Picturesque, charming and family-friendly, Samoëns presents an enticing alternative to the typical French megaresorts we know and love.
Less crowded than other more popular domains, it’s an altogether more relaxing proposition, with a fascinating history to discover and character to spare. Thanks to its proximity to Geneva, it’s also one of the most easily accessible of all French ski domains, making it an ideal option for a quick break or for families wanting to avoid long transfers.
With beautiful scenery, varied terrain and – with its links to the Grand Massif ski area – an impressive 265km of pistes to explore, a Samoëns ski holiday offers something for all comers.
Secure yourself a white winter sports holiday!
In case of lack of snow*, we welcome you to one of our other resorts in the Alps, free of charge. With 8 resorts in ski areas above 3000 m, Club Med can secure you a successful winter sports holiday. *see conditions
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Domain altitude: 720-1,600m
Lowest slope: 700m
Highest lift: 2,480m
Total pistes: 265km
Lifts: 68
Runs: 148
Geneva is by far the nearest and most convenient airport (71km / 1hr), with various shared and private transfers available.
Alternatives include
It’s possible to take the train to Cluses, from where Samoëns is an easy and inexpensive 19km bus journey (35 mins) or taxi ride (20 mins).
Much prized by the French for its history and architecture, Samoëns is a thoroughly pleasant setting for a winter break. With its car-free centre, beautiful buildings and variety of restaurants and shops, including everything from gourmet regional specialties to interesting vintage curiosities, it’s a refreshing departure from the more familiar scenes of clinical, purpose-built stations. After all, how many ski domains can lay claim to a Gothic church and a weekly Wednesday market?
The town is linked to the ski area – known as Samoëns 1600, or the Plateau des Saix – by the Grand Massif Express high-speed gondola.
Skiing back down at the end of the day isn’t an option: you either download on the gondola, or ski to Morillon and take the ski bus back from there. The Saix gondola at nearby Vercland provides an alternative route, which may save time depending on where exactly you’re based.
If you’re looking for ski-in ski-out convenience then Samoëns 1600 is not really the place to stay, but for many people the charms of Samoëns town outweigh the minor inconvenience of bookending each day with an obligatory gondola or bus ride.
Along with the connected resorts of Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, Samoëns makes up the Grand Massif ski area: France’s 4th largest. Situated roughly between Geneva and Mt. Blanc, the area enjoys an unusually picturesque setting, with some truly stunning views over the majestic Mt. Blanc massif.
For a domain that tops out at a relatively low 2,500m, the Grand Massif has a surprisingly good snow record. Also, a high proportion of its slopes – around 80% – face north, meaning that snow conditions tend to remain good for longer.
A lack of crowds and great facilities – including a particularly renowned ski school – make Samoëns a popular choice for family holidays. It also offers excellent and easily accessible beginners slopes, making it a great option for those making their tentative first turns on snow.
Those looking for more challenging terrain will find plenty to please in the wider Grand Massif area. The bowls of Flaine provide extensive opportunities for off-piste exploration of various gradients (and various degrees of peril), while Les Carroz and Samoëns itself offer tree runs in abundance.
