Les Contamines-Montjoie is a winter sports resort in the Mont Blanc massif. It is located in Haute-Savoie, 90 km from Annecy. Numerous activities are offered throughout the year in this authentic family resort.
Les Contamines-Montjoie, a charming resort
The village of Les Contamines-Montjoie is located at the foot of Mont Blanc. Because of its long layout, it is surrounded by footpaths linking the different parts of the resort. A shuttle bus and a horse-drawn carriage service are available to limit car travel.
The traditional architecture of Haute-Savoie and the baroque churches characterise the style of the resort, which has retained its charm of yesteryear. Indeed, 70% of the buildings are old renovated farms. A guided tour of the village is possible and will give you a better understanding of the traditions of Les Contamines-Montjoie.
From the resort to the Aiguille Nord de Tré-la-Tête, at an altitude of 3,892 metres, the Contamines Nature Reserve allows you to discover the beauty of the Alpine wildlife: chamois, ibex, black grouse.
You can discover this reserve on snowshoeing or ski touring trips.
The Contamines-Montjoie ski area
The cross-country skiing area has an approved biathlon stadium, 3 classic and skating runs, 2 family runs and a night run. It is lit every Wednesday from 7pm to 9pm.
The resort’s downhill skiing area is accessible to all levels.
It is organised as follows:
- 120 km of runs adapted to each level.
- 48 runs including a ludopark and a slalom stadium.
- 2 facilities for beginners in the centre of the village served by two ski lifts.
- 1 fun run in the form of a course adapted for the whole family.
- 1 picnic area with games for children.
Top rated hotels
There are many types of tourist accommodation in Les Contamines-Montjoie. Hotels, flats or chalets, several options are available depending on your expectations.
All accommodation in Les Contamines-Montjoie
Chalet-hotel Gai Soleil
This beautiful Savoyard architecture establishment is located only 300 m from the Loyers ski lift. Parking is free of charge. The resort of Les Contamines is a 5 minute walk away. We recommend the hotel’s restaurant, which is a real favourite
From 110 € per night.
Hotel Le Christiania
The establishment has a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub and a sauna. The restaurant offers cuisine made with fresh local products. Parking is free of charge. If you come by train, Saint-Gervais station is only 13 km away.
From €110 per night.
La Gelinotte
This family-run hotel allows you to rent ski equipment, buy your ski passes and book ski and snowboard lessons. This guesthouse offers a warm welcome, hearty and very good meals, as well as advice on discovering the region.
From €65 per night.
Chalet-Hotel La Chemenaz, The Originals Relais
The hotel has a large heated swimming pool, a jacuzzi and a sauna. It is located close to the Lac du Pontet and the cross-country ski trails. The resort centre is only a 10-minute walk away. The owners are attentive to guests and give good advice.
From €88 per night.
Résidence Néméa Le Nevez
This establishment offers flats suitable for family holidays. Many facilities are available, such as a gym, a games room, a ski room and a private car park. The Montjoie ski lifts are only 300 m away.
From €105 per night.
The most beautiful chalets
For an unforgettable holiday in the mountains, we suggest renting three chalets in Contamines-Montjoie. They collect excellent reviews:
Chalet Caméline
This very large chalet offers accommodation spread over 350 m². It has 7 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, a sauna, a whirlpool, ski in/ski out access, a bike rental service, a barbecue and two terraces. The kitchen is fully equipped.
Chalet L’Anfian-ne
This beautiful 73 sqm chalet is located only 1.5 km from the Lay cable car and 30 mn from Megève and Saint-Gervais. You will have free parking, a ski room, a barbecue and a fully equipped kitchen.
Alpine Lodge 1
This residence offers studios of 25 m² with kitchen and view on the village. There is a free shuttle service to the cable cars. The following facilities are available: gym, outdoor hot tub. You can use a grocery delivery service.
The resort’s athletes
Coline Mattel
Coline Mattel is a ski jumper who is a member of the Contamines-Montjoie club. In 2009, she won the bronze medal at the World Junior Championships, at only 13 years old. She also finished third at the 2011 World Championships. This was her first world medal in the French ski jumping discipline. In 2018, she put an end to her high-level career and trained to become a professional stuntwoman.
Marine Strappazzon
Marine Strappazzon is from Les Contamines-Montjoie. The Haut-Savoyard woman has distinguished herself in both road cycling and cyclo-cross. She is currently the territorial technical manager of the Bourgogne Franche-Comté committee.
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Snowshoeing itineraries
Several areas of the resort are accessible in complete safety, on foot or on snowshoes. The different itineraries we recommend are signposted:
Colombaz exit
The departure is from the hamlet of Baptieu. The route is easy. At the end of the excursion, you can taste the local specialities or have a drink at the Auberge de Colombaz while admiring the panorama.
The Barns of Notre-Dame de la Gorge
This beautiful 2-hour hike starts at the Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge car park, south of the village. The panorama includes the Val Montjoie, the Mont-Blanx massif, the Aiguille de Bionnassay at 4,050 m and the Dômes de Miage at 3,370 m.
Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce
This easy 1 hour 45 minute excursion starts from the hamlet of Quy. You will walk in the footsteps of the former inhabitants of the area, when Les Contamines was not yet a commune, but the upper district of Saint-Nicolas. You can also visit the beautiful baroque church of the hamlet during the outing.
The Espace Nature au Sommet
From the village of Les Contamines-Montjoie to the Aiguille Nord de Tré la Tête at an altitude of 3,892 metres, you are in the highest nature reserve in France and also the only protected area on Mont Blanc. An operation carried out by Aster-Cen74 in 2021 allowed the reseeding of the path’s surroundings in order to restore the natural surroundings which had been degraded by the large number of visitors to the site during the summer.
The areas are delimited by nets, which protect and allow the evaluation of one natural species in relation to the other. As a result, many protected species occupy the reserve, such as the European owl, the Three-toed woodpecker and beautiful forest orchids. It is an example of a mature forest with old trees that shelters a rich and diverse fauna.
To discover this unique ecosystem in a fun and educational way, the Espace Nature au Sommet is a unique place, managed by the Conservatoire d’Espaces Naturels de Haute-Savoie. It offers a permanent exhibition with documentation, projections and the sale of local products. This space allows you to prepare for future hikes or snowshoe hikes by choosing your areas of interest.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays during the school holidays. On Sundays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Price: free of charge.
Address: Town Hall, 4 Route de Notre Dame de la Gorge, 74170 Les Contamines-Montjoie.
Ideas for activities in summer
During the summer season, the resort is very active and offers a wide range of activities:
- Climbing at the Rocher de la Duchère
- Giant trampoline
- Practice golf at the driving range
- Go from tree to tree with the 4 seasons adventure course
- Go on a cani-rando, to discover nature with dogs
- Sailing in a pedal boat, kayak or paddle on the lake of Le Pontet
- Visit the Polar Dog Park
- Offer your children the chance to discover electric quads
Focus on ski-wheels
This unique equipment in Haute-Savoie allows you to discover the sensations of skiing in summer, on a secure 3 km track. You can hire the necessary equipment on site: roller skis, poles, boots and helmets. Instructors are on hand to give you all the advice you need to get started. The course is located in the Nordic area and requires a ski pass. Parking, picnic area and WC on site.
Hiking at Jovet Lakes
The hike to the Lacs Jovet starts at the Notre-Dame de la Gorge car park. Although it does not present any major difficulties, this walk is long. Count on 5 hours and 30 minutes of walking for 16 km and 1,100 m D+. It’s worth the effort and you won’t be disappointed when you see the lakes.
Access and public transport
Depending on your means of transport, you can get to the resort of Les Contamines-Montjoie:
- Car: Take the A40 motorway to Mâcon Nord, direction Geneva, then the Autoroute Blanche. Exit at Passy, 12 km from the resort.
- Train: Direct TGV from Paris to Saint Gervais at weekends. Saint Gervais-Le Fayet station is 12 km from the resort, then by bus or taxi.
- Plane: Arrival at Geneva international airport (90 km) or Lyon Saint-Exupéry airport (190 km).
On site, you can use the free shuttle bus to get to the various places in the resort.
