Les Carroz

Les Carroz d’Arâches is a winter and summer ski resort in the Haute-Savoie department in the comune of Arâches-la-Frasse. Surprising and vibrant, but at the same time relaxing and charming. We don’t have enough words to describe the emotions aroused by the Carroz ski resort, at the gates of the Grand Massif. In both winter and summer, this Haute Savoie town attracts skiers and high mountain lovers.  A family holiday resort with the guarantee of having choose well, in a resort perched at an altitude of 1140 m on a plateau facing west.

History of the ski resort Les Carroz 

In winter, Les Carroz is one of the gateways to the 265 km of slopes in the Grand Massif ski area. The facilities for children make it a resort especially aimed to family skiing. Throughout the winter, we have numerous entertaining activities for young and old, as well as renowned events; such as Les Montgolfiades des Carroz, ballooning courses, Montée de la Kédeuze, cross-country ski races, etc.

The creation of the resort dates back to 1936 and it was on January 29 1939 when the first ski lift was inaugurated, the longest in Europe at that time. Before the tourism boom, the town consisted of a few alpine farms, and during spring, herds “climbed” from the farms to the villages of La Frasse, Ballancy or Treydon. During fall, the herds leave the mountains and people began to prepare for winter in the heights.  In winter, locals outsourced watch parts to watchmakers in the Arve Valley.

Les Carroz ski area

With 265 kilometers of slopes, placed among Lake Léman and the Mont-Blanc massif, the Grand Massif ski area (which brings together the resorts of Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon, Samoëns and Sixt Fer à Cheval since 1982) offers a unique selection of trails and resorts for all ski lovers.

Trails of all colors, available for all types of skiers, from professional skiers to the novice, with courses adapted to each level. In this resort we find the perfect definition of family skiing.  The resort also received the label “Famille Plus Montagne”.

The varied ski area of Les Carroz is made up of about forty kilometers of trails drawn between 1140 and 2120 m above sea level. With a majority of blue slopes, it is particularly suitable for skier progression. Children and beginners will find an ideal playground, thanks to the space at the top of the Kédeuze gondola and a 120m long magic carpet.

For those who want to ski without limits, they can access the Grand Massif ski area that connects the resorts of Carroz, Morillon, Samoëns, Sixt Fer à Cheval a Flaine. Located among Lake Geneva and the Mont-Blanc massif, it is an exceptional place offering postcard landscapes. Two kinds of forfaits are offered.

We can choose the Massif forfait to access 145 kilometers of slopes (Carroz, Morillon, Samoëns and Sixt Fer à Cheval) and the peaks where you can enjoy the breath taking views.

We have the XXL option of the Grand Massif ski pass that allows access to the set of 265 kilometers of slopes. A week of holidays will certainly not be enough to discover them all.

A must-see is the ” Cascade Walk ”, a route through the waterfalls of the domain, inside the Grand Massif forfait. An excellent itinerary for an unforgettable day. Departure from the top of the Flaine cable car, crossing the Sixt Fer à Cheval nature reserve and the Gers valley. Upon arrival, a free shuttle will take you back to Samoëns and Morillon to return to Les Carroz. It is a route that is reserved for the most experienced skiers due to its difficulty.

Nordic skiing and other ways to enjoy Les Carroz

For experts, it is best to opt for the Grand Massif ski pass that will give you access to snowparks and other play areas located mainly in the neighboring Flaine area.

Placed at the Aujon sector, the Flaine Jampark is reserved for experienced freestylers. It is a place of coexistence between riders with a welcoming chalet and organization of events and free animations with barbecue, DJ, party in the snow …

Thrill seekers will enjoy the Combe de Gers, a wild slope for experienced skiers. Long, technical, with a 800m drop, the descent into this exceptional snow powder offers a moment of pure magic, just like the descent of the Lindars. Those who prefer drops on a black trial, it is best to visit L’Aigle Noir de la Tête de Saix, where the most extreme skiers and riders meet.

A little further from the resort and accessible by a free shuttle service, we find two cross-country ski sites: Agy and Col de Pierre Carrée.

Overlooking Saint-Sigismond, the Agy plateau is a sunny plateau offering an exceptional panoramic view of the Giffre and Arve valleys. Everyone will find what they are looking for: the beginner will learn to glide on easy slopes, while the experienced cross-country skier can carve carefree.

At 1844 m above sea level, overlooking the Arve valley, the Flaine and Les Carroz resorts, the Col de Pierre Carrée offers the highest and snowiest Nordic area in the Alps.

Apres ski and activities to get off the skis

Alternative activities to skiing, such as ski-joëring, sledding, paragliding, snowmobiling, skating rink, bowling, gym and spa; They are an example of the multiple activities that Carroz offers. It only remains for us to choose the one that best suits us.

The list is far from exhaustive, although it is probably impossible to try them all in one day.

Airboard and Igloo Weekend, for nature lovers 24 hours a day, just put on your snowshoes to cross the magnificent landscapes of the Arve valley and reach your night refuge: an igloo. A guaranteed change of scenery.

As we discover the typically Savoyard side of Carroz, let yourself be carried away by the gentle rhythm of the horses.

After treating ourselves with the architecture of the town of Savoy, it’s time to do the same with the unique taste of the cuisine. It all starts with a snowshoe hike to end at a table in front of the local specialties. The formula is also available on routes for mushing. A mandatory stop to enjoy with the family would be the snow glisse, where laughs are guaranteed.

To eat and rest, or if we visit the resort only for this purpose, we have a wide variety of places where we can taste local food. At Les Carroz, we are far from Flaine’s extravaganza. A resort-village, which in addition to being focused on families, at night you can find the atmosphere of bars and venues in a pleasant environment.

We can hit the karaoke and play darts in the Carpe Diem pub. If we rather a refined dinner, reserve a table at the Servages d’Armelle. Referenced in the Michelin guide, 2 touches in Gault and Millau, Armelle knows the region dishes and will delight your palate.