Samoens Ski Holidays

Why Ski In Samoëns?

Samoëns has remained unspoilt by tourist developments . Samoëns together with its nine surrounding hamlets, all situated at about 700 metres above sea level, not only has an exceptionally rich heritage, but also a thriving life throughout the year. This is not a purpose built resort.

Besides being an excellent place to snuggle up in front of a log fire, or go for a gentle walk, Samoëns is also the place for serious sport, situated as it is right in the middle of the Grand Massif, which also includes the resorts of Morillon, Flaine, Sixt Fer à Cheval and Les Carroz. There are some 265 km of pistes, between 700 and 2500 m, covering one of the most spectacular skiing areas in the Alps. And if the sublime beauty of the landscape isn’t enough, the region also boasts a really good snow record, thanks to its geographic position.

The Skiing In Samoëns

Samoëns is part of the Grand Massif, one of the most exhilarating ski areas in Europe. Not many places offer such a wide variety of skiing, and very few have such fantastic panoramic views over Mont Blanc. There’s the spectacularly beautiful piste des Cascades, which takes you on a 14 kilometre descent from the top of Flaine through the national park of Sixt Fer à Cheval down to the village of Sixt. This is a blue piste, and so is suitable for even novice skiers.

Beginners Skiing In Samoëns

Beginners must buy a pass (15 Euros per day) and go up to 1600. There are snow sure gentle nursery slopes for absolute beginners up there, but they can get crowded at peak times. Head to Morillon for longer green runs to progress to.

Intermediates Skiing In Samoëns

The resort is the perfect base for all but the most timid intermediates. From Tête des Saix there is a wide choice of long runs in various directions. In good snow the valley runs to Vercland are highly enjoyable.

Advanced Skiing In Samoens

The upper pistes on Tête des Saix are among the most testing in the Grand massif, and there is lots of good off piste to try also.

Snowboarding In Samoëns

Boarders should beware the drag-lift on the nursery slopes and are better off in Flaine, which suits boarder quite well (see the separate chapter on Flaine for more details).

Snow Conditions

Samoëns benefits from favourable geography and a microclimate that ensure generally reliable snow. As part of the Grand Massif, around 80% of its slopes are north-facing, helping preserve snow cover well into April. Skiing runs from 1,600 m up to 2,500 m, with higher areas such as Flaine receiving abundant snowfall. Historical data shows consistent snowfalls of 23–28 cm per week in mid-winter (December–February), with the snowiest period usually from late February to early March, when 40 cm or more can fall in a week. By March and April, base depths are solid, with more sunshine producing firm mornings and softer afternoons.

The village sits at 700 m, so skiing back to town is rare, but extensive snowmaking supports coverage, and gondolas provide reliable access to the higher slopes. Lower connecting runs open when snow permits. The ski season typically runs from mid-December to mid-April. 

Après Ski In Samoëns

There are several bars, including an Irish pub, which is ‘authentic’ but also reported to be pricey.