The choice of reds and blacks for advanced skiers is excellent in the Samoens ski area, but, after the first day or so, be prepared to go a little further afield for fresh challenges. Luckly,with the efficient (and now even faster) lift system, and connecting runs, it takes little time to access Flaine, Sixt or Les Carroz. 

First, take the Chariande Express to Tete des Saix (2120m) in 9 minutes, and try the Aigle Noire which joins the Dahu, for a well-deserved glide back to Samoens 1600 and a coffee.

Over in Flaine (where they are investing heavily in the lift network), take the Tete des Verds lift and ski down the gentle blue to the Diamant Noir lift, which takes you to the top of les Grandes Platieres (2480m) for an awesome view of Mont Blanc and a coffee or quick lunch at the restaurant with the most beautiful views in the entire region. You can then test your legs on the Diamont Noir black and the Almandine (red) all the way down to Flaine Central. After a brief rest, get back in gear for another two or three runs before you head to Samoens via the long Grands Vans chair lift to Grands Vans (2204m) and a choice of runs back to Tete de Saix, and, finally, down to the Grand Massif Express. 

It is worth booking an instructor for a day to take you on some of the further afield advanced runs, and essential if you fancy an off-piste experience. Make sure you discuss it with the office the day before, and be prepared for weather changes – sounds obvious, but the ski area is so vast that the elements can produce the unexpected!