Les Contamines-Hauteluce

Les Contamines, at the foot of the Domes du Miage, is part of the large Evasion Mont Blanc ski area, with a total of 460 km of pistes. This means that a single ski pass also covers the pistes of Nicolas de Veroce, St Gervais, Megève, Combloux and La Giettaz. Les Contamines is the largest ski village in Evasion Mont Blanc and has the longest winter sports tradition. Despite its relatively low altitude, snow conditions here are always good. The ski area best suits intermediate skiers. Advanced skiers have the least choice, as there are not many difficult pistes. Les Contamines does, however, have superb freeride terrain (skiing with a guide is advisable). The resort has a ski link with the Vallee Blanche in Alpes d’Huez, famous among off-piste fans. For freestyle skiers and snowboarders, the attraction in Les Contamines is the four X-zones near the village. A wide variety of features means that both beginners and advanced riders can use them. Each feature is marked with its difficulty level. For several years now, a freestyle World Cup event has been held in Les Contamines in January. For cross-country skiers, 26 km of trails have been laid out within Le Parc Nordique at the foot of the Domes du Miage. The area around Contamines is also excellent for ski touring, snowshoe walks and heli-skiing. The resort is particularly recommended for families with children. It holds the "P’tits Montagnards" label, which the Ski France club awards, according to strict criteria, to resorts with the most interesting activities for children and a guarantee of professional childcare and instruction. The village of Les Contamines has kept its original character as a traditional Savoyard village and, despite many modernisations, has not lost its local colour. Its special attractions are two exceptionally beautiful baroque monuments: the church in Contamines, built in 1739 on the foundations of ancient ruins, and the small church of Notre Dame de la Gorge.