Home Les Contamines - Montjoie

Les Contamines – Montjoie

France | Región: Northern Alps

At the foot of Mont-Blanc is situated Contamines-Montjoie’s village. The ski resort is surrounded by pedestrian ways allowing to link the differents hamlets of the village. So as to reduce displacements by car, Contamines-Montjoie set up a shuttle to run in the ski resort and go to ski lifts. You can also take a horse-drawn carriage : horses take you for a walk accross the village and will stop for an afternoon tea, if you want. In addition, the resort also does charitable events.

Contamines/Hauteluce’s skiing area has an exceptionnal sunshine and a significant natural snow cover on these 2 valleys (Le Val Montjoie and Le Beaufortain). Ski trails snake between small valleys, wide slopes, fir trees, chalets and alpine farms. Contamines’ skiing area offers 120 km of ski trails to practice skiing some other way : in the top part of the skiing area, a skiing with a panoramic view on magnificient Mont-Blanc’s uplands and in the lower part, you can practice a paradisiacal skiing at the heart of the forest. Evasion Mont-Blanc’s package allows to practice skiing in Contamines but also in Saint-Gervais, Megève, Saint Nicolas de Véroce, Combloux and La Giettaz.

6 skiing areas which represent 445 km of ski trails. To show its implication in the developement of new board sports, Contamines set up the “X-Zones” : reserved areas to all thrill lovers, skiers or snowboarders. Loyers’ X-Zone at the heart of the village is dedicated to ar arasbesques lovers with it Super-Pipe, theatre of many World Cups which does the ski resort proud : Tierces’ X-Zone, on the same name ski resort, on skiing area’s heights, is made up of many modules and jumps, and a boardercross for beginners to experienced skiers) Nordic skiing area has 23,5 km of marked and traced ski trails.

You will find a introduction area for the practising of cross-country skiing near the chalet (free acces)

Skiing in Les Contamines-Montjoie: the resort’s strong points

An exceptional ski area at the foot of Mont Blanc

Located between 1,164 and 2,500 meters above sea level, in the heart of the Pays du Mont-Blanc, the resort of Les Contamines-Montjoie offers one of the most beautiful and complete ski areas in Haute-Savoie. Its position, between the Mont Blanc massif and the Beaufortain, guarantees excellent snow quality, a dry and stable microclimate, and unparalleled high-mountain landscapes. From the upper part of the domain, the views of Mont Blanc, the Aiguille du Goûter, and the Aravis peaks are simply spectacular.

A balanced and varied ski area

The Les Contamines-Montjoie ski area, combined with that of Hauteluce – Val Joly, forms a network of 120 km of slopes spread over four sectors: Tierces, Roselette, Montjoie, and Hauteluce. This natural terrain offers a wide variety of slopes:

  • wide blue runs ideal for carving,
  • technical and sporty descents towards Hauteluce,
  • and gentler forest areas perfect for beginners.

Thanks to its northern orientation and high altitude, the resort maintains consistent snow quality throughout the season, even in the mildest winters.

Savoyard authenticity and Alpine elegance

Les Contamines-Montjoie is, above all, an authentic mountain village, with harmonious architecture of wooden and stone chalets, far from impersonal complexes. Its 18th-century Baroque church, traditional houses, and high-altitude farms are a reminder that tourism here has developed with respect for the soul of the valley.

The pedestrianized and lively village center combines local shops, gourmet restaurants, and small family-run accommodations, preserving a warm and human atmosphere.

A family-friendly and sporty resort

Certified with the Famille Plus label, the resort offers services adapted to all ages:

  • recognized ski schools (ESF and ESI),
  • daycare centers, beginner areas and snow gardens,
  • and après-ski activities designed for the whole family. At the same time, experienced skiers appreciate the technical dimension of the domain, which combines significant elevation changes, steep slopes, and controlled off-piste areas.

The Nordic domain: a Mont Blanc benchmark

Les Contamines is also one of the cross-country skiing meccas of the French Alps. Its Nordic area, with 25 km of trails, extends across the Plateau de Notre-Dame de la Gorge, a protected natural environment crossed by the Bonnant torrent. Surrounded by forests and glaciers, this area is renowned for its beauty and tranquility and hosts international competitions.

Protected nature and responsible tourism

A significant part of the resort’s territory lies within the Les Contamines-Montjoie Nature Reserve, the highest in France. This proximity to a protected environment has a direct influence on the resort’s philosophy: sustainable development, rational water and energy management, and raising visitors’ awareness of Alpine biodiversity.

The municipality and the resort promote pioneering initiatives such as the electric mobility plan, the use of 100% renewable energy in ski lifts, and collaboration with local producers.

Four lively mountain resorts

During the summer, the area is transformed into a hiking and nature destination:

  • the Tour du Mont Blanc crosses the valley,
  • the Lac de Jovet and the Col du Bonhomme offer beautiful alpine routes,
  • and the Parc de Loisirs du Pontet combines swimming, climbing, mountain biking, and zip lines. This four-season dynamism allows the resort to maintain balanced and sustainable economic activity throughout the year.

Accessibility and international connections

Les Contamines-Montjoie is perfectly connected:

  • 20 minutes from Saint-Gervais-les-Bains,
  • 30 minutes from Megève,
  • and 1 hour from Geneva. Its easy road access and connection to the Espace Mont-Blanc and the Mont-Blanc Express train reinforce its appeal among international skiers.

Expert tips

  • For a panoramic experience, climb the Aiguille Croche (2,487 m) at sunrise: the views over Mont Blanc and Beaufortain are unforgettable.
  • If you’re looking for powder snow, explore the Roselette sector after a snowfall: it is less frequented and retains optimal conditions.
  • Don’t miss the Les Coins trail, one of the most beautiful in the domain, with a smooth route through forests and clearings.

A benchmark for authenticity and sustainability

Les Contamines-Montjoie represents the perfect balance between quality skiing, heritage, and respect for nature. Its Savoyard identity, environmental commitment, and the diversity of its domain make it a benchmark resort in the French Alps.

Here, skiing is experienced with elegance, serenity, and a deep respect for the mountains.