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Ski Holidays in Samoens
This old mountain village is a real charmer – evidence of historic stonemasonry lines the streets and squares and with seven surrounding peaks, Mother Nature’s thrown in her own masterpieces too. The vibe in town is authentically French and pleasantly laid back; out on the piste, the Grand Massif ski area presents 265km of seriously underrated terrain.
- Flight Time
- 1h 45m
- From London
- Nearest Airports
- Geneva, Grenoble
- Chambery, Lyon
- Time zone
- GMT + 1 hour
- Language
- French
- Currency
- Euros
- Ski Season
- Dec - April
Samoens Stats
At the base of Criou Mountain by the Giffre River, this original French market town fuses tradition, nature and modern ski facilities. The correct pronunciation has become a bit of a talking point here at Sno... Most say ‘Saa-mwans’ but depending on dialect, it can sound like ‘Saa-mwaz’ and even ‘Saa-muw-an’. If you’re still trying to perfect your Bonjour, don’t fret – smiles go a long way here and they’ll soon have you sounding like a true Septimontain, as the natives are fondly known (referring to the seven surrounding mountains).
The locals are very proud of Samoëns - and so they should be. Worlds away from the densely developed, purpose-built ski towns, this is actually the only French resort that’s classified as a ‘national monument’ by the Cassie Nationale des Monuments Historiques. The town square’s famous ‘Le Gros Tilleul’ or ‘big lime tree’ has seen centuries of change since it was planted in 1438 – these days it overlooks the hub of the resort where you’ll find some lovely shops and a weekly farmer’s market. You can tell the area’s been home to generations of stonemasons: It features some beautiful rural buildings including a 16th century church and 9 domed chapels in each of the surrounding hamlets.
Not just worth visiting for its architecture, the village is linked to Flaine, Morrilon, Les Carroz and Sixt Fer à Cheval as part of the 260km Grand Massif. Being lesser known than the 3 Valleys and Espace Killy areas, you usually get top quality runs with far less disturbance in this neck of the woods... When you’re ready to don the skis, a shuttle service goes between the village, Grand Massif Express and ski lifts every 20 minutes. If you‘d rather drive, the Grand Massif Express and Vercland lift both have car parks.
The resort has hit the nail on the head when it comes to skiing with children, leading the tourist board to award it the ‘Familie Plus Montagne’ label. As well as having tobogganing, skating and dog sledding on the cards, parts of the village are traffic-free making it safer to get around. Less than an hour’s drive from Geneva airport and 18km from the railway station of Cluses, the age-old “are we nearly there yet?” is a thing of the past here too...
Samoens Transfer Times
The nearest airport to Samoens is Geneva / Geneve at 71 km or about 1 hour by car
What's the ski area like in Samoens?
Which other ski resorts are near to Samoens?
The nearest ski resorts to Samoens include Morillon, Sixt Fer à Cheval, Flaine, La Clusaz.
Ski Area Facts
Massif (excludes Flaine and the 14km Les Cascades): €192.30 (adult 6 day)
Beginner Slopes
Intermediate Skiing
Advance & Expert Terrain
Snowboarding Trails
What is Samoens like for Beginner skiers?
What is Samoens like for Intermediate skiers?
What is Samoens like for Advanced skiers?
What is Samoens like for snowboarding?
What is Samoens like for off-piste skiing?
What is Samoens like for cross country skiing?
Samoens Restaurants
Eating out is usually pretty casual, although you might find a few places worth booking in advance, like Le Monde a l’Envers (close to the main square and popular for its creative twist on traditional Savoyard grub). Head down Cascades piste to Giste du Lacs de Gers for a fabulous mid-ski dining experience - we’ve heard good things about the pig’s cheek with crayfish... If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the homemade raspberry pie is perfect with a glass of the local Chignin Bergeron. Nearly all restaurants are good with children – even some of the fancier ones have extensive kid’s menus. We love Lou Capons which makes good value comfort food - located at the base of the gondola it’s in a perfect location for a quick bite before ski lessons.
Where to eat in Samoens and on the mountain
Le Monde a L’Envers Head to Le Monde a L’Envers for a taste of elegant fusion food with an international twist. We love their innovative cooking which features sushi plates and foie gras spring roll appetizers. Their simple, but exceptionally prepared menu means you won’t be struggling for options. Our favourites include the steak with “frites” and fresh fish. The restaurant also serves locally produced beers and wines. Combine that with a warm and friendly service and we can see why this place is booked up night after night. Get calling to book your table or we might just beat you to it!
Au Relais Septimontain Visit a firm Samoëns favourite Au Relais Septimontain for some delicious Savoyard classics. With Tartiflettes, Fondues and Croûtes all featured this is comfort food at its best. The couple who own the restaurant delight in creating quality food at reasonable prices with their a la carte and set menu options. But it’s the warm ambience and friendly service that really keeps us coming back for more. We suggest booking. As with most cosy places with a good rep this place can get busy. Head there for dinner with friends and family and try the Fondue made with locally produced aged Comté cheese –bon appetit!
Pizzeria Snack La Tartinere Whoever said “Good things come in little packages” had obviously visited Pizzeria Snack La Tartinerie. This little pizzeria filled with a handful of tables is a terrific lunchtime spot – homemade dough and pizzas made fresh to order – this place produces first-rate food at wallet-friendly prices. Order a takeaway if you’re heading back to the hotel or have a quick bite on the quiet terrace before heading out for an afternoon on the slopes. With pizzas coming in at €10 and beers for €2.50 we reckon you might be back a few times.
Restaurant du Hotel Neige et Roc It’s hard to talk about restaurants in Samoëns without mentioning Restaurant du Hotel Neige et Roc. Tucked inside the charming stone-exposed hotel it offers fresh, locally produced dishes with menus that change with the season. Their a la carte menu has a humble, but enticing selection with fresh fish and meat entrees to suit most. The service is friendly and attentive - perfectly suited to its traditional cuisine and setting. And before heading out in the snow, remember to enjoy a warming digestif by the open-fireplace –pure bliss!
Auberge de Montague La Table de Fifine A gourmet treat for any foodie, fusing traditional Savoyard cuisine with some modern classics La Table de Fifine is a great choice if you’re heading out for a special occasion or just fancy treating yourself. Describing itself as a mountain inn you’ll find a friendly and ambient welcome from owners Karine and Philippe who have created a sophisticated dining experience in a beautiful setting. We recommend the three-cheese fondue infused with champagne and morels, accompany with a chilled wine from their exceptional wine list.
Fondue de Ski Fondue de Ski. com - an online platform where you can order a ready-to-cook fondue in a click of the button! Choose which fondue you fancy, reserve it by paying online and collect 2 hours later from the Grenier Savoyard store. There are 3 types to choose from: traditional cheese, forester (with mushrooms) and the champagne fondue (traditional with champagne). Everything you need will be provided in a bag, ready to melt! You can even rent equipment for free from the store. Fondue de ski.com guarantees you expertise and quality of Le Grenier Savoyard´s products through its 100% secured booking platform.
Samoens Après Ski
As you’d expect from such a good family resort, the nightlife is friendly and relaxed, with 15 bars and 30+ restaurants dishing up a lively atmosphere, hearty food and a proper locals’ welcome. Covey’s Irish Bar is a top spot for evening drinks with nightly events including bands, DJs, pub quizzes and live sport. For a relaxing drink, take a quick walk to the casual Savoie Bar on the main square for great cocktails and a bit of people watching.
Bars Late Night Clubs and Cafes in Samoens
Covey’s Irish Pub We all love a good Irish pub and Covey’s certainly is that! Slightly off the beaten track, intrepid travellers will be well rewarded with an impressive selection of draft beers, whiskeys and spirits and of course the charms of the Irish. Run by two lads from Westport, Ireland they know what makes a first-rate pub! Live music adds to the jovial atmosphere and they do their best to bring in live acts throughout the summer and winter months. Live sport is in large supply on weekends with proper pub grub being served to help you soak up the pints. Try a shot of Irish Car Bomb if you’re feeling really adventurous or just wile away the evening hours with friends and owners Shane and John.
Bar Savoie You won’t have to trek far to reach this little beauty. Located right on the main square it’s a lively, late night bar come restaurant – just the thing to unwind after a day on the slopes. Right in town it shares good views of the mountains and is a perfect spot for a bit of people watching. It’s easy to see why the locals love it as much as the tourists. As a pit-stop for bikers during the summer it’s got a rocker edge to it, which suits the buzzy late-night vibe. As well as good drinks, you also don’t want to miss out on the very tasty desserts.
Aspen Café Once nominated in Whiskey Magazines coveted Whiskey Bar of the Year award, Aspen Café’s 420 strong selection of whiskeys can seem quite bedazzling. You’ll also find plenty of local draft beers and cocktails at this popular après ski destination. Livelier than some of the other bars around, one reveller described it as a “visit without moderation”, we think that sums it up nicely, enjoy!
Samoens Activites for Non-skiers
A local market usually runs every Wednesday and there’s more than enough to see and do around the town. One of our favourite non-ski activities is dogsledding and there’s also ice skating, ice climbing, skijoring and helicopter excursions. Just a short walk from the centre you’ll find Lac dux Dames leisure centre. Covering 10 hectares it’s a peaceful spot to start a cross ski trip across frozen lakes or a trip in snowshoes on the Giffre valley riverbanks.
Samoëns Patinoire If you’re not totally wiped-out from a day on the slopes (well done you!) why not swap those skis for skates and check out Samoëns local ice rink. Covering 600m² you’ll have plenty of space to burn off that left over energy. This one is popular with the kids and just opposite the Tourist Office, handy if you’re planning dinner in town afterwards.
Le Criou Cinema Film-lovers fear not, you won’t have to miss out on any blockbusters while away. Le Criou Cinema right in the centre of town just opposite the Tourist Office shows all the latest Hollywood features as well as a few French films for good measure. Most films have English-subtitles and show times which vary depending on the season. So put the skis away, give those legs a rest and stock up on popcorn.
Jardin botanique alpin de la Jaysinia – Botantical You’ll find carved into the south-facing side of the mountain overlooking the village of Samoëns lies La Jaÿsinia alpine botanical garden. Spanning 3.7 hectares of steeped landscape the garden flourishes during the summer with over 5,000 varieties of alpine flowers and over 8,000 varieties of plants from all over the world. Walk along the steep, winding path to discover landscaped trees, fountains and cascades and reach the ruins of the 12th century Tormalta Castle. Amidst heritage buildings and medieval stonemasonry this little pocket of nature is a definite must see. Get your hiking boots ready though, this isn’t your everyday stroll in the park.
Guides Montagnes Ditch the skis and don the snowshoes for some winter Nordic walking. Take a trip with Guides Montagnes where one of their expert guides will lead you across valleys and snow covered terrain. Improve your technique with a real cardiovascular workout and pause to enjoy the panorama. As a skilled walker, your guide will point out the best spots for some fantastic views. They’ve got plenty of choices for you too. Go for half a day to get a feel for it or take an evening walk where you’ll be treated at the end to a traditional feast in a cozy chalet. Go on – think of all those calories you’ve burnt!
Equita – Passion, Skijoring If you have absolutely no idea what skijoring is, don’t worry I’m sure you’re not alone, but when you find out you’ll definitely want to be involved. Get those skis on and let you yourself be towed through the snow by horse. We like to think of it as like water-skiing, but instead of water and a boat, you’ve got snow and a horse – awesome huh? Suitable for ages 8+ Equita-Passion runs activities throughout the winter which are tailored for beginners, intermediates and advanced. You don’t have to be a skier to enjoy the ride, but the more confident you are on skis of course the faster you can go. There is also a chance for the little ones to get involved with pony led sleigh rides for ages 2-10. Skijoring might not have been on your check list when you arrived, but it’s a definite must add! Visit Equita-Passion’s website or better yet send them an email for more info and get ready to experience a different sort of thrill ride.
Clothing Food & Souvenir Shops
Chalet Ski Shop This innovative service new to Samoëns takes the hassle out of renting your ski equipment by bringing everything to you! Avoid the queues and the time consuming hire shops by simply ordering your stuff online. Chalet Ski Shop’s experts will then deliver the items directly to your accommodation and fit them for you. Pre-selected to fit shoe size and ski/snowboard level you can hire anything from helmets and sticks to skis and snowboards. At the end of your stay they’ll then pick them up for you. If you need a hand during your trip, no problem, just drop them a line and they’ll come by to fix anything or simply share their years of knowhow.
Xtrême Glisses You can’t get much easier than this for ski hire. Located 100ft from the Grand Massif Gondola you can get you skis (or snowboard) and head straight up the slopes – no messing about. With complimentary onsite storage and bang up-to-date snow equipment Xtrême Glisses is a handy little shop. As well as a full range of gear from top brands you can also get your hands on googles, sunglasses, hats and sun cream, everything you need your action packed day up the mountains. Visit their website for all the deets. We recommend booking online before you go to take the hassle out of it and save some time.
Best Time to Visit Samoens
What's Samoens like at Christmas?
Be part of the fairytale with Christmas in Samoëns. See the square turn into a scene from a Christmas card with a colourful marketplace. With recent years including visits from Santa Claus, it’s not hard to get wrapped up in the joys of the season.What's Samoens like in the New Year?
Celebrate the New Year in Samoëns and avoid the dreary hustle and bustle – with a history of spectacular firework displays and festivities, be prepared for some top-notch merrymaking!What's Samoens like in Half-Term?
Visit during one of the best times of the year for amazing snow and fun-packed winter activities over February Half Term in Samoëns.What's Samoens like at Easter?
The Easter bunny’s back to work and with the school holidays and sunny days giving way to some fantastic outdoor activities, get hopping to book your Easter in Samoëns.Samoens Snow Conditions
Snow Report, History & Forecast
View our detailed Samoens snow report to see skiing confitions now. Our Samoens snow history shows you what snow depths have been in recent years month-by-month. If you're visiting soon, use the Samoens snow forecast to see predicted snowfall over the coming days.
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Current snow depth at top
324 cm -
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Current snow depth at base
2 cm
Ski Accommodation in Samoens
We have 3397 ski holidays in Samoens. Search all Samoens ski deals or pick your preferred accommodation type below:
Reviews
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Ski Extras
How much is a ski pass in Samoens
Maximum and minimum adult Samoens lift pass prices ranged from €222 to €246 for 6 days access to the Samoens ski lift system at the start of the 2025 winter season. Our lift passes are part of a packaged Samoens holiday with accommodation, so prices vary depending on chalet or hotel suppliers. Confirm price for the lift ticket before booking your holiday.
| Lift Tickets | Child | Adult | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Day Price | €32 - €36 | €42 - €47 | €40 - €45 |
| 6 Day Price | €167 - €185 | €222 - €246 | €211 - €234 |
| Age Range | 5 - 15 | 16 - 64 | 65+ |
Getting to Samoens
Most of our ski holidays to Samoens packaged with flights include airport transfers. We can also arrange private transfers to Samoens from nearby airports
How long does it take to fly to Samoens from the UK?
Flights from London take about 1h 45m to Geneva, Grenoble, Chambery, Lyon. This table shows approximate transfer times to Samoens from the nearest airports, smaller airports can be more prone to delays.
| Airport | Distance | Transfer Time |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva / Geneve | 71 km | 1 hour |
| Annecy | 55 km | 1 hour |
How long does it take to drive to Samoens from the UK?
Browse our self-drive ski holidays which include your car channel crossing, or go choose accom-only and book your car ferry or tunnel later.
How long is the transfer from nearest France train station to Samoens?
The transfer time from alpine train stations are generally shorter than from airports, Call us for details of Samoens transfers.
| Station | Distance | Transfer Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cluses | 20 km | 20 minutes |
Samoens Maps
Going to Samoens under your own steam
For independant travel to France, compare accommodation only with Samoens self-drive packages which include Eurotunnel or ferry.
Accomm-Only & Self-DriveSee driving directions to and from Samoens in France.
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More Samoens Information
Tourist Office Located near the centre of the village the Samoens Tourism Office is open year round. The team at the tourism office are there to assist you with all the information and help you may need for your holiday. There are numerous amount of free services that they offer in the office that can help you to simplify and streamline your holiday. They have the following services available to assist you on your holiday: - To provide you with the information you need to make your stay in our village resort a success. - Registration for free events offered by the tourist office - Sale of posters and trinkets with the Samoëns logo - Photocopying - Provision of documentation on the resort's surroundings. - Sale of hiking maps and snowshoeing routes. - Sale of fishing permits Opening Times: Daily Monday - Friday between 09:00 - and 12:00 and 14:00 - 17:00 Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Medical Office De Samoëns The Medical Practice has 4 doctors as well a team of physiotherapists. For Trauma emergencies please call. Services include GP, Sports Trauma including x-ray and ultrasound, pediatrics and women's health. You can book appointments through the Doctolib.fr website. There is a pharmacy 15m from the practice. Opening hours: Tuesday - Friday: 08h00-12h30 and 14h00-19h00
Samoens Ski Holiday Resources
Need help choose your Samoens ski holiday? Call us on 020 7770 6888 or click Enquire - we love to help!
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