Chamrousse
Why Chamrousse Ski Resort in Isere?
- Easily accessible resort
- Attractive village with stunning views
- Plenty of activities on offer
- 'Famille Plus' resort - good children’s facilities and great for families
- A decent size Nordic Park - classic, skating and snowshoeing
Chamrousse Resort Information
Chamrousse is a relatively small ski resort and at an altitude of 2250m it dominates Grenoble. This resort is located south of the Belledonne Massif to Oisans, Vercors and Chartreuse, in the Northern Alps. The village of Chamrousse is attractively placed offering stunning views and is surrounded by trees allowing for forest skiing. A ski resort where nature reigns, it will ensure you make the most of what it offers in this fabulous setting. A relatively short drive from Grenoble, it is one of the most accessible ski resorts in the Alps.
Chamrousse is a varied alpine ski area where it's fun to ski among fir trees, a large and preserved Nordic plateau looking like a small Canada, a 360°C panorama with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and Grenoble. It extends on two levels: Chamrousse 1650 (Recoin) and Chamrousse 1750-1700 (Roche Béranger - Bachat-Bouloud) linked by ski slopes and forest tracks, for an overall area of 1300 hectares. The resort was built in the forest, offering an outstanding overview of the Grenoble valley. At 2250m, the Croix de Chamrousse is the highest point.
There are many activities in Chamrousse - downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledging, snow games, dog sledding, ice diving, snowmobiling, and ice skating... activities for all tastes and ages to escape and take a big breath of fresh air.
Chamrousse is the first resort in Isere to get the Flocon Vert label (in 2017), which guarantees the sustainable commitment of mountain resorts.
Chamrousse ski area
This resort is famous for being the host of the winter Olympic Games in 1968 when the famous French skier Jean-Claude KILLY won three gold medals. Chamrousse was also a stage of the “Tour de France” in 2001. One of the resort’s attractions is its beautiful sunsets.
The ski resort is made up of two villages:
- Chamrousse Recoin - Located at CHAMROUSSE 1650m is convenient for athletic skiing
- Chamrousse Roche-Béranger - Located at CHAMROUSSE 1750m is more suitable for family skiing
Also, each area is more suitable for certain skiers:
- Chamrousse 1650 – Recoin: area is better for confirmed skiers with mainly red slopes
Chamrousse 1750 – Roche-Béranger: area is better for intermediate skiers with mainly blue slopes
Chamrousse 1700 – Village du Bachat (former Domaine de l’Arselle): area is better for beginner skiers/families with mainly green slopes
Skiers can pass from one area to another on the slopes. The resort also offers interesting opportunities such as night skiing.
Chamrousse holds an efficient lift system which means that there are rarely any queues, and offers access to excellent pistes for beginners and intermediates, with a number of off-piste runs for the more advanced.
At La Croix de Chamrousse (2,250m), take some time to enjoy the 360° panorama: a magical view of all surrounding mountain ranges (Oisans, Vercors and Chartreuse), and of Grenoble and its valleys. From there, you can reach all parts of the resort.
Chamrousse skiing info
Beginners
The mini-domaine area allows beginners to discover skiing at a low cost and in area with adapted lifts and slopes.
In Chamrousse, the mini-domaine skipass is valid:
- In 3 parts of the resort (Chamrousse 1650, 1700 and 1750)
- On 1 detachable chairlift with a ski conveyor mat: Arselle
- On 4 drag lifts: Aiguille, Croisette, Lauze and Totem
- Access to the playful area Family Park - Teo's mountain
It allows you to ski peacefully on green and blue slopes.
Intermediates
The majority of green and blue runs are also found at 1700 and 1750 so this sector is ideal for those progressing from beginner to intermediate level. As you near the 1650 side there are plenty of red runs to challenge your new-found intermediate status!
Advanced, off-piste & ski touring
The black runs at Chamrousse are located in the 1650 sector - long runs from the top of the mountain at 2,250m, or just further down. The 1650 area is more geared towards the good intermediate and experts (however there are some nursery slopes at the bottom). This is the most wooded part of the area, with skiing among fir trees.
Some areas are left ungroomed to enable skiers looking for powder to practice safely. In Chamrousse 1650, you’ll also find the famous runs from the 1968 Olympics (six events here witnessed the arrival of some great new ski champions). You can start from the summit of the ski area, called 'La Croix de Chamrousse', and ski down to the heart of the resort.
Tracks:
6 green
3 blue
3 red
1 black
Nordic skiing
44km of Nordic trails including 4 green, 1 blue, 3 red and 1 black.
Chamrousse ski hire & lift passes (pre-bookable)
Pre-book your 6 day+ Chamrousse ski hire and/or Chamrousse 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.
Chamrousse group or private ski school (not pre-bookable)
Unfortunately we cannot pre-book ski school for Chamrousse. You can book ski school direct from 3 years + with the ESF.
Chamrousse childcare (not pre-bookable)
Childcare from 3 months-11 years (non-skiers) in Chamrousse 1750
All facilities are located in the same building and are approved by the PMI, which ensures the supervision of professional graduates from the early childhood till childhood-youth sector. Activities focused on discovery, pleasure, experimentation and imagination, through a wide choice of activities: indoor/outdoor, quiet/toned, alone/in a group, short time/long time.
They also offer childcare with ski lessons.
Please contact direct as we cannot pre-book this kids club - 0033 4 76 89 96 14
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 Chamrousse
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.
Arva Park
At the top of the ski resort, you will find an area for free use to train in search and rescue of avalanche victims. Please bring your own equipment and ask the ski and rescue patrolmen for information. This area is not always open to the public, please contact the tourist office.
Snow Park
With a boardercross course and all the usual jumps you expect, the park also has a mini timed speed skiing run - a kilometre long and suitable for those comfortable on green and blue slopes.
Dog sledging
Take your first tours with sledge dogs in a Taiga-like setting.
Sledging
Chamrousse 1600
At the Arselle plateau: gentle slope adapted to 2-6 years old.
Chamrousse 1650
On the left of Aiguille button lift: like a boardercross, adapted to 6-12 years old.
Chamrousse 1700
In front of the restaurant Le Bachat: gentle slope adapted to 2-6 years old.
Chamrousse 1750
Next to the conveyor mat: narrow slope adapted to 6-12 years old.
Sledge and yooner descent
Accompanied descent every day at lift closing, from the top of the resort at 2250m to the bottom of the gondola at 1650m. More than 3km of sporting descent, sometimes dizzying on blue and red slopes. Depending on weather and snow conditions.
Snow tubing
Inflatables and different sizes buoys, a dedicated ski lift, for some sensational descents guaranteed! Activity for everyone.
Accompanied snowshoe outings
Accompanied by a qualified ESF instructor, enjoy the many walks accessible for all to travel around. Follow our trails and learn all about the region! Snowshoeing outing + mountain meal.
Accompanied snow biking
Discover the pleasure of riding or contemplating the snow-capped mountains, from the top of the resort (2250m) or across the forests on our “Scandinavian” tracks, with a smoother terrain.
Night Skiing
Night skiing from 3.30pm to 8.30pm every Saturday night and Thursday night during the French school holidays from the top of the resort to Chamrousse 1650. Depending on weather conditions. DJs to add to the atmosphere.
Ski touring
One ski touring track marked from Chamrousse 1750 to the Croix de Chamrousse (2250m) on about 4km and 510m difference in height and new access to the off-piste departure on 1.1km and 400m difference in height from Casserousse parking area (confirmed level). Reminder: ski touring is forbidden on ski slopes (free access).
Ice climbing
Discover ice climbing in Casserousse gully. Activity accompanied by a mountain guide (ice axes, crampons, helmet and harness provided). From 18 years old.
Ice diving
Chamrousse is the only site in Isère where you can experience ice diving. Explore the underwater world beneath layers of ice ranging from 50cm to 2m thick. Discover bubbles, lights, reflections, colours and contrasts in the safe hands of qualified instructors.
Ice driving
Discover the pleasure of ice driving on an adapted natural ice circuit with specialized instructors, to have fun and feel safe in everyday driving. Practical sessions from 2h to 4 half days.
Ice rink
An outdoor skating rink with the possibility to hire skates on site. Open every day. Night sessions and each Wednesday during French ski holidays, entertainment hockey introduction (please sign up in Tourist Office).
Top activities to experience in Chamrousse
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.
2km Long Zipline
New in December 2022, a 2km long zipline has opened. Soaring from 2253m high and descending 600 vertical metres alongside the main gondola to the resort base, it makes for an exhilarating ride!
Paragliding
Two-seater flights, discovery days, private lessons, equipment sale, journeys. Filmmaking is possible.
Helicopter flights
Get higher flying above Belledonne mountain range with a helicopter! Private panoramic flights by reservation, only by daylight or sunset.
Spa les flocons de chamrousse 1650
Come and relax in the heart of our SPA with panoramic view on the Vercors mountains and treat yourself peacefully with a soothing, well-being and serenity moment.
Indoor archery
Introduction to archery with qualified instructors. Come and discover an activity gathering technique, concentration and relaxation. One-hour sessions, by reservation.
Photo sessions
Organisation of photography initiation sessions every week with your own camera. From 12 years.
Cinema
Open Monday to Friday. During French school holidays: 3 showings* per day. Outside French school holidays and during the Easter holidays: 2 showings per day
Library and games
Choice of books in children, adult literature and DVDs. Novels, biographies, thrillers, comic strips, albums, local collection, new books... Free access and consultation at the library. New: Borrow some board games or play on the spot.
Heritage
Guided visits of St Esprit church and Chalet des Cîmes, buildings labelled as 20th-century regional contemporary heritage, every Friday all winter. Meet in front of the church, opposite the building l’Arlésienne.
Chamrousse news
What's new for 24/25 season:
Chamrousse apres-ski, bars & restaurants
The après-ski in Chamrousse is rather quiet. It has a small selection of bars and restaurants. To broaden the range of places to eat out or for those looking for a more lively après-ski visiting the nearby city of Grenoble would be recommended.
Amenities
Petrol station, laundry, post office, chemist, grocery shop, bakery.
Getting to Chamrousse, France
By road:
Driving distance from Calais is approx. 563 miles (906km) (9 hrs). From Calais, take A26 Motorway towards Reims and Troyes, then Dijon, Lyon, Grenoble. When you are at Grenoble tollbooth, take the "Rocade Sud". On the Rocade Sud, take exit n°2: "Uriage". Drive up to Uriage. In Uriage, you will find two roads to Chamrousse (RD 111) The first one leads you to Chamrousse 1650 (Recoin) and the second one to Chamrousse 1750 (Roche Béranger). These two roundabouts in Uriage are 2km away from Chamrousse 1650 and Chamrousse 1750 is 2.5km away.
By rail & air:
The nearest train station to Vaujany is Grenoble approx. 34 miles away (55km) taking roughly 1 hour.
4 international airports nearby, and a heliport at the foot of the slopes. See our flying page for information on airlines (however we don't book flights).
Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport to Chamrousse is roughly 55 miles (90km), approx. 1hr 30 mins
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to Chamrousse is roughly 79 miles (128km), approx. 2hrs
Geneva Airport to Chamrousse is roughly 104 miles (168km), approx. 2hrs 15 mins
Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport to Chamrousse is roughly 49 miles (80km), approx. 1hr 30 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.
