Samoëns – Skiing and Snowboarding in the Grand Massif
As one of the top five linked ski areas in France, the Grand Massif has something for everyone.
Despite Samoëns’ easy access from Geneva, the ratio of accommodation beds to the number of ski lifts means that the pistes and queues at lifts remain relatively quiet, making this a great resort for a short ski break.
Reassuringly heavy snowfalls and predominantly north facing slopes between 700m and 2500m – with plenty of skiing above the 2000m level in Flaine – ensures reliable skiing from mid-December through to mid April.
Key Facts
A modern lift system makes getting around the 265km of pisted terrain a breeze, giving you plenty of opportunity to experience the variety of terrain on offer.
Whether you are looking to take to skis for the first time on the newly designed nursery slopes, wanting to build your confidence on the cruisy, sunny blues and reds around Morillon or looking to hit the powder bowls above Flaine, the Grand Massif caters for all abilities.
Beginner Skiing & Snowboarding in Samoëns and the Grand Massif
The beginners’ area at Samoëns 1600 is the ideal place for first-timers, or for the nervous skier looking to find their ski legs before tackling some of the glorious, tree-lined greens and blues – ‘Dahu’ being a particular favourite – further up the mountain.
The long, cruisy, greens and blues in the sunny Morillon sector are terrific runs for building your confidence. From Samoëns, a cruise down La Perce Neige gives you access to this wonderful sector, with a highlight being the green ‘Marvel’, a tree-lined run which drops you all the way down to Morillon village at 1100m.
The Grand Massif – perfect for Intermediate Skiing & Piste Cruising
When it comes to intermediate skiers, the Grand Massif’s statistics speak for themselves! The choice of cruisy blue and red runs is staggering; whether you are looking for beautiful, forested runs or the wide open pistes in the bowl above Flaine, the likelihood is that your legs will give in before you exhaust the possibilities!
Not to be missed is the 14km ‘Cascade’ piste, running from Flaine all the way back down to Sixt in the valley, or ‘Mephisto’, with its stunning views across to Mont Blanc.
Advanced Skiiing & Snowboarding in Samoëns and Flaine
The Grand Massif has some seriously challenging terrain, particularly above Flaine. The black pistes are genuine and will challenge the most serious of skiers.
The off-piste opportunities are also plentiful; though tempting and safe as some of the bowls may appear, a degree of caution needs to be exercised due to the potholes and rock crevasses that riddle the area. The bowl of “Gers” is always a powder-mecca on a fresh snow day.
Boarders and skiers preferring to stick to jumps and rails can take advantage of the area’s 3 parks.
Samoëns – Ski Resort Information – Overview, Piste Map, Resort Details
Overview
Return here for key information, as well as details of our great ski short break accommodation options in Samoëns.
If you have any questions about skiing or snowboarding in the Samoëns ski region or any other aspect of a short ski break in the French Alps, we have 15 years of local knowledge to share and are here to provide all the information you need.
Contact us via the website or call us on +44 (0) 845 557 5983.