Les Carroz-d'Arâches is a tourist resort dedicated to winter sports and summer leisure located in the town of Arâches-la-Frasse, in the department of Haute-Savoie, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 40 km from Geneva.
The heart of the resort is at an altitude of 1,140 m, and its ski area is connected to that of the Grand Massif, which also includes the resorts of Flaine, Morillon, Samoëns and Sixt.
Overlooking the valley of the Arve, the station was created in 1936 and was equipped with a first ski lift in 1939.
Hitherto mainly focused on mountain agriculture, the activity of the commune D'Arâches-la-Frasse has over the decades turned resolutely towards tourism, and it now counts nearly 2,000 inhabitants.
The resort of Les Carroz, considered as a family resort, also offers numerous leisure activities outside skiing, including in summer, where hikers and mountain bikers enjoy a preserved environment.
Before reaching the ski slopes or hiking trails, some elements of the built heritage deserve a visit. This is the case of the Church of Our Lady of the Visitation of the Frasse, erected in 1787. The choir and four baroque statues formerly polychrome were covered with ocher in the 1950s. Of the station itself, the Notre-Dame de l'Assomption church of contemporary design was built in 1972. It possesses in particular a Christ carved in boxwood and stained glass signed by a local artist, Eric Salley. Six bells are installed in the bell tower and each Friday night is offered a carillon concert.
Dating from 1710, finally, the church of Saint-Michel d'Arâches was rebuilt on the remains of a chapel of the thirteenth century. Originality of the building, the church and its presbytery are one.
In winter, skiing is obviously the most popular activity. On the station stricto sensu, 15 lifts serve 29 tracks. A total of 149 runs for 69 ski lifts on the whole Grand Massif for which the prices of the daily package range from 35 to 46.50 euros.
Many instructors from the French Ski School are available for group lessons or individual lessons to learn or improve. Contact the +33 4 50 90 02 38.
The resort also offers snowshoeing. Circuits of variable length (from 1h30 to a day) are possible. Brochures, maps and information on +33 (0) 4 50 90 00 04.
To vary the pleasures, sledging, quad on ice or sled races are also possible. Information on +33 (0) 4 50 90 00 04.
In order to experience the joys of skiing in different ways, holidaymakers have at their disposal in the heart of the village an outdoor skating rink with nearly 650 m² of ice. Price: 7 euros. Information on +33 4 50 90 30 04.
For swimming and well-being (spa, fitness), the Aquacime Mountain complex offers a heated outdoor pool. Open every day from 1 pm to 8 pm from mid-December to the end of April and from mid-June to the beginning of the September school year. Admission: 13 and 16 euros. Information at +33 (0) 4 50 90 24 80.
Finally, summer and winter, the resort is renowned for its bases for paragliding flights in order to combine sensations and exceptional panoramas. The association Air Passion, which has the label of the federation of free flight, offers introductory courses or advanced training, or simple flights in tandem for beginners. Information in +33 6 85 75 03 81.
During the summer season, hikers and mountain bikers are the kings of the resort. Many paths, trails and paths can be envisaged, according to various themes (discovery of fauna and flora, for example) or levels of difficulty adapted to all the public. Brochures, maps and information on +33 (0) 4 50 90 00 04.
The 18 holes of the Carroz golf course are accessible to everyone, in a different way, but also combining a verdant environment with sporting activities. Course from 42 euros. Information on +33 4 50 90 85 44.
On the second Sunday of July, the Cyclo JPP offers four cycling circuits lengthened from 65 to 140 km to the benefit of the association 9 de Coeur sponsored by Jean-Pierre Papin. A friendly and sporting rendezvous that animates the whole resort. Information and registration on +33 4 50 90 00 04.
On the third Sunday of July, the Family and Friends Games program sports, cultural and fun events to be played in family... and in good humor.
On the second Sunday of August, the festival of the guides program activities and fun activities, then concert, fireworks in the evening.
In the second week of August, Chantante Week offers concerts of renowned choirs and choirs in the Salle du Mont Favy.
On the third Sunday of August, a lumberjack competition brings together specialists in chainsaw and wood carving. Exhibitions and fun activities in parallel.
