| resort altitude: | 700m |
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| ski area: | Grand Massif |
| height at summit: | 2500 (Grand Massif) |
| marked runs: | 265km |
| snow park: | yes |
| snow rating: |  |
| nearest airports: |
chambery 2hrs geneva 1½hrs grenoble 3hrs lyon 3hrs |
|---|---|
| rail: | cluses |
| beginners: | |
|---|---|
| intermediates: |  |
| experts: | |
| snowboarding: | |
Samoens is the only ski village to be listed as an historical
monument. The village at 700m is a typical Savoyard gem set in the valley of the
Giffre river.
All in all Samoëns is a great entry point into the fabulous Grand Massif ski area and has a charming village atmosphere.
The Grand Massif Express transports skiers to Samoens 1600 in just eight minutes. From there it is easy to access the 265km of the Grand Massif including Morillon, Les Carroz and Flaine. A new high speed chair, installed for winter 2009-10, can take you across the ski area towards the Flaine bowl in 10-15 minutes.
The Pistes are well groomed and maintained and there is a good balance of Greens, Blues, Reds and Blacks.
The original village of Samoëns is a charming base for a
summer stay in the Alps. Samoëns has been awarded the Coq D’Or, an
award for it being one of the most beautiful villages in France. The flowers that
adorn the houses in Samoëns and the nearby villages in summer are quite lovely.There are also the botanical gardens to visit.
Enjoy wonderful scenery, extensive walking trails, Lake Geneva, Annecy and Chamonix
are good days out from here too.
Winter activities include:
Summer activities include:
| Eating out: | A charming village with typical Savoyard ambiance. Plenty of restaurants doing local specialities, Tornalta, just off the church square, and La Clarine also popular with families. For high quality French cuisine, a real find in a ski resort, you won’t be disappointed with Muscade a Basilic. If you’re looking for great pizzas, then head for La Louisianne. The menu also offers plenty of pasta and meat choices along with live music a couple of nights a week. |
|---|---|
| Apres ski: | Evenings tend to be centred around the bar scene, which is improving all the time. Plenty of traditional French ones. The Clarine Bar is a lively music bar and an irish bar has even arrived so Samoens is now truly on the tourist trail! |
| Non skiers: | There is a delightful medieval square with cafes around it, and on Wednesday mornings there is a large market. There are many shops for souvenirs, food and clothes. There is also a renowned botanical garden, which is worth a stroll around in either winter or summer. |