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Perched at an altitude of 1,800 metres in the Grandes Rousses massif, the Karellis ski resort stands out amongst Savoy’s ski areas: run entirely by a community-based organisation since its inception, it has retained a family-friendly atmosphere that larger resorts have often lost. In winter, skiers of all abilities enjoy a consistent and well-groomed ski area, whilst in summer hikers make their way up through the mountain pastures towards the high-altitude lakes and the ridges overlooking the Maurienne Valley. Families return year after year for the tranquillity of the area and the convenience of being able to do everything on foot from their accommodation. Couples appreciate the immediate proximity to the slopes and trails, without having to find a car. Groups of friends find this compact resort layout exceptionally practical. Renting a flat or chalet on site makes your stay much easier: facilities, shops and the start of the slopes or trails are just a few minutes’ walk away. The range of accommodation on offer covers a variety of layouts, from studios for two people to large flats suitable for large families.
A holiday in Les Karellis gives you access to sites that embody the soul of the Maurienne. From a renowned ski area to chapels steeped in history and villages with ancient stone buildings, the region offers a rich tapestry where alpine nature and rural heritage come together. Here are the three must-see destinations to explore during your stay.
At an altitude of 1,600 metres, the Karellis ski area stretches across the Montricher-Albanne area, in the heart of the Aiguilles d’Arves massif. This family-friendly resort offers around thirty slopes that will delight beginners and experienced skiers alike. From the summits, the view stretches out over the Maurienne Valley in all its splendour, offering a panorama that alone makes the trip worthwhile. In winter, it’s the unmissable destination for winter sports enthusiasts; in summer, the ski area transforms into a playground for hiking and mountain exploration.
Nestled high above the village of Albanne, the Saint-Pierre Chapel bears witness to the Maurienne’s rich religious and rural heritage. This ancient place of worship, with its white stone walls typical of Savoie, tells the story of the generations who shaped this valley. A visit offers an insight into the mountain communities’ attachment to their spiritual traditions and a chance to admire the authentic architecture of mountain buildings. The path leading there winds its way through the village, offering an immersion in traditional Savoyard daily life.
Set apart from the modern resort of Les Karellis, the hamlet of Montricher retains the essence of a traditional Savoyard village. Its houses with grey stone façades, slate roofs and narrow alleyways exemplify the characteristic architecture of the Maurienne Valley. Strolling amongst its ancient walls is like travelling back in time to discover how community life was organised before the arrival of resort tourism. This contrast between preserved heritage and modern tourism enriches your understanding of the region.
These three sites encapsulate the identity of the Karellis: the joy of the mountains through leisure and sport, the valley’s spiritual heritage, and the authenticity of a timeless village life. A well-rounded holiday unfolds amongst the slopes, historic trails and cobbled streets.
Each season transforms the landscape of the Karellis mountains, offering radically different atmospheres and a fresh range of activities. The best time to visit depends mainly on what you’re looking for: the energy of summer or the tranquillity of winter, alpine hiking or relaxing by the fireside.
Spring brings a welcome renewal after winter. The slopes turn green, alpine flowers gradually emerge, and the days grow longer. Snow lingers at higher altitudes, whilst down in the valley the weather becomes milder. It’s the ideal season for easy hikes, cycle rides and family walks without the summer crowds. Holiday rentals welcome those seeking a mountain that’s still peaceful, far from the hustle and bustle of tourism.
Summer offers a spectacle at its peak: the ski runs are transformed into hiking and mountain-biking trails, the mountain pastures burst with colour, and the temperatures allow you to make the most of the outdoors. This is the peak season – lively and friendly – when the villages buzz with activity. Families particularly enjoy this time of year for combining nature, leisure and socialising.
Autumn bathes the mountains in warm, golden hues. The forests are adorned with reds and oranges, the sky often remains clear, and the summer heat fades to give way to milder days. The crowds thin out considerably. It is a magical time for walkers seeking picture-postcard scenery and relative solitude. Holiday rentals become more affordable, and the atmosphere more intimate.
Winter transforms Les Karellis into a snow-covered mountain resort. Snow covers the peaks and valleys, the ski lifts return to their skiing role, and the atmosphere becomes enchanting. Holiday rentals allow you to experience winter mountain life: snowshoeing, sledge rides and warm indoor baths. In the evening, you can cosy up indoors, far from the hustle and bustle of the crowded resorts.
Every season has its own magic in Les Karellis. A holiday let offers you the flexibility to visit whenever your plans and schedule allow, without compromising on comfort or space for your group.
In Les Karellis, you can experience the mountains in every season. In both winter and summer, the ski area offers activities that combine sport with immersion in an unspoilt alpine landscape. Here are three experiences that will make for a memorable stay.
The Karellis ski area delights both downhill and cross-country skiers. The slopes at Les Karellis are suitable for all ability levels, from beginners making their way down gentle slopes to experienced skiers seeking steeper runs. Direct access from your holiday rental at Les Karellis makes everyday life simple: no winding roads to navigate in the morning, no endless queues before you can put your skis on. Cross-country skiing, less well-known but just as rewarding, winds its way through a larch forest where the silence complements the skier’s movements.
Address: Les Karellis, 73870 Montricher-Albanne.
When the snow melts, the Aiguilles d’Arves massif transforms into a spectacular hiking terrain. The mountain trails link high-altitude villages, rocky passes and peaks overlooking the valley. A day’s walk in summer offers the chance to discover a wealth of alpine flora: rhododendrons, gentians and edelweiss. The signposted trails cater for different fitness levels, from a two-hour family walk to the long traverse that captivates experienced walkers.
Address: 73870 Montricher-Albanne.
In summer, the resort’s slopes welcome mountain bikers and trail runners. Les Karellis are transformed into a playground for two-wheelers: technical routes for thrill-seekers sit alongside family-friendly circuits. Trail running can also be enjoyed as a very gentle hike. Whether you ascend on foot or by ski lift, you can scout out the routes ahead before descending in a cloud of white powder, following the trail of stones and pebbles.
Address: Les Karellis, 73870 Montricher-Albanne.
Choosing a holiday let involves much more than just the location. Everyday comfort, facilities designed for relaxation and practical amenities all contribute to the quality of your stay in the mountains. At Les Karellis, guests pay particular attention to the features that transform a holiday home into a true haven of rest, far from the stresses of city life.
Finding the right holiday rental means balancing these essential amenities with the setting, size and budget for your stay. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family reunion, every trip deserves accommodation designed with your comfort and lifestyle in mind.
Prices for holiday rentals in Les Karellis vary depending on the size and standard of the accommodation. For a small studio or a two-room flat, you can generally expect to pay between 400 and 700 euros a week in low season, and between 600 and 1,000 euros in high season. A family-sized three- or four-room property tends to cost between 700 and 1,300 euros a week outside school holidays, and between 1,100 and 1,800 euros during peak periods. More spacious or upmarket accommodation often costs over 2,000 euros a week during the season.
Several factors influence the final price. Proximity to the slopes, direct access to the resort’s facilities and the view are key criteria. The length of stay also plays a part: rates quoted per night are generally higher than those calculated on a weekly basis, which often benefit from significant discounts. Some owners offer sliding-scale rates for bookings of two weeks or more.
Seasonal variations remain pronounced in Les Karellis, an Alpine resort where winter holidays and periods of snow attract more visitors. Rates fall significantly in the off-season or during the summer. Before booking, comparing several offers and checking reviews from previous travellers will help you find the best value for money. Booking in advance increases your chances of securing more favourable rates.
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