Apartment Buqa

Summer Sports and Activities in Samoens

With the stunning backdrop of the all-year-round snow-capped mountains, Samoens is so much more than just a winter resort. Some would argue that its hidden beauty is the vast luscious green landscape, and glistening lakes that form part of the Giffre River; all in perfect view from the terrace balcony of Apartment Buqa. A far cry from the hustle and bustle of everyday living, there is nothing stopping you from kicking back, absorbing the breath-taking stunning panoramic natural beauty (and sometimes the odd Hot Air balloon adorning the blue skies), catching some sun rays and inhaling the fresh alpine air.

However, for those who want an action-filled holiday, the summer months have just as much to offer, if not more, than the winter season. From marked walking/hiking trails, to fishing, to cycling, to serious mountain biking to swimming, there is never a single dull moment. So, here's a list of a few activities on offer in and around Samoens.

By Foot...

• Walking trails, across 900km through the Giffre Valley – suited to all levels and abilities. Whether you want an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and alpine fresh air whilst taking a leisurely stroll, or looking to building body endurance, there's plenty walks to choose from. Maps of marked trails, and guides (and even pack donkeys) are available from Samoens Tourist Office.
• Mountain hiking at 3100m altitudes for those serious hikers among us, including Glacier hiking, all accessible from Samoens.
• Rock Climbing for all abilities and accessible within minutes of the town.
• Via Ferrata is a walking and rock climbing forest trail adventure assault course, equipped with suspended cables and metal ladders along step bridges and ropes (safety equipment provided). For further information, visit www.nunayak.com +33 (0)4 50 93 86 74
• Potholing at the worlds deepest cave Gouffre Jean-Bernard, a few kilometres from Samoens and on the side of Criou Mountain.
• Canyoning mixture of climbing, potholing and hiking on a route carved by waterfalls.
  www.nunayak.com +33 (0)4 50 93 86 74

By Bike...

• Mountain biking across 600km, with 69 marked trails. For all levels and abilities to enjoy. Four chairlifts are also open in July and August for ascending those tricky parts of the trails. Bike and equipment hire and trail guides are available for hire around Samoens. Contact Martial Herdewyn on +33 (0)6 85 02 37 00 or visit www.alpsmountainbike.com - based in Les Carroz.
• Road Biking - 6 routes, which range from 42km to 74km. Made more popular by Tour de France in 2006, Samoens can proudly boast that part of the course rode through Samoens; The route through Col Joux-Plane was recognised as one of the most difficult passes in the region.
• Quad Biking can be booked through J'aime Sport. +33 (0) 50 34 98 20 www.jaimesport.com

On Water...

• Water-skiing and wake boarding including a certified slalom course. All at the private lake near the town centre, and suited to beginner and expert levels.
• White-water rafting, Canoe-rafting and Hydrospeed. Visit www.nunayak.com +33 (0)4 50 93 86 74
• Airboat - through Giffre River. Visit www.nunayak.com +33 (0)4 50 93 86 74
• Trout Fishing - licence needed. Fishing also available at Le Lac Bleu in neighbouring resort of Morillon.

Other Activities...

• Indiana’ventures at Lacs aux Dames provides fun activities for the whole family. www.indianaventures.com +33 (0)6 89 83 18 84
• Sport Centre in Samoens town has an indoor climbing wall and tennis/squash courts.
• Swimming pools at the leisure centre - vast open air swimming pool comprises of 3 pools and waterslides, surrounded by acres of green lawn. Contact Piscine +33 (0)4 50 34 40 73.
• Paragliding over the valley and summits, with a qualified instructor, or attend your own paragliding pilot training course.
• Archery in the forests of Upper Giffre Valley. Contact Archer de Samoens on +33 (0)4 50 34 48 10.
• Golf. A driving range over water, a 9-hole putting green at Lac aux Dames. For more expert golfers, an 18 hole is accessible at Les Carroz, Les Gets and Flaine. Mini golf is also available at Samoens, aimed more for children.
• Helicopter flights around the Giffre Valley can be booked through Samoens Tourist Office.
• Frutiere de Samoens Dairy Farm tour.
• Clos Parchet living farm museum, explore the culture of the Savoyard region of the Alps.
• Sixt Fer a Cheval Nature Reserve hosts outing days with donkeys, great fun for children. Contact Tourism Office at Sixt on +33 (0)4 50 34 49 36
• Jaysinia Botanical Gardens - vast array of alpine flora and beautiful waterfalls and streams in the heart of Samoens village.
• Heritage tours of Samoens and the surrounding Haute Savioe region, led by Guides. Contact the Tourism Office on 04 50 34 40 28

Our Buqa Agent Gilles (Gillu)) will be more than happy to give you further information, advice, recommendations and make bookings for you, as part of your welcome reception at Apartment Buqa.