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Picturesque resort of Samoëns

Samoëns is a summer and winter Mountains and Lakes resort that forms a significant part of the Grand Massif plains - the 4th largest ski-linked region in France.
This beautiful, welcoming and ‘romantic’ resort attracts holidaymakers from all over Europe and further afield, and is enjoyed by couples, groups of friends as well as families of all ages and abilities. Here you will find something for everybody.

Where is Samoëns?

Sat in the heart of the alpine region of France, Samoëns is located in the Giffre valley, at the foot of the imposing Criou Mountains. It is 55km from Geneva, 30-minute drive from Portes du Soleil and 40-minute drive from Chamonix.

Samoëns can be considered in two parts - the village (at 800m) and the ski resort (at 1600m). To get from one to the other is a direct Grand Massif cable car which takes just 8 minutes! Or you could opt for a scenic, winding drive which takes a little longer.

Samoens Village

Samoëns is a far cry from a concrete jungle that often comes hand-in-hand with a typical all year round alpine resort. It has been awarded a coveted ‘Coq d’Or’ (the prestigious Golden Rooster award) for being one of the prettiest villages in France. Furthermore, it boasts an art-cultural authenticity; once a stone cutting centre, Samoens has preserved its historical inheritance, being the only French ski resort to be listed as a ‘Monument Historique’.

The Telegraph in 2012 described Samoëns as ‘enchanting’ and noted it to be possibly the best ski resort in France... And this hidden gem has only become more attractive with each season, while maintaining its rustic charm. Just to set the scene, in the village square resides a preserved lime tree, which is surrounded by the gothic church, medieval water fountain the alpine botanical gardens, bars, restaurants - both traditional Savoyarde and European, grotto-like clothes and trinket shops, patisseries and a vast newly built covered ice skating arena (in 2015) which also hosts hockey and entertainment for families throughout the seasons. With the hubbub of the Wednesday market that brings this village to life, you’d agree that Samoëns is much more than a winter ski resort, it is a real community, all year round.

Samoens 1600m

In recent history Samoëns has been voted "The best small resort in Europe" by the renowned and well respected Hardy’s Skiing and Snowboarding Guide.

Samoëns forms part of the Grand Massif. From 1600m there is easy access to 144 pistes and 265km of ski area, allowing extensive skiing in surrounding ski resorts such as Flaine, Le Morillon, Le Carroz and Sixt, and reaching altitudes of 2500m. Samoëns 1600m is north-facing and therefore reliable for snowfall in the winter months, blue skies and clear, long Grand Massif runs which are groomed nightly using over 250 snow cannons.

The resort provides an overwhelming amount of choice to suit all level of skiers.

There are plenty of slopes that beginner level skiers can access from Samoëns summit - such as the newly paved Septi-snake, a total of 9 green slopes just in the local area (Massif), a travellator, several ski-lifts and even some ‘straight forward’ button lifts! For the intermediate and experienced skiers/snowboarders there is ample choice of blue, red and black slopes, as well as a Jam park to show off your freestyle snowboarding skills.

The efficient chairlifts provide great ease for skiiers in Samoens/Massif resgion. The Chariande Express ascends from 1600 to 2120ft in just 9 minutes – allowing you to maximise the opportunity to explore the rest of the ski domain.

So whether you choose to fill your itinerary with active/leisurely skiing or snow-boarding, performing speed riding tricks, taking in the stunning views of the Mt Blanc mountain range from Les Grandes Platieres, spending time with the children on the nursery runs, skidooing, tobogganing, ski-trekking, ice-climbing, parapenting, or husky sledding...Samoëns has access to it all.

What’s new in Samoëns Winter 2016/17

Winter 2016/17 has brought with it a new red piste in Samoëns that promises an ‘awe-inspiring panorama’. There are also 3 new pistes in Flaine this season, adding to the reputation of The Grand Massif being one of the world’s biggest ski areas. This winter season, the Grand Massif ski domain will be open from Saturday 17th December 2016 to 17th April 2017. Looking at the recent seasonal trends, there has been fresh snowfall as late as the end of April, so this area fares well among satisfied holiday makers.

Bienvenue á Samoëns - Winter 2016/17.