The Savoyard ski resort of Les Carroz has attracted skiers for years on account of its superb facilities and setting in a pretty, traditional French village. It’s a short drive away from Geneva Airport, so there’s no long slog ahead to dampen the excitement after you’ve landed. Despite its popularity, Les Carroz never feels too busy even in peak season. And it’s this laid-back feel, amongst many other things, that makes Les Carroz our go-to recommendation for adventurous parents with equally outgoing children.
2016 Skiing Les Carroz by elyobis licensed under CC BY 2.0
Great Skiing Opportunities for All Ages
Les Carroz is well-regarded by those in the know for its suitability for keen beginner skiers of any age. Group lessons at the ESF and ESI schools are great fun and quickly build up confidence and the skills needed to make the successful (and thrilling) step up to a first attempt at a proper long run. If the kids really want to make the most of the skiing on offer, morning lessons are probably your best bet: it’ll get everyone’s day off to a great start, and if they’re instantly hooked and not too frazzled, then the afternoon can be set aside for family practice.
The kids will undoubtedly be raring to go on their first run in no time, and the handy gondola is great for accessing the green and blue category runs through the trees back to Les Carroz.
While the kids are having fun at the ski school, parents with plenty of experience behind them can get their kicks on the dozens of intermediate and advanced runs, as well as off-piste routes that can be enjoyed right in the centre of the Grand Massif. The Flaine bowl, only six minutes from the Kédeuze gondola, has a joyous set of red runs that will get those who haven’t skied in a while back in the groove. Try out the perennial favourite, the Piste des Cascades, too – its 40% gradient should get the adrenaline flowing!
Top Tip: The ‘Carroz Beginners’ Pass’ provides all-day use of the Plein Soleil and the Crêtes ski lifts and chairlift, as well as two returns on the cable car.
Food Fit for Skiers
Whether eating out every night is desirable or a mix of self-catering and restaurants is preferred, Les Carroz has a small number of eateries that bring a variety of well-priced and delicious food to the table. Our favourites are L’Agora and Aux Petits Oignons. The former can be found in the main square – its specialities are top-notch pizza and local dishes, such as the delectable fondue Savoyarde. Aux Petits Oignons also has a menu that’s perfectly designed for hungry souls after a hard day’s skiing: think hearty meat dishes and desserts that are suitable for kids and grown-ups.
Top Tip: There’s no need to worry about finding a pit-stop when you’re out skiing, either. Restaurant Le K, found at the base of one of the green slopes, doles up ample portions of steak frites and tartiflette.
Off the Slope Fun
Visitors to Les Carroz quickly find that there’s more to it than skiing, however addictive the slopes are. Should the energy levels still be high, take your pick from airboarding, which is sledging on an inflatable toboggan, the outdoor ice rink, ice climbing, paragliding or ski joering (being towed along by a horse while in skis). Peace and quiet can also be readily found with a walk along any of the marked paths in and around the village.
How to Get to Les Carroz
There are several airports within easy reach of Les Carroz – of Geneva, Lyon and Chambéry, Geneva is the closest. To get your holiday off to a smooth and comfortable start as soon as you step out of the airport, pre-book a fixed-price private transfer with Shuttle Direct. Not only do we remove the hassle of getting to your accommodation, we will take all of your ski equipment at no extra cost if you let us know your requirements when you book the transfer online.
Where to Stay
Les Tavaillons – This hotel has earned rave reviews for its friendly and helpful staff, and is well set up for families with young children. The games room and mini golf will keep the kids entertained when they’re not out skiing, and there are kids’ meals available in the restaurant too. If you want to share your holiday snaps online, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
Demi-Chalet l’Ancolie – A three-bedroom apartment that’s only a minute or two away from the Des Carroz ski school and multiple ski lifts, Demi-Chalet l’Ancolie has a TV in the living room and an extensive kitchen that’s ideal if you prefer to eat together whenever it suits you. Homely and right in the centre of the resort – what more could you want?
Hotel Les Airelles – Welcoming owners and an excellent location make Hotel Les Airelles another fine choice for a family of keen skiers. The onsite restaurant – which whips up lovely regional treats – and café mean there’s no need to allocate valuable skiing time for cooking. Each room also has its own TV and Wi-Fi is free.
About Shuttle Direct
We’ve helped get families get their first ski holiday off to a cracker since 2002. Friendly service and safe, smooth transfers from airport to accommodation are what we pride ourselves on most at Shuttle Direct. Book a fixed-price transfer on our website, and if you let us know when booking what ski equipment you’re bringing, we’ll make room for that at no extra cost.
