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Les Karellis resort, Savoie
Welcome to Les Karellis!
This atypical little resort in the Northern Alps has all the makings of a big resort, but retains the advantages of its human-scale operation... for a sustainable vacation in the heart of the Maurienne valley.
A resort like no other
It is both a winter and summer sports resort. Located in Savoie, it is unique in that its roots lie at the heart of social tourism, and it is the only community resort in Europe. Entirely pedestrianized and child-friendly, it takes its name from the carèle grass that grows on the sunny mountain pastures.
Les Karellis, or the beginnings of sustainable tourism
It all began with the decline of farming and the beginning of a rural exodus affecting mountain villages. To save his beautiful mountains from abandonment, Pierre Lainé had a unique idea: to create an associative resort to give Montricher a second birth. Aimé Pasquier, the mayor at the time, was won over, and the project was born in 1976. The commune of Albanne merged with Montricher to join in the adventure.
It's this history that makes Les Karellis such a unique resort. From the outset, Les Karellis has had one objective: to offer families affordable vacations. Today, it's the only resort in Europe to be run entirely by associations. From its past, the resort has kept its family character and its human-scale ambitions.
And what about Vacances Bleues?
Vacances Bleues was founded in Marseille in 1971. The aim of this association? To enable low-income families in Marseille to afford vacations. Thanks to its immediate success, Vacances Bleues expanded throughout France and then the world.
The meeting between Les Karellis and Vacances Bleues was an obvious choice... Today, Vacances Bleues offers all-inclusive holidays in Les Karellis, in its Arc en Ciel vacation village.
The ski resort today
Les Karellis has all the makings of a great resort
Today, Les Karellis has remained faithful to its original way of doing things. Their values have remained intact, and the resort has been awarded the "Famille Plus" label. Holidaymakers are welcomed on a full-board basis and, thanks to their Pass, can take advantage of all the village's activities free of charge or at a reduced rate.
The organization guarantees a wait-free lift service. As the resort is located at an altitude of 1,600 meters, most of the slopes rise to 2,000 meters and face north-northeast. This is a major advantage, as it ensures abundant, natural snow cover. Les Karellis offers ideal conditions for downhill skiing.
Winter sports
The Karellis ski area covers 530 hectares and boasts 65 km of pistes. Younger skiers can take their first steps on the playful Ponsonnière slope, while others can have a blast on the colorful pistes, including black runs for the more daring. The Nordic ski area boasts 30 km of cross-country trails, where you can lose yourself in the larch forests and take a deep breath.
Of course, you'll get your snowshoe outing! All you have to do is ask. All equipment is already on site. You can even treat yourself to a dog-sled ride, or make your first footprint on the slopes at dawn.
If you're feeling like a champion, come and challenge your opponents at the Winter K Games, the championship organized by Les Karellis resort. For thrill-seekers, a big air bag is available to test out new tricks in complete safety.
Summer sports
In summer, take free advantage of the resort's swimming pool and, above all, the surrounding countryside. Rent a mountain bike and pick up the itineraries of the many trails that take you from village to village in the valley.
Hiking in the Maurienne has a slight aftertaste of paradise. The lakes are crystal-clear, the mountains magical. Explore the Parc de la Vanoise and discover its countless plant and animal species.
Try your hand at via ferrata or paragliding for a bird's eye view of the picture postcard landscape, or dare to try your hand at canyoning in sites of supernatural beauty. In summer, Les Karellis can be enjoyed on land, in the water and in the air. Enjoy the sun and summer activities in this magnificent ski resort, which transforms into a paradise for nature lovers.
Les Karellis, a children's paradise
Children have their own free club, where they are welcomed from 3 months to 17 years. They take part in a wide range of outings and activities, and the activity leaders can also take them to their ESF ski lessons. Children's clubs are a real asset for families who want their children to learn to ski while having fun.
In summer, your children can go bivouacking or hiking, try their hand at archery, blowpipe or accrobranche, or learn how to look after animals at the Les Karellis mini-farm. Other on-site activities include bouncy castles, pedal go-karts and trampolines. After a busy day, who knows, your toddlers might just want to lie down among the caramel trees.
