Chamrousse Information

Apres-ski

Après-ski in Chamrousse is generally limited to restaurants and low-key bars, but there are a handful of places open until late. Among the best, L'Iceberg Café (478 avenue du Père Tasse – beneath the shopping centre at Chamrousse 1750) is open until 0300 and provides pool tables, cocktails and a VIP lounge.

For a slightly more sophisticated evening L'i-Glou (tel: +33 476 511 696; www.facebook.com/liglou.chamrousse) is a well regarded wine bar with more than 100 vintages to choose from, it's also one of the best restaurants in town.

The resort organises a range of regular night-time activities, including toboggan runs from the top of the slopes at the start of the evening, and dance parties at the ice rink and cinema.

Eating out

There are about 30 places to eat in and around Chamrousse, the majority of which are family-run establishments specialising in mountain favourites such as fondue, raclette, crêpes and the omnipresent pizza. Many have large, outdoor terraced dining areas; such is the resort's reputation for sunshine – these are particularly popular towards the end of the season.

Among the more intimate locations, Le Chalet des Neiges (tel: +33 476 593 982) serves traditional fare amidst a reproduction of an old wooden chalet and is regarded by many as the best in the resort. La Pierre Chaude (tel: +33 476 899 241; www.pierre-chaude.com) has a good reputation for its grilled meat dishes and mountain specialities.

For crêpes, home-made chocolate and Breton draft cider, try Le Sorbier (tel: +33 476 510 965).

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

There are more off the slope activities at Chamrousse than your average ski resort, particularly when it comes to outdoor pursuits.

Among the variety of options are: snowmobiling, paragliding, dog sledding, ice diving or driving on one of two ice circuits at the resort.

Alternatively, Chamrousse's Nordic area offers hiking and snowshoeing trails and Chamrousse 1650 is home to an ice skating rink and a bag jump, while the village puts on night-time sledging every day – reservation is required (tel: +33 627 243 406).

In terms of indoor entertainment options, Chamrousse has a cinema and library, which visitors can join for the week. For a spot of pampering, try one of the local spas, which have a full range of treatments available.

Family fun

Chamrousse is a relaxed and affordable resort for families; most facilities are easily accessible and there are a number of gentle slopes suitable for young skiers.

Les Marmots (tel: +33 476 899 614) non-ski nursery can look after children from as young as three months old to six years. Additionally, the French Ski School (tel: +33 476 899 425; www.esf-chamrousse.com.fr) offers care with ski lessons tailored to the child's age and ability, with the Piou Piou Club for those under-six and a separate grouping for six to 13 year-olds.

Among the non-ski activities for children is kids-only sledging and dog sledging.

Retail therapy

Chamrousse has a selection of about 20 shops spread across the base villages; about half of these are snow sports shops, while there are also several food outlets in each village. A market is held in the resort every Tuesday, which alternates between Chamrousse 1650 and Chamrousse 1750.

Although not a resort for shopaholics, there are some nice souvenir outlets. Le Chalet (tel: +33 476 011 984) supplies shoppers with crêpes, waffles and hot drinks while they browse the locally made products, including everything from t-shirts to home decoration.

Splashing out

Paragliding is a popular activity at Chamrousse, where participants fly high above the slopes suspended below a parascending sail, accompanied by an instructor. The activity is offered by the Corole paragliding school (tel: +33 476 899 366) and is available to all levels, from beginner to those who have already earned their wings.

Hotels

The majority of accommodation in Chamrousse is in the form of apartments; however, there are some basic hotels, including some good family options. The highest graded property in the resort is currently 3-stars.

Luxury

Moderate

Cheap