is dangerously convenient for both sightseeing and cake.
Snow conditions in Les Contamines
If there is one thing Les Contamines is famous for among locals, it’s the fridge effect. Because the resort is nestled right up against the glaciers of Mont Blanc, it creates its own microclimate. Cold air gets trapped in the valley, and the resort often receives heavy snowfall when other nearby resorts are seeing rain.
The orientation is also a massive plus. A significant portion of the slopes are north and east-facing. This means that even when the March sun is beating down, the snow stays crisp and grippy rather than turning into the dreaded afternoon slush. On average, the resort sees plenty of snowfall a year, but it’s the quality and retention of that snow that really sets it apart.
Skiing in Les Contamines
The skiing here is split across two main sides: Val Montjoie and the Beaufortain, and for intermediates in particular, it’s an absolute playground. The runs are impressively wide, perfect for big, confident carving turns, and the Gentianes blue is a standout warm-up - long, beautifully scenic, and usually groomed to within an inch of its life.
Experts, meanwhile, will find their thrills both on and off the piste. The Grevet black run brings the challenge with frequent bumps and some properly technical sections, but the real magic happens away from the marked trails. The bowls around the Tierces lift regularly hold powder stashes that stay untouched for days. And then there are the views - because you simply cannot ski here without talking about them. Crest the ridge towards the Hauteluce side, and Mont Blanc appears so close it feels almost rude not to stop and take a photo. Every. Single. Time.
Snowboarding in Les Contamines
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Snowboarders often overlook Les Contamines, which is a mistake. The terrain is naturally undulating, which means fewer long, flat cat-tracks that force boarders to unstrap and walk.
The resort has invested heavily in its X-Zones. The X-Zone des Loyers is the big one, often featuring a half-pipe and professional-grade jumps. For those looking for something a bit more mellow, the X-Zone de Tierces has a great boardercross course and smaller rails.
If you’re a freerider, the tree lines lower down provide some of the best natural playgrounds in the Alps. On a powder day, the glades between the pistes offer endless pillows and drops.
Accommodation in Les Contamines
You won't find many massive, soulless hotel chains here. Instead, the focus is on Art de Vivre - and we’ve lined up the best of the best.
All accommodation in Les Contamines
What's available at Les Contamines ski resort?
Après-ski in Les Contamines
Les Contamines isn't a table-dancing in ski boots kind of place (leave that to Val d'Isère). Instead, the après here is about great wine, cosy fires, and incredible food.
- Freddy’s is the place to be of an afternoon. Located right on the mountain, it has a massive terrace. Grab a beer, sit in a deckchair, and soak up the sun.
- Once you’re off the mountain, head to Brasserie les Rhodos. It’s right in the centre of the village and has a lively, friendly atmosphere. It’s the local hub for a post-ski pint.
- The Carnotzet is a must-visit for cheese lovers. It’s cosy, wood-heavy, and serves what many consider the best fondue in the valley.
- The Savoie Table is perfect for a long, lingering dinner. It’s warm, communal, and specialises in the kind of hearty mountain fare that warms your soul after a day in the cold.
- If you want to dress up a little and celebrate, L'O à la Bouche is your spot. It’s refined and gastronomic, taking traditional local ingredients and turning them into modern masterpieces.
Facilities in Les Contamines
The resort is very well-organised. Even though the village is spread out, a free shuttle bus runs constantly, connecting the centre to the two main gondola base stations, Le Lay and Notre Dame de la Gorge.
For gear, you’re spoilt for choice. Shops like Intersport Ronchail are right at the base of the lifts, so you don't have to carry your skis very far. There’s also a good selection of small supermarkets, a post office, and a pharmacy, meaning you have everything you need for a week-long stay.
Facilities for children in Les Contamines
The resort proudly holds the Famille Plus label, a prestigious French certification awarded to establishments that genuinely go the extra mile for families. Childcare starts impressively early at La Galipette nursery, which welcomes children from just six months old - a rare find in the Alps - while the ESF (École du Ski Français) runs a brilliant Club Piou Piou area where little ones learn in a safe, colourful, confidence-boosting environment.
On the mountain, the Ludo Park offers a dedicated fun zone packed with obstacles and banked turns explicitly designed to help young skiers progress while having an excellent time doing it. Off the slopes, the entertainment continues with an outdoor ice rink in the village and a beautiful Nordic park for dog-sledging and snowshoeing - both of which tend to be instant hits with kids and a solid win for parents everywhere.
Why choose Erna Low for Les Contamines skiing holidays?
Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.
Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.
Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Fully protected bookings: We’re TOPP members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.
A charming, authentic village with a dual pass that also covers the huge Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area!
Jane Bolton, Product Director
