GRAND MASSIF VILLAGE - Flaine, Samoens, Morillon, Sixt, Les Carroz

Flaine

Flaine is the central and main resort of the Grand Massif ski area. The resort is divided into two sections of mainly self catered apartments and studios - Flaine Forum has most of the shops at 1600 m and Flaine Foret at 1700 m . Both are directly connected by free lifts for pedestrians and pistes for the skiers. Flaine is a P'tits Montagnards resort (family resort) which is car free, car access is allowed to unload. There is ample of free parking outside the town area, again linked to the free ski bus service.

Two other satellite developments offering chalets and larger apartments are The Scandanavian village of Hameau de Flaine, consisting of 70 traditional chalets 2km from the centre at 1800m and the new development of Flaine-Montsoleil at 1700 m which is situated between Hameau de Flaine & Flaine Forum with views towards the Flaine bowl and the Grandes Platieres the top station at 2480m. Both villages are linked to Flaine by a free ski bus service

Morillon

With a rich history, you will see 500-year-old homes and houses. Its a popular summer and winter family holiday destination like all the other villages.
Morillon has a Poma telecabine that departs from just outside the village and links up to the Grand Massif ski area consisting of 265km of ski runs over the five resorts of Morillon, Samoens, Flaine, Les Carroz, and Sixt.  Only an hour’s drive from Geneva Airport, this resort has very easy access.
Morillon is a French family resort, which is suitable for both winter and summer activities. During the winter, Morillon offers great opportunities for alpine skiing, cross country skiing, airborne sports and many other activities. Morillon offers a total of 265 km of slopes, which culminates at 2500 meters, that is 1000 acres of traced slopes having 75 ski lifts. The summers in Morillon offers activities like hiking, climbing, fishing, bathing, canoeing, rafting and potholing.
When it comes to accommodation, Morillon offers everything from Bed and Breakfast to fancy hotels. There are also private owners who are renting out their furnished flats in the area. Ski Chalets is also a popular form of accommodation and the traditional chalets in Morillon certainly offer a very memorable holiday experience.
Morillon is also the home ski area of current Olympic Downhill Gold Medalist Antoine Deneriaz.

Samoens:

Samoens is one of the most traditional and historical village and it also has the distinction of being the only official Monument historique (Historical Monument) Village in France. Samoens is also famous for its traditional stonecutters who have created superb buildings and structures in their architectural styles.
The picturesque village is a favourite holiday destination with plenty to do and see in both the in winters and summers.

Samoens is characterised by its black slopes for experienced skiers and lower down, an entirely redesigned area for beginners. It is connected with grand massif with the ski lift and you can reach the pistes there in minutes. There are also other exciting winter activities like dog sledging, snow shoeing, heliskiing, ski mountaineering.

There is a good selection of restaurants and pubs, and you can take the kids to the ice rink

In the summer, among other things, there is the Le Clos Parchet Farm Folk Museum. There is an impressive collection of period utensils to illustrate everyday life on the slopes around Samoens. Farm work in the surrounding fields and the trades of the period are also illustrated by a large collection of objects, displayed by subject in the barn. The visit ends with a snack. You can also go on other farm tours around Samoens. A total family resort, Samoens is popular year round as a perfect holiday destination.

Sixt:

Sixt offers close-to-nature skiing in a wild landscape - a "Grand Site" of France. Sixt is known to be among the "most beautiful villages of France". This charming village shares the superb natural beauty and excellent snow conditions of the grand massif. It is also a very ancient village with century old traditions, religion, mining history and old world charm. Sixt offers close-to-nature skiing in a wild landscape - a "Grand Site" of France.

The ski area of Sixt is great for beginners. It's easy to reach by car (follow "Cascade du Rouget"), and has a convivial family atmosphere. Enjoy an unforgettable time on the nine slopes of this superb ski resort. You can ski to Sixt from Flaine down the Piste des Cascades (14 km). Free ski buses will take you to the other Giffre Valley resorts of Samoens and Morillon. Sixt's ski area is linked with Grand Massif via the fabulous "Cascades trail", a 14 km blue one going down from the resort of Flaine. In summer, hikers can wander in the largest Natural Reserve of Haute-Savoie and access the 5 mountain huts of the community. The "Cirque du Fer à Cheval", the "Rouget waterfall" and the Tines' Gorges" are scenic sites that should not miss seeing while here
 
The traditional ski chalets are the best form of accommodation and it is also popular with families like the other resort villages of grand massif.

Les Carroz

Whilst being a well-known winter ski resort, Les Carroz has a thriving village community all year round. Sitting on a mountain plateau at 1140m, surrounded by majestic mountains, this typical Savoyard village with many cosy bars and restaurants offers a really warm welcome to its many visitors.
A village of style and character, Les Carroz is equipped with 60 snow cannon for enhanced access to the slopes. Its long, wide slopes and narrow tracks through pine forests are varied and fun. Les Carroz offers both dynamic and relaxed skiing - the perfect place for fun in the snow.
           
Les Carroz is a family resort with many family oriented activities and installations. 
On Tuesdays, on the Aravis Square a Savoyard market takes place all the year round
During February half term, the Savoyard produces of the market are available all day!

These villages are the busiest during the winter months as the grand massif area is buzzing with skiers and snowboarders. With excellent facilities, accommodation, perfect snow conditions and every attention given to the requirements of families, these winter resorts are now also popular as summer holiday destinations. The superb, clear mountain weather and several exciting activities make them ideal for a quiet and unforgettable summer holiday.