Nestled in the foothills of Mont Blanc at an altitude of 1164 meters in the Mont-Blanc area, les Contamines-Montjoie has all the charm and personality of a mountain village resort. Enjoy 120 km of slopes, between Savoie and Haute-Savoie, magnificent scenery, well integrated architecture and modern equipment.
Les Contamines ski resort
The Gentianes red piste drops into lifts serving red, blue and black runs (plus some accessible off-piste) below the Aiguille de Roselette (2384m). Alternatively, you can take a blue cruiser to reach one of the gentler runs into the Hauteluce sector, continuing all the way down among sensational scenery to Belleville with three bar/restaurants along the way. A return gondola and chairlift ride will drop you at the Col du Joly, gateway to some of the steeper terrain below the Aiguille Croche (with panoramic views from 2487m) and Veleray. Intermediates will enjoy the red and blue descents from the Aiguille Croche leaving Veleray’s draglift-served long black-only runs for more hard-core skiers. All in all, the mountain is varied and entertaining, and at the end of the day, it’s possible to ski (on a red-graded piste) back to either starting point.
Nine black runs make up the expert terrain in the local ski area - nearly all above the tree line and incredibly scenic (the Tierces and Valeray lift serves a handful of them). The Grevettaz is a local legend, in parts so steep the groomers can’t get to it, in others gentle enough to come to a stop and enjoy the view. Don’t miss the Toboggan and Olympique pistes from the Roselette lifts for an additional adrenaline fix.
Les Contamines village
Les Contamines-Montjoie village has an appealingly authentic feel, and still has a reassuringly down-to-earth skyline. 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. This vibrant village has 2 beautiful baroque churches which are open to visitors.
Composed of small scattered hamlets, the village has around 1.200 permanent inhabitants. Chalet style still rules, with larger apartment developments only really in evidence (conveniently) closer to the Montjoie gondola. There’s also limited on-mountain hotel accommodation at Etape 1470.
Although there isn’t a central hub to the village as such, it’s a pleasant place to walk around, and the local market, which takes place on Tuesdays, is a particular joy if you want locally produced cheese, meats, wine, honey, olives and tapenades.
There are plenty of good restaurants in the village, with the emphasis on friendly service, good quality food and a homely, traditional feel and lovely Savoyard cuisine.
At night, things are quiet – and if you walk around the village it’s clear that the focus in the evenings is on eating rather than drinking. There’s no question that if are after nightlife, this isn’t the place to come.