Le Grand Massif
France
Europe
Flaine
​Les Carroz
​Morillon
​Samoëns
​Sixt
Km piste | Min Height (m) | Max Height (m) |
---|---|---|
265 | 697 | 2480 |
Sub Area | Multi-Area Collection |
---|---|
No | No |
Description
Le Grand Massif is a renowned ski area located in the French Alps. It is a vast interconnected ski domain, offering a wide range of slopes and breathtaking mountain scenery. This is a popular family ski area that is particularly popular with the British as its a very quick transfer from Geneva.
There's 5 different villages with area access, Samoëns, Morillon, Les Carroz, Sixt-Fer-à -Cheval and Flaine.
The overarching theme of the area is tradtional mountain charm and family friendly atmosphere, with all the villages and towns predominantly sticking to their alpine routes.
The exception is Flaine, which is purpose built as a ski destination and the style and architecture reflects the common apartment blocks seen across Frances ski areas, with a few chalets and hotels mixed in. The ski area is split across 2 mountains, it's worth noting at least half the area sits at relatively low altitude, with the peak of Tete de Saix only 2100m much like the Evaison Mont Blanc Megeve area .
The resorts of Sixt, Samoëns and Morillion lay below 1000m. So whilst the ski-in/ski-out option is possible, it very much depends on snow coverage and low temperatures.
Samoëns & Morrilion and Les Carroz all sit around this mountain. Flaine sits at the far end of the area, with direct access to the biggest selection of slopes in the bowl it lays at the bottom of.
As we mentioned previously, it's a purpose built and dominated by Brutalist apartment blocks - which whilst it's not everyones taste means there's a lot of self catering options and ski to door properties.
Sixt-Fer-à -Cheval is a small commune located in the gateway to the area, it has a tiny local ski area but access to the wider Grand Massif is only possible by 20min ski bus to Samoëns, with return by Blue run. It is renowned for its natural beauty, particularly its impressive cirque—a horseshoe-shaped valley—and numerous waterfalls.
Overall, Le Grand Massif is no 3 Valleys in terms of varied and challenging terrain, but it is a substantial area with villages and towns offering stunning scenery if you catch it with good snow conditions.
Related Areas
Pass prices
Piste Map
Transfer details
(Airports, trains, shared options)
Resort information
Local tips
Accommodation recommendations
Ski Pass
6 day pass | Euro / km |
---|---|
321 | 1.21 |
Access
Transfers
Direct Train | Train + Bus Option | Direct coach |
---|---|---|
No | Yes | Yes |
Train Connections
Cluses
Train to Cluses
4.5hr - Paris (Direct)
3.5hr - Grenoble
2.5 hr - Chambery (1 change)
Several bus service connections available
Local buses
Line Y94 to Morillon, Samoens & Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval
Line Y92: Cluses - Les Carroz - Flaine
Return 14 Euro to Les Carroz // 19 to Flaine
20min to Les Carroz // 40min to Flaine
Several departures a day
Book in advance
The easiest way to plan train travel is use The Trainline (click the logo below)
This is because it's the most comprehensive integration of all European train operators, so you can even plan cross-border travel.
On average you can book 3-4 months in advance, read our full Guide to European Rail travel
Book with
Coach Connections
Geneva Airport - Les Carroz - Flaine
2 departures: 7:30am or 1:30pm (outbound)
Fri / Sat / Sunday
1.5 to 2hrs
Euro 60pp return
Schedual 22/23 TBC