Top summer activities to experience in Samoens
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable. For more information about pricing and availability, please contact the Samoens Tourist Office on 0033 450 34 15 49 or visit www.samoens.com
Market in Samoëns
The village welcomes one of the biggest market of Haute-Savoie. Every Wednesday morning from 7am to 1pm.
Samoëns Indiana Parc
Forest assault course: the biggest forest adventure assault course in the region, 'for ages 2 to 102! Experience hours of escapist adventures and overcome obstacles. Footbridges, ladders, zip-lines (Tyroleans). Be an adventurer and experience a forest environment in complete safety.
Samoens Little Train
Let the Septitrain take you on a trip round Samoëns at a gentle pace on an unusual and friendly guided tour. Guaranteed departure with at least 15 people. There are two tours, one lasting 30 mins or the full tour of 45 mins (10kms ). Both tours start in the town centre from either the main square or from behind the Tourist Office.
Samoens e-bikes
Discover the new Giant e-bikes range. Rental of semi-rigid bikes or full-suspension bikes.
Samoëns Mountain Biking
Take advantage of the many chairlifts that operate during the summer months in Samoëns. Discover 188km /117 miles of mountain bike itineraries on the area of Upper Giffre Valley. 64kms link Samoens, Morillon, Sixt and Verchaix.
For beginners and those looking to perfect their technique, mountain biking schools are available in Samoëns (try http://www.xtremeglisses-samoens.com as an example).
In the middle of the Alps, near the Portes du Soleil domain, 28 downhill MTB tracks await you. These freeride single tracks are made in the respect of nature and terrain. Fun, technical, these tracks go from the woods to crossing streams, grass fields, footbridges...
You're bound to enjoy an adrenalin rush with a 1,400-metre drop in altitude between the Tête de Saix and Samoëns or Morillon (the lowest points in the biking area) with a choice of black, red or blue runs. Recommended for children over ten years old only - the pistes are quite long and can be tiring for younger ages.
The Samoëns MTB tracks were recently dubbed "the jewel of the Alps" by Big Bike Magazine.
Grand Massif Walks
Thanks to the opening of the mountain lifts this summer, you can go walking with your family and discover some breathtaking panoramic views. Looking for ideas for easy walks in constantly-changing scenery? Leaving Samoëns behind, you can get a wonderful view of Mont-Blanc from the Tête des Saix. From there, head for La Combe de Gers with its lake and restaurant, then return to Samoëns or Sixt Fer-à-Cheval.
Samoens Water Activities
The Giffre river flows around and through Samoëns, offering a range of rafting options. Descend the river on inflatable 8-place rafts with the family. Adventure seekers battle the rapids on canoe-rafts, which are unsinkable dual-place rafts for those 12 years and over. Those in search of a solo descent enjoy the independence of “airboating” in an inflatable single-place canoe. Hydrospeed is a fantastic addition to the world of white water sports. You float down a river on your own with the help of a bodyboard, in and amongst the rapids, so the feeling is totally different! For a fresh, adventure-filled outing, you can combine rock climbing, caving and hiking in one single sport - canyoning! With the help of an expert guide you’ll jump, slide, swim and abseil down a natural canyon, filled with waterfalls and fun. Have you always wanted to try water skiing? On a private lake not far from the village, you can try slalom water skiing amongst experts.
Samoens leisure centre and lake
10 hectares of parkland, a few minutes walk from the heart of the village, Samoëns’ leisure centre at the “Lacs aux Dames” is the place to be for families. Around the two “Dames” lakes, you can always find a shady spot to escape the sun’s heat, while the children go wild in the specially designed play area. An enclosed area just for young children means they can go at their own speed while you watch on. Nearby, the swimming complex has a fun children’s pool.
Samoëns Via Ferrata
The Via Ferrata is an activity that lies somewhere between walking and rock climbing; there are horizontal and vertical assents. The routes are equipped with cables and metal ladders which make the route a little easier, although it can remain demanding.
Samoëns Swimming pool
Open-air swimming pool in the exceptional surroundings of the leisure centre, with a magnificent panoramic view of the mountains around Samoëns.
A sports pool, and a beginners' pool, each measuring 25 x 12.5 metres, a paddling pool covering 50 sq. m and a 60-metre slide!! 6,000 sq. m of lawns, plus an area for ball games (volleyball, football, tennis) where your children are free to play.
Canyoning
Come and refresh in a path dug by nature. A hint of adventure, sensations and fun to travel during the activity.
Samoëns Fishing
In Samoëns fishing is FREE at the Lac aux Dames for resident holidaymakers.
Samoëns Tennis
Tennis Club Samoëns - court hire and tennis lessons
The Jaysinia Botanical Garden
The garden, which was created in 1906 by Marie- Louise Cognacq-Jaÿ, is sculpted into an area of 3 hectares on a mountainous outcrop overlooking the village. Water features and waterfalls, magnificent trees and leafy glades, ruins of the Tornalta castle (XV111th century), 8,000 plants from mountains the world over. This garden is managed jointly by the Cognacq- Jaÿ Foundation, Samoëns Town Council and the National Natural History Museum under the responsibility of the botanic and wildlife gardens department.