The Portes du Mont-Blanc includes four ski resorts located between the Val d’Arly and the Aravis mountain range: Combloux, La Giettaz, Cordon and Megève Jaillet. it is a quiet and economical alternative to the Espace Évasion Mont-Blanc, of which Combloux and Megève Jaillet are also part of. The ski area with well over 100km of slopes offers skiing for all levels, great off-piste possibilities and a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc, the Aiguille Bionnassay or the Dome of the Miages. The ski area offers enough options for relaxed skiers and families with children.
Authenticity and charm
The main resort in Les Portes du Mont Blanc is the Savoyard mountain village Combloux, which lies at an altitude of 1100m. Combloux dates back to 1284AD; its name is derived from ‘la combe aux loups’ in English : Valley of the Wolves. The heart of old Combloux is very authentic and still retains many historic features, including a distinctive onion-spired church. Traditional chalets and the peaceful village lifestyle add-up to it’s charm. It is ever more popular with winter sports enthusiasts who are looking for authentic mountain village life. The Combloux nickname is “The pearl of Mont Blanc” and benefits from an exceptional, breathtaking 360° view over the massif of Les Aravis and the massif of Mont Blanc. Combloux is a charming family resort that has managed to keep all its authenticity. The vibe is laid-back, friendly and very welcoming.
Skiing in a dramatic decor
Combloux’s ski area is located considerably higher up the mountain on the slopes of Col du Jaillet (1750m), and served by shuttle ski-buses, which pass visitor accommodation en-route. From the top you can ski to Megève or venture further to the slopes on Christomet (1850m) and Le Torraz (1930m) towards the lovely village La Giettaz.
The ski area straddles the boundary between the Haute-Savoie and Savoie departments.The ski are with one hundred kilometers of marked trails offers a nice choice of challenges for every type of skier. The skiing at lower altitude is mainly amid pine forest areas, and on higher altitude complemented wirth scenic views on the Mont Blanc. It is for a good reason that this ski area is called Les Portes du Mont Blanc; it offers the best views of the Mont Blanc. The scenery is truly amazing.
Skiing in Les Portes du Mont Blanc is a back-to-nature affair, and takes some beating for anyone looking for an unspoilt natural setting. Its ski slopes are perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers. There’s gentle, reassuring terrain for beginners, and the main pistes are both wide and well-groomed. More experienced intermediates will find some surprisingly long descents, including some steep ones. There are plenty of intermediate and more advanced slopes for the more experienced. Pure beginners will prefer the gentle slopes of the Jaillet massif, while the unscrupulous as experts will find their happiness in Combloux and La Giettaz. Combloux is definitely one of the most family-friendly ski areas in the Pays du Mont-Blanc.
The lift system 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.
Snow conditions are generally good
With the highest lifts and ski slopes at 1930m the area is not very snow sure. But, thanks to the large amount of snow fall – the depressions coming from the west being cooled by the Aravis chain – and the slope orientation (overall east and north) and the many forest area that provides shade the snow is usually of very good quality. And in case of lack of precipitation, the Portes du Mont Blanc has a large amount of snowguns; well over 80 snowguns ensure artificial snow making covering 10km of trails and runs.
Gettin there
Combloux is easily accessible, by car via the motorway to Sallanches 9km away (2 hours from Lyon, 5 hours 30 mins. from Paris), by train with direct access via TGV at the station of Sallanches (9km), or by aeroplane. The nearest airport is Geneva / Geneve at a distance of 65km or approximately 50 minutes driving time. Chambery airport is with one and a half hour’s reach.
More impressions from Combloux, La Giettaz and Megève Jaillet
Link suggestions
For more information on Les Portes du Mont Blanc please visit the official website of Les Portes du Mont Blanc