Grand Massif Ski Resort France
Grand Massif ski resort is a popular French snow holiday destination combining Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon, Samoëns & Sixt to form the fourth largest interlinked skiing region in the country. Les Grand Massif’s highlights include a long skiable vertical, 265km of trails & a higher than average snowfall in the alpine zone of the resort.
Skiing & Snowboarding, Lifts & Terrain
The Grand Massif skiing & snowboarding terrain is of typically European mega-resort proportions. Not the highest or largest resort in the Alps, it nonetheless has all the attributes of a great ski area. The skiable vertical is nearly 1,800m on north-aspect slopes, putting it firmly in the upper echelons of the world’s resorts. The region is known for extremely high snowfalls in the upper alpine zones, ensuring the 265km of trails are well covered & the expansive off-piste alpine & tree terrain is ripe for the plucking. Trails are rated 50% beginner, however the longest of them is a leg-melting 14km from the top of the resort above Flaine all the way down to the gorgeous village of Sixt. For freeriders the alpine valley of the La Combe de Gers is the prime location for powder turns.
See here for the Grand Massif ski trail map.
The ski lifts include 30 gondolas, chairlifts & a funicular, connecting the various villages & high points in the region relatively seamlessly. The longest chairlift is allegedly on the hill as well - kudos to them! All villages are lift interlinked except Sixt.
Lift Passes
For all that terrain & skiable vertical, the lift pass price is surprisingly affordable for the entire domain. But to make it even more attractive, there are cheaper passes for two separate sectors within the Grand Massif - Flaine & Vill4ges (sic - the 4 is not an error!). The sectors split the resort in half with regards to lifts & terrain. Another ski pass option is for Sixt, but the skiing is only appropriate for novices.
See the Flaine ski pass area trail map and Vill4ges ski pass area trail map.
Where is Grand Massif France?
The Grand Massif ski resort is in the Haute Savoie of France, only 47km ’as the crow flies’ south-east of Geneva. The ski area is just south of the massive & sensational Portes du Soleil ski resort. Geneva (GVA) is the gateway airport. The nearest TGV train station is at Cluses, 29km by road to the north of Flaine, less to the other villages.
Grand Massif Accommodation
The Grand Massif comprises the marvellous diversity of villages one comes to expect at the ‘mega-resorts’ of France & Europe. Ranging from elevations of 1600m (Flaine & Samoens 1600) down to as low as 700m (Samoens & Morillon), everyone can get the experience they are after. From charming & traditional valley villages like Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval & Samoëns, to the more contemporary Morillon & Les Carroz d'Arâches, up to small mid-mountain, ski-in ski-out resort villages including Station de Morillon & Samoëns 1600, and finally to the large classically overdone major alpine village of Flaine.
Search & book all Grand Massif ski accommodation.
In general, prices increase relative to the altitude of the village. Flaine is the highest (& most costly). All villages are lift-connected into the Grand Massif except Sixt, which whilst it has a few short novice ski tows, is only connected by the 14km long Les Cascades ski trail from the top of Flaine. The closest ski lift into the resort from Sixt is at nearby Samoens. Note that architecturally, Flaine may not be to everyone’s liking!
Ski Rentals, Lessons, Guiding & Services
Ski rentals are available throughout the Grand Massif via our local partners through multiple locations in Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon & Samoëns. Receive a discount when you search & book via our Grand Massif Ski & Snowboard Rental page.
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Review
The Powderhounds will review Grand Massif in the near future. Stay tuned for our sparkling repartee, new photos & insights.
See how the European ski resorts compare on the Europe ski resort ratings page.
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