Winter

Samoëns truly is a Winter Wonderland and the whole area is one of outstanding natural beauty. Samoëns forms part of the Grand Massif ski area, which links the villages of Flaine, Morillon, Les Carroz, Sixt and Samoëns.

The area has one of the best snow records in the Alps and extends from 800m to 2600m. The Grand Massif offers extensive skiing and snowboarding for all abilities. There are over 260km of marked pistes for downhill skiers with plenty of ‘off piste’ opportunities.

The runs include the beautiful ‘Cascades’ run. This is a 14km blue run which takes you from the Grand Platieres at Flaine at 2500m through stunning scenery to the village of Sixt, a further 1700m down the valley. In addition to the downhill skiing the area also provides three snow parks and three half pipes for boarders and access to plenty of powder after a fresh snowfall.

There are also over 90km of cross-country trails either along the valley or at the top of the Col-de-Joux Plane at 1700m. Samoëns also has 60km of marked paths for snow shoeing.

Other activities include skating on the village ice rink, tobogganing, paragliding, ice climbing, dog sledding and alpine walking.

 

Skiing

The main ski area radiates out from the sunny plateau at Samoëns 1600. This is reached in 8 minutes via the high speed GME gondola, which runs from the edge of the village.

Samoëns 1600 boasts the biggest beginners area in the Haute Savoie. As you progress further up the mountain to the Tete de Saix at 2200m the whole of the Grand Massif opens out in front of you. As most of Samoëns runs are north facing the return slopes, including a couple of blacks, keep their snow well throughout the season.


The Grand Massif comprises of 14 Black, 51 Red, 53 Blue and 15 green runs. The ski area has over 200 snow cannons, and there are plenty of tree-lined runs if the weather closes in.



There are several small independent ski schools in addition to the much larger and well run E.S.F. Lift passes are available in various formats to cover all or part of the ski area. Weekly (6 days) lessons run from a Sunday or Monday.

 

 

 

For further information on the ski area please see www.grand-massif.com .

For up to date weather in the area please see www.chamonix-weather.com or for general information see the local tourist information site on www.samoens.com