Where to Ski And Snowboard - Les Carroz targets the kids

Les Carroz targets the kids

22nd December 2010, by Chris Gill

Les Carroz, France [(c) Tourism Carroz]

If you’re looking for a family holiday, Les Carroz is promoting itself as a suitable destination.

The resort has devised a special ‘Family Guide’ – a brochure bringing together all the elements in a resort to help families plan their visit. Unfortunately, you need a bit of French to read it, as no English version seems to be available yet. But it lists lift pass prices, packages, schools, creches, games and events all together in a comprehensive brochure.

Of particular interest to independent travellers may be the free lift passes for the under 12 year olds – BUT only for low season visits (first week of January and 19-15 April), when one adult buys a full Grand Massif pass. The offer applies when pre-booking accommodation. Otherwise the free pases go to the under fives.

And your beginner children – or even mum and dad too – can sample the three free draglifts that the resort offers in the centre of the village. This is a useful warm-up patch at the start of your trip too (assuming good snow conditions)! Day passes start at 13 euros and include two return rides on the gondola.

Les Carroz has a handful of fun tobogganing areas, with dedicated party evenings for the children every Wednesday. Christmas visitors can enjoy snow sculptures, dancing in the village centre and a Father Christmas parade among other festivities.

For everyone, January will bring the Flocons de Rire comedy festival to the resort. The programme includes street acts, one man show and theatre events; and takes place on 27-29 January. Or you could catch the mountain flyers event during the same week: it’s a hot air balloon festival organised in Les Carroz for the past 18 years and quite a spectacle as they soar above the slopes!

While Les Carroz is actually a quite busy and sprawling resort, it is larger than many visitors expect; and it offers a traditional French stay with cafes, shops and restaurants – plus, of course, access to the whole Grand Massif ski area.