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Samoens Ski Resort
Samoens is a good family destination, with plenty to do on and off the slopes. Importantly, the ratio of accommodation beds to the number of ski lifts means there are shorter queues. For weekend ski-ers it’s probably the best choice in the French Alps. Access to and from Geneva Airport is easy – just over an hour’s drive and you’re sipping vin chaud in your hotel or chalet.
Situated in the Giffre valley, Samoens is surrounded by seven dramatically beautiful mountain peaks and has moved forward rapidly in the past couple of years with many new attractions: fast lifts, restaurants, on- and off-piste events and top rate accommodation. It’s easy to see why it was declared winner of the Best Small Resort (Europe) by the prestigious Hardy’ Skiing and Snowboarding Guide, 2009.
Samoens has one of the best snow records in the Alps which makes it a good choice from December to early April. Take the 8-minute Grand Massif Express lift up to 1600, the Samoens ski area, with its extensive nursery slopes, and you can quickly access a brand new fast lift, the Chariande. In just 9 minutes, this takes you from Saix Plateau (1600m) to Tete des Saix (2120m). It links the resort with Flaine, and the other surrounding resorts, with plenty of red and black runs.
The glorious views of Mont Blanc and the ribbon of majestic mountains are some of the most spectacular in the Alps. Altogether, there’s over 265km of pistes, 140 individual pistes and 80 lifts to play with! The tree-lined Marvel blue and green run over to Morillon is as well-groomed as the best in Aspen or Whistler, with welcoming bars either end.
Samoens at a glance
On The Mountain
Ski Area
It's an 8 minute journey from the spacious free car park to Samoen’s 1600 ski area, with its nursery slopes, ski-school, and choice of cafes. Spend time to look around and enjoy the view: summits of the Tete des Saix, the Grandes Platieres, The Dents Blanches and, just over the horizon, Mont Blanc. A glance at your piste map will remind you just how extensive the area is; the network of lifts and runs stretches up and above Flaine, and over to the East, to Morillon and Les Carroz.
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Lift System
The elegant, efficient, and scenically beautiful Grand Massif Express operates every day, longer as the light improves. There is a large free car park at the bottom, bus stops and clean toilets. Queues are rare, although you might have a short wait on a French holiday weekend morning.
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Ski Schools & Guiding
There are three ski schools operating in Samoens. The ubiquitous ESF of course, 360 International Ski School and Zig Zag. English language is no longer an issue in the French ski schools and the ESF will provide guiding services on request.
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Advanced Skiing
There are plenty of challenging blacks and reds from the top of the new lift down to the Samoens area and snow-boarders will be delighted by the fact that there are few drag lifts, and that it’s easy to get fresh powder. There has also been new investment into three snow parks with some fantastic kickers and pipes.
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Intermediate Skiing
Intermediates get a huge choice of runs and can plan their day to include blues and reds within the Samoens area, or, by going over to the Flaine or Les Carroz areas.
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Beginner Skiing
Beginners skiing Samoens have an easy baptism into the sport using the network of greens and short blues around the main lift area, all with drag-lifts, easing gently via excellent quad and double lifts to the higher slopes.
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Off Piste
Samoens and the Grand Massif ski area have a fantastic choice of easily accessible off-piste runs.
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Boarding & Freestyle
The area is great for fresh powder, with a fantastic board park in Flaine. There are numerous events, including the Bolie Winter Tour, and open contests with some of the world’s best riders. Samoens has very few drag lifts, so is a snowboarder’s heaven!
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Mountain restaurants
On-mountain restaurants in Samoens have historically been limited; but this is rapidly improving, with several smart new eateries for people-watching at the top of the Express.
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Ski Map
- open Piste Map Ski map
Off The Mountain
Village
While Samoens is not recommended for late and boozy nights out, this beautiful area is excellent for families and groups who want great food and comfortable, affordable chalets and apartments as well as good ski-ing.
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Accommodation
What’s changed in recent years in Samoens, is the increased number of affordable high standard, and luxury chalets and apartments for rent. The leading operators in town, Alps Accommodation, have the best choice of self-catered or semi-catered to suit couples, families or large parties.
There are also several comfortable medium-grade hotels and a new four-star under construction, with traditional features and local cuisine.
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Apres Ski
After a day’s ski-ing there is plenty to do in Samoens. You might decide to chill out in a bar, or enjoy a guided tour of this historic village, good value if you want to learn about the epic period of the Giffre stone masons, the agricultural traditions, the architecture and enjoy spotting the tiny details on every building.
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Restaurants & Bars
Samoens is foodie heaven! Some of the best restaurants are listed below.
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Other Information
There’s a popular ice-rink, which makes a good après-ski destination for kids and grownups, and great facilities for snow-shoeing and cross-country ski-ing, with some incredible runs alongside scenic lakes and the Giffre river.
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Getting There
Samoens is conveniently served by Geneva airport with a transfer of just over an hour depending on your choice of transport.
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