A ski break in Les Contamines-Montjoie is a road less travelled by popular winter holiday operators and skiers alike. I have to admit it is a break on the quiet side unlike the après-ski resorts around Mont Blanc i.e. Chamonix but don’t let this put you off. Les Contamines has its own charm, first it has the white stuff in abundance along with its 120km of serene piste and rolling hills of untouched powder. Little known of this charming resort even though it is only an hour’s drive from Geneva, the Swiss capital to Mont Blanc.
The old village centre is compact and unspoilt, the ski area gets lots of snow and the slopes hold it because they face north-east and reach heights of almost 2,500m. In the past year, two of the main chairlifts have been upgraded to six-seaters, meaning queues are almost non-existent.
Les Contamines is known among pro-skiers; recent events held here include the International Ski Federation Ski Cross World Cup and the Telemark World Cup.
Many of the big tour operators shy away from here because it doesn’t offer après-skiing, so there is no coach loads of tourist. This is because there a low number of mainly two- and three-star accommodations. However, you can find accommodations for large groups and families with children.
For families, once the kids are tucked up there are places for you to hangout. There are humble handful of bars and some good restaurants such as L’O ala Bouche. There are other places close by where you can snowshoe or sledge to. You should try the raclette served in the village, for 15 euro you get a good portion of cheese, plus your own machine to melt it down.
Younger skiers and snowboarders will consider the quiet nightlife a downside. However, there are endless of other activities to keep you occupied. There is Nordic skiing, ice climbing or even biathlon if guns are your thing.
The piste skiing is good for intermediates with around 30 percent of the runs graded red, 40 percent blue or green and 24 percent black. Beginners’ slopes are at the resort’s low and mid-levels, with English speaking teachers. There is also the off piste skiing, which is excellent and best to explore with a guide.