Skiing in Les Contamines:
With Mont Blanc as its back-drop, situated at 1164 metres, Les Contamines is part of the Evasion Mont Blanc ski area, with direct access to over 445km's of pistes which pass through 6 stations - Les Contamines, St Gervais, Megeve, St Nicholas de Veroce, Combloux and La Griettaz.
It is a traditional resort bulit around an old village square and is situated due east of Megeve, south of St Gervais and west of Mont Blanc. What's more it is only an hour or so from Geneva.
Les Contamines has always had a reputation for reliability of snow and snow conditions, mainly believed to be due to its close proximity to Mont Blanc and the microclimate it enjoys as a result. Skiing starts on the 18th December and runs through to 23rd April - although there is usually still plenty of snow after this date.
This resort is particularly good for families or mixed ability groups as ski school meets on the mountain enabling everyone to set off together at the start of the day and then meet up in one area.
Village Skiing:
Within Les Contamines itself the skiing rises from 1200m to 2500m with 48 slopes and over 120kms of pisted runs - not to mention the unlimited powder and off-piste possibilities.
10 black runs
18 red runs
11 blue runs
9 green runs
2 X Zones
175 snow cannons
There are 4 slopes in the village centre with night time skiing twice a week - inlcuded in ski pass.
Non Skiing Activities:
Les Contamines is a charming place to pass the time whether you are a non-skier or wish to take some time out away from the slopes. There are a number of delicious bars and bistros dotted all around the village and its environs. A natural ice rink in the village centre hosts curling competitions as well as being open for skating. Beautiful Baroque churches to visit. Shops selling locally produced artifacts and souvenirs. The Parc de Loisirs becomes a winter wonderland from where it is possible to take a ride on a husky drawn sledge or meander through the lanes on a horse drawn carriage. Snow shoeing expeditions are led by the village guides, or you can follow one of the many signposted trails. There is a cross country ski area and an international biathlon range. For the more adventurous it is possible to take a horse drawn trip up the mountain and to enjoy a typical Savoyard meal. Gondola foot passenger tickets are available enabling non-skiers to enjoy the mountain restaurants.
