European Ski Resorts A-Z
Les Contamines, France
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Resort height: |
1160m |
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Slopes: |
1160-2485m |
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Pistes: |
120km |
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General snow cover |
4/5 |
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Snow quality (upper) |
3.5/5 |
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Snow quality (lower) |
2.5/5 |
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Resort level snow |
2.5/5 |
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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.
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