European Ski Resorts A-Z

Les Contamines, France

Resort height:

 1160m

 

Slopes:

 1160-2485m

 

Pistes:

 120km

 

 

General snow cover

 

4/5

 

Snow quality (upper)

 

3.5/5

 

Snow quality (lower)

 

2.5/5

 

Resort level snow

 

2.5/5

 

Powder potential

 

3.5/5

For its height, Les Contamines has one of the best snow records in France.

 

Conditions here are often better than in neighbouring Megève or even Chamonix. This is explained by abundant natural snowfall and plenty of shady bowls that hold their snow well.

 

Its altitude is not exceptional, however, and snow quality can suffer in warmer weather, especially on the west facing slopes above Hauteluce, and the south-facing black runs below Veleray.

Where to ski in bad weather:

Les Contamines doesn't have much in the way of wooded terrain to offer in bad weather. Most of the ski area is above the tree-line and can be quite bleak.

 

However, there are a few tree-lined runs between L'Étape and Le Signal. Snow-permitting the runs back down to resort are also well sheltered.

Les Contamines is one of our:

 

Top 5 snow-sure ski resorts within 90 minutes of Geneva