Small but mighty, Les Carroz in the French county of Haute Savoie maintains the spirit of a traditional mountain village, with typical Haut-Savoyard chalets peeking beneath a blanket of snow.

Local shopkeepers, hoteliers and instructors with a deep attachment to the region live here all year round, ensuring a vibrant community throughout the seasons.

The village became a ski resort in 1936,  yet over the years little has changed. Visitors are attracted to its authenticity, and it’s this charming ambience that keeps them returning year after year – from one generation to the next. Once you’ve discovered more about the village, no doubt you’ll want to visit too.

Nestled between Geneva and Chamonix, the Grand Massif ski area consists of five ski-linked resorts with 139 runs.

With 40,000 hectares of forest and 265km of pistes, the Grand Massif is one of the French Alps’ largest connected ski areas, with dreamy views of Mont Blanc, the Aravis mountain range and the Swiss Alps.

Whether you’re after undemanding slopes or challenging runs, you’ll find a route to experience in Les Carroz. Children can enjoy play areas and elementary slopes designed for beginners, adept skiers can weave through combes and spruce trees or take on technical runs, while walkers can choose the 14km Cascades run.

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The perfect family skiing holiday in the Alps begins with choosing a family-friendly ski resort – and Les Carroz rolls out the red carpet for families.

An ideal setting for family get-togethers, Les Carroz is home to Souris Verte Nursery for under threes, the well respected ski school Club des Loupiots for over threes, a wide selection of family-friendly restaurants and plenty of non-skiing activities, such as a children’s spa.

More family fun.

Once you’ve explored the slopes, there’s plenty of winter activities in Les Carroz – from sports to jolt you with adrenaline to gentle wellbeing experiences. Here are our top five.

Treat yourself to a sparkling après-ski in 32°C water at Aquacîme, a mountain spa centre and swimming pool. After a day of skiing, warm up in a sauna, hammam, solarium and indoor spa pool, then cool down by rolling around in the snow – or invigorate yourself with a dip in the outdoor Nordic pool, which overlooks surrounding ski slopes.

Join a local resident on a guided snowshoe excursion to the only teepee in Les Carroz. Martial is passionate about Indian culture, and he takes great pleasure in welcoming visitors to his Indian teepee, which is set on the Molliets plateau.

Marvel at the stars above you as you listen to his stories, then warm up over a steaming pot of fondue made to a secret recipe.

Day or night, thrill seekers craving a dose of adrenaline can take to the rails of a 850m toboggan run, which twists and turns through woodland at various speeds.

Treat yourself to at least two runs, as the Alpine Coaster is an unmissable attraction. On your first go, keep your eyes wide open as you whizz around bends and hurtle through forest passages – then experience it again wearing a virtual reality headset to be transported to an alternative universe.

Ride the last gondola of the day up to 1,800m altitude, where you can join others to relish the sunset over a shared pot of fondue. As night falls, descend the mountain by torchlight for an unforgettable adventure.

How does guiding your own husky dog sleigh through forest sound?

Head to the Molliets base camp in Les Carroz 1500 for a Nordic adventure with friends or family. With the help of two mushers, you will practice guiding the dogs so that they respond to your voice – then discover the stunning landscapes around Les Carroz on your own.

Discover more winter activities in Les Carroz.

What do you expect from a stay in the mountains? A cosy guesthouse, an authentic cottage, or being pampered after a day on the slopes? In Les Carroz, there are plenty of comfortable places to stay but Chalet Ascensus offers a particularly warm welcome to British travellers.

Dating back to 1877, the former farm is run by a Franco-English duo Xavier and Richard who prepare delicious homemade meals. Following a renovation, the farmhouse now offers a sauna, hammam and outdoor Jacuzzi with superb views of surrounding mountains – the ideal way to wind down

Just a 50-minute drive from Geneva in Switzerland or two hours from Lyon, Les Carroz is a great base for the Grand Massif ski area.

Whether you want to spend a weekend or a week in Les Carroz, the resort is a convenient, peaceful location in which to unwind in the Alps.

Find out more about how to get to Les Carroz.