Les Carroz, France: Everything a Skier Should Know

The Stats

Altitude: 1140m
Top Lift: 2480m
Ski area: 265km of piste
Adult lift pass: 207€ for six days

In a Nutshell

A traditional chalet-style resort that is part of the vast Grand Massif ski area (along with Flaine, Samoens and Morillon) and is a good weekend destination.

Essential Guide to Les Carroz

Les Carroz is an appealing alpine village of old farms, mountain pastures, wooden chalets and tiny chapels. The resort was created in 1936, with the first drag-lift coming into operation in January 1939 – the longest in Europe at that time. “Your typical charming alpine village. Great for families, lots of activities, good food,” and, “a nice ordinary French village – you don’t have to pay the earth for a cup of coffee,” were just two of the favourable comments.

The quiet village isn’t the place to go if you’re looking for nightlife. It has as an ice rink and as many patisserie and boucherie as it has fashion and sports outlets. In fact it couldn’t be more different from purpose-built Flaine, the main resort of the Grand Massif, of which Les Carroz is part.

The skiing is great for beginners and lower intermediates, and there’s also plenty of scope for excursions beyond Les Carroz itself and into the other resorts of the Grand Massif area. What most people don’t realise is that there is also some excellent off-piste skiing to be found, especially if you hire the services of a guide or instructor.

	The size of the ski area. Le Grand Massif’s 265km of piste is almost as extensive as Espace Killy.
	The proximity of Geneva Airport, so great for a short break.
	The reasonable prices.
	The appealing Alpine village.

	The relatively low altitude – although the snowy climate means that neighbouring Flaine’s bowl skiing is pretty snow sure.
	The lack of nightlife for party goers and anyone wanting a big, lively resort.