Essential Facts• 265km of pistes up to 2620m

• Including Samoëns, Les Carroz d’Araches, Morillon, Sixt-fer-a-Cheval and Flaine

• Between Geneva and Mont Blanc

• One of the quickest transfers in the Alps

• Geneva is just 1hr 30mins by car

• Samoëns is very attractive traditional village

• Perfect for dual season use

• Ideal hiking and 350km of mountain bike trails

The Grand Massif, France

Resort InformationThe Grand Massif lies between Geneva and Mont Blanc in the Haute-Savoie Alps and includes five resorts; Samoens, Les Carroz d’Araches, Morillon, Sixt-fer-a-Cheval and Flaine. Grand Massif is the fourth largest ski area in France with 265km of piste offering a variety of terrain for all levels, reliable snow cover and very

few queues.

SamoensSet amid forest and nestling at the foot of the imposing Criou mountain, Samoëns has remained unspoilt by tourist developments and is the only resort in France to be listed as a ‘Land of Art and History’ protected site. Despite recent growth on the outskirts, the centre of the resort maintains a rural feel. Labelled as a ‘Famille Plus Montagne’ resort it is an ideal family destination. Non-ski activities include dog-sledding, indoor climbing and skating, as well as archery in the forest, caving, ice climbing or diving under ice.

FlaineThis is a modern, car free resort with all services, shops and amenities grouped together, so they are only ever a few steps away from your doorstep. There are plenty of fun activities, entertainment, bars & restaurants to keep you going after skiing. A free shuttle service runs all day long between the resort centre, Le Hameau and Le Col de Pierre Carrée.

MorillonMorillon is a charming Savoyard village built around a 16th century church in the beautiful Giffre Valley. Morillon 1100 (Les Esserts), the purpose built resort above Morillon village, is a family friendly resort. It offers a small selection of restaurants and bars, a few shops and a mini-supermarket. The ‘Village des Enfants’ children facility is based at Les Esserts. Les Esserts can be reached either via gondola or by car from Morillon village. Morillon village is charming and quiet, with a few traditional style bars and restaurants.

Les CarrozPerched on a plateau at 1140m, Les Carroz d’Arâches is a classic alpine village. It is a spacious, sunny resort with pavement cafés and interesting little shops centred around a main square. Les Carroz has a pleasantly warm and welcoming atmosphere, with excellent access to the skiing in the heart of the Grand Massif area.

SixtAt the end of the Giffre Valley, set in an area of outstanding natural beauty with the magnificent ‘Fer à Cheval’ and its waterfalls and nature reserve, Sixt is still largely unknown outside France. Home to stonecutters since the 15th century, it holds France’s ‘prettiest village’ label. The skiing in the area is surprisingly good, while the Gers bowl, between Sixt and Flaine offers challenging off piste.

Expert’s OpinionOur ski expert Fenella Hunter had this to say about the area:

“Le Grand Massif is great for families, with excellent ski schools in every main resort, and a load of activities off the mountain too. The mountain restaurants aren’t as swanky as the ones in the Three Valleys or the Espace Killy, but they’re usually child friendly. Good skiers should check out the Gers bowl in particular, as well as the runs off the Cascades chair in Flaine. Samoens holds seasonal festivities in the main square, with fireworks and traditional stalls, so it’s worth paying a visit around Christmastime for that.”

Getting thereGeneva is the nearest international airport and is just 1 hour 30 minutes by car from Le Grand Massif. Lyon Saint Exupery and Grenoble are just over 2 hours, and Chambéry is 1 hour 45mins away. All have frequent services, particularly in the winter.

Restaurant: Gai Soleil Choosing a hotel restaurant might not be the most original trick in the book, but the restaurant at the Gai Soleil is genuinely fantastic. The Savoyarde specials are fantastic, and it’s within an easy walk of the centre of the town. The Gai Soleil hotel is also a comfortable place to stay during visits, with a newer building that offers spacious rooms.

Restaurant: La Pente a JulesPiste side restaurants in the Grand Massif aren’t quite as numerous as they are in the Three Valleys, but there are a few fantastic ones here and there. La Pente a Jules is a fantastic piste side option with a lively bar and a south facing terrace that catches the sun in the afternoons. Well worth a visit for the food and the atmosphere.

Winter The Grand Massif Ski Area has a combined total of 265km of downhill skiing, with 351 individual pistes, served by 78 ski lifts. The Grand Massif Lift Pass allows you to ski or snowboard in any of the ski resorts of Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon, Samoëns and Sixt Fer à Cheval. The ski area is open from mid December to mid April. With skiing above 2000 metres, snow cover is reliable.

Skiers of all ability are well catered for, with plenty of gentle blues for beginners as well as more challenging runs for intermediates and experts. At the height of the season, it is possible to ski from the top of Flaine

all the way down to Morillon village at 700m.

The Cascades run winds down the back of the Flaine ski area, past the cascade waterfalls to Sixt; in good weather and snow conditions it is a fantastic day trip location. Keen skiers can take on the Gers Bowl, where experts can find untouched off piste when the snow is good. The run ends at the Gers lake, where there is a slight walk to reach one of the area’s best restaurants.

SummerAlthough the region is undoubtedly at its busiest during the skiing season, there are plenty of reasons to visit the Grand Massif in summer. The area is home to dozens of hiking trails, half-day walks and opportunities to meet local people. You can also go on a nature ramble to see the flora and fauna or learn about the traditional use of plants (edible plants and minor first aid) etc.

There are over 350km of mountain bike trails and bikes can be hired from most of the resorts.

Glacial hiking is a specialist summer sport that delivers exactly what it says on the box. You’ll don crampons, ice picks, harnesses and helmets and clamber onto – and into – a high altitude, icy landscape like no other. The limestone in and around Samoëns hosts some of the world’s most impressive cave systems, including the Jean Bernard cave, which was the world’s deepest known cave until 1980.

DisclaimerWhilst we make every attempt to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in all brochures and the company website, the company, its employees and agents will not be responsible for any loss, however arising, from the use of, or reliance on this information. The sales deed prepared by the local Notarywillcontainallthetermsofthesaleandnowarrantyorrepresentationmadebyanotherpersonwhichisnotspecificallyincludedinthatdeedofsaleislegally enforceable. © Investors in Property 2016

Ski chalets for sale in Grand Massif • Ski chalets for sale in France • Ski property for sale in the French Alps

ViewingWe have an intimate knowledge of all our resorts and we can recommend excellent hotels and local restaurants to ensure you have an informative and pleasurable trip. Simply let us know which dates you have in mind and we will arrange for one of our representatives to meet you and show you around. All you need to do is to book your flight and rent a hire car and we can help organise everything else for you.

For further information about visits, please take a look at our visits guide.

FAQsFor everything you need to know about buying a property in the Alps, from legal advice to rental requirements, go to our FAQs.

CompanyProfileInvestors in Property specialise in the sale of ski chalets and apartments in Switzerland, Austria, France & Italy. We have over 20 years experience and an unrivalled knowledge of well established and up and coming ski resorts. We will provide expert advice and professional guidance through every step of your purchase. If you have any questions or need general advice please do not hesitate to contact us.

ContactSimon Malster – Investors in PropertyTel: +44 (0)20 8905 5511simon@investorsinproperty.com