1975 - Opening of the new link between Samoens and Flaine (via the Combe Vernant) 1976 - Flaine and Samoens reached agreement for ski passes allowing holders of either pass to ski in both areas 1980 - The Grand Massif was born as all the resorts were connected to the lift network 1981 - Two ski pass areas were set up, 'Grand Massif' and 'Massif' The resort of les Carroz (1140 – 2500 metres) is administered by the commune of Arâches-La Frasse and the resort of Flaine (1600 – 2500 metres) has been jointly managed by the commune and by Magland, a small town situated in the valley.
Compagnie des Alpes ("CDA"), the world's largest ski operator, acquired four resorts in the Grand Massif (Flaine, Samoëns, Morillon and Sixt) in mid-December 1997, and in 1998 formed a global alliance with Canadian developer Intrawest.
At 1100m altitude, it sits on a large sunny plateau overlooking the Arve Valley south east of the town of Cluses, on the road to Flaine.
Whilst the busy periods are during the ski season (mid December to third week of April) and during the French summer holidays (July and August), it has a permanent population and is open all year round.
At the bottom at Sixt Fer à Cheval, a bus meets skiers to take them back to the cabin lift at Samoëns.