Skiing and Boarding

Les Contamines pistes map.

Hauteluce pistes map.

Shhhh! Come ski the “Secret Valley” of Les Contamines-Montjoie, French Alps. Everybody has heard of Mont Blanc— Europe’s tallest peak—and tourists flock to Chamonix, Megeve and the surrounding towns throughout the year just to be close. Yet nearby Les Contamines-Montjoie, nestled under the Mont Blanc Massif, remains an alpine gem in the French Alps known only to a few: all the advantages of those better known ski resorts with none of the drawbacks or queues.

Les Contamines-Montjoie has an enviable snow record in its micro-climate beneath Mont Blanc. With 44 ski slopes between 1222 metres and 2487 metres, records show that our village is "snowsure" … a big plus for your winter ski or snowboarding holiday! The 120kms of pistes provide opportunities for all levels of skiers and snowboarders with masses of relatively safe off piste in and around the ski runs. As well as large areas of off piste within the ski area. It's perfect for all the family (there are even 2 slopes in the village for beginners) and the modern equipment of the lift network and the 87 snow cannons make your time on the slopes worry-free.

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For snow-boarders, there is a half-pipe in the village, a snow park and X zone at altitude and masses of powder that takes days to be skied out.

Cross-country skiers will be delighted with the 26kms of well-maintained trails ranging from green to red levels. You can enjoy a floodlit trail each week and a dedicated ‘ski de fond’ centre is located at Les Moranches, on the edge of the village. The lift system operates on a ‘Hands free Microchip Pass’. A photo is taken by a web cam at point of purchase (or from a passport photo). The card is put in an upper pocket and permits access when it passes a lift sensor, no more digging into kid’s clothes for passes and taking gloves on and off.

Further Afield

For those who like skiing uphill, ski randonee/skitouring is fantastic.

Venturing further afield is easy from Les Contamines – the local ski pass includes the ski area of Hauteluce. A broader skiing experience is available through the “Evasion Mont Blanc” pass which covers 420kms of pistes and includes the resorts of Les Contamines-Montjoie/Hauteluce, St Nicolas de Véroce, St Gervais, Megève and Combloux, a huge area with fantastic varied skiing.

For the more Adventurous

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Easy day trips can be made to other resorts such as Chamonix, Argentière and Courmayeur in Italy which will thrill those of you looking for more demanding skiing. For a special group day out (weather and snow permitting) any reliable intermediate skier could consider a trip down the Vallée Blanche. In short, a holiday in Les Contamines can ensure variety in your ski experience coupled with a traditional old-world alpine village as your base. Local mountain guides are available for ski touring, wilderness skiing and heliskiing. Please contact us for more information.

At Chalet Chovettaz, we take the stress out of your ski holiday by providing first-class ski and snowboard facilities. A spacious ski storage room is conveniently located just inside the main entrance with ski racking and a heated boot rack, truly an indulgence. Within the upper floors of the chalet, we have dedicated an entire room to drying ski wear so that you can set off for the slopes dry, warm and comfortable. No more en-suites cluttered with sodden ski suits! We have been skiing in this area for the past 20 years and have a thorough and practical knowledge of all the local ski resorts. We would be delighted to share our love of these mountains with you - whether it is finding off-piste secrets, powder snow, or simply the right piste to match your mood, skiing ability or weather.

A personal ski guide can be arranged via the Bureau de Guides or one of the ski schools at a small additional charge.

And on a final note, because we schedule our holidays to start on a Sunday, you can really get the most out of your holiday by spending Saturday on the almost-deserted pistes. Head out again on Sunday and we’ll look after your luggage and provide facilities so you can freshen up before travelling late afternoon. Great value!