Blog > Découverte de Samoëns l’hiver > What to do in Samoëns in winter
Get your holiday off to a great start with a day on the 265km of pistes at Le Grand Massif. This ski area, one of the largest in France, offers incredible diversity for all levels of skier. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s something for everyone on the green runs, in the freeride zones or on the children’s slaloms. At lunchtime, take a well-deserved break in an authentic chalet serving Savoyard specialities. If you like off-piste skiing, the Combe de Coulouvrier promises unforgettable descents. To round off your first day, enjoy a tasty dinner in a friendly, rustic atmosphere before drifting off to sleep.
Samoëns is the perfect place for unforgettable family activities. The morning begins with a unique and fun activity for the little ones: pony sledging. Imagine your children happily gliding along, pulled by ponies in a snowy setting. For parents, why not try biathlon, combining cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, an activity that’s both fun and technical. After a convivial lunch, head off on an adventure with a session on an e-fat scoot, an all-terrain electric scooter that lets you explore the Haut-Giffre valley in an original way. For the little ones, yoga classes are available to teach them how to manage their emotions while discovering their body.
After two days of intense activity, treat yourself to a well-deserved day of relaxation. Start with a session of Afghan walking, a meditative walking technique from the highlands of Afghanistan. This type of walking, which synchronises breathing and movement, will allow you to regenerate body and mind while exploring the mountains surrounding Samoëns. After lunch in the village, immerse yourself in an afternoon of well-being at the Ô Fil de l’O spa. With ayurvedic massages, yoga and relaxation treatments, the spa offers everything you need to recharge your batteries.
For lovers of extreme adventures, this day is all about the elements. Start with a unique experience: the Frozen River. Practised on the Giffre in winter, this rafting activity promises thrills in the heart of nature. At lunchtime, savour a traditional meal before enjoying an unusual experience: swimming in icy water at Lac aux Dames. Guided by a professional coach, you’ll discover the health benefits of this activity, including boosting the immune system. To warm up, don’t forget to book a session in the mobile sauna, a real oasis of warmth in the middle of the mountains.
Samoëns is a paradise for thrill-seekers. Set off to conquer the icefalls in the Giffre valley with an introduction to glacier climbing. Equipped with ice axes and crampons, discover the basic techniques of this extreme discipline in a magical setting. After this intense morning, enjoy a mountain lunch before testing your stamina during a white trail session, a foot race on snow.
This day invites you to reconnect with nature. Take part in the Man vs Wild activity with the Samoëns guides. Learn how to survive in the mountains, find your bearings, make a fire and protect yourself from the cold. In the afternoon, take to the skies for a paragliding experience, a unique way to admire the Alps from above.
To round off the week in style, head off to discover the local producers in Samoëns. Cheeses, charcuterie and other local produce are on show. Enjoy a tasty lunch in a restaurant serving traditional Savoyard dishes. In the afternoon, take a pastry-making class with celebrity chef Ana De la Fuente to learn how to make traditional desserts. Finally, enjoy a typical and convivial dinner with family and friends. Châtrée soup (onion and tomme), Savoyard fondue, raclette, tartiflette, accompanied by a good bottle of Savoyard wine, are all part of a holiday full of charm and tradition in Samoëns.
Samoëns is much more than a ski resort. It’s a destination where every day is a new adventure, where the authenticity of the village meets the diversity of winter activities. Whether you’re looking for adrenalin, well-being or family time, Samoëns will meet all your expectations. Don’t wait any longer to experience a magical week in this exceptional village!
Samoëns, voted the most beautiful village in Haute-Savoie in 2021, welcomes visitors all year round for a versatile and unforgettable mountain experience. Located in the Grand Massif ski area, this authentic mountain village offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, adventurous activities, wellness experiences and culinary delights.
With its name referring to the seven surrounding mountains, Samoëns enchants visitors with its rich history and picturesque architecture. A stroll through the old centre reveals its historic splendour, while the village comes alive with local concept stores and friendly nightlife venues.
Skiing and snowboarding are winter highlights in Samoëns, part of the vast Grand Massif ski area with 265km of pistes. Whether you’re a beginner or looking for more challenging descents, this ski village has the perfect slopes for every level. Enjoy breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and a panorama of the snow-covered Alps.
Samoëns invites you to make your winter break unique with adventurous activities, from ice climbing to an icy dip in the Lac aux Dames. For relaxation, the village offers a range of wellness options, from cool yoga to walks in the enchanting surroundings, as well as a variety of treatments in the new ‘O fil de l’O’ wellness temple.
Part of the ‘Natura 2000’ network, Samoëns offers not only an abundance of natural beauty, but also local produce from terroir and family farms, such as the famous Reblochon cheese. Be sure to try the chestnut soup with bread and cheese, and end your day with a traditional Savoyard fondue in an authentic wooden chalet.
Samoëns is ideally situated and accessible by car or train, with stops in Cluses (20 km), Geneva (50 km) or Bellegarde (70 km). If you’re travelling by plane, it takes around 1 hour from Geneva airport and 2.5 hours from Lyon.