Samoëns is a ski resort in the French Alps, renowned for its authentic charm and varied ski area. Here you’ll find everything you need for an enjoyable and rewarding stay: pistes to suit all abilities, leisure activities for all the family, tasty restaurants and comfortable accommodation.
Let us guide you through some information and advice that might be useful for your stay 🙂

Before coming to Samoëns, what should you pack? A few tips :

Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your skiing holiday in the mountains. First of all, you need to choose a destination suited to your level and your desires. Then book your accommodation, ski pass and equipment if you don’t have any. You should also think about taking out specific insurance to cover accidents on the slopes. Finally, pack your suitcase with warm, waterproof clothing, sunglasses, sun cream, a first-aid kit and everything else you need for a good holiday.

When is the best time to go skiing?

Choosing the right time to go skiing depends on a number of factors, including budget, availability, weather and personal preferences. Here are a few things to bear in mind when making your choice.

– Budget: prices for accommodation, ski passes and equipment vary according to the season. In general, the most expensive periods are the school holidays, especially Christmas and February. The cheapest periods are the beginning and end of the season, i.e. November-December and March-April. See our best deals.

– Availability: if you have work or family commitments, you may have to adapt your ski holiday to suit your holiday dates. If you’re more flexible, you can take advantage of last-minute offers or off-season promotions.

– The weather: the weather is an unpredictable factor that can affect the quality of your ski holiday. So it’s a good idea to find out about snow conditions and temperatures before you go. In general, the coldest months are January and February, which guarantees good quality snow. The mildest months are March and April, which offer longer, sunnier days.

How do I get to Samoëns?

There are several options for getting to Samoëns. You can take the train to Cluses, then a bus or taxi to the resort. You can also come by car via the A40 motorway, taking exit 18. If you prefer to fly, you can land at Geneva airport, about an hour’s drive from Samoëns. Once here, you can take advantage of all the sporting activities the resort has to offer in winter, including skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating and paragliding. Samoëns is an ideal destination for mountain and snow lovers.

– By plane: the nearest airport is Geneva, around 80km from Samoëns. There are regular shuttle buses from the airport to the resort, or you can hire a car locally.

– By train: The nearest station is Cluses, around 20km from Samoëns. There are buses from the station to the resort, or you can take a taxi.

– By car: Samoëns can be reached via the A40 motorway, Cluses-Scionzier exit. Follow the signs for Taninges, then Samoëns. There are both free and paid car parks close to the village centre and ski lifts.

Are there any car parks in Samoëns?

If you’re coming to Samoëns by car, you can park easily. The resort has several free car parks close to the ski lifts, shops and accommodation.

How do I get to the slopes?

There are several options for getting to the Grand Massif ski area from Samoëns. You can take the Grand Massif Express gondola, which takes you directly to the Plateau des Saix, or the Vercland gondola. Both gondolas take you to Samoëns 1600, where you can join the Grand Massif ski slopes.
Free shuttle buses run between the village of Samoëns and the gondola departure point. They run approximately every 15 minutes and the journey takes 10 minutes.

Finally, you can access the Nordic ski area by car. To reach the Joux Plane site, take the Col de Joux Plane road, which offers panoramic views of the mountains. It takes around 20 minutes by car from Samoëns, and there is free parking at the Col. Shuttle buses are available during the school holidays.

What to do in Samoëns if you’re a family?

Samoëns is an ideal destination for families with children. In winter, you can enjoy the beauty of the snow-covered countryside, the charm of the village and the wealth of activities and entertainment throughout the season.

What to do in Samoëns if you’re sporty?

Samoëns is an ideal destination for sports enthusiasts who love the mountains and the snow. In winter, you can enjoy a wide range of activities, including downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, caving, paragliding and more…. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll find pistes to suit your level and interests. Samoëns offers you a sporting holiday with a change of scenery in the heart of the Alps.

What can you do in Samoëns if you’re a contemplative person?

Samoëns is an ideal destination for lovers of nature and tranquillity. In winter, you can enjoy the beauty of the snow-covered landscapes, the charm of the village and the richness of its heritage. Here are just a few of the things to do in Samoëns in winter:

– Take a snowshoe walk through the Giffre valley, discovering the local flora and fauna. You can admire the peaks of the Haut-Giffre, the Fer-à-Cheval cirque and the ice waterfalls.

– Discover Samoëns’ cultural heritage by visiting the church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption. You can also admire the work of the stonemasons who shaped the village. Guided tours are scheduled every Tuesday morning.

– Relax in a spa or wellness centre, with treatments based on natural products, massages, whirlpool baths or saunas.

Myth: Are winter sports expensive?

Skiing is now possible on any budget. All you need is the right practices to find the best deal. Thinking ahead is the best way to find the best rates.

To sum up 🙂

1. Ski area: Samoëns is part of the Grand Massif, a vast ski area which also includes Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. Don’t forget to download the Grand Massif application and buy your passes in advance to take advantage of discounts.
2. Equipment: If you don’t have your own ski or snowboard equipment, there are plenty of hire shops in the village and at the foot of the slopes. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak periods.
3. Clothing: Dress in layers to be able to adapt to changes in temperature. A good ski jacket, waterproof trousers, gloves, ski helmet and ski mask are essential. Don’t forget a high factor sun cream and lip balm to protect you from the sun and wind.
4. Ski lessons: If you’re a beginner or want to improve your skills, consider taking lessons. There are several ski schools in Samoëns offering lessons for all levels.
5. Other activities: As well as skiing and snowboarding, Samoëns also offers other winter activities such as snowshoe trekking, ice skating, paragliding, cross-country skiing, etc.
6. Accommodation: If you haven’t already booked accommodation, there are a range of options, from hotels to chalets and rental flats. Remember to book in advance.
7. Transport: The village is r

is relatively small and can be explored on foot. However, if you are staying outside the centre, it may be worth using the free shuttle buses that run regularly.
8. Culture and history: Take time to explore Samoëns’ heritage. The village has a rich history with several monuments, such as the church, the Grenette, the town hall, the bourgeois houses and the work of the stone masons.
9. Gastronomy: Enjoy Savoyard specialities! Dishes such as fondue, raclette and tartiflette are not to be missed. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to suit all budgets. Don’t forget to book ahead.
10. Respect the environment: Respect the mountains and the environment. Don’t leave rubbish behind and stay on the marked trails.

Finally, enjoy your stay in Samoëns! It’s a beautiful place with lots to offer in winter.

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