Les Contamines resort lies at 1,164m in altitude, in the heart of the Mont Blanc Massif. The main centre extends around the pretty baroque church, which was constructed in 1789 and was the subject of a painting by the English artist Turner. Architecture leans towards the traditional Savoyard; a mix of old farmhouses and chalets blending with contemporary chalet-style apartment residences. The village started life as a small farming community and although the onset of winter and summer tourism has expanded the size of the local community Les Contamines has successfully retained a charming and pleasantly intimate feel. 

In the winter season Les Contamines benefits from an excellent snow record, with an extended ski season continuing for longer than many other resorts in the Alps. The downhill ski slopes range from 1,200m to 2,500m in altitude, over 120km in distance and 47 individual ski runs. Additionally Les Contamines forms part of the “Evasion Mont Blanc” ski domain, which offers 450km of ski slopes split across 5 ski stations including Megeve and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains. Cross country ski fans are not overlooked; just outside the main village lies a “Nordic” snow park where an extensive range of cross country and pedestrianised walking trails are available.

During the summer months Les Contamines has a busy season, with many walkers, mountain bikers and alpine thrill-seekers visiting the local area. Outside the main resort is a large leisure park, with a swimming lake, horse-riding, acro-branching centre and a multitude of other activities for both children and adults, including an internationally renowned tennis club. The cable cars which transport skiers during the winter now run up to the mountains for walkers and there are fabulous views of the Mont Blanc Massif from the peaks. Les Contamines lies on the famous “Tour de Mont Blanc” trail, a fabulous walk which circles Mont Blanc over 110 miles through France, Italy and Switzerland. Depending on which direction you are travelling, the resort lies at the early or last stages of the tour.

Les Contamines has a reputation for providing visitors of all ages with plenty to see and do; the resort has the “Famille Plus” (Family Plus) seal of approval and there is a good mix of homely family-friendly and sophisticated eateries for dining out. The pretty resort centre has a wide selection of shops and amenities and there is a population that lives in the village throughout the year – unlike purpose-built or very high-altitude stations this gives a sense of community.

Property prices and rentals are buoyant and in 2006 Les Contamines saw a 15% year-on-year price increase in resale homes. Due to the dual-season nature of the resort property owners can really capitalise on their investment and generate good rental returns. Properties tend to be focused either around the resort centre or slightly out towards the ski lifts and both locations appeal to buyers and tourists. Les Contamines is an area which is developing – there are plans in the pipeline to link the main resort centre to the Megeve ski pistes and anticipation is driving more buyers into the local market. Some of the older hotels and chalets are now being converted into high-quality newly renovated apartments and this reflects the increased interest.

For more information on the property we currently have for sale in Les Contamines please call us on +33 (0)4 50 10 44 23 or visit the property pages of the Ascendant website.