Les Carroz
Le Grand Massif, Haute-Savoie, French Alps
Les Carroz is just a ten minute drive from the A40 motorway exit and Cluses rail station with high-speed links to Paris, while Geneva international airport is just a 45-minute drive, making Les Carroz and other ski villages in Le Grand Massif very attractive to travellers from the UK.
Snowfalls here are significant, and there’s lots of variety for mile-hungry skiers.
The Ski Area
- Big mountain skiing.
- Particularly good for early intermediates.
With access to 265 km of slopes in the Grand Massif, culminating at an altitude of 2,500 metres, Les Carroz enjoys an exceptional location on a wide, sunny plateau to the west of the domain. Beginners and novice skiers will find plenty of variety among the pistes above the village, all of which are accessed by the Kedeuze high-speed gondola. Neighbouring Morillon provides safe intermediate territory, and mile-hungry skiers or those seeking steeper terrain can cruise over to Flaine. The Grand Massif is renowned for its level of snow cover and the runs back to Les Carroz are snow-sure for all but the tail-end of the season. We found the terrain close to Les Carroz undemanding but fantastic in bad weather when the tree-lined pistes offer greater security.
Finally, there’s also extensive cross-country terrain, plus dog-sledding and guided snow-shoeing (including evening treks to a mountain chalet for a traditional Savoyard meal).
Resort Information
Pistes Total: 37 km 4 Green
14 Blue
7 Red
4 Black
3 Magic Carpets
5 Draglifts
5 Chairlifts
1 Gondolas
Pistes Total: 265 km
23 Green
61 Blue
47 Red
12 Black
9 Magic Carpets
25 Draglifts
26 Chairlifts
1 Cabriolet
6 Gondolas
1 Cable Cars
The Ski Village
- Despite rapid development, the village retains an authentic mountain village atmosphere.
- Easy access and a short transfer from Geneva airport.
Highest of the villages in the Grand Massif, Les Carroz retains many traditional Alpine chalets at its heart. Although there’s modern construction too, the village still has an authentic mountain atmosphere. A good variety of shops, bars and restaurants are mostly situated around the village centre. A frequent shuttle bus service covers most parts of the village and takes skiers to the base of the main lift, where there’s car parking with ample spaces at all but the busiest times. Childcare facilities are in a purpose-built crèche where children can enjoy their first activities on the snow in a secure area with rope tow and heated rooms in a quiet part of the village.
Staying There
Les Carroz 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 Les Carroz ?
A Famille Plus Montagne resort, Les Carroz guarantees activities and services for all ages and is particularly known as a family resort with advantageous pricing and flexibility on lift passes (children, beginners and family passes). For independant travellers Les Carroz has an all-in-one booking system on its website, enabling visitors to book transport, passes, equipment, lessons, accommodation, childcare and activities in advance of their arrival - a great time-saver. Couples will value the freedom and flexibility on offer and will enjoy varied skiing and, if you want it, plenty of luxury accommodation options.
Skiing There
Snowboarding
The Oasis freestyle snowpark and boarder cross also has a speed experience zone and WiFi hotspot with video area.2 Snowparks
1 Snowboarder Cross
Cross-Country Skiing
67km Cross-Country and Nordic Ski Trails
Handiski...
- Lots of information for disabled skiers in one place on the Grand Massif website.
- Drop-off point and free parking at the Kedeuze gondola.
- Direct access to most pistes in Les Carroz and the >Grand Massif via the Kedeuze gondola and Moulins chairlift. Download a piste map for disabled skiers here.
- Preferential 50% ski pass price for disabled skiers, see tarifs (conditions apply).
- Ecole du Ski Français (ESF), offer ski lessons or contact the Guides Office +33 (0)4 50 90 06 55 or email contact@grand-massif for more information.
Yes please...
- Healthy snowfall record.
- Big-mountain skiing, combined with friendly village atmosphere.
- Efficient lift system with well-planned piste layout.
- Short transfers from Geneva airport.
- Superb, safe learners area at the top of the gondola with gentle onward pistes
- Get back to the village on skis with guaranteed snow on two return pistes.
- Free parking and regular shuttle buses.
Yes but...
- Key liaison lifts and pistes can get overcrowded.
- Limited ski-in ski-out.
Our Tips
- There’s a lot of skiing on this side of the mountain, so if you’re on a tight budget the cheaper Forfait Massif lift-pass might be all you need.
- The forested pistes of Les Carroz are ideal for when the weather closes in or there is poor visibility.
Practical Information
Les Chalets de Jouvance
Route des Servages
Les Carroz
Les Chalets de Jouvence prestige residence offers 35 luxurious apartments combining traditional architecture from Savoy with high standards and modern facilities. It’s conveniently located at the foot of the slopes, near the Kedeuze cable car, giving access to the Grand Massif area, and just a 5-minute walk from the village centre. The ESF Kindergarten meeting point is very close to the residence and adjacent to the ESF ski school office.
There’s a leisure centre with luxurious indoor heated pool, sauna, steam rooms, fitness suite and Spa and Beauty treatments where you can book massages, treatments, body wraps etc. (payable). The lounge area with open fire is cosy and welcoming and you can get free Wi-Fi here and in your apartment. Covered parking (payable) is strongly recommended as there are limited spaces around the residence.
All the stylish apartments are fitted and furnished to a very high standard of comfort and convenience. They have a living area with a double pull-out bed (making up 2 single beds), a fully equipped kitchenette, bathroom with hairdryer and wc (sometimes separate). All apartments have satellite TV, telephone, internet access socket and balcony offering great views towards the village and the surrounding mountains.
Enquiries and bookings:
Peak Retreats
023 9283 9310
reservations@peakretreats.co.uk
Les Servages d’Armelle
841, Route des Servages
74300 Les Carroz d’Arâches
+33(0)50 90 01 62
Step into the warm and welcoming atmosphere of this dazzling Savoyard chalet hotel at the foot of the ski slopes of Les Carroz and you might be tempted to kick off your shoes and stay for ever. Owners Armelle and Patrick Linglin have created a truly delightful hotel and restaurant with a decor of untreated timber and Alpine granite, plus the warmth of a crackling wood fire.
This former chalet d’alpage offers a luxurious and cosy hideaway either in one of the gorgeous hotel rooms above the restaurant or in the seperate chalet. All accommodation is superbly equipped and furnished in a contemporary style within beautifully restored traditional buildings which retain the charm and atmosphere of the authentic chalet.
The gastronomic restaurant has a south-facing terrace for sunny days or you can enjoy the warmth of the dining room with open fire. Chef Pascal Flecheau creates modern dishes with a regional character.