Le Col du Granier

Col du Granier is a ski resort in Savoie with four beginner slopes at a price proportional to the size of the resort, allowing families to learn to ski at a lower cost, far from the ski factories of the Northern Alps.

The Col du Granier ski area

The village is quiet and exotic, with a magnificent environment (to be explored on snowshoes) and a superb panorama of Les Entremonts. Perfect for vacationers looking for peace and quiet. Others can head to Chambéry (20 minutes away) for livelier evenings.

Nestled in the heart of the Chartreuse mountains, on the heights of the Vallée des Entremonts in Savoie, the resort is a small, charming family resort. Four slopes are available for skiers and snowboarders, from novices to the most experienced: two green, one blue and one red. There is something for all levels.

In 2018, after 50 years of loyal service to the commune of Entremont le Vieux, then to the Cœur de Chartreuse community of communes, the resort underwent a major change: to avoid closure, it was taken over on a voluntary basis by an association created for the occasion, “Les Skieurs du Granier”.

Since then, over a hundred volunteers have been working hard every day to keep the resort alive and assist you during your skiing trips: equipment rental, catering, advice, a helping hand, but also grooming, slope maintenance, and safety!

The Col du Granier ski resort is committed to sustainable development

Since January 2019, the resort has banned the use of chemical pesticides on its territory.

There are other, more natural solutions available. Non-chemical alternatives and biocontrol products are effective solutions for prevention and, if necessary, treatment. You can use appropriate biocontrol products at the right time, depending on the stage of development of the pest and the weather conditions.

Unforgettable experiences at Col du Granier

If you don’t ski, no problem! The resort offers you the chance to discover the slopes in a different way: on snowshoes. More physical than it looks, this activity allows you to walk in the snow without slipping. You can venture anywhere, with a guide accompanying you.

Hotels in the Col du Granier resort

La Maison Rouge ***

Located on the road leading to the ski resorts, La Maison Rouge features typical architecture reminiscent of the characterful bourgeois houses of Savoie. The hotel has a restaurant offering takeaway meals and a spa available at an additional cost.

The Col du Granier mountain resort in summer

The resort’s flagship activity in summer is, of course, cycling! Renowned for its climb, the pass offers paths and trails that will show you the resort from a different angle!

If you don’t want to cycle, you can walk. The resort invites you to explore its paths and trails for a hike or a stroll in the heart of its mountains.

Skiing at Col du Granier: the resort’s assets

A natural gateway to the Chartreuse mountains

Located at an altitude of 1,134 meters, between Savoie and Isère, Le Col du Granier is a small family resort that marks the northern entrance to the Chartreuse Regional Nature Park. Surrounded by fir forests, alpine pastures, and limestone cliffs, this resort embodies the authenticity of the local mountains, far from the massification of the large Alpine resorts. Its history is closely linked to local life and traditional skiing, proudly perpetuated by the mountain community.

A family-friendly and educational resort

The Col du Granier ski area offers beginner slopes and secure areas, ideal for learning to ski in a relaxed atmosphere. Its modest size, with a few ski lifts and green and blue slopes, allows families and beginners to enjoy a pressure-free environment, where teaching is personalized and safety is a priority. This approach has made it a leading ski school resort in the Chartreuse mountains.

Local spirit and friendliness

Col du Granier stands out for its authentic and warm atmosphere. Here, the mountains are experienced with simplicity and closeness: the inhabitants actively participate in the management and maintenance of the area, and visitors are welcomed as guests rather than tourists. Small mountain inns and local farms offer traditional Savoyard cuisine (raclettes, crozets, tartiflettes) in a setting that has retained all the charm of the rural mountains.

Skiing and nature in balance

The resort is part of the Chartreuse Regional Nature Park, an area renowned for its biodiversity and ecological balance. This exceptional location requires environmentally friendly management: artificial snow production is kept to a minimum, infrastructure is discreet, and the slopes are maintained according to sustainability criteria. The Col du Granier has thus become a model of sober and ecological management for mid-mountain resorts.

Four-season activities

In winter, in addition to downhill skiing, the Col du Granier offers snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking. In summer, its paths are transformed into hiking, climbing, and road cycling trails, as the pass is a legendary climb in Savoyard cycling and a stage of the Tour de France. The resort also serves as a starting point for exploring the villages and farms of the massif, as well as local products such as cheese, honey, and mountain wines.

A haven of serenity and authenticity

Just 20 minutes from Chambéry, the Col du Granier offers a close and accessible alpine getaway. Its size, far from being a constraint, is its main attraction: it allows you to enjoy the snow, nature, and fresh air in a calm and family-friendly atmosphere. It is a perfect destination for families, beginners, or hikers who want to reconnect with the mountains without any frills.

Constraints to consider

Its moderate altitude determines the length of the ski season, which can be shorter in mild winters. However, its northwestern orientation, efficient management, and diversification of activities ensure that it remains attractive throughout the year.

A resort that symbolizes sustainable mountain living

Col du Granier embodies the model of responsible and humane mountain living that characterizes the Chartreuse region: unspoiled nature, community spirit, and a balance between tradition and modernity. It shows how the mountains can remain vibrant, attractive, and authentic without losing their soul or their environment.