Samoens
Why Samoëns Ski Resort?
- Samoëns is linked to the huge Grand Massif ski area (265km)
- A pretty, undiscovered rural valley village
- Mostly flat village
- The village has a really good selection of restaurants
- Easy access from the motorway, train station or Geneva airport
Samoëns (Flaine Grand Massif) Information
Set amidst forest and nestling at the foot of the imposing mount Criou, the delightful resort of Samoëns has remained wonderfully unspoilt in spite of tourism development.
Samoëns has been elected by the readers of the Dauphiné Libéré as the 'most beautiful village' in Haute Savoie in 2021.
Despite some growth on the outskirts of the village, the many traditional-style bars and restaurants at Samoëns ski resort still give a feel for the 'real' rural ambience of France. Samoëns has a small traffic-free centre with narrow streets, an old stone fountain, a church, an ancient linden tree and many other traditional buildings. Each Wednesday there’s a market in the square.
At the heart of the picturesque Giffre Valley, the pretty village of Samoëns is only a 20-minute drive from the A40 motorway exit near the TGV train station of Cluses, and only 50km from Geneva - making your ski holidays in Samoëns easily accessible.
Although the altitude of the village in Samoëns is only around 700m (where our accommodation is), the ski area actually starts at Samoens 1600m on a plateau at the top of the Grand Massif Express gondola. There’s a super, large beginners’ area at Samoens 1600 which is ideal for those who are just starting out on skis and is perfect for families.
In the autumn of 2016, the Grand Massif ski area became the first ski area to be awarded the Green Globe certification for all its services including ski lifts, pistes.
Peak Retreats offers a range of Samoëns accommodation options. All of Samoëns' ski apartments have been hand-picked and are of a very high standard (3 & 4*), providing the ideal base for a Samoëns ski holiday.
Interested in buying an apartment in Samoëns? See our Buying in the Alps section.
Samoens ski area
Samoens is lift-linked to the Grand Massif ski area (4th largest ski area in France also including Les Carroz, Morillon and Flaine) and provides extensive skiing for all levels. Not many places offer such a wide variety of skiing, and very few have such fantastic panoramic views across to the magnificent Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps!
When it was built in 2003, the fast, high capacity eight-seater Grand Massif Express lift transformed the Samoëns ski area. Skiers can now access the ski area in less than 8 minutes - from the village (alt. 720m) to the beginners’ slopes and the bottom of the main pistes (1600m). The Chariande Express, a high-tech “high-capacity”, links the plateau at 1,600m to the Tête des Saix (2,120m) in only nine minutes. It’s the ideal and easy way to get to Flaine, Morillon and Les Carroz.
The Vercland 4-seater gondola was replaced by a new 10-seater gondola (in December 2020). It takes 7 minutes to reach Samoens 1600.
The slopes above Samoëns face due North, so above 1600m the snow is fairly reliable. Thanks to its geographical location, the Grand Massif enjoys abundant, regular snowfalls throughout the season, and the area is well known for its snow quality in spring. Some 80% of the slopes are north-facing, allowing the snow to lie for longer and remain in good condition.
- For Flaine, see details with our sister company Ski Collection
Additional ski fact info, main ski info in resort facts box at top of page (21/22):
Grand Massif ski area comprises of the resorts of Flaine, Samoens, Morillon, Les Carroz d'Araches and Sixt fer a Cheval. The largest lift pass covers the whole area and piste numbers can be found in the facts box at top of this page. You can also buy smaller area passes that cover all resorts except Flaine called 'Vill4ges' and then Samoens local area.
Vill4ges area (all of above exc. Flaine)
145km of pistes, 38 lifts (16 draglift, 17 chairlift, 4 gondola), 75 slopes:
Green slopes: 14
Blue slopes: 33
Red slopes: 22
Black slopes: 6
Samoens local area
12 lifts (2 gondola, 4 chairlift, 5 draglift, 1 carpet), 36 slopes:
Green slopes: 6
Blue slopes: 11
Red slopes: 16
Black slopes: 3
Samoens skiing info
SAMOENS BEGINNERS
The 'Septimontain' ski area at Samoens is one of the largest beginner areas in Haute-Savoie. It includes:
- 1 gondola, ideal to avoid the apprehension of the first downhill run on the chairlift or the ascent on the ski lift,
- 1 family-oriented area with children’s garden, leisure area and sledging slope,
- 7 easy ski lifts,
- 1 covered carpet to go up the slopes,
- 1 Septisnake and ZiZiPanPan’s Myzterious Forest for beginners’ fun,
- 1 special beginner’s ski pass (bought locally)
The area for beginners is separated from the other sectors of the resort 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.
SAMOENS INTERMEDIATES
Intermediates will enjoy the plentiful red pistes and one can easily move around the mountain on the modern, large lift network.
Not to be missed! Les Cascades run - this famous 14km piste takes you from the summit of Les Grandes Platières at 2,500m down to the village of Sixt Fer a Cheval, 900m further down the mountainside. A great descent through Alpine meadows and forests on one of the finest pistes in the Alps - on the edge of the Sixt Fer-à-Cheval Nature Reserve where it’s not unusual to come across mountain goats - fourteen kilometres of quiet surroundings and breathtaking landscapes! To get back to Samoens, you need to take the shuttle bus. The piste is only one way.
SAMOENS EXPERTS
There’s also more testing terrain for the more advanced: 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’s also extensive off-piste.
SAMOENS SKI TOURING
The Grand Massif is now proposing for 2022 6 new signposted itineraries. From 60 to 800 metres height difference, there are routes for all preferences and all levels! These itineraries allow you to go up without using the ski lifts and slopes and to come down on the open, safe and groomed downhill slopes.
SAMOENS RESORT RUNS
Although you can’t actually ski back to Samoens village from Samoens 1600, you can ski down to Vercland near Samoens Village using the Grand Cret red piste - where the new Verlcand gondola has been built between Samoens and Morillon. From Vercland there’s a free shuttle bus back to Samoens village just down the road. You can also ski back down to Morillon village on the Diona blue piste, and again catch the shuttle bus back to nearby Samoëns village.
Please note: in early or late season, ski back to resort depends on snow conditions
SAMOENS CAR PARKING
There’s free parking at the Grand Massif Express gondola, so taking your car is easy. And with 800 spaces you shouldn’t have a problem finding somewhere to park. However please be aware that the Grand Massif Express car park is not accessible for vehicles over 2.40m in height. So take care if your skis are stored vertically on your vehicle!
Samoens Ski Hire
Pre-book your Samoens ski hire with Peak Retreats.
To download the ski extras form, see 'Helpful links' further down the page.
Please note, these Pound Sterling prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.
Special offers: *7 days for the price of 6. Free Skis/snowboard & boots (Blue/Red) for party leaders of groups of 10 or more all taking equipment. 1 Free helmet per child aged 6 and under for every adult booking skis or snowboards & boots (must be under same booking reference and requested on form above). Other duration prices on request - Cross Country ski prices on request.
Find out more about Peak Retreats ski hire
Samoens Lift Passes
Pre-book your Samoens lift passes with Peak Retreats. Find out more about Peak Retreats ski passes
To download the ski extras form, see 'Helpful links' further down the page.
Please note, these Pound Sterling prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.
Other lift pass on offer (to buy locally in resort in Euros):
Vill4ges ski pass (Massif, excludes Flaine) – ½ day and daily rates 2019/20:
4 consecutive hours - €29.70 children, €39.40 adults
Day - €33 children, €44 adults
Grand Massif ski pass – ½ day and daily rates 2019/20:
4 consecutive hours - €32.80 children, €43.70 adults
Day - €36.40 children, €48.50 adults
Samoens 1600 beginners pass 2019/20:
4 consecutive hours - €17.60 children, €23.40 adults
Day - €19.50 children, €26 adults
Samoëns Ski School
Pre-book your Samoëns ski school with Peak Retreats. Find out more about Peak Retreats ski school.
Ski school for children is available to book from 3 to 12 years in Samoëns, with Peak Retreats. 3 to 5 year olds will go into the Ski Kindergarten lessons. Children can learn to snowboard from 10 years+.
For ski school times and prices, please download the ski extras form from the 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note these are just guiding prices. Please call us for the latest prices.
Please note that lesson times are subject to change right until the last minute - you will be advised. Outside French school holidays the ski school reserves the right to cancel group lessons should numbers be insufficient. For peak periods - Christmas, New Year, February half-term and Easter - 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.
We cannot always guarantee that prices will be cheaper than in resort. When ski packs prices are calculated, the currency is bought at the exchange rates that apply at the time. You can be assured that once you have booked your extras, if the pound depreciates, you will not be charged more for your ski packs, enabling you to budget for your holiday in advance.
Samoëns private lessons 19/20 (not pre-bookable, book direct):
1hr: 1-2 pers - €46, 3-4 pers - €71
1hr30: 1-2 pers - €70, 3-4 pers - €107
2hrs: 1-2 pers - €94, 3-4 pers - €143
3hrs: 1-2 pers - €141
4hrs: 1-2 pers - €188
Meeting point is at Samoens 1600m, at the arrival of the Grand Massif Express.
Ski school Samoëns contact numbers for private lessons:
Ecole du Ski Francais Samoens: 0033 450 34 43 12
info@esfsamoens.com
Samoëns Child Care
Samoens resort does not have a creche any longer for childcare. For under 6's, the only option is by taking ski lessons with the ESF ski kindergarten (for ages 3-5, but it is just lessons, no before or aftercare). This is pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. There is no option for childcare without skiing at any age.
Top winter activities to experience in Samoëns!
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable
Snowsport activities:
Cross country skiing - Joux plane pass
Cross country skiing in the heart of the magnificent scenery of the Joux Plane pass. The Nordic ski in Joux Plane will now be open all the winter season (even when the Nordic ski in the valley is open).
The Joux Plane pass, situated at an altitude of 1,700 m, guarantees good skiing conditions when there is not enough snow in the valley. The clearly marked tracks in this exceptional site offer superb views of the Giffre Valley and Mont Blanc.
Cross country skiing in the giffre valley
Cross country skiing in the heart of the Giffre Valley, from Samoëns to Sixt Fer à Cheval.
The site in the valley, on the banks of the Giffre, offers 43 km of tracks that are also suitable for skating. The Haut Giffre circuits are very popular with cross country skiers. Blending perfectly into the landscape, the tracks «Lac bleu» (0,5km), «Lacs aux Dames» (1,5km), «Bois de l’Etelley» (4km), «la Glière» (2,5km) and «le Molliet» (2,7km) are suitable for beginners, while the Fer à Cheval (10 km), and the return to Samoëns (2.5km and 3.5km) will appeal to more experienced skiers.
Snow Tubing on the Samoens 1600 plateau
Every day according to the ski lift timetables.
Night skiing
Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 8pm Jan-March on the Demoiselle chairlift and the Vercland gondola.
Dog sledging
Experience the joys of a ride in a dog sledge driven by a musher. Pulled along by the dogs, you'll discover the snow-covered scenery of the Upper Giffre Valley. Available once a week only. Advanced booking strongly recommended.
Meet the dogs from northern climes and admire their determination and hard work.
The dogs will take you through the snow-bound scenery of the Upper Giffre Valley.
Two persons per sledge (plus one or two children, depending on age).
This trail ride lasts for 20 to 30 minutes and, depending on snow conditions, takes place in Samoëns or Sixt Fer à Cheval. (You must have a car)
Snowshoe outings and treks
Discover the best tracks in the valley with professionals who have extensive knowledge of the environment. Equipment and transport supplied.
Nordic walking
A technique that stimulates cardiovascular activity without putting pressure on any one part of the body. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere and physical activity that can be carried out on all types of terrain.
Ice climbing
Discover the unique sport of climbing frozen waterfalls with one of our experienced and enthusiastic guides. Frozen waterfalls offer a host of icy ascents. Climbing them is a subtle exercise in mastering apparently fragile structures. Being smart, saving your energy and planning your route are the golden rules of ice climbing. But beyond the technical aspects, which are quickly acquired, spending a day in a timeless, unreal world makes ice fall climbing an unforgettable experience. Ice climbing is also excellent preparation for winter mountaineering and remains accessible, as long as you do not start off with stalactites, columns and other vertical frozen forms.
Snowmobiles at night
Enjoy driving a snowmobile on the Grand Massif pistes and forest with a guide. One hour drive with a briefing. Tracks amongst pistes and forests, stop at the top of Les Carroz to enjoy a great viewpoint on the Grand Massif ski resorts and valleys. We suggest "Caribou" for one driver and one passenger, the "Prestige" for one driver only longer and more difficult or the "Passenger" one passenger behind the guide.
Guided ski touring
Get away from the crowded pistes and into an untouched winter wilderness where ski passes aren't necessary. You'll earn your fresh tracks every time!
Off-piste tuition and guidance
Improve your off-piste technique with an expert English speaking instructor while exploring the Grand Massif’s hidden powder spots.
Tobogganing at the fer à cheval
A toboggan run for the pleasure of children and parents. Accessible if there is enough snow and only during the opening period of the Fer à Cheval nordic ski area.
Tobogganing at Joux Plane
A toboggan run on a south-facing slope a few kilometres from the centre of the village, on the Joux Plane cross-country skiing area.
Artificial ice rink
Enjoy some fun with family or friends and discover the pleasures of skating on this new ice rink (56mx26m) with bleachers (450 seats). Covered outdoor ice rink. Play and learning equipment (chairs, walking frames, cones, a penguin, etc.) is provided free of charge, to enable even children who are complete beginners to move around on the ice.
Luge (mountain coaster)
Opened December 2018 in Les Carroz! Riders from 3 years old (under 9's must be accompanied by an adult). Departure is at the bottom of the Kedeuze telecabine. Open from 3pm-7pm daily.
Other activities:
Septitrain tourist train
Guided tour of the village in the « Septitrain ». A fun and original way to discover Samoëns. Let the Septitrain take you on a trip round Samoëns at a gentle pace on an unusual and friendly guided tour. From December-April.
E-fat bike outing
In the idyllic setting of the Giffre valley, come and discover the unique experience on an e-fat bike accompanied with a graduated guide. E-fat bike rental, helmet and protection for shoes included.
Paragliding
Accompanied by a fully-qualified instructor, enjoy a tandem paragliding flight. A once-in-a-lifetime experience, not to be missed! From 4 years old.
Please note: All the above information is for information only. For the most up-to-date information please visit the resort tourist office website. All prices for activities are in local currency (€ Euros) and are bookable and payable locally in resort.
Samoëns Tourist Office
BP 42 - 74340 Samoëns
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 34 40 28 - infos@samoens.com
www.samoens.com
Read about Samoens on www.mountainpassions.com
Samoens/Grand Massif Resort News & Events 2021/22
News:
- Investment - in Samoëns and Morillon, a 600,000€ grant went towards installing 60 snow cannons on the 2 new pistes in the Coulouvrier bowl. In Flaine, a second grant of 600,000€ went towards integrating the 110,000m2 Veret mountains reservoir into the landscape
- 2 new pistes - the Coulouvrier Bowl had two slopes categorised as red: "Paccoty" on the Morillon side, running from the top of the Biollaires chairlift down to the bottom of the Coulouvrier chairlift and "Corne" on the Samoëns side, from the "Marmotte" piste as far as the intersection with "Paccoty".
- Vercland gondola has been replaced by a new gondola for December 2020.
- Catered chalet experience - we can arrange a private chef for the week in Chalet Arnica. From dinner on your day of arrival to breakfast on your day of departure, you’ll be able to enjoy French and Savoyard inspired cuisine and crowd-pleasing classics!
- Snow Tubing on the Samoens 1600 plateau - every day according to the ski lift timetables
- Night skiing - Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 8pm Jan-March on the Demoiselle chairlift and the Vercland gondola
Events:
- Christmas Celebration - 21st December-2nd January 2022 - celebrate Christmas in the fairytale atmosphere of the Christmas chalets in the heart of the village of Samoëns. The village square is turned into a Christmas Village where chalets, run by local associations and traders, are set up. Children can see Father Christmas, take part in the entertainment or listen to the quiet, gentle voice of the storyteller while their parents enjoy doughnuts and hot chocolate or hot wine, as they stroll from one chalet to another.
- Samoens Telemark Word Cup - 13th-15th January 2022 - on the piste de la Marmotte. The Telemark World Cup takes place in Samoëns for the first date of the 2022 season, with the best athletes from around the world who will compete over 2 days for sprint events. Ski tests and activities for everyone.
- The Great Odyssey Savoie Mont Blanc - 18th-19th January 2022 - Created in 2005, La Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont Blanc is an exceptional international dog sled race in the world of great racing. Samoëns will host the opening ceremony to launch this beautiful event.
- The French winter swimming championship - 27th-30th January 2022 - Base de loisirs du lac aux Dames - The French Swimming Federation, the Club Nautique du Haut-Giffre and the municipality of Samoëns are pleased to invite you to the third edition of the French Ice Water Swimming Championship.
- The Samoëns Paragliding Testival - 8th-10th April 2022 - Base de loisirs du lac aux Dames - For a whole weekend, paragliding lovers will be able to test equipment with the advice of some twenty brands present.
Check the Samoens tourist office website for more exciting news: www.samoens.com
Samoëns Après-Ski, Bars & Restaurants
In Samoëns there are over 30 Restaurants, 15 bars, and a tearoom.
Samoëns Amenities
Samoëns features a range of amenities including cash points, doctors, Carrefour & Sherpa supermarkets, 2 pharmacies, physiotherapists, bakeries, butcher, shoe shop, sweet shop, regional products, hairdressers, tea room, Intersport, Vet (Delacoste Magalie 0033 450 34 44 93), library, health and beauty parlour.
Market is on Wednesday mornings.
Mini Supermarkets in Samoens
PETIT CASINO
14, grande rue
0033 4 50 34 17 12
SHERPA Villa Monette
224 rue des Billets
0033 4 50 53 43 50
Large supermarkets in Samoens
CARREFOUR MARKET
1356, rte de Taninges Les Sages
0033 4 50 34 97 77
Getting to Samoëns, France
By Road:
Driving distance from Calais 540 miles (approx 7hrs35)
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.
It takes approximately 20 minutes from the motorway exit to Samoens.
It’s all motorway apart from the last 12 miles (20km).
By Rail:
There are easy rail connections from European cities, linking to France’s high speed TGV train service. The nearest station to Samoëns is 12 miles (20 km) away at Cluses. See more: sncf.com
From Cluses to Samoëns private transfers – from £58 per person return based on 4 people sharing. Prebookable via Peak Retreats.
Airports:
Geneva to Samoëns is 67km (1 hour)
gva.ch
Chambery Airport is 117km from Samoëns (1 ½ hours)
chambery-airport.com
Grenoble Airport is 204km from Samoëns (2 hours)
grenoble-airport.com
Lyon to Samoëns is 204km (2 hours)
lyonaeroports.com
Public shuttle bus transfers from airport:
Geneva Airport - Samoëns via Annemasse
Resort Shuttle Bus in Samoëns
Free shuttle service every 20 minutes taking skiers and pedestrians with their ski pass from the village to the Grand Massif Express and Vercland ski lifts.
- Red line: Morillon lift - Vercland lift - Samoëns Grand Massif Express lift - Sixt Fer à Cheval - Salvagny lift.
- Pink line: Verchaix Chef-Lieu - Morillon - Samoëns Grand Massif Express lift - Morillon lift.
- Green line: Sixt Fer à Cheval (Cascades bar) - Samoëns Grand massif Express lift - Morillon lift.
- Blue line: Les Beules - Samoëns Grand massif Express lift.
- Yellow line: Le Bérouze - Place des Sept Monts - Samoëns Tourist Office - Samoëns Grand Massif Express lift.
Parking for the Samoëns lift system
Free parking at the Grand Massif Express gondola car park. Also free parking at Vercland. The car park is 3 km from the village centre, at the foot of the 4-seater Vercland ski lift (only open in the winter) that takes just 10 minutes to reach Samoens 1600.
Samoëns Airport Transfer
For pre-bookable private transfer rates with Peak Retreats, view here.
Samoëns Opening Dates
The Grand Massif ski area (Samoens, Morillon, Flaine, Les Carroz) is open: 18/12/21 - 18/04/22
