I am not new to holidaying in ski chalets (20+ years experience) but I have to say that I have never before been lucky enough to experience the type of surroundings, ambience, service and facilities offerred up by Stu & Julie. The bedrooms in the chalet are all spacious and what I would have no hesitation in describing as 5 star standard. The communal areas are well laid out allowing guests to join in the jovality or chill quietly with a book. The jewel in the crown is the cinema room with its bean bags, huge TV and surround sound system. The food was top notch and it was lovely to be driven to and from the lifts each morning and evening. Stu was even good enough to arrange pick-up from apres ski bars. Another little gem is the fact that stu offers a free guiding service on the slopes which allows guests to find lovely little places for lunch-stops that they would probably not find on there own.

All-in-all I had a wonderful time and cannot wait to experience the same again next year (maybe I could sneak another week in this year!!)

Tony, Cambridge UK

We have updated our  grand massif prices page with the latest 2011 – April 2012 prices. You can view all the prices here: – grand massif ski lift and you  view a more comprehensive list ranging from one day to the full season pass prices.

For now, here a general quick view guide which lists some of the most popular passes to help you quickly see the picture, there has generally been a small increases in price for this season.

The Grand Massif Area links the five resorts of Les Carroz, Sixt, Samoens, Flaine and Morillon.
There are 265km of pistes ranging from 1140 metres to 2500 metres.
In total there are 135 pistes, which consists of 17 green easy runs, 54 blue medium runs, 50 red hard runs and 14 blacks for the pros. There are 2 snow parks, 70 lifts and 239 snow machines.

The area opens on 17 December 2011 to 22 April 2012

Grand Massif lift pass

Adult (16 – 62 years)    6 day pass      Euro 207
Child (5 – 15 years)     6 day pass        Euro 156
Children under 5 years – free

Family
6 day pass      2 adults and 2 children   Euro 658.80
3 adults and 1 child           Euro 702.00

The smaller Massif area that links 4 resorts of Les Carroz, Samoens, Sixt and Morillon has 145 km of pistes containing 12 greens, 32 blues, 37 reds and 12 black runs. It has one snowpark and 135 sno making machines.

Massif lift pass

Adult (16 – 62 years)    6 day pass     Euro 174.00
Child (5 – 15 years)     6 day pass       Euro 129.00

You can use this for Les Carroz lift prices.

NOTE: ANY SKI PASS FOR LONGER THAN 3 DAYS REQUIRES A “HANDS FREE” CARD PASS WHICH IS COMPULSARY AND COSTS 3 EUROS PER PERSON EXTRA.

Day 1: The outdoor pool with it’s lawned sunbathing area was a bonus, we took a picnic and we relaxed in the sunshine, meanwhile the kids played in pools – the slide pool being favourite.  As we left the pool area the Sports Hall had the “Choers de France” choirs practicing for their big performance on Sunday evening so we stopped to listen for half an hour and then strolled to the village centre for a “milkshake” or two.

Day 2: We walked into the square and found it full of mountain activities for children – it was apparently the “Fete de Guides” where all the proceeds from the day go to mountain guides and their families who have had accidents.  Everything from High Wire, Climbing Wall, Inflatable Games and donkey rides were on offer with food and drinks available at very reasonable prices.  Whilst the kids enjoyed the activities I took the opportunity to see the local market with all it’s cheeses and dried meats.  Game time over there was a free band on in the square and all followed by a firework display – what a great day!  Another full day where the kids were shattered at the end.

Day 3: The boys decided to hire “downhill” bikes that had really big front and rear tyres to make the decent easier and more comfortable – so off they went to explore the mountain paths giving me time to take in the local boutiques and delicatessens in my own time.  When I met up with the tribe later they were dusty and thirsty from the exploits and stories of how dad decided to investigate the terrain in more detail than necessary!  As they all needed a shower we decided to get the provisions in and have a BBQ at our accommodation.

Day 4:  Fully refreshed we all headed to the tennis court for a friendly family match followed by yet another dip in the pool to cool off.

Day 5: As we had not yet taken in any of the mountain scenery or walks we decided to take the telecabine up to the top of the Kedeuse for lunch at L’Igloo restaurant after which we walked off our food taking the track back to the Grangettes and into the village to buy some fresh French bread to eat with the cheese I bought at the market with a glass of wine on the balcony.

Day 6:  There were a number of activities on once again in the square (local juggler and clown) so I stayed with the children.  My husband and his friend decided to have a round of golf up at the Flaine course – one of the highest in Europe – so one to add to the “been there done that” list.  They thoroughly enjoyed the experience and although not perhaps the best course ever it certainly was one of the most extreme as far as terrain went.

As you can see we were never stuck for anything to do and the good thing was we all enjoyed the village and all it had to offer.  We never quite go around to going to Sixt to see the waterfalls, jogging, road cycling or having my massage which was promised so I guess a return visit is on the cards.

Les Carroz held it’s 2nd JPP road bike tournament on Sunday 3 July this year and, having heard the reports from those who entered last year, I decided to give it a go myself.

Being my first attempt and taking into account the terrain and difference in altitude between the UK and the Alps I opted for the shortest distance of 90kms (the others being 110kms and 130kms).

So, training done as much as possible, I headed to Les Carroz where all the routes finish and where I was staying. I arrived on Friday planning to do a short cycle on Saturday to get the bike set up and myself registered.

Sunday morning I made my way to Cluses where the races all started from. Weather wise it looked like it would be a good day and on the way down to Cluses there were cyclists everywhere in different states of readiness.

08.30 we all set off towards Cote d’Ayze and Cote d’Hyot – the 110 and 130kms riders stayed with us until the routes split and they went on to climb Col de Plaine Joux (1249m) and for the fit ones amongst us the Col de Ramaz (1610m).

Happy in my decision to do the 90kms route I continued via St Jeoire, Mieusy and Taninges towards Samoens and Morillon – the scenery was spectacular – what bits I had time to take a look at! But, in the back of my mind was the thought of the final Balme climb which I had still yet to conquer, this is a 10kms 7% climb so no mean feat to someone of my fitness and age (well any excuse will do).

Careful to make sure I was refuelled and had taken on enough liquids I arrived at my nemesis “Balme”. The crowds had been really encouraging all along but now it was inspiring and needed as I began my ascent. Hairpin bend after hairpin bend seemed to sap my energy and a lot of other peoples I think but the onslaught continued. When I finally approached the Les Carroz straight which led into the village and the finish line the crowds and party atmosphere hit me – I had made it!! Admittedly, not the fastest by any means but a personal achievement definitely. The pavement cafes in and around the village square were heaving with people, music was playing and BBQ’s were in full swing – fantastic!

After a shower I headed to the Sports Centre where complimentary refreshments were on offer for all competitors and organisers. It was a great opportunity to meet fellow competitors and relive the painful and yet exhilarating climbs of the day over Spaghetti Bolognaise and a glass of wine or two.

If you have not done this event or have been thinking of doing it, my advise is DO IT NEXT YEAR – I certainly will be – who knows I may make the 110kms route if I train hard enough!!

Having eaten in many mountain restaurants over the years when we were recommended the Lac de Ger by our chalet hosts we were not expecting anything special or different. How wrong were we!

The restaurant which is a beautifully restored old farmhouse is set in a remote valley over the back of the Flaine bowl. There are 3 ways to get there either via the blue run “Cascades”, the un-pisted black run “Styx” or if you fancy skiing
off-piste down the Ger face – which I imagine would keep the most experienced of powder hounds satisfied.

As our group was of mixed ability some took the Cascades and the rest of us took the Styx. When I say took I mean the odd 1 or 2 skied it the rest of us just got down it! It is a long black by any standards and not being pisted feels a little bit like off-piste and really challenged most of our group.

There was a nice mix of powder and moguls (not too big) but there was always another option to take to avoid the bigger ones or give the legs a rest.

At the bottom of the run there is a drag lift which takes you back to the top of the Styx however if you are going to the Lac de Ger you are not finished yet. There is still more skiing to be done although it is easier from here on in as you descend to the lakes edge and skirt around the lake to the restaurant. It was at this point that we took the time to turn around and look back at the massive face we had just descended and wow what a face. All of a sudden we were in the “wilderness” and the scenery was spectacular.

We couldn’t quite get to the restaurant without some skating and a bit of poling around the edge of the lake but this little inconvenience was all worth it. We arrived to be shown our table which had been reserved by our hosts on their recommendation as it can become quite busy especially on sunny days.

There was no sign of the others who in the meantime were making their way down the Cascades……John now takes over.

Not being as experienced as the rest of the group 4 of us decided on the blue run Cascades which is a 13km run that descends right down to the village of
Sixt-a-Fer, however we were only going about half way down to the restaurant.

The first part of Cascades is a bit of a shoosh which once complete takes you around the back of the peak of the Pelouse mountain and in no time we were away from all signs of a ski area with no lifts, buildings or hoards of people visible. The noise also seemed different…..there was none and the views were fabulous. The skiing was well within our ability so we were able to enjoy the very varied route as we descended down to the restaurant with more than a few photos being taken on the way.

Now this is where it started to get a bit different. We had been given instructions by our hosts (or Scott had been given instructions – the rest of us were in the dark). We expected to arrive at the restaurant but no! we arrived at a “T” junction with a telegraph pole that had a wooden box screwed onto it. Scott who was “in the know” proceeded to open the box, take out a telephone pressed a button and spoke to someone – we still had no idea.

“5 minutes lads” said Scott – 5 mins for what, were we waiting for a bus? Well not quite but not far off as over the hill came a skidoo being driven or ridden (not sure which) by a man who apparently was from the restaurant. At this point I was totally confused as no way were 4 of us plus the driver going to get on that thing.

No problem, he threw out 2 long ropes with handles on which we duly took hold of and he proceeded to tow us up the gentle slope to the restaurant looking like an un-coordinated amateur synchronised water ski team. Obvious really, how else would you go to a restaurant……..!

……Now John, Scott, Jamie and Pete had decided to join us we ordered our first well earned beer….ours were well earned the “black crew” as for the others who took the taxi I’m not so sure. Anyway we all regaled about our routes to the restaurant and all agreed it was well worth it which ever route we had taken.

The lunch itself was also well worth it, the menu had some really interesting dishes and by mountain standards was reasonably priced. The lamb was to die for and the omelettes huge. The scenery itself was spectacular then to cap it all off the resident Border Collie who is very friendly but nutty even by Collie standards started barking at something up on the slopes. It turned out to be a group of Chamois which are Alpine mountain goats and are usually difficult to spot but we had our own private viewing thanks to the Collie.

2 hours later…yes we enjoy our lunches, we are ready to leave.. but which way…again we have options. We could continue down the Cascades for the full 13km to Sixt then take a short free bus ride back to Samoens or as was our want – probably induced by the several bottles of wine that had been consumed, we decided to go back to the drag lift on the Styx but of course it was not going to any ordinary journey it was in the back of a Piste Basher. Joined by 3 French couples who had also “enjoyed their lunch” we proceeded back around the lake then up to the drag lift.

It was at this point that we learnt how resourceful some people can be when one of our new friends unscrewed the top of his ski pole flipped the lid and proceeded to pour Cognac into little tots which he passed around to all.

This should have been enough merriment for anyone on a days skiing but no we had one more installment and that was watching Scott trying to negotiate the very long, very steep drag lift back to the top. The description “Bambi on ice” would not have done him justice, how he made it we don’t know but 10 out of 10 for hanging on in there! If only any of us had been stable enough ourselves to film him but we were too busy just hanging on ourselves.

Needless to say the run back to Les Carroz was a bit of a blur but we all made it safely.

We still talk about “that day” with great memories and several laughs and all agree it certainly was a…… lunch with a difference!

After a bit of research and talking to various people we chose the village of Les Carroz in the Grand Massif for our trip. Primarily because it seemed to be a village which would hopefully have some atmosphere to it rather than an out and out ski resort. We also chose to stay in a catered chalet as there would be other people staying there who my husband could hopefully ski with but also as the chalet people offered a “ski hosting” service where they would ski with guests. That just left me. Having spoken to the chalet owners and explained I would not be skiing they drew me up a list of activities that would have kept me busy for 2 weeks, let alone 1.

My first day I decided to hire some “racquettes” – no not for playing tennis – these are snow shoes which make walking on deep snow quite easy, so, after having been given my lesson on fitting and walking in the racquettes by the very helpful Sylvan at Ski2000 I was ready for the off. Trouble was which one of the many well signposted routes to take – first day a gentle stroll near to the village was my choice. The paths were very clear and took me through some beautiful wooded scenery along gentle paths with no great mountains to climb.

I enjoyed the experience so much that on day 2 I took a guided walk which was organised by the local Bureau de Guides. I joined a small group of 4 people and we headed out with the guide who took us a little further afield but also gave us a very interesting and informative commentary on the local flora and fauna along with some anecdotes concerning local folk law.

After spending the 3rd day around the village itself taking a look around the local market and checking out the boutiques and cafes, I was talked into trying Cross Country Skiing by the other people in the chalet. So on Thursday my husband and I set off for Agy, the local cross country ski centre. Having never been on skis before we took some basic tuition and off we went. What a fabulous experience! To be in the mountains with fantastic scenery and all at my own “snails” pace. The routes were easy to follow and graded into 4 levels ranging from easy to difficult. Needless to say I stayed on the easy route for most of the day but did venture onto a section of the intermediate route (blue). Afterwards we returned to the centre to enjoy a lovely lunch and a well earned glass of beer.

You would think that I needed a rest after that but,no, I was well up for it now and on Friday I went on a Husky Dog Sled ride. This was incredible. I had the choice of sitting in (on) a sled with a guide driving a full pack of 8 dogs or actually driving myself on a sled with 2 dogs (following the guide obviously). I chose the latter and was soon flying through the snowy, wooded area – again in fabulous scenery. This was actually more energetic than the cross country skiing as the dogs take a bit of controlling but the grin I developed has still now worn off.

Although I did the activities on my own (apart from the cross country skiing) I was always with other like minded people and had a fantastic time. Being able to relay my experiences around the evening table with my husband and the other guests whilst listening to their daring ski feats and tumbles was good fun. The week passed all too quickly for me.

We are now back in the UK and back at work but I am already planning my next trip to Les Carroz for a “non-skiing” ski holiday. On my list for next year are, definately a ride in a Hot Air Balloon and a go on a Skidoo!

Would I return for another non skiing ski holiday to Les Carroz?……..Absolutely

Les Carroz is perched High above the valley at 1140 metres above sea level on a plateau.
The Village offers numerous outdoor activities both for winter and summer.

Les Carroz still is mainly a Haut Savoyard village named from the region of the Alps.

There is a Tele Cabin in the village which will give you access to the Grand Massif Ski Area in juest a few minutes.
Les Carroz itself being part of the Massif region which in turn is part of the grand massif.
The Massif area has over 25km of pistes with 42 ski lifts which ecompasses Les Carroz, Morillon, Samoëns and Sixt.
The Grand Massif area also covers Flaine and is larger still.

Les Carroz itself has 32 runs with 15 lifts and is mainly easier runs.

• Trails (Pistes): 32
• Halfpipe: 1
• Low: 1140 m
• Summit: 2120 m
• Toplift: 2120m
• Beginners: 43%
• Intermediates: 45%
• Advanced: 12%
• Terrain Parks: 1

• Vertical Drop: 975 m
• X-Country: 8 km
• Lifts: 15 (42 in four resorts of Massif)
• Snowmaking: 20%
• Gondolas / Cable Cars: 5
• Slopeside accom.: Y
• Restaurants: 25
• Acres of ski: 1000
• Bars: 6
• Nearest Airport: Geneva / Geneve
• Nearest Train: Cluses Info phone: (+33) 450900004

Les Carroz Local Area (Part of the Massif)

• Resort Height 1200m
• Highest Lift 2200m
• Piste Length 145Km
• Black Runs 12
• Red Runs 37
• Blue Runs 32
• Green Runs 12
• Total Runs 93

Grand Massif

• Resort Height -
• Highest Lift 2560m
• Piste Length 265Km
• Black Runs 16
• Red Runs 54
• Blue Runs 47
• Green Runs 15
• Total Runs 132

Opening dates

From 18/12/2010 to 25/04/2011.

Les Carroz is easy to get to from the UK, hence it is a very popular with the British.
There are easily available flights, trains and it is easy enough by car.

When flying the closest airport is Geneva which is only 62km away.
The main low cost airlines operate to (Geneva Airport). There are three other airports within driving distance.
(Chamberry Airport) at 118km away, (Grenoble Airport) at just under 200km and (Lyon Airport) at 190km.

Each airline has different budget and schedules, one of the best sites for searching which does several airlines at once is skyscanner .net

Here are the websites of the other low cost airlines operating from the UK: -

Skyscanner
Ryanair
Easyjet
Bmibaby
Thomsonfly
British Airways
Flybe
AerLingus
Air France
MyTravel Lite
Flyglobespan
Swiss

Alternatively travelling by train to the resort is a great experience with an opportunity to sample the wonderful scenery. The French High Speed Train – TGV takes you to the station in Cluses and this is only 20 mins away from Les Carroz. For schedules and prices visit Eurostar and SNCF.

Once arriving at Geneva airport, transfers via bus are available to Les Carroz.  The timetables and tickets are available at the Les Carroz Tourist Office.

If you decide to hire out a car, the following directions will take you from Geneva to Les Carroz:
Take the A40 motorway from Geneva direction Chamonix leave at junction 19 signed “Cluses Centre”. Follow the N205 towards Sallanches for approximately 3 kms then turn left at the junctions signposted “Les Carroz d’Araches”
For detailed route maps we would recommend you look at either the AA website The AA or the Michelin Route planner or use a Sat Nav or google maps works well.

Note: There are no petrol stations in Les Carroz! The nearest station is on the N205 near the motorway exit which is 12 kms from Les Carroz – so best to refuel before you arrive. We also recommend, as a precaution, that snow chains are carried at all times

Another alternative is via the sea ferries, times and prices check out P & O Ferries and Sea France.

Private Ski Transfers can be privately booked from the airport to Les Carroz. Two resources  for this are: – Geneva Airport Transfers or Ski Lifts these have a variety of vehicle sizes available along with child seats if required.

There are some great areas of off piste available too but we always recommended to go with a local guide for your safety. The off piste covers different areas of the Grand Massif including not only the top of the snow bowl area but also in the forest area just above Les Carroz.

Also it is easy to catch one of the day trips to Chamonix which is only an hour away if you fancy tackling the famous Valle Blanche which is the longest off piste run that is serviced by a ski lift in the world at almost 25km in length dependent on the state of it at the time. This is also best to do with a guide.