Chamrousse
Massif de Belledonne, French Alps
Overlooking the Winter Olympics host city of Grenoble, Chamrousse is surprisingly accessible.
The city is roughly the same distance beyond Lyon as Chambéry Savoie Mont Blanc, so drive times from the UK are relatively comparable, all but the relatively gentle final climb to the resort being on fast autoroutes.
Transfers from budget flights into Genoble are similarly rapid, despite usually being routed via the busy city centre for a change of coach.
The Ski Area
- Plenty of intermediate groomed cruising.
- Ski the mythical men's downhill run from the 1968 Olympics.
- Safe learner area and easy progression green pistes.
Ninety kilometres of groomed terrain might not look much on paper, but most of it is well-linked blue- or red-graded cruising. Blacks include the world-famous Men’s Downhill and the Couloir de Casserousse, with a vertical drop of 850m. At the other end of the scale there are gentle ski-school areas, and some worthwhile green runs for novices. Whatever your level, Chamrousse is a surprisingly nice place to be, with sensational views higher up overlooking Grenoble and across to the Plateau de Vercors, plus more sheltered tree-lined pistes above the villages. Just below them lie over 40 km of deservedly-popular ski-de-fond (cross country) terrain.
Ski the Casserousse descent - one of the 10 mythical descents in the French Alps (chosen by the magazine "Les Grands Ducs") upon which Jean-Claude Killy won his first Gold medal at the 1968 Winter Olympics.
Resort Information
Altitude :
1400m -
2250m
Chamrousse
Pistes Total: 90 km
6 Green
16 Blue
14 Red
7 Black
Pistes Total: 90 km
16 Blue
14 Red
7 Black
Ski Resort Lifts :
15
1 Magic Carpets
6 Draglifts
7 Chairlifts
1 Gondolas
1 Magic Carpets
6 Draglifts
7 Chairlifts
1 Gondolas
Green Credentials...
- Awarded the Flon Vert label.
- Sustainable iniatives include the collection, sorting and recycling of waste, including old skis and ski-clothing.
- The station also conserves mountain pastures and their biodiversity for traditional agriculture.
- Solar energy installations and other initiatives promote the use of renewable energy to heat public buildings, even the ski patrol huts on the mountain.
- The Plateau de l'Arselle (cross-country ski area in winter) has a Site Natura 2000 label for its rich diversity of plant and animal species.
- Electric charging points in front of the Mairie.
- One of the closest ski resorts to Grenoble and a short transfer from the airport.
The Ski Village
- Purpose-built ski resort close to Grenoble.
- An upbeat, family resort with downhill and cross-country skiing.
Chamrousse comprises three villages – 1650 (le Recoin), 1700 (Arselle) and 1750 (Roche Béranger). Chamrousse 1400 is a little-developed access point at the base of the Casserousse black-graded expert terrain, while the others have the accommodation, services and main lift access. Best-established are 1650 and 1750, which so far also have a better range of services than the more recently-developed 1700 Arselle area. The villages’ respective appearances reflect their respective origins from 1950s to the present day, but an attractive contemporary style has shaped more recent development, giving Chamrousse a unique identity. Don’t expect a traditional Alpine chalet feel; for all its history, this upbeat place is much more about right now and the future than the past.
Staying There
Chamrousse 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.
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Why go skiing in Chamrousse ?
There’s varied terrain for all levels and interests, making this a perfectly serious contender for most tastes. It’s therefore particularly suitable for families and mixed-ability groups, not forgetting cross-country skiers. Non-skiers should also find plenty to do, including walking, snowshoeing, ice-driving, snowmobiling, dog-sledding and paragliding. There’s a large spa and wellbeing centre, with pool, Jacuzzis, steam-rooms, saunas and solarium. Also on offer are massage and a range of relaxation and beauty treatments.
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Skiing There
Beginners / Families
Intermediates
Advanced / Expert
Mountain Scenery
Snowboarding
Chamrousse Sunset Park has a family area in the Kid Park with a mini-boardercross and elements from learners to expert standard in the Snowpark and Initiatic Park.2 Snowparks
2 Snowboarder Cross
Cross-Country Skiing
Extensive circuits among wooded terrain with 17km of snowshoe trails, dog-sledding, luge and other activities.44km Cross-Country and Nordic Ski Trails
Handiski...
- Reserved parking near the lift in Chamrousse 1650 and 1750. The best is near the gondola in 1650.
- Good access to ski area via the gondola and 3 chairlifts in Chamrousse 1650 Recoin and 3 chairlifts in 1750 Roche-Béranger
- Free skipass for disabled skiers and 50% discount for their companion (conditions apply).
- Adapted toilets in Chamrousse 1650 and near the Bachat-Bouloud chairlift
- Adapted accommodation in the residences ‘l’Ecrin des Neiges’ and ‘les Balcons de Recoin’
- Specialist instructors, sitskis and uniskis available (provided by ESF)
Yes please...
- Quick transfers from budget flights into Grenoble.
- Terrain for all levels.
- Plenty of accommodation for most budgets, and a friendly vibe.
- Recent major lift system upgrades.
- Southern feel to the surroundings.
Yes but...
- Modest mileage (and it's not linked to anywhere), so not one for distance fiends.
- Variable snow record for lower terrain – but there's highly effective snowmaking.
Our Tips
- Stay in the newer accommodation for more comfort and convenience.
Practical Information
Les Villages du Bachat
Quartier Bacha Boulout
38410 Chamrousse
Formally known as the Résidence Domaine de l'Arselle, Les Villages du Bachat is a large development of 8 mini-villages with four or five 4 storey buildings in each, all cleverly sited amid the trees in Chamrousse 1700.
The apartments are contemporary in design, comfortable and spacious. Interiors are fresh and bright, with plenty of storage space. They all have a fully-equipped kitchenette and a balcony – some south-facing with a large terrace. We stayed in the uppermost buildings near Reception and enjoyed amazing panoramic views.
The area has its own shop, ski-hire, bars and restaurant. 'Le Bachat' is a friendly and modern bar/restaurant (free WiFi) nearby and serves traditional meals, pizzas or a take-away menu for those who prefer to relax in their own apartments. We found it a great place to hang out with a beer, catch up on e-mails, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Access to the ski area is via the nearby Domaine de l'Arselle chairlift, beside a ski school meeting-point and small beginners slope. The village shuttle bus circulates regularly.
Enquiries and bookings:
Peak Retreats
023 9283 9310 (UK)
reservations@peakretreats.co.uk