Travel to Samoens with travel insurance from Essential Travel

Ski resorts in Samoens

With spectacular views of Mont Blanc and access to Le Grand Massif (one of the biggest ski areas of the Haute Savoie), Samoens is the only ski village in France to be registered as an historical monument. Two hundred fifty-six kilometres of ski runs in the area and a traditional Alpine character make Samoens a perfect ski resort choice.

The village of Samoens has an impressive sprinkling of authentic wooden chalets and stone houses, set among stunning views and interesting wildlife. It forms part of the Le Grand Massif ski area, which includes the neighbouring villages of Flaine, Morillon, Les Carroz, Sixt and the new 13-kilometre piste through Lac de Gers. Considered to be one of the quieter ski resorts, Samoens does not fail to impress with its range of activities and quality of ski.

Samoens is fully linked to its neighbouring resorts, which means a total of 265kms of skiing over 134 pistes is on offer. Sixteen ski lifts service Samoens, which has a total vertical descent of 1,780m. Around 16,700 skiers an hour are transported over the 28 slopes at the resort. Beginners are well looked after here with 43 per cent of slopes, while intermediates get 39 per cent and experts receive 18 per cent. There is a terrific snowboard park, and some great wooded terrain in the area.

Skiing here is available from mid-December to late April, although ski lifts are operational all year round, offering access to the area. Geneva Airport is 1 hour, 30 minutes away; while Lyon is three hours away. Transfer services are available to the resort.

Skiing in Samoens

Samoens is part of Le Grand Massif, France’s fourth-biggest ski area, boasting 265kms of runs over 134 pistes. There is a great selection of terrain for all levels at this historic resort, with a focus on the beginner. Mont Blanc is always in view, creating a perfect setting for a fantastic ski experience unlike many others.

Samoens is a perfect ski resort for beginners, who get 43 per cent of the 28 runs. Intermediates and experts get 39 per cent and 18 per cent of runs, respectively. The highest point is at 2,500m, with a total vertical descent of 1,780m. Sixteen lifts service Samoens, making sure the 16,700 skiers per hour are well looked after. There is a great natural snow bowl for beginners getting started, as well as 40kms of superb cross–country trails for the expert. The resort also features a terrific snowboard park.

The ski season here runs between mid-December and late April, with a range of alternative ski passes covering Le Grand Massif.

Samoens is 1 hour, 30 minutes from Geneva via the A40 and three hours from Lyon. Both cities have airports and are accessible by road either by hire car or transfer services. Alternatively, catch the Eurostar direct from London to Bourg St Maurice, then travel up along the A41 to Geneva before heading to the resort via the A40.

Apres-ski in Samoens

Samoens is a traditional Savoyard market town, where visitors can experience some great cuisine at one of the resort’s numerous bars and restaurants. There is a cinema and a nightclub offering after-hours entertainment. The village also has some impressive non-ski activities, such as: snowshoe walks, archery, dog-sledding, paragliding, ice-skating, ski touring, heli-skiing, ice-climbing on waterfalls and parapenting. The village retains a traditional Alpine atmosphere, and is a great alternative to livelier spots.

Traditional Savoyard menus as well as local food are served at any of the numerous bars and good restaurants in Samoens. There is also a nightclub for those with excess energy. Alternatively, visitors can go on an exhilarating sled ride through the snow behind a team of huskies.

As well as the other villages in Le Grand Massif, the Portes du Soleil ski circuit is only 30 minutes’ drive away at Les Gets. From there, you can access Morzine, Avoriaz and Switzerland. An alternate choice is Chamonix, which is under one hour away; the stunning Mont Blanc range offers fantastic skiing.

Transportation to Samoens

Samoens itself is only accessible by road, which means travelling in from the nearest big cities, or from the train station at Cluses. Both options require a transfer, with Geneva being 1 hour, 30 minutes away, Lyon three hours away, and Cluses 27kms from the resort.

By car, Samoens is approximately 840kms from Calais (journey time is 8 hours, 30 minutes) and it will cost about €100 for all road tolls. If travelling by car from Geneva, the journey is a short 1 hour, 30 minutes away via the A1 and then the A40. Alternatively, Lyon is three hours away along the A41. The train station of Cluses is a short 27kms away, also on the A40.

Travelling to Samoens by train involves a TGV service from Paris to Cluses, the nearest train station to the resort. However, this service only runs at the weekends. For the rest of the week, take a train to Annecy and a coach transfer to Cluses, where taxis are available for transfer to Samoens.

Paris can be reached by Eurostar as well as rail networks around Europe. Alternatively, catch the Eurostar direct from London to Bourg St Maurice, then travel up along the A41 to Geneva before heading to the resort via the A40. Check for operation days as they change as the season progresses.

Geneva is the nearest of the two international airports at 1 hour, 30 minutes by road from Samoens. An airport transfer service is available and connects directly with the resort (tel: +33 450536397). Lyon is three hours from Samoens, and can be reached by taking the A41 out of the resort area.

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