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Chamrousse Ski Holidays

At a glance

  • Beautiful scenery
  • Former Olympic resort
  • Near Grenoble

Great for

  • Families
  • Non-skiers

Ski Holidays in Chamrousse

A cluster of three villages in a quiet spot of woodland above Grenoble, at the foot of the Belledonne mountains. Former host of the Winter Olympics, Chamrousse has some fantastic skiing for beginners and families - with a few gems thrown in for experts (this is where Jean-Claude Killy won his golds, after all).

  • Flight Time
  • 1h 45m
  • From London
  • Nearest Airports
  • Geneva, Grenoble
  • Chambery, Lyon
  • Time zone
  • GMT + 1 hour
  • Language
  • French
  • Currency
  • Euros
  • Ski Season
  • Dec - April

Chamrousse Stats

Top Altitude
2255m
Bottom Altitude
1450m
Resort Altitude
1,700m
Total Piste
90km
Longest Run
3.8km
Slope Orientation
W SW
Vertical Drop
805m
Skiable Vertical
805m
Night Skiing
Yes
Glacier Skiing
No

At the top of the spectacular Belledonne massif and just 30km up from Grenoble, Chamrousse has marvellous sights of the city one side and fantastic vistas of the mountains on the other. It’s best known for having hosted the 1968 Winter Olympic Games where Jean-Claude Killy earned his place in snow-sporting history by winning 3 golds. Holidays are good value here and thanks to the resort’s proximity to Grenoble, travel isn’t much of a hassle either.

The resort is split into 3 villages sometimes known by their different altitudes – Recoin at 1650m, les Domaines de l’Arselle at 1700m and Roche Béranger up at 1750m.

Recoin is the main hub where you’ll find liveliest bars and restaurants as well as the La Croix gondola, which takes you up to the Croix de Chamrousse summit at 2250m. Domaines de l’Arselle and Roche Béranger are often paired as one area and consist of mostly purpose built apartment blocks. There’s a good selection of bars in Roche Béranger which is home to Chamrousse’s fantastic Sunset Snowpark. These higher villages are terrific for families and beginners as they’re near five excellent green runs.

All areas are linked by ski runs and a free shuttle bus service makes its way between them. Lower down you’ll find truly stunning woodlands for tree-lined skiing and Nordic skiing– keep an eye out for the mountain hare and black grouse which inhabit the area.

The 90km of downhill slopes covered by 18 ski lifts is more than enough for most skiers. You’ll also find over 40km of cross-country skiing. A Chamrousse ski pass will grant you access to the entire resort area - cheaper beginner passes are available for novices who won’t need access to the whole area in their first few days.

Winter Sports Ratings

Beginners

Intermediate

Advanced

Snowboarding

Chamrousse Transfer Times

Lyon / St Exupery120mins
Grenoble / St Geoirs40mins

The nearest airport to Chamrousse is Lyon / St Exupery at 90 km or about 2 hours by car

What's the ski area like in Chamrousse?

Chamrousse is open from early Dec to mid-April. It has 43 pistes with 15 lifts, covering 90km of terrain.

Which other ski resorts are near to Chamrousse?

The nearest ski resorts to Chamrousse include Alpe d'Huez.

Ski Area Facts

LocationAlps, France
Established1952
Downhill90km
Lift Pass160€ (6-day Adult)

Beginner Slopes

21runs51%

Intermediate Skiing

14runs34%

Advance & Expert Terrain

6runs15%

Snowboarding Trails

90km100%

What is Chamrousse like for Beginner skiers?

The button lift from 1750 Roche Béranger accesses some of the best beginner runs in this area; ski the Perche and divert via the Variante de la Perche until you’ve built some confidence.

Perchette and Grive are two nearby blues to progress on to and the Crêtes goes all the way from Croix de Chamrousse at the top – take this followed Coqs via the Liaison Roche – Recoin for a run all the way back. Book beginner or improver lessons with local English-speaking instructors for a fantastic introduction to the area - lessons are available from both of the villages, practising on friendly nursery slopes kitted out with conveyor lifts and rope tows.

What is Chamrousse like for Intermediate skiers?

From La Croix de Chamrousse the smashing red Lacs Robert will take you a little further into the Belledonne mountain range where you can ski down to the snow-topped frozen lakes where ice diving takes place.

What is Chamrousse like for Advanced skiers?

There are some incredible Olympic black runs from the summit for experts – ski the legendary ‘Olympique H’ all the way down to the lowest skiable point of the area, ‘Casserousse’ at 1400m. Night skiing is possible in February when they floodlight "Les Gaboureaux" for incredible sunset views skiing down the mountain.

What is Chamrousse like for snowboarding?

1750 also features the Sunset Park where skiers and snowboarders can try out their freestyling – you’ll find a mix of features arranged to suit all abilities from beginners to pro’s. The “skicross” consists of banked turns, tables and waves, you can follow the tracks of Killy on the parallel slalom and there are also some little bumps and a mini boardercross for kids and first-timers to adjust to freestyling.

What is Chamrousse like for off-piste skiing?

Here you’ll also find some ungroomed slopes good for practising skiing powder in safety before heading into off-piste territory – book a private guide for the best introduction to the local back country.

What is Chamrousse like for cross country skiing?

The Chamrousse Nordic park has 9 ski routes covering 40km.

Chamrousse Restaurants

In terms of restaurants on the slopes, stop off at La Salinière for one of their tasty omelettes at lunch time. No French ski holiday is complete until you’ve had a crêpe – grab one from the snack bar Le Grillon in 1650. For local delicacies you’ll find tasty grilled specialties in La Pierre Chaude and in 1750 there’s the lovely Le Chamroussien which serves up good old fondues and tartiflettes. Le Boucanier is a good Italian option if you fancy a pizza one evening.

Chamrousse Après Ski

L'Iceberg Café in 1750 is an ideal place for après drinks – kick back after a day on the slopes and have a game of pool or lounge with a cocktail. L'Embuscade is a friendly bar - warm up and try the homemade mulled wine on their terrace and the K-Dox puts on themed evenings with concerts and live DJs for dancing a mix of music into the night.

Chamrousse Activites for Non-skiers

When you’re not strapped to your skis, there are some really unique activities to get up to in Chamrousse. At the foot of ‘Lacs Roberts’ on the other side of the mountain you can try ice diving in the lake for an experience like no other! Car fanatics might be interested in the Ice Driving circuit and there are plenty of traditional winter activities including ice skating, sledging, show shoeing, paragliding and dog sledding. Things to do indoors include serious pamper sessions at the Balcons de Recoin wellness centre and movie nights at the Allocine cinema.

Clothing Food & Souvenir Shops

For skiers catering for themselves, the villages have several supermarkets and food shops; and other essentials can be found in the local pharmacy and post office. While most of the other shops are sports and ski shops, there are five boutiques selling souvenirs and clothes.

Serious seekers of retail therapy would be better served in the nearby town of Grenoble.

Best Time to Visit Chamrousse

The Chamrousse slopes peak at a very respectable altitude of 2255m and the snow history in previous years shows depths usually pick up in January and are at their greatest around February. The slopes are west/south-west facing which means they get a great dose of sunshine. If you’re planning on coming at the quietest time then look to book outside of the school holiday dates, but either way you should have a great time skiing here. Things might get a little slushy in the afternoons later on in the season, so wake up early to make use of the best conditions before retiring for an afternoon beer in the sunshine at Le Chalet des Neiges or L'Isatis.

What's Chamrousse like at Christmas?

Head over for a snowy Christmas in Chamrousse and enjoy fantastic scenery of the Belledonne massif... you might even catch a glimpse of Father Christmas!

What's Chamrousse like in the New Year?

It wouldn’t be New Year in Chamrousse without some fireworks sounding off at midnight – and there’s always the possibility of heading into nearby Grenoble for more festivities.

What's Chamrousse like in Half-Term?

Families love it here which makes this a great place to ski during the week off school. They usually turn on the floodlit slopes during February Half Term in Chamrousse, which descend into 1650 – making for a great evening of outdoor entertainment.

What's Chamrousse like at Easter?

Easter in Chamrousse is usually lovely and sunny and the snow around the Croix de Chamrousse summit shouldn’t be bad either. Ski early and spend spring afternoons relaxing in the wellness centres and soaking up some rays on the slopes.

Chamrousse Snow Conditions

Snow Report, History & Forecast

View our detailed Chamrousse snow report to see skiing confitions now. Our Chamrousse snow history shows you what snow depths have been in recent years month-by-month. If you're visiting soon, use the Chamrousse snow forecast to see predicted snowfall over the coming days.

  • Partly cloudy skies Today
  • Light snow showers Sunday
  • Sunny skies Monday
  • Heavy snow Tuesday
  • Moderate snow Wednesday
  • Heavy snow Thursday
  • Current snow depth at top
    144 cm
  • Alternate Text
  • Current snow depth at base
    49 cm

This is a popular resort for families with young children or families taking to the mountains for the first time. The ESF provide ski and snowboard tuition for all ages. Book the whole clan into group lessons to suit their age and ability and ski together in the afternoon, or opt for a private lesson where you can all learn with the same instructor. A great run to begin on is the Perche which goes back to 1750 – it’s easily accessible by the button lift if you’re staying at the Chamrousse Apartments. More experienced skiers and boarders can book freestyle lessons with AERO Style School, there’s a good selection of obstacles for beginners and pros at 1750’s Sunsetpark - you’ll also find a bag jump at 1650.

If your children are too young to ski or haven’t taken to the slopes, Les Marmots nursery and daycare centre are open in the winter season to provide childcare for children from 3 months to 12 years old. The fun indoor and outdoor activities to keep them entertained while you’re out exploring the terrain. Quality family time isn’t confined to the piste - sunset sledging is available every afternoon from 4m (you usually have to make a reservation beforehand) and Draye Blanche offer dog sledding trips, that also need to be booked in advance - but are well worth it. Snowmobiling is also available with Espace Gliss (an adult has to drive but they usually permit passengers as young as 10).

Most of our accommodation in Chamrousse is self catering, which can be ideal for families – cook all the favourites everyone loves back home in your own kitchenette and have a meal or two out if you fancy a night off (the Chamroussien does great pizzas). Browse what’s available below or call our ski specialists for expert advice, terrific deals and easy booking.

Groups can ski Olympic terrain for cheap prices in Chamrousse as most of the accommodation is self-catering. The Chamrousse Apartments come in different sizes and can sleep up to 8. They’re located up in 1750 and most are practically ski in / ski out, so you can all get onto the slopes in record time in the morning. If everyone’s happy to chip in with the cooking and cleaning, you can all save some money – opt for easy to prepare, hearty meals that everyone will like and enjoy eating together in your own space. Self-catering doesn’t mean you have to cook for yourselves all week – spend a couple of nights eating out (some prefer to do so all week) in Chamrousse’s restaurants and cafes – the Chamroussien is a great option (also in 1750), run by a chap called Pascal who serves a tasty selection of mountain specialities, sandwiches and pizzas.

Granted, the après ski isn’t extensive, but you can find some good places to drink if you know where to look (L'Embuscade is good for a chilled out winter warmer, K-Dox do some legendary themed nights and L'Iceberg Café is in 1750 if you’re staying in the apartments and want some après near your accommodation). In past years, the ticket office have offered an upgrade on the ski pass where for 10€ or so extra you can ice skate and access the Nordic ski area for free as well as getting a discount on cinema tickets, which can take care of some of your evening activities during the week.

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Ski Extras

How much is a ski pass in Chamrousse

Maximum and minimum adult Chamrousse lift pass prices ranged from €173 to €173 for 6 days access to the Chamrousse ski lift system at the start of the 2025 winter season. Our lift passes are part of a packaged Chamrousse holiday with accommodation, so prices vary depending on chalet or hotel suppliers. Confirm price for the lift ticket before booking your holiday.

Lift Tickets Child Adult Senior
1 Day Price €22 - €22 €35 - €35 €9 - €29
6 Day Price €110 - €110 €173 - €173 €43 - €143
Age Range 7 - 12 18 - 64 65+

Getting to Chamrousse

Most of our ski holidays to Chamrousse packaged with flights include airport transfers. We can also arrange private transfers to Chamrousse from nearby airports

How long does it take to fly to Chamrousse from the UK?

Flights from London take about 1h 45m to Geneva, Grenoble, Chambery, Lyon. This table shows approximate transfer times to Chamrousse from the nearest airports, smaller airports can be more prone to delays.

Airport Distance Transfer Time
Lyon / St Exupery 90 km 2 hours
Grenoble / St Geoirs 60 km 40 minutes

How long does it take to drive to Chamrousse from the UK?

Browse our self-drive ski holidays which include your car channel crossing, or go choose accom-only and book your car ferry or tunnel later.

How long is the transfer from nearest France train station to Chamrousse?

The transfer time from alpine train stations are generally shorter than from airports, Call us for details of Chamrousse transfers.

Station Distance Transfer Time
Grenoble 30 km 30 minutes

Chamrousse Maps

Chamrousse piste map
Click to Enlarge

Going to Chamrousse under your own steam

For independant travel to France, compare accommodation only with Chamrousse self-drive packages which include Eurotunnel or ferry.

Accomm-Only & Self-Drive

See driving directions to and from Chamrousse in France.

Enter your start location and click "Get Directions" to view the route:

Chamrousse Ski Holiday Resources

Need help choose your Chamrousse ski holiday? Call us on 020 7770 6888 or click Enquire - we love to help!

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Similar Ski Resorts to Chamrousse in France


Every Sno holiday packaged with flights is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. All our suppliers are ATOL bonded, so your money is safe. In addition to this, payments for your holiday are held in trust, by NatWest bank and the Travel Trust, who insure every booking against supplier failure.

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