Perched on a plateau at 1,140 m (3,740 ft), Les Carroz is a traditional French village in the Haute-Savoie region, seamlessly blending authentic Savoyard charm with modern conveniences. With its proximity to Geneva Airport (around one hour away by car), Les Carroz is an ideal destination for those looking for a weekend ski break or an extended family holiday. As one of the most popular ski resorts in France, Les Carroz is renowned for being environmentally conscious since 2006, relying on renewable energy sources like wind, hydro, and solar power.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your perfect Les Carroz ski holiday, from its ski area and terrain to dining, après-ski, and key travel tips.
Let’s get started!
Les Carroz d’Arâches is in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France, specifically within the Haute-Savoie department.
Nearest airport
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| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Family-focused | Après-ski is fairly low-key |
| Just one hour from Geneva Airport | Gondola access can involve a steep walk from the village centre |
| Part of the extensive Grand Massif area (265 km of pistes) | Lower base altitude can mean variable snow at season’s edges |
| Emphasis on sustainability | Limited ski terrain for advanced skiers |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Les Carroz has to offer.
(Ref: Les Carroz)
Les Carroz connects seamlessly into the broader Grand Massif ski area, giving access to 265 km (164 mi) of pistes that link Flaine, Morillon, Samoëns, and Sixt. But even if you stay local, Les Carroz itself provides enough variety for a rewarding week on the slopes, including gentle greens for beginners, wide blues for cruisers, and more challenging reds weaving through the trees.
Beginners will appreciate the friendly ski school options (ESF or ESI) and the gentle green runs around the village base. As your confidence grows, long winding blues around Les Carroz help you progress without feeling overwhelmed.
This is where Les Carroz truly shines. The Grand Massif is renowned for its gradual terrain, with numerous blue and red runs that weave through the trees or spill out into wide, open slopes. The Cascades Run (reached via Flaine) is a memorable favourite for intermediates wanting a lengthy descent through scenic mountain landscapes.
While the Les Carroz home slopes lean moderate, advanced skiers can head over to Flaine for steeper black runs and challenging off-piste (like Corbalanche). The upper reaches of the Grand Massif bowl deliver excellent freeride routes, and those wanting an even bigger challenge can consider a day trip to Chamonix (about an hour away).
Beginners benefit from easy greens and approachable blues to build technique, while advanced boarders can explore the freeride bowls around Flaine or test their skills in the terrain park (boasting rails, boxes, and sizeable kickers).
The ski season in Les Carroz typically runs from mid December to mid April. While the official 2025/26 opening and closing dates have not yet been confirmed, we’ll update this page as soon as they are announced. Please note that these dates can vary depending on snow conditions and other operational factors. Planning ahead? Don’t forget to check out our Les Carroz deals for the best ski offers available.
Les Carroz offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 31 cm (12.20 in) and 33 cm (12.99 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 2.8 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 25 cm (9.84 in) but occurs more frequently, averaging 3.0 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the first week of March, traditionally the snowiest week in Les Carroz, with an impressive 45 cm (17.71 in) of snow over 3.6 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days, when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 14 cm (5.51 in) of snow over 1.9 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 31 cm/12.20 in | 2.8 days |
| January | 33 cm/12.99 in | 2.9 days |
| February | 25 cm/9.84 in | 3.0 days |
| March | 26 cm/10.23 in | 2.9 days |
| April | 14 cm/5.51 in | 1.9 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Les Carroz boasts a range of dining choices to suit varied tastes and budgets. Expect classic Savoyard offerings, alongside more creative or international options. Highlights include:
Those seeking a relaxed après-ski setting will feel right at home in Les Carroz. Quaint bars and cosy pubs offer a mellow environment to unwind after a day on the mountain, though a couple of late-night spots exist for night owls.
Download Les Carroz village map here
