The village of Les Carroz is situated above the l’Arve Valley in the Haute Savoie in France. In the winter it is a part of the large ski area known as the Grand Massif which includes Flaine, Morillon, Samoens & Sixt.
Les Carroz Village
The village sits below the ski slopes on a flat area high above the main Arve Valley. It offers a range of accommodation to the visitor and outside of the peak ski weeks it is a quiet and pleasant place to base yourself.
Snow Shoeing through alpine meadows
Meadows and woodland make Les Carroz a great place to snowshoe
Like many ski resorts they have decided to cater for the non skier or those looking for a day off. They have designed six snow shoeing routes around the resort of various lengths and difficulties. The area also has a number of other possible routes, some waymarked and others not.
Route waymarking
Great views
You can spend time wandering through the woods and meadows to the north of the village on two waymarked tracks. Both involve short sections of ascent and descent through the woods. One of the trails heads out to a large boulder at Pierre a Laya . Legend says it was a stone that a giant shook out of his boot one day whilst out walking. From here the views of the mountains on both sides of the valley are fantastic.
Pierre a Laya
Alpine picnic
There are three trails that can be combined in various ways to give a variety of days out. One trail heads up to a cross called Croix des 7 freres. History says that a farmer had seven sons. When he died, the brothers felt the farm could not be split between them. As a result they fought to the death, the winner walked to the top of the hill, where he was then struck by lightning! The cross marks the spot where he stood. These routes also allow you to visit Les Tronchets where you can sample some excellent local dishes or drinks.
Croix des 7 freres
Stop for food and drink at Les Tronchets
Between some of the pistes and the gondola there is a fantastic trail that picks its way up the hillside through the forest using forest tracks and narrow paths through the trees. If you are lucky and have fresh powder snow then the walk can be magical!
Breaking trail in fresh powder snow
Narrow paths through forests
Take the free ski bus to the cross country ski area of Agy. From there you can either spend the day snow shoeing on one of the pre made trails or better still follow a series of trails up on a ridge to walk back to Les Carroz.
snow shoeing is a great thing to do with friends
Explore a magical wonderland
So if you are looking for an alternative winter holiday then why not give snow shoeing a try? Why not hire a guide for the week?
Why not hire a guide?
Enjoy some great days out!
