Samoens Ski Holidays
France
"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.
Image: © Christian Martelet
"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."
Residence Alexane
Offers in Samoens
Self-catering Apartments in France
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Hotel Alexane, Samoens
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Residence Alexane, Samoens
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Samoens Accommodation
Hotel Alexane
The contemporary Hotel Alexane features spacious rooms and suites in...
Residence Alexane
Beautiful Residence Alexane is located in the heart of Samoëns...
Residence La Reine des Prés
Residence La Reine des Prés is a lovely residence located...
Après-Ski in Samoens
Samoëns is a very pleasant place to spend your late afternoons and evenings once you get off the slopes. You’ll find a dozen or so bars as you wander the historic streets.
Although most of the establishments are simple and low-key friendly bars, Irish pub Covey’s has built a reputation as one of the main spots in town for a good night out.
If you fancy more of a traditional French flavour, the central Bar Le Savoie in the village square is a good choice. For wine lovers, check out Vin sur Vin.
Dining in Samoens
Quality dining is the order of the day in Samoëns. The two dozen locally owned and run restaurants each take pride in the quality of their food, using locally sourced ingredients, and offer friendly service. Most serve a mixture of local French mountain cuisine including local variations on the traditional favourites like fondue, as well as international meals.
For delicious Savoyard specialities and pizzas, we thoroughly recommend the authentic, chalet-style Le Sérac. Tables here are very in-demand so booking in advance is a must!
L'Estanco is also popular and offers French bistro style cuisine, as does Le Monde à l'Envers. La Table de Fifine is highly regarded for its high calibre cuisine. The Hotel Neige et Roc's restaurant is also a great choice for dinner.
8 M des Monts is a more recent addition to the culinary offerings in Samoëns and the small, frequently changing menu incorporating as many locally sourced ingredients as possible is a great choice if you're looking for a refreshing change from typical Savoyard food. Kids are welcome and advance booking is highly recommended.
For Italian influenced dining try Fabio at the Hotel Alexane or for Savoyard dining in a traditional Savoyard setting, Mezzanine comes highly recommended.
If you're looking to eat out on the mountains, both Le Luge à Téran and Le Chalet d'Clair are excellent choices which serve great food in an idyllic location, although a reservation is essential for Le Luge à Téran.
Activities in Samoens
You can sign up for relaxing experiences such as a heritage tour of the village or wine tasting, something slightly more energetic like snow-shoeing or have a full-on adrenaline rush paragliding.
In the village there's a cinema, ice rink and a selection of shops and boutiques. Something not to miss is the Wednesday morning market for those who want to sample the local meats and cheeses.