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Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
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Ski area: Grand Massif, France
Resort height: 800m
Resort top height: 2480m
Grand Massif
(Samoens, Morillon, Sixt, Les Carroz, Flaine)
Km piste: 265
Lifts: 69
No. of slopes: 144
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16 |  |
67 |
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47 |  |
14 |
Beginners
Intermediates
Experts
Freeride
Boarders
Driving distance from Calais: 543 miles (7hrs 40)
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resort info
ski info
Other Accommodation In: Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
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At the end of the Giffre Valley, set in an area of outstanding natural beauty with the magnificent 'Fer à Cheval' and its wonderful waterfalls and natural reserve, Sixt is still largely unknown outside France.
However years ago the well known climber and founder of the Alpine Club, Sir Alfred Wills, made Sixt his base for discovering the area and built a chalet in the village.
Ranked among the “Most Beautfiful villages of France”, Sixt combines nature with architecture and originality with 24 hamlets scattered overna area of 12000ha. The most notable are Mount, Passy (where chalet Le Penoutlay is located), Salvagny, Le Fay, Hauterive, or The Molliet The Frenalay, and most of them conceal treasures from a long and rich history.
Life is centred around the 12th century Abbey and is quite simple - a few shops, post office, mini-market, a few cafés and restaurants and a bakery that makes some 'sinful' cakes. Wonderful walks, snowshoe outings, dogsledding, a challenging 'via-ferrata' (a type of ladder fixed directly onto the rock), ice climbing and village discovery visits, are also available. Discover the making of Tomme de Sixt at 1800 meters at l'alpage de Salvadon!
There is a regular ski-bus service from Sixt to Samoëns and Morillon.
Only a 10-minute drive beyond Samoëns, Sixt is only a 30-minute drive from the motorway exit near the TGV train station of Cluses and only 1-hour drive from Geneva.
Why Sixt?
· A very pretty, undiscovered village, set in outstanding scenery · Superb walks, uncrowded pistes · Access to the massive Grand Massif ski domain · Easy access from the motorway, train station or Geneva airport- Opening Dates
- Child Care
- Activities
- Apres Ski/Eating
- Access
- Resort News
- Other Amenities
Opening Dates
Grand Massif ski area opens on 22/12/12 – 21/04/13
Sixt local domain open 22/12/12 - 17/03/12
Grand Massif ski area stays open until 21/04 so you can get the gondola from Samoens just down the road. There is a large free car park by the Samoens Grand Massif Express lift that takes you to Samoens 1600.
Activities
Snowshoeing, ski touring, dog-sledging, ice-climbing, Via Ferrata climbing (depending on the weather)…
Luge/Tobbogan
Take the sled safely on groomed trails in Sixt Fer à Cheval.
2 toboggan runs for you:
- The toboggan run of the Cirque du Fer à Cheval:
Located in the heart of the great site of Cirque du Fer à Cheval, you will find a toboggan fully equipped and secure.
- The toboggan run Salvagny: near the hamlet of Salvagny, below the kindergarten, this track is secure arranged for the children.
(see pictures in the resort gallery above)
Dog sledding
Northern Area High Giffre:
Intelligence planning trips (duration 20 to 30 minutes)
Tel: 04 50 34 13 79 Reservations are home to the Nordic area located at the tourist office in Samoens. 12/13 rates: Adult – €38 4-10yrs – €19 Under 4 with adult - free Snow trekking: afternoon or day trips… Stéphane FERRAND : Tel : +33 (0)4 50 89 56 47 Mail: s.ferrand@wanadoo.fr Mountain activities Ski touring, Vallée Blanche, rock climbing, ice climbing, via ferrata ... Bureau des Guides et Accompagnateurs de la Vallée du Giffre Tel : +33 (0)4 50 34 43 12 Internet : www.guidesmontagnes.com Parapente / Paragliding Les Tontons Volants Opposite Grand Massif Express - Samoëns Tel : +33 (0)4 50 89 82 30 Internet : www.samoens-parapente.com Walking Over 100 km of signposted footpaths providing access to 5 mountain huts and conservation areas: “Cirque du Fer a Cheval”, the Cascade “du Rouget”, the “Gorges des Tines” Ice Climbing Sixt Fer à Cheval is one of the main sites for ice climbing in France. For both beginners and the more experienced there are 60ish itineraries from 40 to 500m high. The 'vallon de Sales' sector is perfect for beginners. The Sixt Fer à Cheval sector is for the more experienced with ascents that progress up to grade 7. Christophe DUCROZ (Co. Guides Sixt) Tel: 06 76 58 51 73 tofducroz@yahoo.fr Library Library in Sixt Fer à Cheval is open all year long. Opening times: Outside school holidays - Every Wednesday and Saturday from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.
During school holidays: Every evening from Monday to Friday from 5.30pm to 6.30pm Tariffs :
0,70€ per book Markets Market Samoëns: Every Wednesday morning (from 8am to 13H), year round, will wander about the market in Samoëns Savoie. You will find all products of our region as well as numerous articles and household textiles, and accessories. Market Morillon: Wednesday evening, from 16H. Guided tours The various guided tours for both individual and for groups, by the Heritage Guides for Pays de Savoie Sixt Fer à Cheval you will discover much of this history and enter the abbey. A circuit of the chapels can tour the nine small buildings of which two are in the mountains, one in the village d’alpage des fonts, the other in l’alpage de Sales. Most activities take place in the nearby villages of Samoens and Morillon.
Open everyday from 9.30 to 12.30 a.m. and 2 to 5.30 p.m. (except on Sundays and Mondays and bank holidays).
In season opening hours:
Open everyday from 9.30 to 12.30 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m.
Intelligence planning trips (duration 20 to 30 minutes)
Tel: 04 50 34 13 79 Reservations are home to the Nordic area located at the tourist office in Samoens. 12/13 rates: Adult – €38 4-10yrs – €19 Under 4 with adult - free Snow trekking: afternoon or day trips… Stéphane FERRAND : Tel : +33 (0)4 50 89 56 47 Mail: s.ferrand@wanadoo.fr Mountain activities Ski touring, Vallée Blanche, rock climbing, ice climbing, via ferrata ... Bureau des Guides et Accompagnateurs de la Vallée du Giffre Tel : +33 (0)4 50 34 43 12 Internet : www.guidesmontagnes.com Parapente / Paragliding Les Tontons Volants Opposite Grand Massif Express - Samoëns Tel : +33 (0)4 50 89 82 30 Internet : www.samoens-parapente.com Walking Over 100 km of signposted footpaths providing access to 5 mountain huts and conservation areas: “Cirque du Fer a Cheval”, the Cascade “du Rouget”, the “Gorges des Tines” Ice Climbing Sixt Fer à Cheval is one of the main sites for ice climbing in France. For both beginners and the more experienced there are 60ish itineraries from 40 to 500m high. The 'vallon de Sales' sector is perfect for beginners. The Sixt Fer à Cheval sector is for the more experienced with ascents that progress up to grade 7. Christophe DUCROZ (Co. Guides Sixt) Tel: 06 76 58 51 73 tofducroz@yahoo.fr Library Library in Sixt Fer à Cheval is open all year long. Opening times: Outside school holidays - Every Wednesday and Saturday from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.
During school holidays: Every evening from Monday to Friday from 5.30pm to 6.30pm Tariffs :
0,70€ per book Markets Market Samoëns: Every Wednesday morning (from 8am to 13H), year round, will wander about the market in Samoëns Savoie. You will find all products of our region as well as numerous articles and household textiles, and accessories. Market Morillon: Wednesday evening, from 16H. Guided tours The various guided tours for both individual and for groups, by the Heritage Guides for Pays de Savoie Sixt Fer à Cheval you will discover much of this history and enter the abbey. A circuit of the chapels can tour the nine small buildings of which two are in the mountains, one in the village d’alpage des fonts, the other in l’alpage de Sales. Most activities take place in the nearby villages of Samoens and Morillon.
All the above information is for information only. For the most up-to-date information please visit the resort tourist office website
Sixt Tourist Office Tel +33 450 34 49 36 www.sixtferacheval.com or check www.samoens.com Out of season opening hours:Open everyday from 9.30 to 12.30 a.m. and 2 to 5.30 p.m. (except on Sundays and Mondays and bank holidays).
In season opening hours:
Open everyday from 9.30 to 12.30 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m.
Apres Ski/Eating
6 restaurants, some snack restaurants and bars. Le Chalet du Lignon has a panoramic terrace.
Restaurants and bars
Auberge de la Feuille d'Erable
Open lunchtime and dinner. Closed Monday.SIXT FER A CHEVAL. Tel:+33 (0)4 50 34 44 47
Le 27 Open every day except Wednesday and Thursday Sixt fer à cheval. Tel:+33 (0)4 50 89 87 95 Email: contact@restaurantle27.fr Chalet Restaurant du Cirque du Fer à Cheval Open from 9:00 am to 06:00 pm SIXT FER A CHEVAL. Tel:+33 (0)4 50 89 13 88 Email: restaurantduferacheval@laposte.net Pizzeria La Chaoune Open every day except Monday lunchtime SIXT FER A CHEVAL. Tel:+33 (0)4 50 91 21 52 Le Chalet du Lignon Parking, open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. SIXT FER A CHEVAL. Tel:+33 (0)4 50 34 99 90 Restaurant Le Rouet salvagny sixt fer à cheval. Tel: 0033 450344089 Le Carrousel Open to the 1st may, every day, to 10:00 am from 08:30 pm. SIXT FER A CHEVAL. Tel:+33 (0)6 18 88 66 53
Le 27 Open every day except Wednesday and Thursday Sixt fer à cheval. Tel:+33 (0)4 50 89 87 95 Email: contact@restaurantle27.fr Chalet Restaurant du Cirque du Fer à Cheval Open from 9:00 am to 06:00 pm SIXT FER A CHEVAL. Tel:+33 (0)4 50 89 13 88 Email: restaurantduferacheval@laposte.net Pizzeria La Chaoune Open every day except Monday lunchtime SIXT FER A CHEVAL. Tel:+33 (0)4 50 91 21 52 Le Chalet du Lignon Parking, open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. SIXT FER A CHEVAL. Tel:+33 (0)4 50 34 99 90 Restaurant Le Rouet salvagny sixt fer à cheval. Tel: 0033 450344089 Le Carrousel Open to the 1st may, every day, to 10:00 am from 08:30 pm. SIXT FER A CHEVAL. Tel:+33 (0)6 18 88 66 53
Access
By Road: Driving distance from Calais 543 miles (approx 7hrs40)
From Calais, take A26 Motorway towards Reims and Troyes, then Dijon, Mâcon then ‘Autoroute Blanche’ Motorway (A40 Mâcon – Cluses) Exit Cluses Scionzier. Follow signs to Samoens. Sixt is 5km after Samoens.
It takes approximately 25 minutes from the motorway exit to Sixt Fer a Cheval.
By Rail: Cluses 30km - Shuttle bus +33 450 98 07 81 or Taxi +33 450 34 90 www.giffre-transports.com
Airports:
Geneva is 86km from Sixt (1 ¼ hours)
www.gva.ch/en
Chambery Airport is 124km from Sixt (1 ½ hours)
www.chambery-airport.com
Lyon Airport is 207km from Sixt (2 ¼ hours)
www.lyonairport.com
Grenoble Airport is 214km from Sixt (2 ¼ hours)
www.grenoble-airport.com
Bus transfers from Geneva Airport
Five buses run from 22/12/12-13/04/13. Book 2 days in advance with local tourist office for return. Tickets must be reserved with www.altibus.com (not pre-bookable with Peak Retreats). Transfer time 1.45hrs. Cost when pre-booking online is roughly €60-80 per adult return (cheaper prices for groups of 4 adults). Child is half adult rate (4-12yrs). Change bus at Taninges for Sixt.
Timetable and prices 12/13
Airport Transfer
Pre-book your taxi transfer with Peak Retreats From Geneva Airport to Sixt - from £82 per person return based on 4 people sharing. For all other transfer prices please click here
Resort News
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| All information provided by Samoens or Sixt tourist office, see www.samoens.com or www.sixtferacheval.com for more information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other – lift news, workshops | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Every Monday at the Tourist Office from 17h - Mulled wine and hot chocolate offered by the tourist office. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Amenities
Sherpa minimarket open from 8am-12.30 and from 4.30-7pm.
Boulangerie open from 06.30am-12.30 and from 3.30pm-7.30pm
Souvenir shop from from 9am-12.00 and from 3pm-7pm.
Regional products open from 8am-12.30 and from 4pm-7.30pm
Cash point, library, 3 x sports shops.
On Sundays, at 18.30: welcome drink at the Tourist Office with an introduction to the resort.
In Samoens (5km): Market on Wednesdays, doctors, pharmacy, physiotherapist, hairdresser, laundry/dry cleaning, bakeries, several sports shops…
There is also a farm situated in the very picturesque Hameaux Palme-Dessous, just 2 km outside Sixt Fer à Cheval. The farmer sells local traditional farm products.
ski info
Sixt has a small and uncrowded domain with a mix of slopes for all abilities. It is linked to the massive Grand Massif (265 km of pistes) and it is possible to ski back from Flaine to Sixt via the very scenic 14km 'Cascades' blue run (just go to Samoëns or Morillon via the regular free bus service.
Additional ski fact info, main ski info in resort facts box at top of page.
Massif (all of above exc. Flaine)
Sixt local ski area – 32km of piste,
2 GREEN, 4 BLUE, 4 RED, 1 BLACK,
6 lifts and 4 snow cannons
SIXT SKI AREA
With over 34 km of ski trails, Sixt is great for families, with an easy access beginner area, a snow garden for children from 3 years and a secure sledging area.
You can’t ski from Sixt to the other areas of the Grand Massif, but you can ski back to Sixt using ‘Les Cascades’ piste - this 14 km piste takes you from the summit of Les Grandes Platières at 2,500 m down to the village of Sixt located 900 m further down the mountainside. A great descent through alpine meadows and forests on one of the finest pistes in the Alps. A forest ski run on the edge of the Sixt Fer-à-Cheval Nature Reserve where it’s not unusual to come across mountain goats. 14 km of quiet surroundings and breathtaking landscapes!
If you wish to try skiing outside of Sixt’s small domain, take the shuttle bus or drive to Samoens just down the road (10 mins). From here you can take the Grand Massif express gondola up to the main ski area.
Alternatively try Les Gets and the wider 'Portes du Soleil' which are only a short drive away. Alternatively try Les Gets and the wider 'Portes du Soleil' which are only a short drive away.
SIXT BEGINNERS
In Sixt you have a few green runs accessed via drag lifts then a further few blues to progress on. Otherwise skiing in Samoens couldn’t be easier with an excellent nursery slope area at Samoens 1600 for beginners to practise on with 7 lifts. The area for beginners is separated from the other sectors of the domain, to enable users to ski in complete safety, and avoid having users with different levels of experience on the same pistes. The restaurant terraces overlooking the pistes enable you to make the most of a relaxing rest in the sun while keeping an eye on your children.
SIXT INTERMEDIATES
In Sixt, there are 4 blue and 4 red slopes. Otherwise intermediates and boarders will enjoy the 49 red pistes and 15 black pistes of the Grand Massif. The Grand Massif itself has extensive intermediate slopes with big lift networks.
SIXT EXPERTS
In Sixt there is only 1 black slopes so for the more advanced there is also a testing terrain with Grand Massif domain: The steep north-facing mogul slopes from the Tête des Saix, the central point of the entire Grand Massif system, down to Samoëns are particularly enjoyable. There is also extensive off-piste in Grand Massif.
Please note that lift passes will need to be collected in Samoens. Ski school is arranged in Samoens (10 min drive or shuttle bus).
Video of the famous Cascades 14km piste down into Sixt fer a Cheval
| Km | 145 |
| Lifts | 45 |
| No. of slopes 80 | |
| 9 | |
| 37 | |
| 25 | |
| 9 | |
- Ski Hire
- Ski Passes
- Ski School
- Activities
Ski Hire
Samoens ski hire prices start from £33 for children (skis and boots) & £47 for adults (skis and boots) for 7 days. View here for Samoens ski hire prices.
Ski Passes
Other lift pass on offer (to buy locally in resort in Euros):
For complete beginners 12/13:
Sixt beginner pass - €8.20 for adults and €8.20 for children (1/2 day)
Sixt beginner pass - €9.40 for adults and €8.80 for children (day)
Drags Fontaines and Cascades.
Sixt Local ski pass – ½ day and daily rates:
½ day - €11 children, €11 adults
Day - €15.50 children, €12 adults
Massif ski pass – ½ day and daily rates 12/13:
½ day - €23.40 children, €31.60 adults
Day - €26 children, €35.20 adults
Grand Massif ski pass – ½ day and daily rates 12/13:
½ day - €28.40 children, €37.80 adults
Day - €31.40 children, €41.80 adults
| Grand Massif Lift Pass 12/13 - Samoens (265km of pistes covering Samoens, Flaine, Morillon, Les Carroz and Sixt) | |||||
| 6 days | 7 days | SPECIAL OFFER 6 days 12/1-1/2 & 23/3-29/3 | Please note: there is also a cheaper lift pass called Massif covering only Samoëns, Morillon and les Carroz although we cannot pre-book this. Beginners are advised to buy this pass in resort (c €180 for 6 days). | ||
| Adult (16-64) | £184 | £214 | £173 | ||
| Child (5-15) | £139 | £161 | £131 | ||
| Senior (65-74) | £175 | £204 | £165 | ||
| Child (under 5) & Senior ( 75+) | Free (Proof of age is compulsory; please bring ID when collecting lift-passes) | ||||
| PLEASE NOTE: €3/pass for hands-free pass included in price (hands free pass can be re-used annually) - NO PHOTO NECESSARY | |||||
| Your hands-free lift pass cards will be sent to you in your voucher pack, so you won’t have to queue at the lift pass office with a voucher on arrival. | |||||
| EASTER OFFER: 1 free child pass for 2 adult passes bought (weeks of 7/4 and 14/4) | |||||
Ski School
Ski School: Lesson times are subject to change right until the last minute. Outside French school holidays the ski school reserves the right to cancel group lessons should numbers be insufficient. For peak periods (23/12-6/1, 16/2-16/3 & 14/4-21/4) we strongly recommend that you book as early as possible and in any case at least 6 weeks prior to the required dates. Morning lessons tend to get booked up first and therefore we may only be able to offer afternoon classes within 6 weeks of departure. In some resorts English speaking instructors may not always be available, particularly at peak times.
Individual tuitions can only be purchased directly from the ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these.
Please note that prices are only an indication and are subject to change
Ski school Samoens contact numbers:
Ecole du Ski Francais Village +33 450 34 43 12
Ecole du Ski Français Samoens 1600 +33 450 34 40 86
| Ski School ESF Samoens 12/13 Lessons only (lift pass not included) | ||||
| Ski | Adults | 6-14 yrs | Ski Kindergarten 3-5yrs | |
| 6 half-days AM or PM* | £103 | £103 | £103 | |
| 6 days* | £184 | £184 | n/a | |
| Snowboard 6 half-days (10yrs+) ** | £118 | £118 | n/a | |
| *AFTERNOONS AND FULL DAY SESSIONS ONLY AVAILABLE AT PEAK DATES (23/12-5/1 + 17/2-16/3) SKI: Adults, Children & Piou Piou: 23/12-5/1 9.30-11.45 or 14.00-16.30; 6/1-16/2 + 17/3-21/4 Mornings ONLY 9.30-11.45 for Adults & Children, Mornings 9.30-11.45 or afternoons 14.00-16.30 (Jan/Feb) or 14.30-17.00 (Mar) or 13.30-16.00 (Apr) for Piou Piou (am + pm only for +5yrs); 17/2-16/3 10.00-12.15 or 15.00-17.15; PLEASE NOTE 1ST LESSON SUNDAY PM 14.00-16.30 from 6/1-16/2 and 17/3-31/3 **SNOWBOARD: Adults & Juniors (10 to 15 years old): 23/12-5/1: 14.00-16.30; NOT AVAILABLE 6/1-16/2; 17/2-16/3 15.00-17.15; 17/3-21/4 09.30 11.45 ALL TIMES TO BE CONFIRMED, SUBJECT TO CHANGES | ||||
| Please note that a booking fee of £9 per party will apply | ||||
Samoens Individual Tuitions
(11/12 prices, NOT pre-bookable)
| Duration | Cost | |
| 1-2 pers | 1hr | 34-39€ |
| 1-2 pers | 2hr | 66-78€ |
| 3-4 pers | 1hr | 49-60€ |
| 3-4 pers | 2hr | 88-118€ |
Activities
Mountain Restaurants in Grand Massif
Many located in Grand Massif.Cross Country in Grand Massif
80 km of marked trails in the Giffre valley, flowing between forest and valley right up to the fabulous Cirque du Fer à Cheval. From Samoëns to Sixt Fer à Cheval there are 46 km of marked ski trails and which are also equipped for the skating technique. For beginners there is the Glière sector (green - 2 km), Salvagny (blue - 5,2km), the Molliet (blue - 9,5 km), for those with a little more experience there is the 'loop of the Fer à Cheval' (16 km) or the long trail which links Samoëns to Sixt (27 km). The Col de Joux-Plaine sector (1700 m) has 30 km of trails (ski de fond/skating) and thanks to its high altitude, snow coverage is assured. The views from this sector are magnificent over the Mont Blanc mountain range and the Haut-Giffre valley. Prices 12/13: Day pass costs €7 and weekly pass €31 for adults. Children’s rates also available.Snowshoeing in Sixt
Several marked trails are set up for the practice of this activity. The guidebook is available at the tourist office at a price of € 5.50. Outings organized every winter to make you discover the mountain fauna, its adaptation to winter, learn to identify animal tracks ... Stéphane FERRAND: Tel: 04 50 89 56 47 / 06 26 97 59 54 s.ferrand@wanadoo.frOther Accommodation In: Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
Le Penoutlay
Chalet
Sleeps 6. Bedrooms: 3
Chalet Penoutlay is less than a mile from the village centre. The chair lift for the local Sixt domain (limited) is 100m away.
Chalet
Sleeps 6. Bedrooms: 3
Chalet Penoutlay is less than a mile from the village centre. The chair lift for the local Sixt domain (limited) is 100m away.
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