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Stunning views
Traditional charm
Hidden gem
Off-piste skiing
Off-slope activitiesStunning viewsTraditional charmHidden gemOff-piste skiingOff-slope activitiesStunning viewsTraditional charmHidden gemOff-piste skiingOff-slope activitiesStunning viewsTraditional charmHidden gemOff-piste skiingOff-slope activitiesLes Contamines-Montjoie is a traditional Savoyard village in France's Mont Blanc massif. It sits in the Haute-Savoie, connected to the wider Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area. Despite being a proper ski designation, the village keeps its local character, with stone chalets, a Baroque church, and a pace that suits anyone seeking something more relaxed than the mega-resorts nearby.
Skiing and snowboarding stretches from 1,160m at the village base up to 2,450m at the summit, with 120km of pistes spread across 48 runs. The terrain leans towards intermediate and advanced skiers, with nearly two-thirds of the runs graded red or black, though gentler slopes in the lower areas get beginners started with confidence. A solid lift system including gondolas and high-speed six-packs keeps things moving efficiently. The season typically runs from early December through mid-April, and the higher slopes hold snow well thanks to their north-facing aspect and glacier proximity.
Beyond the pistes, a Les Contamines-Montjoie ski holiday combines genuine mountain character with serious skiing. This resort delivers without the crowds - the absence of heavy through-traffic gives the whole place a peaceful feel, and the village centre has a great selection of restaurants serving traditional Savoyard cuisine. Cross-country enthusiasts will find kilometres of Nordic trails threading through the valley, and proximity to Chamonix and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains opens up day-trip possibilities for those wanting to explore further.
Check out Les Contamines-Montjoie ski deals to start planning your trip.
Les Contamines-Montjoie is a traditional Savoyard village in France's Mont Blanc massif. It sits in the Haute-Savoie, connected to the wider Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area. Despite being a proper ski designation, the village keeps its local character, with stone chalets, a Baroque church, and a pace that suits anyone seeking something more relaxed than the mega-resorts nearby.
Skiing and snowboarding stretches from 1,160m at the village base up to 2,450m at the summit, with 120km of pistes spread across 48 runs. The terrain leans towards intermediate and advanced skiers, with nearly two-thirds of the runs graded red or black, though gentler slopes in the lower areas get beginners started with confidence. A solid lift system including gondolas and high-speed six-packs keeps things moving efficiently. The season typically runs from early December through mid-April, and the higher slopes hold snow well thanks to their north-facing aspect and glacier proximity.
Beyond the pistes, a Les Contamines-Montjoie ski holiday combines genuine mountain character with serious skiing. This resort delivers without the crowds - the absence of heavy through-traffic gives the whole place a peaceful feel, and the village centre has a great selection of restaurants serving traditional Savoyard cuisine. Cross-country enthusiasts will find kilometres of Nordic trails threading through the valley, and proximity to Chamonix and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains opens up day-trip possibilities for those wanting to explore further.
Check out Les Contamines-Montjoie ski deals to start planning your trip.
Skiing and snowboarding Les Contamines-Montjoie feels like discovering a well-kept secret. The mountain has a varied character, with wide open bowls above the treeline, sheltered tree runs lower down, and enough pitch variation to keep things interesting. On a clear day, the views towards Mont Blanc are spectacular, and the lack of crowds means you can actually enjoy them on the pistes.
The ski area divides naturally into two main sectors: the Signal sector accessed from the village provides the bulk of the intermediate and advanced terrain, while the Montjoie side offers gentler slopes and connects towards the wider Evasion Mont-Blanc area. Each section has its own personality, Signal delivers the steeper and more challenging descents, while Montjoie suits those looking to cruise at a steadier pace.
Les Contamines-Montjoie provides a supportive environment for first-timers, with dedicated nursery slopes at village level where you can find your feet before venturing higher. The beginner area near the main lift station has gentle gradients and is separated from faster traffic. Once you've mastered the basics, a good selection of green and easy blue runs give you the chance to progress without sudden jumps in difficulty.
WeSki insider tip: The Montjoie sector tends to be quieter and sunnier in the mornings, so head there first if you want gentle cruising without sharing the slopes with too many people. The long green runs down to the hamlet of Le Lay are also perfect for building confidence.
Intermediate skiers will find plenty to explore across both sectors of the mountain. Blue and red runs from the Signal summit provide long, satisfying descents with enough variety to keep things interesting. Some are rolling and wide, while others are narrower with a bit more challenge. A connection towards Hauteluce opens up additional terrain for confident intermediates who want to extend their range.
The Reds at Les Contamines-Montjoie are honest intermediate runs. They reward good technique without being leg-destroyers, and the snow quality on the higher, north-facing slopes tends to stay consistent through the day. For intermediates ready to test themselves on the occasional black, several of the steeper runs ease off partway down, giving a taste of harder terrain with an escape route if needed.
WeSki insider tip: Take the Buche Croisee chairlift and explore the red runs on skier's left of the Signal sector. These hold snow well into the afternoon and offer some of the best cruising on the mountain.
The upper reaches of the Signal sector provide advanced skiers with challenge. Black runs from the summit have proper pitch and frequently develop moguls by midday, demanding good edge control and rhythm. For those seeking steeper terrain, the runs off the Roselette ridge offer sustained gradients and, when conditions allow, access to some excellent off-piste lines with a guide.
Experts will appreciate that the mountain still has a raw, Alpine feel in places, with natural features, variable snow textures, and the kind of descents that require you to read the terrain. The proximity to Chamonix also means guided off-piste options in the wider Mont Blanc massif are within easy reach for a day trip.
WeSki insider tip: After a fresh snowfall, the Col du Joly area opens up some serious backcountry potential. Hire a local guide from Saint-Gervais or Chamonix for a day you will not forget.
Snowboarders will enjoy the varied terrain and natural features dotted across Les Contamines-Montjoie. Wide open bowls in the upper areas are ideal for carving big turns, while the tree runs lower down offer playful terrain, with natural hits and rollers. The resort's lift system includes enough gondolas and chairlifts, which helps to avoid too many flat traverses, though some connecting sections require a bit of poling.
Les Contamines-Montjoie sits in serious mountain terrain, and the off-piste potential here is genuinely excellent. The Col du Joly and the slopes towards the Italian border offer extensive backcountry routes when conditions are right. Always go with a guide - the avalanche terrain is real, and local knowledge makes the difference between an incredible day and a dangerous one. Guiding companies operate in the area, many based in nearby Chamonix.
Several ski schools operate in the resort, including ESF Les Contamines-Montjoie and independent instructors. Group and private lessons are available for all ages and abilities, with English-speaking instruction generally available on request. For families, children's lessons and ski kindergarten options help younger skiers get started in a structured, encouraging environment.
The resort maintains a snow park with rails, boxes, and jumps suited to intermediate freestyle riders. It's not a major freestyle destination, but the park is well-maintained and provides enough features to keep riders entertained between piste laps. A dedicated boardercross course adds variety for those who enjoy racing terrain.
Les Contamines-Montjoie works particularly well for families. Its village is compact and easy to navigate, with a relaxed pace and lack of rowdy après-ski making it possible to enjoy the village atmosphere without the late-night noise. The resort holds the Famille Plus label, indicating facilities and services are designed with families in mind - from children's ski schools to family-friendly dining and activities.
With gentle terrain close to the base area, kids can learn without feeling overwhelmed. The ESF ski school has a strong reputation for children's instruction, with snow gardens and dedicated beginner areas keeping young learners safe and entertained. For older children and teenagers, the terrain offers enough variety to keep them challenged. A snow park provides a space to practise tricks, and the longer red runs give them something to aim for as skills develop.
Non-skiing activities like sledging, ice skating, and snowshoeing are easily accessible, giving families plenty of options off the slopes for the whole group to enjoy. Parents will appreciate that the village layout keeps everything within walking distance, and the mountain restaurants offer straightforward menus that children will actually eat.
Les Contamines-Montjoie offers a true Alpine village experience beyond the pistes with traditional architecture and surrounding natural beauty that make rest days something to look forward to. Whether you are nursing tired legs or travelling with non-skiers, there's plenty to enjoy away from the slopes.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, the resort and surrounding valley offer a range of winter activities that make full use of the spectacular Mont Blanc setting:
For days when you want a break from the cold, or for non-skiers in your group, the resort and nearby towns offer plenty to explore:
Dining in Les Contamines-Montjoie leans towards hearty Savoyard tradition. This is mountain food done properly, with rich fondues, steaming tartiflettes, and local charcuterie that hits the spot after a day on the slopes. The village has a good range of options, from cosy family-run restaurants to mountain refuges serving simple, satisfying lunches:
WeSki insider tip: Try the tartiflette or diots au vin blanc (local sausages cooked in white wine). These dishes represent Savoyard comfort food at its finest, and are best enjoyed with a glass of Apremont from the local vineyards.
The après-ski scene in Les Contamines-Montjoie is relaxed, with a handful of welcoming bars. You may not find an all-night scene here, but you can enjoy a vin chaud or local beer, and a village atmosphere that winds down pretty early on in the evening.
That said, there's enough variety for a pleasant evening out. A few bars stay open late, and the restaurant scene provides the evening's entertainment for most visitors. The après atmosphere is one that suits visitors who prefer conversation over wild parties.
Après-ski spots to know:
Accommodation in Les Contamines-Montjoie ranges from traditional chalets and apartments to comfortable hotels. Self-catering apartments are available, suiting groups wanting flexibility, while hotels here provide convenience and often include spa facilities. The village is compact, so most options are within walking distance of the main gondola and local amenities.
The main village centre puts you close to restaurants and shops, while properties towards Le Lay and the surrounding hamlets offer quieter settings with slightly longer walks to the lifts. A ski bus connects the main accommodation areas throughout the day.
The local Les Contamines-Montjoie ski pass covers all 48 runs and 25 lifts within the resort. Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Les Contamines-Montjoie ski holiday package through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.
Several ski hire shops in the village offer equipment for all levels, from beginner packages to high-performance skis and snowboards. Most shops are located near the main lifts, making pickup and drop-off convenient. Booking equipment in advance, especially during peak weeks, ensures you get the right fit and avoids queuing on your first morning.
WeSki partners with SkiSet shops in Les Contamines-Montjoie, letting you add equipment to your package and collect on arrival. Browse Les Contamines-Montjoie ski deals to build your perfect trip.
Les Contamines-Montjoie is a walkable village, with most accommodation, restaurants, and the main gondola within easy reach on foot. The village layout is straightforward, and you'll quickly get your bearings.
A ski bus runs regular circuits connecting the village centre, outlying accommodation zones, and lift stations throughout the day. Evening transport is more limited, so check timings if you are staying further from the centre. For trips to nearby Saint-Gervais, Chamonix, or Megève, a car provides flexibility, though taxis are available.
Les Contamines-Montjoie is well-positioned for travel from the UK, with Geneva airport the nearest major hub at approximately 80km away. Lyon, Grenoble, and Chambéry airports offer alternatives, while rail travellers can reach Saint-Gervais-les-Bains station via TGV from Paris, with a short onward transfer to the resort. For those driving, the village is accessible via the A40 motorway from Geneva.
WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private transfers to Les Contamines-Montjoie. Add them to your Les Contamines-Montjoie ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.
Yes, the resort has dedicated beginner areas at village level with gentle slopes and good ski school facilities. The Famille Plus label reflects the family-friendly infrastructure. While the upper mountain has more challenging terrain, beginners can progress comfortably on the green and easy blue runs before tackling anything steeper. The relaxed atmosphere also makes learning less intimidating than in some larger resorts.
The two resorts offer different experiences. Chamonix is a bustling mountain town with legendary off-piste terrain and a vibrant atmosphere, while Les Contamines-Montjoie is a quieter, traditional village suited to families and those wanting a more relaxed pace. Les Contamines-Montjoie has easier intermediate terrain and a gentler introduction to Alpine skiing, whereas Chamonix caters more to advanced skiers and serious mountaineers. The resorts are about a 30 minutes drive apart, so day trips between them are straightforward.
The resort benefits from its position in the Mont Blanc massif, with the upper slopes reaching 2,450m where snow conditions stay consistent through the season. The north-facing aspect of much of the terrain helps snow hold well, and snowmaking supplements the lower runs. The typical season runs from early December to mid-April, with late season skiing often particularly good on the higher slopes.
Les Contamines-Montjoie connects to the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area, giving lift-linked access to additional terrain towards Hauteluce. You need an Evasion Mont-Blanc ski pass, but you can also ski Saint-Gervais, Megève, and Combloux (though some connections require short bus or car transfers). The local 120km of pistes provide plenty for a week, but the wider area adds variety for longer stays.
The après-ski scene is relaxed and family-friendly rather than party-focused. A handful of bars serve drinks after the lifts close, and the atmosphere is convivial without being rowdy. Most visitors are happy with a vin chaud at the base, followed by a good dinner in one of the village restaurants. For livelier nightlife, Chamonix is a 30-minute drive away.
The resort tends to be more affordable than the famous mega-resorts of the French Alps like Courchevel or Val d'Isère. Accommodation, lift passes, and dining are reasonably priced for the quality on offer. The traditional village atmosphere means fewer luxury boutiques and more honest mountain hospitality. It represents a good balance of quality skiing and authentic Alpine character without the premium price tag of the biggest names.
Geneva airport is approximately 80km from the resort. Transfer times vary depending on traffic and road conditions, but the journey is straightforward via the A40 motorway. Private transfers, shared shuttles, and car hire are all options for the journey, and WeSki offers private transfers that can be added to your Les Contamines-Montjoie ski package for convenience.
Val Thorens - La Plagne - Chamonix - Tignes - Avoriaz - Val d'Isère - Méribel - Les Arcs - Les Menuires - Courchevel - Flaine - La Clusaz - Serre Chevalier - Samoëns - La Rosière - Montgenèvre - Val Cenis - Megève - St Martin de Belleville - Isola 2000 - Risoul - Valmorel - Les Gets - Morzine - Les Deux Alpes - Alpe d'Huez - Vaujany - Sainte Foy Tarentaise - Saint Gervais les bains - Châtel - Les Houches - Les Sybelles - Les Carroz - Les Orres - Les Saisies
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