Samoens
Samoens is linked with the massive Grand Massif (Les Carroz, Morillon and Flaine) and provides extensive skiing for all levels with virtually no queues. 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!
Additional ski fact info, main ski info in resort facts box at top of page.
Massif (all of above exc. Flaine)
145km of pistes, 45 lifts, 81 slopes:
Green slopes: 11
Blue slopes: 38
Red slopes: 23
Black slopes: 9
254 snow cannons & 1 snow park
SAMOENS SKI AREA
Samoëns is a charming little Alpine village linked to the large Grand Massif ski area - so you really do get the best of both worlds.
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 Grand Massif in less than eight minutes - from the village (alt. 720 m) to the beginners’ slopes and the bottom of the main pistes (1,600 m). The Chariande Express, a high-tech “high-capacity” chairlift, which opened last winter, links the plateau to the Tête des Saix (2,120 metres) in only nine minutes. It’s the ideal and easy way to get to Flaine, Morillon and Les Carroz d’Arâches.
The slopes above Samoëns face due north, so above 1600 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.
SAMOENS BEGINNERS
Skiing in Samoens couldn’t be easier, with an excellent nursery slope area at Samoens 1600 for beginners to practise on with seven lifts and a new travellator (moving walkway) to get the little ones to the top of the kindergarten slopes. The beginners’ area is separated from the other slopes – a clever idea to enable beginners to practise in complete safety, and avoid having skiers with different levels of experience sharing 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 as they negotiate the travelator and the baby slopes.
The “Septi Snake”, on a green piste, is an easy slalom to learn on and have fun in the process. And just to the side of the piste, there are three “freestyle” features you can try!
New for 2015 are special child-friendly seats on the beginner chairlift. These can be identified by the red cushion seats designed specifically for young skiers. This helps lift operators to spot them and help them on and off as the youngsters learn how the chairlift works. There’s also a special restraining bar extension which prevents the little ones from slipping under the normal chairlift bar, offering parents peace of mind.
Also new for young adventurers, the hidden fun zone La Forêt Myztérieuze de ZiziPanpan (ZiziPanPan’s Mysterious Forest) now includes a mini-zipline!
SAMOENS INTERMEDIATES
Intermediates and boarders will enjoy the 49 red pistes and 15 black pistes they’ll find on the Grand Massif’s extensive intermediate slopes and big lift networks.
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.
SKIING BACK TO THE RESORT
Although you can’t actually ski back to Samoens village from Samoens 1600, you can ski down to Vercland - using the ‘Velarge’ red run or ‘Grand Cret’ black run - to the old Saix gondola 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’ red run, and again catch the shuttle bus back to nearby Samoëns village.
The Les Cascades run - this 14 km piste takes you from the summit of Les Grandes Platières at 2,500m down to the village of Sixt 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!
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 2.40 m in height. So take care if your skis are stored vertically on your vehicle!
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Samoens Opening Dates
The Grand Massif ski area (Samoens, Morillon, Flaine, Les Carroz, Sixt a fer Cheval) is open: Saturday 22/12/18 – Monday 22/04/19.
Partial opening: 15/12/18.
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Samoens Ski Hire
Pre-book your Samoens ski hire with Peak Retreats.
View here for pre-bookable ski extra prices in £ for Samoens 2018/19
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
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Samoens Lift Passes
Pre-book your Samoens lift passes with Peak Retreats. Find out more about Peak Retreats ski passes
View here for pre-bookable ski extra prices in £ for Samoens 2018/19
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):
Massif ski pass – ½ day and daily rates 2016/17:
4 consecutive hours - €27.70 children, €36.90 adults
Day - €30.80 children, €41 adults
Grand Massif ski pass – ½ day and daily rates 2016/17:
4 consecutive hours - €31.40 children, €41.90 adults
Day - €34.90 children, €46.50 adults
Samoens beginners passes 2016/17:
2 trips on Grand Massif Express or Saix gondola, drags - pendant, chateau, char, babuches, chairlifts - damoiseaux and demoiselles.
Day: adult - €24.40, child 5-15yrs - €18.30
1/2 day: adult - €22, child 5-15yrs - €16.50
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Samoens Ski School
Pre-book your Samoens ski school with Peak Retreats. Find out more about Peak Retreats ski school.
Ski school for children is available to book from 3 years to 12 years, in Samoens, with Peak Retreats. 3-5 year olds will go into the Ski Kindergarten lessons.
View here for pre-bookable ski extra prices in £ for Samoens 2018/19
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.
Ski School: Please note that 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 (22/12-4/1, 9/2-8/3 & 6/4-26/4) 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.
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.
Samoens Individual Tuition (17/18 prices, NOT pre-bookable)
Individual tuitions can only be purchased directly from the ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these.
Around €40-45 per hour for 1-2 people.
Please note that prices are only an indication and are subject to change
Ski school Samoens contact numbers for private lessons:
Ecole du Ski Francais Village +33 450 34 43 12
info@esfsamoens.com
Ecole du Ski Français Samoens 1600 +33 450 34 40 86
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Samoens Child Care
Kindergarten the Loupiots Tel: +33 4 50 34 13 96
The Loupiots kindergarten welcomes your children in Sameons aged between 3 years and 6 years (before the date of their 6th birthday) (several activity rooms, dormitories, a co-ordination skills room, garden…). Pre-booking is strongly recommended.
Open from 18/12/16 to 28/04/17 except Saturdays from 8am-6pm.
Tel. 0033 450 341 396 - garderiedesloupiots@orange.fr
www.lesloupiots-samoens.com
Please note that prices are only an indication and are subject to change.
Prices 2016/17:
Day with meal from 43 - 50 €
1/2 day morning plus meal (8h30 - 12h30) or 1/2 day afternoon (13h - 18h) from 28 - 32 €
1/2 day afternoon with meal (11h30 - 18h) from 34 - 38 €
1/2 day morning with meal (8h30 - 12h30) + taken to afternoon ski school or 1/2 day afternoon plus meal (11h30 - 18h) + picked up from morning ski school from 36 - 40 €
6 days with meal (8h30 - 18h) from 246 - 276 €
6 1/2 day morning plus meal (8h30 - 12h30) or 6 1/2 day afternoon (13h - 18h) from 144 - 168 €
6 1/2 afternoon with meal (11h30 - 18h) from 186 - 210 €
6 1/2 day morning with meals (8h30 - 12h30) + + taken to afternoon ski school or 6 1/2 day afternoon plus meal (13h - 18h) + picked up from morning ski school from 198 - 222 €
To receive the application forms please give your address and phone number.
Between 11 am and 1 pm they don't give any information on the phone in order not to disturb the children.
Please send the following information for each child:
- Family name and Given name
- Date of birth
- The formula of your choice - The first and the last day your child will come to the kindergarden
The payment is required on the first day of the service. Only cash is accepted.
If you need additional information please do not hesitate to come to the kindergarten : the information office is open every Saturday from 9 to 11 am and 2 to 6 pm.
IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER
Please don't forget to send an e-mail confirming your reservation one week before the service. The payment is required on the first day of the service. Only cash is accepted.
Please don't forget to inform them in case your child is taking ski lessons. Providing the following information whether your child come to the kindergarden in the morning or in the afternoon.
Baby changing
• At the Tourist Office Place de l’autogare. Free of charge
• At the Grand Massif Express cablecar. Free of charge
• At Samoëns 1600. Free of charge
Baby equipment hire
PELLISSIER SPORTS TWINNER - 47, Grande rue
+33 (0)4 50 34 18 81
NEIGE ET MONTAGNE - Rue de la Gare
+33 0)4 50 34 40 90
J’AIME SPORT - La Cour
+33 (0)4 50 34 98 20
Maison des P'tits montagnards
Sameons is one of the few resorts to have a place for parents and children aged between 18 months and 6 years old to go together.
Booking is required before noon, at the Tourist Office. Free entrance.
NEW! Family Plus Playground
New playground for 3-6yrs, near to the toboggan run. Make up workshop, storytime, fun and games etc. FREE.
Children’s Ski Lessons in Samoens
Children can ski from 3 years old in Samoens with ESF Samoens.
Peak Retreats can pre-book this. See here for details on Samoens Ski School.
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Skiing Samoens: Activities
Mountain restaurants in Grand Massif
9 mountain restaurants in Samoens Flaine Grand Massif including:
Au Pre d’Oscar (sunny, 360 view)
Chalet l’Aero (panoramic view of Giffre Valley)
Gite du Lac de Gers
La Luge a Teran
L’Igloo (Morillon)
La Relais des Vallees (Joux Plane)
Le Tremplin
Lou Caboens
Cross-country in Grand Massif
The site in the valley, on the banks of the Giffre, offers 46 km of tracks that are also suitable for skating.
The Haut Giffre circuits are popular with cross country skiers.
• the tracks in the Glière sector (2 km) and the Salvagny sector (5 km) are suitable for beginners, while the Fer à Cheval (16 km), Molliet (9 km) circuits & the return to Samoens (10 km) will appeal to more experienced skiers.
• Joux Plane pass, situated at an altitude of 1,700 m, guarantees good skiing conditions when there is not enough snow in the valley. Open only when the site in the valley is closed.
Shuttle buses run between Samoens and the Col de Joux Plane.
Tel: +33 4 50 34 13 79
Terrain Parks in Samoens and Grand Massif
JamPark Pro is in Flaine and is the main park. Has a quarter-pipe, tables, rails, a boardercross course and chill-out zone.
There is a tiny kids’ park in Samoens, a boardercross course in Les Carroz and another kids’ park, JamPark Kids, with a boardercross on the Morillon side.
Skidoos in Samoens
Outing with a qualified guide over a signposted route close to the downhill ski runs. Suitable for all levels. No licence required.
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 34 40 84
Speed riding in Samoens
PÉGASE AIR SAMOËNS
This new sport is a specific form of paragliding. It is done on snow only and it consists of flying along a slope equipped with a pair of skis, a saddle and a small, easily-controlled wing.
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 34 95 80- www.parapente-samoens.com
Heli Skiing in Samoens
Bureau des Guides / French Ski School
28, place de l’Offi ce du Tourisme
+33 (0)4 50 34 43 12
www.guidesmontagnes.com
Ski Touring in Samoens
Bureau des Guides
28, place de l’Office du Tourisme
+33 (0)4 50 34 43 12
www.guidesmontagnes.com
Sledging (free) in Samoens
• Tobogganing at Samoëns 1600 m
You can go tobogganing on the Plateau des Saix at Samoens 1600 m.
• Tobogganing in Samoens village
No need to go higher up the mountain to enjoy a sledging run.
• Tobogganing at Joux Plane
A toboggan run on a south-facing slope a few kilometres from the centre of Samoens village, on the Joux Plane cross-country skiing area.
Slope open when there is not enough snow in Samoens village.
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Resort Activities
In Samoens there is Snowshoeing, archery, dogsledging, paragliding, climbing (indoor wall and natural site), ice climbing (on ice waterfalls), ice-skating (600m2covered ice-rinks), horse-riding, under-ice diving, helicopter excursions, potholing…
Samoens Ice Rink
A bigger new ice skating rink for 15/16 - Opening on November 2015
Samoëns ice skating rink has undergone a makeover and will look fresh and new when it reopens for winter 2015/16. The whole family will enjoy the thrills of outdoor ice skating on a spacious 56x26m new rink with a view over the mountains.
Samoens Leisure centre
A brand new space dedicated in the village for the whole family: 6 runs of bowlings (6 bowling lanes), playground area, bar restaurant dancing etc.
Samoens Ski Mountaineering
From December to May, ski mountaineering is one of the finest ways of conquering the peaks.
Mountain Guides Office Samoens
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 34 43 12
www.guidesmontagnes.com
Samoens Ice climbing
Bureau des Guides / French Ski School
28, Place de l’Offi ce du Tourisme
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 34 43 12
www.guidesmontagnes.com
Snow shoeing in Samoens
Half-day or full-day snowshoe outing in Samoens.
• Moonlit outings ending with a typical Savoie meal (fondue, potato bougnettes).
• Torchlight descents.
• Special-interest outings to learn about orienteering, snow cover, animal tracks and landscapes.
• Excursions over several days living life at the mountain’s own speed and sleeping in mountain huts.
Bureau des Guides
28 place de l’Offi ce de Tourisme
+33 (0)4 50 34 43 12
www.guidesmontagnes.com
Maiden flights in a helicopter from Samoens
Mont-Blanc Helicopteres
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 92 78 00 or +33 (0)4 50 74 22 44
www.mbh.fr
Samoens Paragliding
Twin-seat gliders are the best way of learning the basics of paragliding.
Pégase Air Samoëns - Tel. +33 (0)4 50 34 95 80
www.parapente-samoens.com
Samoens Cinema - Le Criou
Open during the season. 3 shows per day. Few films in original version.
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 34 41 40
Samoens Dog sledding
Ride in a sled driven by a musher. Booking is recommended.
Place du Criou
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 96 64 19 - nordic.hg@orange.fr
Samoens Nordic walking
Nordic walking involves walking with a specific type of stick with Bureau des Guides.
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 34 43 12
www.guidesmontagnes.com
Samoens Afghan Walking
Match your breathing to your stride for an invigorating form of walking.
Samoens Outing in horse-drawn carriage
Rides through Samoens in a horse-drawn carriage.
SARL Chevrot
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 25 84 41
Samoens Septi-Train
Guided tours leaving from Church square. Tour of the master cheesemakers’ cellars - Booking compulsory is necessary.
Place du Gros Tilleul
Tel. +33 (0)6 10 40 83 08 - septiloisirs@aol.com
Samoens Internet café
Internet Café with computers and wireless access.
68, place du Gros Tilleul
+33 (0)4 50 18 01 12
www.webcafesamoens.fr
Samoens 1600 tobagganing
Open daily (From 10 am to 5 pm).
Enjoy the thrills of tobogganing in an area covering more than 1,000m² at Samoëns 1600m.
A sledging run has been built at an altitude of 1600 metres at the Ski domain for beginners. It is easy to reach and it gives your children a risk-free opportunity to enjoy all the pleasures of sledging. The run, built on a mound of artificial snow, is 30 metres in length and 10 metres wide. FREE.
Other areas:
In the village Place de la gare. Free of charge
At Joux Plane (when the road is open). Free of charge
Samoens Market
The village is welcoming one of the biggest market of Haute Savoie every Wednesday morning from 7 am to 1 pm.
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.
Samoens 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
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Samoens Après-Ski, Bars & Restaurants
In Samoens there are 30 Restaurants, 15 bars & a tearoom, cinema, shops.
Samoens Restaurants
AU RELAIS SEPTIMONTAIN
10, place des sept monts
+33 (0)4 50 34 42 19
www.relaisseptimontain.com
AUX BECS À FLEU
Route de la Piaz
+33 (0)4 50 54 40 68
FERME DUNOYER
+33 (0)4 50 34 91 61
LA CLARINE
Avenue CognacqJaÿ
+33 (0)4 50 34 40 11
FERME RESTAURANT L’ACCUEIL SAVOYARD
Les Mouilles
+33 (0)4 50 34 41 86
www.accueilsavoyard.com
LA LOUISIANE
Rue des Billets
+33 (0)4 50 34 42 83
lalouise@orange.fr
LA TABLE DE FIFINE
Les Billets 612
chem. de la cour
+33 (0)4 50 34 10 29
www.latabledefifine.com
LE BOIS DE LUNE
132, route de Taninges
+33 (0)4 50 34 18 02
www.boisdelunesamoens.com
LE MONDE À L’ENVERS
Place du Criou
+33 (0)4 50 34 19 36
www.boogieandko.com
LE SÉRAC
Galerie des dents blanches
+33 (0)4 50 34 45 18
yeopesty66is@gmail.com
MELTING SPOT
(CAFÉ DE LA POSTE)
Place du Criou
+33 (0)4 57 44 66 27
+33 (0)6 12 20 68 85
meltingspot74@gmail.com
MEZZANINE
37, chemin des Bornes
+33 (0)4 50 53 65 22
+33 (0)6 30 28 76 53
www.mezzaninesamoens.com
Brasseries in Samoens
LE SAVOIE
108, place du gros tilleul
+33 (0)4 50 34 94 43
www.savoiebar.com
LA TERRASSE DU LAC
Base de loisirs
600, rte du lac aux Dames
+33 (0)4 50 89 45 10
laterrassedulac74@gmail.com
Crêperies in Samoens
LA FANDIOLEUSE
Chemin de La Cour
+33 (0)4 50 34 98 28
Pizzerias in Samoens
PIZZERIA SNACK DU GIFFRE
Avenue du Giffre
+33 (0)4 50 58 71 96
PIZZERIA SNACK LA TARTINERIE
Immeuble le Lavieu
Place des Dents Blanches à côté de la poste
+33 (0)4 50 34 48 51
www.latartinerie.net
Altitude Restaurants in Samoens
AU PRÉ D’OSCAR Samoëns 1600
300, plateau des Saix
+33 (0)4 50 53 71 57
+33 (0)6 64 93 65 42
gallet.michel@hotmail.fr
AUBERGE DE CHANTEMERLE
Chantemerle
+33 (0)6 18 81 38 50
CHALET L’AÉRO Samoëns 1600
Plateau des Saix
+33 (0)4 50 54 73 79
www.aero1607.com
CHALET MIMY’S CRÊPES
Samoëns 1600
+33 (0)6 73 93 99 05
LA LUGE À TÉRAN Samoëns 1600
Les Gouilles Rouges
+33 (0)6 85 80 77 00
LE TREMPLIN Samoëns 1600
Plateau des Saix
+33 (0)4 50 18 07 54
letremplin.samoens@orange.fr
L’IGLOO La Vieille - Morillon
+33 (0)4 50 90 14 31
+33 (0)6 87 81 17 05
j.luc.d@wanadoo.fr
LOU CABOËNS Samoëns 1600
+33 (0)4 50 91 61 87
LE GITE DU LAC DE GERS
Unique restaurant, located in a remote and beautiful area which is only accessible via a 14km long run, La Cascade. At the bottom of the run, skiers need to press a button to call the restaurant’s owner who will come to pick up skiers with his snowmobile.
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Samoens Amenities
Samoens features a range of amenities including: cash points, doctors, Carrefour & Sherpa supermarkets, 2 pharmacies, physiotherapists, bakeries, butcher, shoe shop, sweet shop (150 varieties), regional products, hairdressers, tea room, Intersport, Vet (Delacoste Magalie 0033 450 34 44 93)…
Market on Wednesday mornings, library, health and beauty parlour, exhibitions.
Launderette in Samoens
LE LAVOIR - 34, route de la Piaz
+33 (0)6 03 70 83 23
or +33 (0)4 50 98 64 42
lelavoir.samoens@hotmail.fr
Mini Supermarkets in Samoens
PETIT CASINO
14, grande rue
+33 (0)4 50 34 17 12
SHERPA Villa Monette
224 rue des Billets
+33 (0)4 50 53 43 50
www.sherpa.ne
Large supermarkets in Samoens
CARREFOUR MARKET
1356, rte de Taninges Les Sages
+33 (0)4 50 34 97 77
samoens@franchise.carrefourmarket.fr
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Getting to Samoens, 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. www.sncf.com
From Cluses to Samoens private transfers – from £58 per person return based on 4 people sharing. Prebookable via Peak Retreats.
Airports:
Geneva to Samoens is 67km (1 hour)
www.gva.ch
Chambery Airport is 117km from Samoans (1 ½ hours)
www.chambery-airport.com
Grenoble Airport is 204km from Samoans (2 hours)
www.grenoble-airport.com
Lyon to Samoens is 204km (2 hours)
www.lyonaeroports.com
Public shuttle bus transfers from airport:
Geneva Airport - Samoens via Annemasse (www.coach-station.com). From 20/12/14-23/03/15 (up to 6 per day). Adult return €75.
Resort Shuttle Bus in Samoens
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 Samoens 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.
Samoens Airport Transfer
For pre-bookable private transfer rates with Peak Retreats, view here.
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Samoens Snow Report – 2012-2017 (5 season average)
Skiing in Samoens: Samoens and more generally the Grand Massif (Flaine) has always benefited from a superb snow record thanks to the microclimate resulting from the proximity of Mont Blanc. Snow cover on at least parts of the ski area is pretty much guaranteed from mid-December until late April. Samoens also benefits from North-facing slopes which greatly helps to retain snow longer. Here is the snow record data for Samoens. The first row shows the week for which the measurement applies eg. February 3 is the 3rd week in February. Top slopes shows the average snow cover in cm at the top of the ski area. Bottom Slopes shows the average snow cover in cm at the bottom of the ski area (this is generally where the nursery pistes are located). About 10 cm is generally enough to ski but it very much depends on what’s below ie. grass or more rocky surface.
5 year ski season average for Samoens:
| Month |
Nov |
Dec |
Dec |
Dec |
Dec |
Jan |
Jan |
Jan |
Jan |
Feb |
Feb |
Feb |
Feb |
Mar |
Mar |
Mar |
Mar |
Apr |
Apr |
Apr |
| Week |
4 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
| Upper Slopes (cm) |
11 |
70 |
75 |
67 |
89 |
109 |
118 |
160 |
164 |
207 |
225 |
212 |
219 |
230 |
227 |
210 |
210 |
206 |
189 |
196 |
| Lower Slopes (cm) |
8 |
50 |
72 |
39 |
34 |
44 |
44 |
70 |
69 |
83 |
83 |
97 |
99 |
112 |
110 |
99 |
91 |
76 |
65 |
50 |
Current snow conditions may be available to view on the Samoens webcam, available from the Tourist Office website.
5 year ski season average for Flaine:
| Month |
Nov |
Dec |
Dec |
Dec |
Dec |
Jan |
Jan |
Jan |
Jan |
Feb |
Feb |
Feb |
Feb |
Mar |
Mar |
Mar |
Mar |
Apr |
Apr |
Apr |
| Week |
4 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
| Upper Slopes (cm) |
11 |
34 |
70 |
90 |
110 |
130 |
157 |
218 |
230 |
267 |
292 |
281 |
283 |
307 |
313 |
294 |
293 |
285 |
264 |
224 |
| Lower Slopes (cm) |
8 |
26 |
27 |
21 |
26 |
25 |
29 |
51 |
54 |
67 |
92 |
88 |
79 |
88 |
90 |
77 |
57 |
37 |
26 |
15 |
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News and Events 2018/19
News
- Improvements and expansion of the Giffre skiing area will continue this summer with another two ski runs due to be added for winter 18-19. At the time, plans for 4 new ski runs – two blues and two reds – were announced, but with only two of them opening this past season, the other two had been planned for next winter. These new pistes (between Samoens and Morillon) will be served by the brand new 6-seater chairlift (for 17-18) departing from 1200m and arriving at 2120m. It will be the longest lift of its kind in Europe at 2850m long. Taking only 10 minutes to whisk you back to the top, the lift will have a capacity of 3000 people per hour and this new area will also be equipped with 70 snow cannons and a new 35,000 m2 snowmaking reservoir.
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If skiing with young children use the hired lockers near top of the Grand Massif Express.
Mrs M
( 01 Apr 17 )
This resort has everything for families, skiers and non skiers alike. Skiers can access all of the neighbouring ski resorts from Samoëns.
Mr L
( 11 Feb 17 )
There are fabulous patisseries in the town, so plenty of opportunities to treat yourself after a day on the slopes.
Mrs D
( 11 Feb 17 )
Four restaurants well worth a visit in Samoëns include: Aux Becs à Fleu, La Tornalta, Le Serac & La Louisiane. Favourite bar in Samoëns is The Aspen Bar.
Mr L
( 11 Feb 17 )
The Aspen bar was very good. Samoens is a beautiful french village, I would visit even if I didn't ski!
Mrs C
( 22 Jan 17 )
Pretty village and good for non skiers.
Mr K
( 21 Jan 17 )
We found everyone in Samoens to be friendly and helpful...Samoens is such a beautiful place... we have been both in winter and summer and have loved it in both seasons!
Mrs C
( 07 Jan 17 )
A lovely typical french village rather than a purpose made resort.
Mrs J
( 13 Feb 16 )
The historic village makes it a good place for non-skiers.
Mr H
( 30 Jan 16 )
Great bakery, most friendly and family orientated restaurant was Serac close to accommodation, have a late lunch on the mountains and you don't need a full dinner! Igloo restaurant excellent at top of Morillon. Slopes in Les Carroz greatly improved this year.
Mrs W
( 16 Jan 16 )
Recommended restaurants: Aux Becs a Fleu, La Tornalta, Mezzanine. Tried Le Serac but this restaurant was booked solidly for the whole week between Xmas & New Year....very popular. Bars: Aspen Tips: Book restaurants well in advance or online especially between Xmas & New Year as they all get booked up really quickly.
Mr L
( 26 Dec 15 )
Bar le savoie is really good value for meals.
Mrs S
( 04 Apr 15 )
If going at half term book any restaurants before you go. Le Serac excellent.
Mrs Q
( 14 Feb 15 )
It is also well situated as you are about 20 mins drive from the Carrefour at the bottom of the mountain so prices are not extortionate in the village.
Mrs H
( 14 Feb 15 )
We love the village feel. There are nice boulangeries for parties and you feel you are in France, not a "resort" that could be anywhere.
Mrs H
( 14 Feb 15 )
A delightful, very friendly resort.
Mrs R
( 31 Jan 15 )
Our favourite restaurant was La Tornalta - but it is quite small and you need to book. Mezzanine restaurant over-priced for what you get although the food was good.
Mrs H
( 10 Jan 15 )
Bar - Aspen Café, restaurants - Serac, Septemontain, Tornalta, Clarins - all exellent.
Mr G
( 10 Jan 15 )
The Sherpa supermarket was useful, well-stocked and friendly - on the expensive side though. Boulangerie Tiffanie has excellent bread and croissants.
Mrs H
( 10 Jan 15 )
La Table de Fifine provided an amazing Christmas Eve dinner.
Mr L
( 20 Dec 14 )
Great skiing for all abilities and so many different area's and piste's to chose from. Highly recommend Marvel, the 5km long and easy green piste down into Morillon, absolutely fabulous on a sunny day skiing down between the pine trees and lots of interesting information posted at intervals for children to look out for.
Mr L
( 15 Feb 14 )
Always worth a walk into the village in the evening as the shops remain open and other activities happening.
Mrs F
( 30 Mar 13 )
Our children really enjoyed the ice rink, open from 3 till 7.
Mrs B
( 23 Mar 13 )
The restaurant a Table de Finine a Samoens is excellent.
Mr B
( 16 Feb 13 )
We loved Samoens and found Peak Retreats very nice to deal with.
Mrs W
( 09 Feb 13 )
Loved this resort! Take a taxi to Carre Four market. 1km out of town.
Mrs H
( 09 Feb 13 )
We have enjoyed our best family holiday to date! The travel arrangements and resort exceeded our expectations.
Mrs W
( 09 Feb 13 )
Excellent accommodation and resort especially for families with slightly older children.
Mr D
( 11 Aug 12 )
An excellent holiday- Samoens has to be the best family ski-resort we've ever visited!
Mr P
( 17 Dec 11 )
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