Search and Book
Check in
Check out
France
(40 destinations)
Les Deux Alpes
Alpe d'Huez
Tignes
View all resorts
Andorra
(3 destinations)
Grandvalira
Vallnord Pal-Arinsal
Ordino-Arcalís
Spain
(10 destinations)
Formigal
Boí Taüll
Port Ainé
View all resorts
Austria
(8 destinations)
St. Anton - Ski Arlberg
Innsbruck
Ischgl
View all resorts
Switzerland
(11 destinations)
Zermatt
Jungfrau Ski Region
Arosa Lenzerheide
View all resorts
Italy
(5 destinations)
Pontedilegno - Tonale (Adamello Ski)
Vialattea (Sestriere - Sauze d'Oulx)
Dolomiti Superski
View all resorts
All Ski Resorts
France
(2 destinations)
Hotels in the French Pyrenees
Hotels in the French Alps
Andorra
(1 destination)
Hotels in Andorra
Spain
(2 destinations)
Hotels in the Pyrenees
Hotels in Sierra Nevada
Austria
(1 destination)
Hotels in Austria
Switzerland
(1 destination)
Hotels in Switzerland
Italy
(1 destination)
Hotels in the Italian Alps
Portugal
(1 destination)
Hotels in Serra da Estrela
All hotels

Countries

France (40 destinations)
Andorra (3 destinations)
Spain (10 destinations)
Austria (8 destinations)
Switzerland (11 destinations)
Italy (5 destinations)
All Ski Resorts
Northern French Alps
Les Deux Alpes
Alpe d'Huez
Tignes
Val d'Isère
Les 3 Vallées
Val Thorens + Orelle
Méribel - Brides Les Bains
Méribel-Mottaret
Courchevel
Les Menuires-St Martin de Belleville
Paradiski
La Plagne
Les Arcs
Chamonix Montblanc Unlimited
Chamonix Le Pass
Les Portes du Soleil
Avoriaz
Sybelles
Valmorel Grand Domaine
Le Grand Massif
Megève / Saint-Gervais
Southern French Alps
La Grave - La Meije
Serre Chevalier
Vars
Les Orres
Isola 2000 + Auron
Pra Loup
French Pyrenees
Font Romeu
Les Angles
Cambre d'Aze
Porté-Puymorens
AX 3 Domaines
Piau Engaly
Saint-Lary
Peyragudes
Grand Tourmalet & La Mongie
Luz Ardiden
Cauterets
Gourette
Pierre Saint Martin
Andorra All ski resorts in the area
Grandvalira
Vallnord Pal-Arinsal
Ordino-Arcalís
Catalan Pyrenees
Boí Taüll
Port Ainé
Espot Esquí
La Molina
Masella
Alp 2500 (La Molina and Masella)
Aragonese Pyrenees
Formigal
Cerler
Panticosa
Astun and Candanchú
The Austrian Alps
St. Anton - Ski Arlberg
Innsbruck
Ischgl
Kitzbühel
Ötztal
Obertauern
Zell am See - Kaprun
Stubai Glacier
The Swiss Alps
Zermatt
Jungfrau Ski Region
Arosa Lenzerheide
Davos Klosters Mountains
Engelberg - Titlis
Aletsch Arena
Crans-Montana
St. Moritz
Saas-Fee
Verbier
Ski Arena Andermatt Sedrun
The Italian Alps
Pontedilegno - Tonale (Adamello Ski)
Vialattea (Sestriere - Sauze d'Oulx)
Dolomiti Superski
Cervinia
Bormio Ski
All Ski Resorts
Northern French Alps
Les Deux Alpes
Alpe d'Huez
Tignes
Val d'Isère
Les 3 Vallées
Val Thorens + Orelle
Méribel - Brides Les Bains
Méribel-Mottaret
Courchevel
Les Menuires-St Martin de Belleville
Paradiski
La Plagne
Les Arcs
Chamonix Montblanc Unlimited
Chamonix Le Pass
Les Portes du Soleil
Avoriaz
Sybelles
Valmorel Grand Domaine
Le Grand Massif
Megève / Saint-Gervais
Southern French Alps
La Grave - La Meije
Serre Chevalier
Vars
Les Orres
Isola 2000 + Auron
Pra Loup
French Pyrenees
Font Romeu
Les Angles
Cambre d'Aze
Porté-Puymorens
AX 3 Domaines
Piau Engaly
Saint-Lary
Peyragudes
Grand Tourmalet & La Mongie
Luz Ardiden
Cauterets
Gourette
Pierre Saint Martin
Andorra
Grandvalira
Vallnord Pal-Arinsal
Ordino-Arcalís
Catalan Pyrenees
Boí Taüll
Port Ainé
Espot Esquí
La Molina
Masella
Alp 2500 (La Molina and Masella)
Aragonese Pyrenees
Formigal
Cerler
Panticosa
Astun and Candanchú
The Austrian Alps
St. Anton - Ski Arlberg
Innsbruck
Ischgl
Kitzbühel
Ötztal
Obertauern
Zell am See - Kaprun
Stubai Glacier
The Swiss Alps
Zermatt
Jungfrau Ski Region
Arosa Lenzerheide
Davos Klosters Mountains
Engelberg - Titlis
Aletsch Arena
Crans-Montana
St. Moritz
Saas-Fee
Verbier
Ski Arena Andermatt Sedrun
The Italian Alps
Pontedilegno - Tonale (Adamello Ski)
Vialattea (Sestriere - Sauze d'Oulx)
Dolomiti Superski
Cervinia
Bormio Ski

Countries

France (2 destinations)
Andorra (1 destination)
Spain (2 destinations)
Austria (1 destination)
Switzerland (1 destination)
Italy (1 destination)
Portugal (1 destination)
All hotels
Hotels in the French Pyrenees
Hotels in the French Alps
Hotels in Andorra
Hotels in the Pyrenees
Hotels in Sierra Nevada
Hotels in Austria
Hotels in Switzerland
Hotels in the Italian Alps
Hotels in Serra da Estrela
All hotels
Hotels in the French Pyrenees
Hotels in the French Alps
Hotels in Andorra
Hotels in the Pyrenees
Hotels in Sierra Nevada
Hotels in Austria
Hotels in Switzerland
Hotels in the Italian Alps
Hotels in Serra da Estrela
Oops, we didn't find any results matching your search. Try modifying the destination.
Well, it seems that our searcher has lost his way. As soon as he finds his compass he'll be back.
Where do you want to ski?

Esquiades Spotlight: Everything you need to know about skiing in Le Grand Massif

Published: May 27, 2025
Share

Content

1 Five Ski Resorts, One Lift Pass
2 Slopes for Every Level
3 The Hidden Highlights
4 Après-Ski in Le Grand Massif
5 Our verdict: A Well-Rounded and Underrated Gem

When it comes to major ski areas in the French Alps, names like Les 3 Vallées, Paradiski, or Portes du Soleil are often the first to come to mind. They’re massive, world-renowned, and packed with international visitors. But just a little more under the radar lies Le Grand Massif — a surprisingly vast and varied ski domain that flies low on the mainstream tourist radar but delivers everything you'd expect from a top-tier alpine destination.

 

 

Nestled between Chamonix and Geneva. It’s easily accessible — just over an hour's drive from Geneva Airport — making it one of the most convenient big-mountain resorts to reach in France!

 

Five Ski Resorts, One Lift Pass

 

Le Grand Massif connects five unique resorts under one ski pass: Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon, Samoëns, and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. In 1980, they partnered to form one of the largest linked ski areas in France, offering an impressive 265 km of slopes under one lift pass.

 

The beauty here is in the balance: you get high-altitude skiing in Flaine with altitudes reaching up to 2,500 m and snow-sure conditions all season round, and at the same time, you can enjoy the charm of traditional alpine villages like Samoëns or Sixt. Thanks to its north-facing orientation, the snow stays in great shape, often well into April.

 

 

Each resort has its own vibe. Flaine is ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers who want altitude, wide open bowls, and fast lifts. Les Carroz offers a friendly, family-focused feel with great access to the rest of the domain. Morillon and Samoëns are perfect for families, beginners, and those who appreciate picturesque alpine villages. And if you’re after peace, powder, and jaw-dropping scenery, Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is your quiet corner of paradise.

 

Slopes for Every Level

 

With more than 250km of slopes, there's plenty to choose from and whether you’re just learning or pushing your limits, there’s plenty to explore:

 

 

Many slopes are tree-lined, making them ideal in poor visibility, and there are several signature descents like the 14 km Cascades run (a gentle blue that winds down from Flaine to Sixt) and the thrilling off-piste Combe de Gers, a must for free riders.

 

The Hidden Highlights

 

Le Grand Massif boasts quality skiing and amazing sceneries. Thanks to its north-facing orientation, the snow stays in great shape, often well into April. The views are no less impressive: from the top of the Grandes Platières in Flaine, you’re treated to a full panoramic view of Mont Blanc. The domain is also home to one of the longest beginner-friendly forest runs in the AlpsMarvel, a 5 km green run through old pine forest.

 

On top of that, Grand Massif takes sustainability seriously. It was the first ski area in the world to be Green Globe-certified, with commitments to renewable energy, eco-responsible snow making, and preservation of its stunning natural surroundings.

 

Après-Ski in Le Grand Massif

 

Unlike some glitzy ski resorts, Le Grand Massif leans toward authentic après-ski experiences. You’ll find plenty of cosy mountain restaurants, traditional Savoyard dishes, relaxed wine bars, and local pubs with live music — especially in Samoëns and Les Carroz. For families, there are plenty of off-slope activities like ice skating, tobogganing, or evening walks under the stars.

 

While there are fun spots in Flaine and cozy bars in Samoëns and Les Carroz, this is not a party hotspot like Val Thorens or Tignes. It's more about quiet drinks and local ambiance than big nightlife.

 

Looking for livelier après-ski spots? Check out Le Flying Dutchman: A lively Dutch-run bar in Flaine Forêt, popular for its vibrant atmosphere and fun events like pub quizzes and karaoke nights. Want to dance the night away? Les Caves Nightclub is the place to be! Open from 23:00 to 05:00, seven days a week, it’s the place to head if you're after a night out.

 

 

Our verdict: A Well-Rounded and Underrated Gem

 

Le Grand Massif stands out as a diverse, snow-reliable, and family-friendly ski domain that is often overlooked in favour of French giants like Les 3 Vallées, Paradiski, or Portes du Soleil. However, its 265 km of slopes make it a solid alternative for those seeking a less commercial and more grounded experience.

 

If you value quality skiing without the mega-resort bustle, love exploring multiple connected villages, and are looking for a family-friendly, snow-sure resort with character, Le Grand Massif delivers exceptional value. It may not have the prestige of some of its larger neighbours, but it offers a genuine alpine experience that more than holds its own — especially for those in the know.

 

See Ski Offers in Le Grand Massif 

23 years of experience in ski holidays
Over 191.456 reviews in 7 languages
Great prices for Ski Offers in Europe
Flexible Ski Packages 
Available 24/7 - 365 days a year

Blog, News & ski tips