Les Carroz Resort Reviews
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Visitor reviews for Les Carroz Ski Resort
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
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April 01, 2013
Mark Wood from United Kingdom
Not brilliant weather when we went; poor visibility and rain lower down (lots of snow as well though), but I think this resort and the linked resorts compare well with any of the other big areas.
Good central town with lots of usual facilities, good restaurants and bars/shops etc, Good ski bus and plenty of free parking near the main lift.
The skiing in Les Carroz is good and mostly tree lined, most of the more challenging stuff is at Flaine. Takes about 20 minutes to get over there if a reasonable skier.
The lift system has seen some investment but could do with a bit more in places.
A good resort for beginners and intermediates, but not so much in the way of challenging runs.
We booked here partly because they advertised a new leisure center with sauna/swimming etc. Unfortunately, this did not open (some dispute with the contractors). That was a bit disappointing but it should open next year (2014). -
Les Carroz Ratings
Based on 12 votes. Vote
Access: 5.0
(1) At least one overnight stop, (2) requires a whole day, (3) requires more than half a day – you may have time for a few turns (4) arrive by lunchtime and ski all afternoon, (5) there is a main airport within an hour of Les Carroz.
Public Transport: 3.8
(1) There are no buses or taxis to Les Carroz, (3) there are slow or infrequent buses / trains available, (5) getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections.
Scenery: 4.8
(1) An ugly resort in a bland setting, (3) average mountain views and resort, (5) a spectacular setting and a beautiful / historic resort town.
Accommodation: 4.7
(1) No places to stay in/near Les Carroz, (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets.
Cheap Rooms: 3.9
(1) No budget accommodation available, (3) just one or two hostels so book ahead, (5) several cheap hostels and pensions available.
Luxury Hotels: 3.4
(1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in Les Carroz.
Ski in/Ski out: 3.9
(1) The ski area is located far from any accommodation, (3) a free ski bus takes you to the ski area in a short trip, (5) Ski-in ski-out accommodation is available.
Childcare: 4.6
(1) There are no child care facilities at Les Carroz, (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche.
Snowsure: 4.5
(1) Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing, (2) is often closed due to a lack of snow, (3) occasionally suffers from a lack of snow, (4) rarely suffers from a lack of snow, (5) Les Carroz is snowsure even in the poorest seasons.
Snowmaking: 4.2
(1) Les Carroz relies entirely on natural snow, (3) there are just a few snow cannons, (5) there are snowmaking facilities on all pistes.
Snow Grooming: 4.7
(1) There are no snow groomers at Les Carroz, (3) occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state, (5) all the runs at Les Carroz are groomed daily.
Shelter: 4.7
(1) there is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut, (3) there are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close, (5) Les Carroz is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close.
Nearby options: 4.6
(1) If snow conditions are poor at Les Carroz, it will be poor everywhere nearby, (3) there are good alternatives within an hours drive, (5) other locations on the same lift pass provide a rich variety of snowsure ski conditions.
Regional rating: 4.3
(1) Les Carroz usually has poor snow conditions compared to other resorts in region, (3) has average conditions for the region, (5) usually has the best snow conditions in the region.
Lift Staff: 4.2
(1) The staff at Les Carroz are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at Les Carroz are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help.
Crowds/Queues: 3.9
(1) the resort is always busy and there are usually long lift queues, (3) it is quiet apart from occasional weekends and school holidays, (5) it is uncrowded and lift queues are very rare.
Ski Schools: 4.3
(1) No ski schools available, (2) one or two ski schools but local language only, (3) a few ski schools but book early for multi-lingual instructors, (4) plenty of ski schools and multi-lingual instructors available, (5) excellent ski schools with friendly multi-lingual ski instructors.
Hire and Repairs: 4.9
(1) Nothing can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex. (3) there are some ski shops but rentals need to be booked in advance, (5) good quality ski equipment can be purchased or hired and overnight repairs are possible.
Variety of pistes: 4.9
(1) The ski runs are featureless and unvaried, (3) the ski runs are varied but not extensive enough for a week, (5) Les Carroz has diverse and interesting pistes including forests and high alpine terrain.
Beginners: 4.6
(1) Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard, (3) a few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week, (3) Vast areas of gentle terrain.
Intermediates: 4.7
(1) No intermediate terrain at Les Carroz, (3) intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days, (5) vast areas of cruising runs.
Advanced: 4.3
(1) Nothing for advanced skiers and snowboarders, (3) enough steep terrain for a few days with some good offpiste, (5) Enough steep terrain and offpiste areas to entertain advanced skiers for at least a week.
Snow Park: 2.0
(1) Not even a kicker at Les Carroz, (3) average sized park quite well looked after, (5) huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails.
Off-piste: 4.0
(1) No off-piste worth mentioning, (2) off piste is out-of-bounds, (3) some varied offpiste that stays fresh for one or two days, (5) a vast array of off-piste routes that can stay untracked for several days.
Cross-country: 3.4
(1) There is nowhere to go for cross-country skiing around Les Carroz, (3) there are some cross country trails available, (5) the area features many spectacular and well maintained cross-country trails.
Luge/Toboggan: 2.0
(1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) Les Carroz has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages.
Mountain Dining: 4.1
(1) Nowhere to buy food by the pistes, (3) some places to eat up on the mountain but they are often busy and expensive, (5) there is a variety of excellent mountain eateries right next to the slopes to suit all budgets.
Eating: 4.5
(1) Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. (5) A wide variety of places to eat and drink in the resort, from fast food to fancy restaurants.
Apres-Ski: 3.9
(1) Nothing to do, not even a bar, (3) there are a few bars in the resort but nothing special, (5) clubs and bars stay open until very late and have a friendly atmosphere.
Other Sports: 3.9
(1) No sports facilities at all apart from ski lifts, (3) resort has just a small public swimming pool, (5) resort has all kinds of sports facilities, including a full-size swimming pool.
Entertainment: 3.7
(1) Besides the snow and walking there is nothing to do here, (3) the non-skier will find things to do for few days but may become bored after a week, (5) the resort area is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of winter sports.
Winter Walks: 4.4
(1) Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails, (3) a couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails, (5) extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities.
Ski Pass Value: 4.0
(1) A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available, (3) the ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts, (5) ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area.
Value (National): 4.4
(1) Overall, Les Carroz is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country and not worth the money, (3) overall represents average value for money, (5) overall offers the best value resort in the country.
Value (Global): 4.3
(1) Overall, Les Carroz is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, (3) overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries, (5) internationally the resort offers excellent value for money.
Based on 12 votes. Vote
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December 14, 2011
Robert Burnfield from United Kingdom
Really good varied skiing linking with Samoens, Morillon and Flaine. Although the village is relatively low (1hour drive from Geneva) Les Carroz seems to benefit from an excellent micro climate. The snow record is good and the runs to the village are amongst the best in the area. Not a purpose built resort, but a real French village with character, good restaurants and friendly. Great for families, easy access to the ski school.
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February 10, 2011
David Barnard from United Kingdom
Just completed 10 days skiing in The Grand Massif, staying in Les Carroz. The village itself is charming and friendly (for the girls, check out Jacques at ZigZag Sports) with enough restaurants and small bars to keep you going.
Despite the low snow levels this year the skiing is excellent with the pistes being kept superbly, they should even have signs up next to the pistes saying 'go faster' as the lack of crowds and grippy conditions encourage you to do just that.
Snow conditions dictate that the usual vast choice of 'off-piste' is limited although challenging crusty powder was found when Gers was opened in Flaine and Tete Des Lindars offered steep moguls, again with grippy snow.
A day trip to Grand Montet, in Chamonix, showed that the Grand Massif's snow record is no fantasy, as apart from the glacier, there the snow was as good if not better back around Flaine.
Now saving for a return trip in late March to see if the snow has been topped up and I would recommend this area for anyone from beginners to experts. -
February 03, 2011
Laurie Spicer from France
Les Carroz is a fantastic skiing area, just one hour from the airport, so beat that. 250+ km of slopes that are well groomed. Great snow making machines so invariably abundant snow throughout the G Massif. So Les Carroz for me as a living French village as well as the centre of the Grand Massif. Summer and Winter are always alive.
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January 15, 2011
peter gregg from United Kingdom
Just back on the 14th Jan '11 after 5 days skiing at Les Carroz. Conditions at lower levels very thin with some pistes now closed. Middle levels still ok but best conditions at Flaine though busy as more skiers go there because of Les Carroz conditions. Snow in 09 and 10 at same time of year much better.
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March 03, 2010
alfred jones from United Kingdom
The pistes in the Les Carroz/Morillon/Samoens area are limited and will not satisfy the experienced skier. Including Flaine, there are a lot of off-piste possibilities - but - thanks to a huge building program, also now a lot of people.
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February 10, 2010
Sarah B from United Kingdom
We are lucky enough to be renting a chalet here for the whole season. We did not know Les Carroz or the surrounding resorts at all when we chose the chalet, but we liked the property, its position in the village, the price and the proximity to Geneva airport. So far (mid Feb 10) we are delighted with our choice. I was a bit worried about the relatively low altitude and whether there was enough challenging skiing for us (we are all advanced to experts who like to nip into the powder when we get the chance). I am a 3 valleys enthusiast so you see where I am coming from. The runs back to Les C (Les Carroz) are probably the nicest in the Grand Massif-good snow through huge trees. Higher up there are great bowls with easily accessed off-piste. Lifts are good, not done much queueing either. The village is pretty and compact. Mountain food is good and relatively inexpensive, and the people are really friendly. Jacques at Zig Zag Sports is charming and very helpful. It's not a resort for party animals but all the better for it!
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January 22, 2010
Frances & Pete Richards from United Kingdom
We returned from Les Carroz last weekend. We've had a great week skiing the Gand Masiff. Snow conditions and weather were really very good for the time of year and there were virtually no lift queues to speak of either. We sampled the skiing in most of the area apart from Sixt. They were mainy cruising blues and reds athough we did try a few of the blacks as well.
We stayed at the Chalet Coquelicot. The accommodation was spacious and en-suite. The hosts were great and the food was plentiful and glorious. The chalet (lescarrozski) is a little way out of the village but that didn't matter as they provide a lift to and from the lift when you are ready to go or return. Definitely be going back there for another relaxing skiing holiday! -
March 28, 2009
sam from United Kingdom
Just got back from Les Carroz and I'll start with the bad stuff:
The Sunotel appartements were not very good and were small. We chose to pick self catering which was a bad idea as food was very expensive from the local shop. However, the snow was amazing and we had two great fresh powder days where it didn't stop snowing. We also had two sunny days with two average days. As we went to Les Carroz pretty late in the season we didn't have to wait for any lifts and I rate Les Carroz for their off-piste.
Personally, I reckon that Les Carroz was better than Flaine, Morillon etc. Overall, I had a wicked time there and would definitely recommend it but I was disapointed with the 'pro jam' park in Flaine as it was small and I wouldn't recomend it if you enjoy a good 'freestyle' park. There were some great black mogul runs that were fast and well groomed from all the snow that was there. -
January 13, 2009
Mick Goodall from United Kingdom
We have just returned from a fantastic weeks skiing/boarding holiday in the vast Grand Massif area. The sun shone every day and there was loads of snow on uncrowded runs. We stayed in Les Carroz at Chalet le Balcon, alpexperience.com a very cozy and friendly catered chalet a short walk from the telecabine, run by Dave and Sue, who looked after us very well with great food and relaxed atmosphere. Transfer times are under an hour, arranged by Sue, so we made the most of our holiday. We soon got to know the area after being guided for the first day by Dave, best vin chaud bar included. Can't wait to go back, hopefully this season.
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April 13, 2008
Cathy Cain from United Kingdom
Just returned from a week in Les Carroz (29th March - 5th April 2008); third visit for for my other half, but first for myself and 13 year-olds twins. Having stayed in Flaine many years ago and hated the stark architecture, Les Carroz came as a welcome surprise with its more traditional village feel, and yes, everyone is very friendly. Check out the market on a Tuesday morning! Access into the skiing area is quick and easy, and the ski buses to the telecabine station are frequent and efficient. We were lucky to hit the best Easter snow for 10 years, and had several days of fresh powder on the higher slopes. All the Grand Massif slopes were almost deserted so late in the season, so there were no queues for lifts or tables in restaurants. I would echo the comment about prices, both on the mountain and in the village, but it was probably more because the Euro was so strong against sterling. Our favourite mountain restaurant was L'Igloo at the top of the Bergin lift in Morillon: big, sunny deck, cosy interior for snowy days, great food, and smiling friendly staff. We stayed in an apartment in Les Campanules (manxski.com) just off the village square, with one of the two supermarkets a few yards away and plenty of restaurants and bars within a few minutes stroll. One of the best points about the trip was the fast easy access from Geneva: from landing we were on the autoroute within 30 minutes, and the drive took a mere 45 minutes. If conditions hadn't been so great, it would have been easy to drive somewhere else for the day e.g 1 hour to the Portes du Soleil. We'll be back!
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April 06, 2008
Bev Jewitt from United Kingdom
We stayed in Les Carroz from 29th March to 5th April 2008. It's perfect for families with young children with a great selection of blue runs that our beginners were completing by the end of the week. The Nouvelle Dimension ski school instructors were great.
The town is quiet with a handful of nice restaurants so it won't suit those looking for wild apres-ski. Good picnic hall at top of gondola (you can safely leave your bag there before going off to ski in the morning); on piste restaurants were expensive. Free bus runs around the village very frequently taking you up to gondola station.
Snow fantastic; it snowed nearly every day and conditions were perfect. -
March 01, 2008
Linden Galsworthy from Guernsey, Channel Islands from United Kingdom
Arived at Les Carroz on 3rd February 2008 for an extra weekend skiing after just visiting Serre Chevallier (excellent resort). We intended to stay in Flaine, a short drive away, but were unable to find accommodation at short notice. Stayed at the Abaron Hotel right in the village centre. Nice family run hotel, excellent food and facilities and well run. Les Carroz is a beautiful village with nice bars etc and lovely atmosphere. Had a big snowfall in the evening and skied to Flaine. There was 3 foot of powder on all runs, all the way to Flaine. However, next day the piste-bashers had done their job (excellent runs). Excellent resort and it's well worth a visit to Les Carroz if going to Faline. It's only a 45 mins drive to Geneva. Well recommended.
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January 20, 2008
Chris Green from United Kingdom
My future wife and I stumbled across Lez Carroz 15 years ago. It is one of the friendliest resorts in Europe. After skiing around Europe we have returned on many occasions to Les Carroz with our children as it has one of the best ski schools in France. The new 8 person high speed lift system whisks you to a 266Km ski area within minutes. A choice of 4 villages for lunch; Morrilon, Samoens, Flaine or Les Carroz. Higher up you have the powder bowls of Flaine and spectacular views of Mont Blanc. There are easy blues from the highest points so all the family can enjoy the whole resort with blues from the top turning into beautiful tree lined runs. If you drive, the great organisational skills of the local police will help you get parked up as close as possible to the lifts. It also has a regular free bus service to the hotels and the accommodation on the outskirts of the village. There is free floodlit skiing twice a week and all the restaurants serve families. There is not much in the way of nightlife with only a few bars around the square getting busy early evening. All in all, this resort serves families and those wanting a quieter friendlier resort.
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March 27, 2007
Andy from United Kingdom
Just returned from a week in Les Carroz with the family. 2 boys aged 4 & 5 on their first real skiing holiday & a non skiing wife. This is a great family resort - we stayed near the centre & everything was close by. Free bus to Telecabin was regular and not too packed.
When we arrived it was to green fields and the odd bit of snow up on the highest mountains. One day of finding something to ski on and then it snowed & snowed & snowed - fab conditions both on and off-piste.
The boys had lessons with Nouvelle Dimension & they were very good. 6 kids in the class & the boys were skiing well by the end of the week. Would recommend this ski school to anyone.
Only downside of resort is the flat runs at the top and on the links to Flaine and then back from the Tete de Saix to Les Carroz or Morillon. Avoid the Peirce Neige.
Holiday & resort was so good we've booked to go back next year -
September 04, 2006
Will Worsley from United Kingdom
Great family holiday in early March 06. Good snow cover and topped up with lots more during our stay. Great kids instructors at Nouvelle Dimension. Good picnic area at top of gondola from Les Carroz and quite a number of on slope restaurants to keep you pinned to the slopes all day long. Best snow record of any European resort according to the Daily Telegraph (report can be viewed at www.ski2france.co.uk). Pretty village with lots of amenities and separate nursery slope. Easy drive from Channel ports and quick taxi transfer to and from Geneva airport. It's easy to get to, doesn't take all day to get there and fun when you're there.
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March 08, 2006
John Brierley from United Kingdom
I would recommend Les Carroz as a great ski resort, particularly suited to beginners like us! A huge ski area with slopes for all standards. The village is charming with all the facilities you need. The apartment (www.ucanski.com) is lovely with fantastic views, homely finishing touches and only a very short walk from the free ski-bus. Feb 2006
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February 20, 2006
Dave Vickers from United Kingdom
Just arrived back from skiing Les Carroz, Morrillon, Samoens and Flaine,couldn't beleive how quick we got to the resort of Morillon, 50 mins from geneva airport. Skiing was fantastic due to new snow, a metre at least of powder. Extremeley pretty resorts of Morillon and les carroz, if you like tree skiing. good links, vast amounts of skiing at hand when links open to flaine. Will definitely ski Les carrox and morillon again!! Superb for short break
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January 30, 2006
Dominic Regan from United Kingdom
The first time skiing for 15 years, and what a fantastic resort! We were there w/c 23 Jan 06 staying at Chalet Coquelicot and had a marvellous time - so much so that we are already planning next years trip. There had been heavy snowfalls the week before which made for great skiing. On the only day of the week that was not clear blue skies we had yet more snow. Unless you're a real tyro there are more than enough runs of all grades, so there was none of the overcrowding I remember from Austria, Italy and the more popular French resorts. The "Grand Massif" skipass gives you access to over 250km of ski runs, and we barely scratched the surface of these. Others in our party who were more accomplished skiers still came away with plenty of runs still to explore.
I can't comment too much on the nightlife, as the chalet we were in was fully catered (and to a fantastic standard!), but the pubs, bars and restaurants that we did frequent were very welcoming - La Pointe Noire deserves a specific mention for this. All were very family friendly.
If it helps anyone else, we booked a very reasonably priced private lesson with one of the Ecole Ski France instructors who managed to take two very rusty skiers and remind them of what they have been missing.
See you next year!
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December 01, 2005
Chris Kenny from France
Great snow throughout the season! Shortest transfer from Geneva and the quickest I have ever managed to get skiing from plane to piste! Is first choice for me when I only have a weekend but loads of diverse skiing for all of us - suiting every ability. The guys at snowbeds.com live here and really know their stuff - fantastic catered chalets, great apartments and lovely people. This is a treasure find.
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November 24, 2005
jane from United Kingdom
brilliant place both summer and winter if you want to see photos see website www.alpesappartement.com
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November 14, 2005
Carl Duringer from United Kingdom
We have been going to Les Carroz for 7 years and now have bought an apartment there. The skiing is great, it is so easy to get to from Geneva, the people are friendly and the snow, especially last year, was the best in France. Myself and a friend went out for a long weekend in April, the last day the lifts were open, we boardeed all day and saw about 5 people..fantastic. If you want more info, check out our apartment and the area at www.alpineskiingholidays.com
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October 03, 2005
Claire Walker from United Kingdom
Les Carroz is a real find. Lovely, friendly very French village with lots to do. Agree apres ski is not hopping, but that's what Chamonix is for! Loads of great runs for all levels. Great snow, I was even lucky enough to be there on the last weekend of the season in 2005 and it was virtually a white-out. Great restaurants, good shops, and REALLY friendly atmosphere. Fantastic for families, with early evening activites ont he nursery slopes for kids. Excellent range of accomodation, especially the new MGM places available through myfrenchchalet.com.
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May 16, 2005
Andy Greig from United Kingdom
We went to Les Carroz after visiting Morillon at Christmas. It was nice to be able to ski many of the runs we used from Morillon and find new ones on the Les Carroz side. The snow was fantastic and the runs lovely. There is particularly nice green for the kids (or beginners, or indeed for just getting your snow legs back!) that runs just above the top of the telecabine. We found all the facilities to be first-class. The town itslef was lovely, very French, but everyone we came across was friendly and helpful. The skibus service is excellent. As we have a young family we aren't interested in a lot of apres-ski activities, but needless to say all the restaurants we used were family friendly and reasonably priced. A lovely resort that we will definitely be going back to, although we have a hard choice to make between Morillon and Les Carroz!
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February 22, 2005
Paul Clifford from United Kingdom
Les Carroz is a wonderful resort. It is very French and full of character. There is easy access to a wide range of pistes, those at a lower level are tree lined and extremely pretty.
We will be returning next year. Be careful where you book though as some apartments are located some distance from the Telecabine. There is a free skibus though. -
May 20, 2004
Kirsty Newman from United Kingdom
Les Carroz is a lovely, pretty village. The Ski area is great and the snow fantastic. Had a great holiday, recommend the chalet apartment we stayed in,(www.ucanski.com) Check out the local'reggae' bar. Cool!
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May 06, 2004
Heather Fives from United Kingdom
The skiing in the Grand Massif is great, but i found that in Les Carroz itself there was very little in terms of apres-ski. I stayed at Hotel Les Belles Pistes, which was comfortable enough, although i did think, too expensive for what it was. It also held the worst pub quis i have ever whitnessed!
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March 28, 2004
alan from United Kingdom
Just spent a week at chalet jolie in Les Carroz and just had to tell everyone what a FIND!! A lovely french resort with fantastic skiing even this late on in the season. Constantly checking your weather reoprts waiting for an excuse to go back to the fantastic chalet for a long weekend! Thouroughly recommended.
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Scott Mountifield from United Kingdom
Having been to Samoens in the summer of last year, I was keen to get out to the Grand Massif in Winter. We opted for Les Carroz due to it being slightly higher up and closer to Flaine. We were not disappointed with the place one bit. Stayed in a stunning French B&B (www.labergerie-lescarroz.com) which I would recommend to anyone. The French owners are extremely nice and if you are looking for chilled out,relaxed accommodation then this is the place for you.
We were surprised (being Easter) that the slopes of Les Carroz were empty. We literally had the pistes to ourselves. The snow was not powder, but not that hard either. Great for bombing down the runs in total isolation :0). I guess everyone was heading to Flaine to find the powder. So, don't follow the hordes up high. There are masses of GREAT runs on the slopes of Samoens, Morillon, and Les Carroz.
This place is Great. It has Flaine to keep you busy if snow is not great down low. However, the lower resorts are packed full of picturesque tree lined pistes. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants to simply spend full days on the hill exploring great slopes.
The only thing that lets these places down is the nightlife. Don't go to the Grand Massif if you are expecting to be out till 4am every night in a different bar. The bar scene is there. It's just not there in abundance!!!!
I think I am going to buy somewhere here :0)
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