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Le Grand Massif Ski area
Information about the ski area
| Highest point: | 2,480 m | (magic) carpet lifts: | 9 |
| Lowest point: | 697 m | Pistes in total: | 265 km |
| Altitude ski resort: | 1,600 m |
Pistes:
|
135 km |
| Lifts in total: | 63 |
Pistes:
|
95 km |
| Gondola lift: | 7 |
Pistes:
|
35 km |
| Chair lifts: | 22 | ||
| Tow lifts: | 25 | ||
Le Grand Massif Ski area
The Grand Massif ski area, comprising the linked resorts of Flaine, Samoëns, Les Carroz, Morillon and Sixt Fer à Cheval, offers a total of 265 kilometres of slopes at altitudes ranging from 697 to 2,480 metres, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
The higher slopes at Lac de Gers, the Grandes Platières and Tête Pelouse are particularly popular with expert skiers. But beginners can also explore the area on the easier, blue runs. Whilst in Morillon, carving enthusiasts in particular can let off steam on wide, gentle slopes, Les Carroz offers a completely different atmosphere with long forest runs and a few mogul and off-piste sections. And anyone wishing to access the main ski area directly can use the free ski bus from Samoëns. It shuttles back and forth every 15 to 20 minutes between the Saix gondola lift and the ski resort.
The "Combe de Gers" is a freeride paradise: a 2.5 km-long deep-snow run where you descend 800 metres in altitude. Freestylers, on the other hand, can let off steam in the various snow parks scattered across the area. The little ones haven’t been forgotten either: in Samoëns, you’ll find a children’s practice area with a magic carpet lift and, alongside several ski schools, a ski nursery for children aged 3 months to 6 years.
A particular highlight is the 14-kilometre descent from Flaine down to Sixt Fer à Cheval, which offers views of Mont Blanc and the nearby nature reserve. With a bit of luck, you might even spot ice climbers putting their skills to the test on the frozen waterfalls. The approximately 3-kilometre-long Diamant Noir, with an elevation gain of 890 metres, presents a real challenge.
The higher slopes at Lac de Gers, the Grandes Platières and Tête Pelouse are particularly popular with expert skiers. But beginners can also explore the area on the easier, blue runs. Whilst in Morillon, carving enthusiasts in particular can let off steam on wide, gentle slopes, Les Carroz offers a completely different atmosphere with long forest runs and a few mogul and off-piste sections. And anyone wishing to access the main ski area directly can use the free ski bus from Samoëns. It shuttles back and forth every 15 to 20 minutes between the Saix gondola lift and the ski resort.
The "Combe de Gers" is a freeride paradise: a 2.5 km-long deep-snow run where you descend 800 metres in altitude. Freestylers, on the other hand, can let off steam in the various snow parks scattered across the area. The little ones haven’t been forgotten either: in Samoëns, you’ll find a children’s practice area with a magic carpet lift and, alongside several ski schools, a ski nursery for children aged 3 months to 6 years.
A particular highlight is the 14-kilometre descent from Flaine down to Sixt Fer à Cheval, which offers views of Mont Blanc and the nearby nature reserve. With a bit of luck, you might even spot ice climbers putting their skills to the test on the frozen waterfalls. The approximately 3-kilometre-long Diamant Noir, with an elevation gain of 890 metres, presents a real challenge.
Après ski in Le Grand Massif
In addition to its fantastic ski area, the village of Flaine is particularly popular for its lively après ski. Numerous discos and bars invite you to party after the fun on the slopes. Must-stops include Chalet Bissac, La Cascade and the Flying Dutchman bar. A rich cultural offering is part of everyday life in Flaine, which is reflected in the many concerts and sculptures by Picasso and Vasarely in the town centre. Those looking for action after the piste will find it at the go-kart ice rink, ice skating, dog sledding or ice climbing. Quieter activities include a visit to the indoor pool or the fitness centre with spa area. For epicures, Flaine has a variety of restaurants serving local Kitchen.
Après ski in Les Carroz d'Arâches is rather quiet. There are many different, cosy restaurants and bars offering Savoyard Kitchen. For night owls, there is Le Club 74, where you can party the night away. For those who need more action after a day of skiing, there is a wide range of activities on offer. You can admire the mountain landscape from above while paragliding or burn off energy with floodlit skiing, tobogganing, ice skating or climbing. Those who prefer a faster pace should not miss out on a ride on a dog sled or a snowmobile.
In Morillon, the focus is on enjoyment rather than a raucous après ski party. In the evening, treat yourself to Savoy specialities in a cosy atmosphere in one of the many restaurants - with delicious cheeses or a tartiflette, for example. If you like, head to the Madison Pub or the Le Bon Coin bar for a nightcap. But that's not all there is to do off the piste. The tourist office organises a varied programme of activities ranging from shows and sledge races to concerts. The beautiful mountain world also offers plenty of opportunities for snowshoe hikers. Attractive routes lead along the banks of the Giffre in the valley, for example. More unusual activities include ski-joring, where you are pulled by a horse while standing on skis, or dog sledding. Morillon has two toboggan runs and an ice rink. If the weather doesn't play ball, there's always the indoor pool.
Après-ski in Samoëns is interpreted in a classic-style way: Numerous bars here offer a colourful programme of music, with something for every winter sports enthusiast who wants to rock the dance floor with a good drink deep into the night. In addition to lively parties, the leisure programme in Samoëns away from the pistes is also characterised by many other activities. The sights of the listed village, such as the parish church Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption from the 12th century, the market hall from the 16th century or the manor houses Château de Bérouze and Château du Tannay are definitely worth a visit. The toboggan runs at Col de Joux Plane and in the village itself, which are 1600 metres and 500 metres long respectively, are really action-packed. You can also get a further adrenaline rush with fat biking, ice climbing, heli-skiing or even a night-time snowmobile ride.
Après ski in Les Carroz d'Arâches is rather quiet. There are many different, cosy restaurants and bars offering Savoyard Kitchen. For night owls, there is Le Club 74, where you can party the night away. For those who need more action after a day of skiing, there is a wide range of activities on offer. You can admire the mountain landscape from above while paragliding or burn off energy with floodlit skiing, tobogganing, ice skating or climbing. Those who prefer a faster pace should not miss out on a ride on a dog sled or a snowmobile.
In Morillon, the focus is on enjoyment rather than a raucous après ski party. In the evening, treat yourself to Savoy specialities in a cosy atmosphere in one of the many restaurants - with delicious cheeses or a tartiflette, for example. If you like, head to the Madison Pub or the Le Bon Coin bar for a nightcap. But that's not all there is to do off the piste. The tourist office organises a varied programme of activities ranging from shows and sledge races to concerts. The beautiful mountain world also offers plenty of opportunities for snowshoe hikers. Attractive routes lead along the banks of the Giffre in the valley, for example. More unusual activities include ski-joring, where you are pulled by a horse while standing on skis, or dog sledding. Morillon has two toboggan runs and an ice rink. If the weather doesn't play ball, there's always the indoor pool.
Après-ski in Samoëns is interpreted in a classic-style way: Numerous bars here offer a colourful programme of music, with something for every winter sports enthusiast who wants to rock the dance floor with a good drink deep into the night. In addition to lively parties, the leisure programme in Samoëns away from the pistes is also characterised by many other activities. The sights of the listed village, such as the parish church Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption from the 12th century, the market hall from the 16th century or the manor houses Château de Bérouze and Château du Tannay are definitely worth a visit. The toboggan runs at Col de Joux Plane and in the village itself, which are 1600 metres and 500 metres long respectively, are really action-packed. You can also get a further adrenaline rush with fat biking, ice climbing, heli-skiing or even a night-time snowmobile ride.
Snowpark Le Grand Massif: Ho5Park Snowpark
In the Grand Massif ski area, you will find an excellent freestyle offer from the Ho5Park team. The "Jampark" is located in the Aujon area in Flaine. The lines with kickers, boxes and whoops are suitable for beginners. The Expert-Line, on the other hand, with its more challenging obstacles, is more suitable for experts. There is also a boardercross course, a quarter-pipe and, as befits a proper park, a corresponding chill zone with a decent sound system.
Unique is "Ze Forest", a trail with steep turns and banks that takes you through the forest.
Families, friends and anyone looking for lots of fun should pay a visit to the "Acticross" course, which you can easily reach via the "Petit Balacha" lift. 2 supervisors will help you improve your skills and master the whoops, the slalom or the super tunnel safely and with plenty of fun. The Grand Massif is the perfect place for freestyle pros and beginners to let off steam.
Is the Le Grand Massif ski area not right for you? Then have a look here instead: Ski areas France
Expert rating report Le Grand Massif
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(4.1 out of 5 stars)
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