Traditional Alpine Resort Catherine Hughes, Product Manager

"Samoëns is a very pretty French village with lots of restaurants, bars and shops, much more than your average ski resort. It is a great base from which to explore the huge Grand Massif ski area and the short transfer from Geneva as well as a beautiful choice of accommodation make Samoëns a popular choice."

Samoëns Ski Holidays

Picture-perfect Samoëns is one of those traditional French villages that takes your breath away. Surrounded by a natural cirque of seven magnificent alpine peaks, this picturesque resort offers spectacular skiing in the vast Grand Massif area and an irresistible taste of Savoyard life.  

Enjoy the resort

Medieval Samoëns has a special ambiance. Stroll through historic streets to the traffic-free centre, where inviting bars and restaurants line a beautiful square. Most of the village’s buildings are true to its Savoyard style, even the resort’s luxurious modern additions. While you can’t ski right down to Samoëns at the end of the day, the gondola takes just 10 minutes or you can ski to neighbouring Morillon and hop on a ski bus from there.

This small village packs a punch when it comes to celebrating Savoyard culture. From mouth-watering gourmet delis selling the finest local produce to the colourful weekly market, it’s best to arrive hungry. Après-ski in Samoëns is low-key with bags of traditional charm.

Activities in Samoëns range from the gloriously relaxed, such as wine tasting, to more adrenaline-fuelled activities like fat-biking and ice climbing.

Explore the slopes

As the fourth largest linked ski area in France, the Grand Massif offers an enormous choice of skiing and snowboarding for all levels. And while the highest point is a relatively modest 2,500m, with 80 percent of slopes facing north, the snow record is fantastic. From dedicated nursery slopes to the legendary runs of the Flaine snow bowl, this amazing ski area will appeal to everyone.

Descend the 14km blue Cascades run from the top of the Grandes Platières lift, or explore some of the area’s wonderful off-piste terrain (with a guide, of course). For advanced skiers, the Combe de Gers is an absolute must with a thigh-burning descent and first-class views.

The local ski school has a base at the top of the Grand Massif Express gondola which includes a protected snow garden. Here children can be introduced to snow and skiing from the age of 3 and up. A combination of learning and outdoor play is offered throughout the day. Older children can sign up for the regular ski school lessons.

Important information
Ski Area Grand Massif: 265km
Ski Range 800-2500m
Green Runs 25
Blue Runs 59
Red Runs 44
Black Runs 11
Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May
Off-season Off-season Off-season Off-season Off-season Off-season On-season On-season On-season On-season On-season Off-season
Distance from airports
Geneva 1hr10mins