Underrated Ski Resorts Part 1 - Les Contamines

If you are a bit tired of going to the same old ski resorts along with thousands of other Brits check out our guide to some lesser known, but worth visiting, ski resorts.

Part one in a series looking at some of the less popular and we think 'underrated' ski resorts around the world.

The Les Contamines ski resort lies in the French Alps, nestled between the renowned Chamonix and Megeve. If you are growing tired of some of the larger and more commercial, purpose built ski resorts, you will love Les Contamines. The village is a jewel at the heart of the Mont Blanc region and has managed to maintain a close knit community as well as its historic charm.

With a permanent population of just over 1000 residents many of the people you meet during your stay will be local, whether it’s the lift operators, ski instructors, shop keepers, or restauranteurs.

Les Contamines offers over 120km of piste that is suitable for all ability levels but geared most towards intermediates. In saying that there are a few challenging black runs and plenty of scope to go off piste.

With most of the slopes above 1800m and facing North, North East, Les Contamines has a reliable snow season and tends to hold the snow when other resorts are affected.

The ski areas are divided into four main sections; The Tierces, the Roselette, the Montjoie and the Hautelace section.

Near the village there is a superpipe and rail park that is floodlit a couple of times per week. Higher up there is a larger park with big air jumps, rails and two boardercross courses.

The only down sides are that the resort is not ideal for beginners and that compared to its neighbours has a ‘quieter’ après ski. Although what could be better than winding down after a day’s skiing with good friends, a bottle of bubbles, and a delightful chalet set in a charming French village.