Les Contamines
Why Les Contamines Ski Resort?
- Located within a nature reserve
- Amazing mountain scenery
- 'Famille Plus' resort - good children’s facilities and great for families
- Part of a huge ski domain – 445km of piste (not lift-linked)
Les Contamines Resort Information
The village has preserved its historic aspect, baroque churches and old farm buildings and 70% have been restored in keeping with the local Savoy architecture. A 5,500 hectare area is classified as a nature reserve to protect it from further development.
Set in a peaceful yet dramatic location at the upper end of a beautiful valley, road access from the nearby spa town of Saint Gervais-les-Bains is simple, involving little more than a gentle climb, making Les Contamines Montjoie one of the more accessible ski areas in the French Alps.
It’s also one of the oldest, having welcomed its first skiers around 1900. The once-remote farming village retains its traditional Savoyard appearance, with an attractive skyline of timber chalets still dominated by a lovingly restored Baroque church. Development in response to tourism remains on an unobtrusive, human scale, the very few larger (but still not high-rise) apartment structures being sited close to the Montjoie gondola.
The surrounding landscape is similarly unspoilt and includes some 5,500 hectares of protected nature reserve, much of it forested. Among the many peaks towering impressively over both sides of the valley is the legendary Mont Blanc, beyond which lies Courmayeur and Italy’s Aosta Valley. Similarly hidden from view on the opposite side of the valley are the neighbouring ski areas of Megève, Saint Gervais and Combloux.
Les Contamines-Montjoie is friendly and welcoming and works hard to ensure that its skiing visitors have a great experience - but non-skiers certainly aren’t forgotten.
A selection of dedicated signed routes allows walkers and snow-shoers to explore the peace and tranquillity of the valley floor and also (with a gondola ride) higher up the mountain. Add dog-sledging, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice-climbing, ice-skating, plus a range of more relaxed pampering treatments, and there should be something to keep everyone entertained.
Les Contamines ski area
The ski area in Les Contamines is situated between 1,200m and 2,500m and offers terrain for varying levels of skier and snowboarder. The resort boasts great sunshine and excellent natural snow conditions. It’s also part of the Evasion Mont Blanc ski domain (although not lift-linked) totalling 445km of piste.
The slopes wind down between glens and dales, with wide runs, cosy pine forests, chalets and authentic old farm buildings. The village nestles at the foot of Mont Blanc with the higher slopes offering magnificent views of the mountains and the lower areas featuring sheltered tree-lined skiing.
The discrete location means that skiing here remains something of a well-kept secret, but the quality of what’s on offer has brought Les Contamines Montjoie a loyal and enthusiastic following among those who’ve discovered it.
The local downhill terrain is seamlessly integrated with that of Hauteluce in the adjoining Beaufortain valley, making it possible for intermediates to cover some distance around the resulting 145km of groomed terrain. There are more demanding steeps, too, for those looking for something more challenging, plus two safe beginner areas within easy reach of the village.
Mountain access is via a choice of gondolas, the closest to the village and most of the visitor accommodation being the Montjoie lift. Further up the valley, close to the Baroque church of Notre-Dame de la Gorge, is the second gondola, along with a lift-pass office and a large, free car-parking area. The lifts converge on Etape 1470, where you can enjoy a meal in a mountain restaurant, take a chairlift serving a selection of gentle blue runs, or hop on the Signal gondola for a haul up to 1,900m.
Les Contamines ski area spreads across two different regions - Savoie and Haute-Savoie. Les Contamines offers the highest skiing in the entire Evasion Mont Blanc domain which comprises Combloux, La Giettaz, Les Contamines, Montjoie, Megève and Saint Gervais.
There’s more terrain on offer if you want it. Strict environmental controls rule out lift-linking to Megève, Saint Gervais and Combloux, but they’re included on the full Evasion Mont-Blanc lift pass, although you’ll need to take a bus or have your own transport to get there.
Additional ski fact info, main ski info in resort facts box at top of page (24/25):
Les Contamines isn't lift-linked to many of the Evasion Mont Blanc ski resorts offered on the Evasion Mont Blanc lift pass. You can however buy the local Les Contamines pass instead. Otherwise local shuttle buses run between the other resorts or take the car if you have one.
Les Contamines local area - 120km of pistes, 25 lifts (4 gondola, 8 chairlift, 12 draglift, 1 rope tow), 46 slopes:
Green slopes: 7
Blue slopes: 10
Red slopes: 18
Black slopes: 9
Les Contamines skiing info
Beginners
There are 2 beginners’ areas in the centre of the village: the Loyers and Nivorin slopes. Both slopes are equipped with a drag lift and are accessible with a ski pass or ticket. These are not linked to the main ski area. There are more beginners' slopes at the top of the first pair of gondolas at the main ski area.
Intermediates
For intermediates, the area above Signal has a network of chairlifts and draglifts located around a huge bowl providing lots of red (and black) runs with a few blues thrown in too. You can also access the south-facing Hauteluce area from some of the lifts here.
Advanced, off-piste & ski touring
For off-piste skiers, the diverse geographical aspects of the resort guarantee quality off-piste skiing, with powder on the northern faces, and heavier snow on the sunnier sides. So you can experience a varied number of snow conditions on the same day. Several off-piste descents offer a vertical drop of up to 1,300m throughout the season.
Le Lay-Le Signal ski touring route - escape freely on this marked and secure route specially designed for ski touring. Between the Montjoie gondola and Le Signal, you can take advantage of this 4km route with 700m of elevation gain. And for the descent, you can take the open slopes to go down to Le Lay.
Les Contamines nordic area
At a stone's throw from the village centre, the Nordic park of Les Contamines welcomes you in an untouched and protected environment, from end of December to end of March. Free access for children under 5 and seniors over 80. Find the nordic park on the Route de Notre Dame de la Gorge.
Les Contamines has 25km of slopes (0.5km introductory loop, 2 x green loops of 1.5 and 3.5km, 4.5km blue loop, 8.5km red loop and 9km black loop). Evening cross-country skiing and biathlon every Wednesday night.
Les Contamines ski hire & lift passes (pre-bookable)
Pre-book your 6 day+ Les Deux Alpes ski hire and/or Les Contamines lift pass with Peak Retreats.
To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.
Other lift passes are available to buy in the resort such as half or full-day passes (for those who only wish to ski the odd day) or one-use lift passes for pedestrians. Some resorts also offer specific beginner area passes and cross country passes.
Les Contamines group and private ski school (not pre-bookable)
Contact ESF Les Contamines for group or private lessons as Peak Retreats cannot pre-book lessons in this resort - 0033 4 50 47 02 82
Les Contamines childcare (not pre-bookable)
Childcare from 2 years-6 years (non-skiers)
Located on the edge of the Loyers ski slope on the outskirts of the village, Les Contamines-Montjoie's Multi-Accueil Garderie welcomes your children in winter from Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm.
Please contact Garderie des Contamines-Montjoie direct as we cannot pre-book this kids club - 0033 4 57 44 01 59
It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as spaces get filled quickly, especially in Peak times. A childhood vaccination record will be needed.
Babysitters (not pre-bookable)
A list of babysitters is available from the tourist office.
Top snow activities to experience in Les Contamines
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.
Evening downhill skiing
On the Loyers slope.
Snowshoe walks
Snowy paths are marked and reserved to walkers. Snowshoes map of Les Contamines Montjoie is available at the Tourist Office. Alone or with a guide.
Sledging
The resort has 2 official sledging runs either in the Nordic Park where there is a slope for children aged 3 to 6 years or at the Nivorin lift, a sledging run for all the family from 6 years+.
Dog sledding
Several options are available to enable you to discover the world of polar dogs. These options include daytime outings, evening outings with a trapper’s meal in a heated tent.
Snakeglisse
Enjoy half hour of fun among friends on this snake-like sledge. Driven by a guide, this articulated sledge runs down the slopes and around the corners, getting faster and faster!
A downhill run on a closed slope between 'Le Signal' and 'Le Lay'. A great opportunity to admire the sunset on the Mont-Blanc range.
Horse-drawn sledge
Departing from the Nordic Park, enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride up to Notre Dame de la Gorge, approx. one hour. 2 to 3 people.
E-Fat bike
For all ages, on condition of knowing how to ride a bike and measuring at least 1m50.
Top activities to experience in Les Contamines
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.
Guided visitsÂ
Every Thursday at Notre Dame de la Gorge.
Guided nature trails
In the Nature Reserve.
Ice rink
Open from mid-December to mid-March. Night sessions during French school holidays. Children under 5 free. Skate on the outdoor ice rink located in Les Loyers in the village centre and enjoy the stunning view of Les Dômes de Miage.
Ice climbing
Climb ice formations, such as frozen waterfalls. The majestic site of Notre Dame de la Gorge is a superb spot for this. Mainly used for an introduction to the sport, this site is also accessible to solo climbers under their personal responsibility.
Les Contamines events
Events taking place in the 2024/25 season:
- Torchlight descent during the French school holidays on the Loyers slope,
- Les Fééries de Noël (Christmas Fairy Tale) 21st December-5th January 2025: at first, prepare for the arrival of Santa Claus in the evening, then don't miss the Christmas Market at Espace Animation des Contamines- Montjoie, where more than 30 exhibitors will be showcasing their handicrafts: woodwork, jewelry, decorations and gourmet delights. On-site, meet Santa Claus and take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage,
- SAMSE tour biathlon 10th-11 January 2025: hosting a stage of the French Biathlon Cup. The event will bring together France's top biathletes, from U17 to Senior categories, for two days of intense competition,
- International Open Air Curling Tournament 18th-19th January 2025: the only one of its kind in France. LesContamines is one of the few open-air outdoor tournaments,
- SkiCross European Cup 5th-7th February 2025: with a course specially dedicated for the event, male and female skiers compete on 800m of banked turns, whoops and breathtaking jumps,
- Telemark World Championships 19th-23rd March 2025
Les Contamines après-ski, bars & restaurants
Over 35 restaurants with 11 on the pistes.
Amenities
Les Contamines is served by a range of amenities including supermarkets, bakeries, butcher, delicatessen, regional produce, bars, pubs, sports shops, sportswear, tobacconist, newsagents, souvenir shops, gift shops etc.
Getting to Les Contamines, France
By road:
Driving distance from Calais to Les Contamines 555 miles (893km) and 8hrs.
Autoroute A40, exit 21 Le Fayet, 12km from the resort. The main road from Le Fayet to Les Contamines is regularly cleared.
By rail & air:
Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras. See our train services page for more information as we can pre-book the trains for you. The nearest train station to Les Contamines is roughly 8 miles away (12km) in Saint-Gervais les Bains Le Fayet (approx. 20 mins).
4 international airports nearby. See our flying page for information on airlines (however we don't book flights).
Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport to Les Contamines is roughly 85 miles (135km), approx. 1hr 30
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to Les Contamines is roughly 132 miles (214km), approx. 2hrs 15 mins
Geneva Airport to Les Contamines is roughly 58 miles (94km), approx. 1hr
Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport to Les Contamines is roughly 136 miles (219km), approx. 2hrs 15 mins
Private taxi transfers:
Private taxi transfers from airports and train stations are pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. See our airport & station transfers page for more information.
Bus transfers:
Altibus/Bens Bus/Snow bus (and the likes of) offer shared bus lines from French/Swiss airports and some SNCF train stations to ski resorts. We don't book these (or have any affiliation with), we invite you to do your own research.
