Combloux
Les Portes du Mont Blanc, French Alps
In the Haute-Savoie area of the French Alps between the Chamonix Valley and the Val d’Arly. To the north lies the Massif des Aravis, while just across the valley is Megève.
Transfers via Sallanches from flights into Geneva are easy, and there’s good road access both from there and from Albertville. Although a busy route passes through Combloux, the ski area and most of the accommodation lie hidden from view on the mountain, where they remain relatively undiscovered by those focused on big-name areas elsewhere.
We think there’s something of the wild spirit of Canadian skiing in the forested runs over to La Giettaz.
The Ski Area
- Very scenic skiing in surprisingly extensive local terrain.
- Evasion Mont-Blanc lift pass gives access to nearby resorts like Mégève.
The skiing on this side of the valley is covered by the Portes du Mont-Blanc lift pass, and covers the linked terrain of Combloux, Cordon and La Giettaz. Pay extra for the full Evasion Mont-Blanc lift pass and you can also explore all that Megève, Saint-Gervais, Saint-Nicolas de Véroce and Les Contamines-Montjoie (the latter accessible by car or shuttle bus) have to offer. Convenient hands-free passes are well worth the small refundable deposit. It adds up to a lot of skiing, but even the local terrain is surprisingly extensive – and you won't ski anywhere prettier. Highlights include long descents through the forest into La Giettaz and wide cruises against the dramatic and unmistakable backdrop of Mont-Blanc. You’ll remember this place.
Resort Information
Pistes Total: 100 km 11 Green
17 Blue
28 Red
7 Black
2 Magic Carpets
18 Draglifts
9 Chairlifts
1 Cable Cars
Pistes Total: 445 km
44 Green
63 Blue
82 Red
34 Black
50 Draglifts
36 Chairlifts
10 Gondolas
3 Cable Cars
The Ski Village
- Genuine Savoyard mountain village.
- Little accommodation near the slopes.
The heart of old Combloux is a genuine Savoyard mountain village, and still retains many historic features, including a distinctive onion-spired church complete with a jewel-box interior. Less immediately obvious is a preserved farmhouse which offers a time-capsule insight into mountain life in past times. Nearby are boutiques, bars and a useful range of services. The ski area, though, is considerably higher up the mountain, and served by regular shuttle buses, which pass other visitor accommodation en-route. Once up there, things are much more limited, but the vibe is both friendly and welcoming.
Staying There
Combloux is a Famille Plus resort
Famille Plus is a national label awarded to tourist destinations offering a special welcome and services tailored to families and children.
See Practical Information below for accommodation suggestions.
Why go skiing in Combloux ?
Skiing on this side of the valley is a back-to-nature affair, and takes some beating for anyone looking for an unspoilt natural setting. There’s also gentle, reassuring terrain for beginners, and key pistes are both wide and well-groomed. More experienced intermediates, too, will find some surprisingly long descents, including some steeps. Although we didn’t encounter too many snowboarders during our visit, it’s no reflection on the lift system, which is for the most part modern and efficient, with relatively few drag-lifts. Disabled skiers are also particularly well catered-for in Combloux, which is a popular centre for adaptive skiing.
Skiing There
Snowboarding
Snowpark with boarder cross, jumps and beginners area. The snowpark at La Giettaz has a back-country ecological feel with entry, good and expert levels.2 Snowparks
3 Snowboarder Cross
Cross-Country Skiing
Two loops with views to Mont-Blanc, green and blue levels. Free access.5.5km Cross-Country and Nordic Ski Trails
Handiski...
- Reserved parking at Cuchet where there is a small Handiski chalet next to the piste.
- Accessible toilets at La Cry in the day centre at the foot of the slopes, another in the car park at Cuchet.
- Adapted self-catering and hotel accommodation in Combloux and nearby towns.
- ESF and Ski Assis Evasion have a full range of equipment and specialist instructors.
- Ski Assis Evasion offer group instruction with transport. English spoken.
Yes please...
- Away-from-it-all experience amid the truly breathtaking scenery.
- Terrain for most tastes, with glades and some steeps.
- Dedicated services and facilities provided for disabled skiers.
- Dependable snow record.
- Solid value, to ski and to stay.
- Short transfers from Geneva flights plus convenient TGV rail connection in nearby Sallanches.
Yes but...
- Accommodation is spread out, and some, away from the shuttle-bus route, is more suited to those with their own transport.
Our Tips
- Explore the excellent terrain between here and Le Giettaz before heading to Megève and Saint Gervais.
Practical Information
Les Fermes du Mont Blanc
The 4* Fermes du Mont Blanc offers everything needed for a great value, comfortable ski holiday. The residence enjoys an ideal position just 300m from the centre of the charming village of Combloux. It's 1km from the Bouchet drag lift and 1.7kms from the Garettes, Mowgli, Chable and Beauregard lifts and the ski school meeting point. The convenient and free shuttle bus stops 30m from the residence. To ski farther afield, the Jaillet and Mont d’Arbois gondolas in Megeve are around 4kms away.
The Fermes du Mont Blanc provides a very high standard of accommodation and a wide range of facilities and services, including a reception, an indoor heated swimming pool, a spa and wellness centre (with treatment rooms – at a supplement – and sauna and hammam), ski lockers, free covered parking, free WiFi in the apartments, luggage room, and a laundry room with washing machine and dryer (supplement).
This is an ideal base to discover all the Evasion Mont Blanc resorts.
Enquiries and bookings:
Peak Retreats
023 9283 9310 (UK)
or +44 (0)2392 890 960
reservations@peakretreats.co.uk