Almost 50 years ago, in the heart of the Maurienne valley, a rather crazy project was born. A ski resort designed not for profit, but for sharing. Its name: Les Karellis. Its creator: Pierre Lainé, a leading figure in social tourism. His ambition: to make the mountains accessible to all, away from speculation and residences closed nine months out of the year. This December, the Savoyard resort will be blowing out its 50 candles, remaining true to its founding values... while mapping out its future.
What sets us apart Les KarellisIt's not just the snow, the view of the Aiguilles d'Arves or the 60km of ski runs. No, it's its unique business model.
Here, the land is owned by the municipality of Montricher-Albanne, the shops and restaurants are run as a cooperative, and the accommodation is in the form of all-inclusive holiday villages, where all packages, equipment, meals, children's clubs and entertainment are included.
A supportive, cross-disciplinary and resilient operation, which enables the resort to reinvest locally and sustainably, while offering controlled prices without cutting back on quality.
"All-inclusive is our signature, with the aim of offering comfortable, simple and accessible holidays". explains Yanis Mairy, Director of Les Karellis Tourist Office, to La Vie Nouvelle. This unique philosophy has enabled the resort to avoid property speculation, while guaranteeing a genuine balance between tourism and preservation of the area.
A resort investing in the future
Far from resting on its laurels, Les Karellis is currently undergoing a major transformation. The snow front has been completely redesigned, with a new secure beginners' area thanks to a central covered carpet, a better distribution of flows, and a reconfiguration of the children's ski area by the ESF.
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In autumn, a ski lift will be relocated to create a learning loop, making it easier to access the residences and ski back to the slopes.
But winter is only part of the equation. Summer tourism is becoming a key area of development. Two projects are being launched this summer: a city stadium and a swimming pool, to enhance the four-season offer.
The idea? To make the most of the site's unspoilt character, its hiking trails and its peaceful, family atmosphere, with an upmarket range of wellness services, without ever denying the resort's popular DNA.
Accommodation providers join the effortThis includes work to improve energy efficiency and meet today's environmental challenges. Development is conceived in a collective, sustainable and concerted manner, reflecting the governance that has always prevailed here.
Between authentic Maurienne and cooperative spirit
Moving to Les Karellis also means immersing yourself in a mountain region rich in tradition.
The resort is an integral part of the commune of Montricher-Albanne, with its typical hamlets: Le Bochet, the main town, Montricher and its stone houses, and Albanne, a village with narrow streets and a bread oven still in use. Here, tourism doesn't erase history, it accompanies it.
When it comes to skiing, the experience is smooth and unhurried. No waiting at the lifts, a pedestrian-friendly resort, a free beginners' area, direct access via chairlift from the free car parks, and even freeride zones in the forest for the more adventurous. A paradise for families, groups of friends and fans of simple, effective skiing.
As they approach their fiftieth anniversary, they remind us that modernity is not always synonymous with gigantism, but that it can also rhyme with solidarity, authenticity and harmony with the land. In short, a resort like no other... and one that needs to be (re)discovered as a matter of urgency.
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