Just a little over an hour from Geneva Airport is the traditional village of Les Carroz, part of the Grand Massif ski area, with links to Flaine, Samoens and Morillon.
Up until recently the village has been less well known than it's "ugly sister", Flaine, around 12km further up the road and 500m higher in altitude, but Les Carroz has been flourishing in recent years, and is certainly a worthy destination in it's own right.
In 2004 a new telecabine replaced the main bubble out of the village, at a cost of 12 million euros, and a further 15 million are being invested over the next 4 years to make the skiing more accessible, and the experience more enjoyable. Developments include replacing old chairlifts with new high-speed 6 packs, improving the snowmaking network, and enlarging and enhancing reception areas and parking.
The village itself stretches across a limestone shelf and has wonderful vantage points over the Arve Valley below and the Aravis mountain range opposite. The central area has pavement cafes, delightful shops with typical alpine souvenirs, and there is a weekly market selling local produce, including superb saucissons and cheeses from Haute Savoie producers.
There is a good choice of restaurants; the Michelin rated Les Servages d'Armelle for example is an excellent choice for a special night out, and the charming Aux Petits Oignons, just off the central square, has a varied menu and super friendly service - it's often busy so it's best to book. Whatever you're looking for there's something to suit most tastes and budgets.
The village has a year round life - in the summer traffic is diverted around the central area which becomes the focus for village entertainments, with live music, theatre events, even a travelling circus rolls into town. There are numerous festivals and sports events throughout the summer months, including the VTTticime - a punishing weekend for cycling enthusiasts and professionals alike - with both mountain biking and road racing on the agenda.
So Les Carroz has a little bit of everything - great skiing, village atmosphere, and certainly enough to entertain you. Plus it's a short hop from Geneva Airport, and one of the closest ski resorts to Calais if you're driving. There are ski chalets, hotels and apartments on offer for catered and self catered breaks throughout the year.
If you've been to Les Carroz, why not tell us what you think of it - or better still add a review about your stay in the resort.
