Skiing, Snowboarding, Cross Country Skiing and Snow-Shoeing

The Grand Massif is an awesome ski area rising to 2580 metres at the top of the Grand Platieres cable car in Flaine. From there with the sun shining, the view of Mont Blanc is quite spectacular and seems astonishingly close. These views from the “roof of the Alps” are truly breathtaking. Morillon, Samoëns, Sixt and Les Carroz all link at the Plateau des Saix with Flaine to form the Grand Massif. 

The Grand Massif is a superb snow-sure area and holds the record as one of the top areas in the French Alps due to the closeness of Mont Blanc and its many north-facing slopes. Thanks to the latest in artificial snowmaking equipment (128 snow canons) the resort remains open from December through to April. There is rapid access from the valley floor at both Morillon and Samoens to the Grand Massif resorts of Flaine, Les Carroz and Sixt, thanks to the many high speed cable cars, modern and high performance 4, 6 and even 8 place chair lifts. In total there are 75 ski lifts, 68 blue runs, 49 red runs, 12 black runs and an extensive off-piste for the more adventurous.

There are 265 kilometres of downhill skiing of all levels and a vast number of specially marked trails for cross-country skiing (90kms pistes), snowshoeing and ski tourers. Three exceptional pistes not to miss are; “Le Marvel”, the 5km beginners paradise. A winding piste that descends through the trees with tracks, lumps, bumps and jumps to amuse the kids. “Combe de Gers”, a black powder bowl for the most daring and playful, perfect also for speed-riding and “La Cascade”, the longest blue run in Europe, which runs from the top of Les Grandes Platières, 2580 metres in Flaine, down to the village of Sixt at 700 metres. Absolutely stunning with a lunch stop at Le Refuge de Gers accessible by ski doo only – you call them and they come down to collect you and tow you to lunch!

Snowboarders and freestyle skiers are well catered for in the Grand Massif with 3 state-of-the-art terrain parks, operating in Morillon, Samoëns and Flaine all with different themes. The most technical location is Flaine, which offers modules of varying difficulties: half pipes, boarder cross, big air jumps, tables, rails and quarters. In contrast, the snow park at Samoëns is for the middle-of-the-range boarder and the snow park at Morillon is specially designed for children. It is open to all snowboarders (and skiers) with a valid lift pass.

The aprés-ski atmosphere is relaxed and friendly with plenty of traditional Savoyard bars and restaurants. There are many great authentic, cozy, warm and incredibly welcoming mountain restaurants on the slopes. Whether you just want to take a break or sample one of the many Savoyard specialties, the very reasonable prices and exceptional levels of service will pleasantly surprise you. Picnic areas, covered and open-air available too.

Click here to download a pdf of the piste map of the Grand Massif (506k)

Morillon, Samoëns, Sixt and Les Carroz all link at the Plateau des Saix with Flaine to form the Grand Massif. There are two areas to choose from and concessionary prices are available for families, children and the over 60s. Proof of age is required for the under 5’s and over 75’s.

For Lift Pass prices please click here