Skiing in Samoëns
Samoëns lies in the Giffre valley in Haute-Savoie, France, and is one of the few ski villages with a genuinely historic centre: the village has a centuries-old core and a stonemason heritage. At the same time it is a full gateway to Le Grand Massif, with 363 kilometres of pistes and 62 lifts between 1778 and 2319 metres, shared with Flaine, Morillon and Les Carroz. A large gondola takes you straight from the village into the ski area. Samoëns thus combines real village life with big-area skiing. We list 6 accommodations in Samoëns, with winter sports holidays from 608 euros per person. In recent winters the snowpack higher up reached 229 centimetres.
Last checked: 2026-10-26 · Sources: Open-Meteo (snow data), OpenStreetMap (lifts and pistes), partner offers refreshed daily.
Accommodations in Samoëns
Samoëns6.6Le Grand Massif, Frankrijk
Résidence et Chalets Les Fermes de Samoëns
Samoëns8.3Le Grand Massif, Frankrijk
Résidence Club MMV Samoëns Village - voordeeltarief
Samoëns7.4Le Grand Massif, Frankrijk
Résidence CGH La Reine des Prés
Samoëns8.3Le Grand Massif, Frankrijk
Residence CGH les Chalets de Laÿssia
Samoëns8.3Le Grand Massif, Frankrijk
Résidence Club MMV Samoëns Village
Samoëns9.6Le Grand Massif, Frankrijk
Hotel MGM Les Suites d'Alexane
Samoëns9.3Le Grand Massif, Frankrijk
Résidence MGM Alexane
SamoënsLe Grand Massif, Frankrijk
Résidence Neige et Roc
Samoëns8.7Le Grand Massif, Frankrijk
Hotel Neige et Roc
Snow report & 7-day forecast
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The ski area from Samoëns
From Samoëns a large cable car lifts you from the valley floor straight into Le Grand Massif. At the top you ski towards Morillon and Les Carroz or continue to the high bowl of Flaine: 363 kilometres of pistes and 62 lifts in total.
The area offers plenty of wide blue and red runs, making it excellent mileage territory for intermediates. Advanced skiers find the steeper descents around Flaine. The pistes sit between 1778 and 2319 metres, so all the skiing happens well above the village.
Snow reliability around Samoëns
Le Grand Massif recorded a maximum snow depth of 229 centimetres in recent winters, and in the week before late October 2026 around 5 centimetres of fresh snow had already fallen. Above 1800 metres the area is quite dependable in the core months.
Samoëns itself sits low in the valley, so snow in the village is never a given; you plan your ski day around the gondola. In December and late March the lowest zone of the area can be changeable, but in January and February you almost always ski on a generous base.
The village of Samoëns
Samoëns is a village with history: an old centre of natural stone buildings, a striking church and a stonemason tradition that shows in the architecture. There is a weekly market, plus shops, restaurants and cafes, and the village has a life of its own beyond the winter season.
That makes Samoëns one of the most atmospheric bases in Le Grand Massif. Apres-ski here is convivial rather than rowdy: think a drink in a village bar and a good dinner, not dancing on tables.
Who is Samoëns for
Samoëns suits winter sports fans who want a real village alongside the skiing: couples, families and groups who appreciate atmosphere and good restaurants. Beginners can use the practice zones above the gondola, intermediates have their hands full with the whole area, and advanced skiers push on to Flaine.
The starting price of 608 euros per person makes Samoëns the pricier valley choice in the area, in line with the village's character. If price is your main criterion, also look at Morillon further along the valley.
Practical: getting there and booking
You reach Samoëns by car via Geneva and Cluses; the drive into the valley is short and avoids high passes, which is welcome in wintry conditions. Flying to Geneva with a transfer is a good alternative, as the transfer distance is modest.
Book well ahead for the Christmas weeks and the French February holidays; January and March are quieter and often cheaper. We list 6 accommodations in Samoëns, with winter sports holidays from 608 euros per person. The village also lends itself well to a rest day off the slopes.
Samoëns on the map
Webcams · Samoëns
📷 Samoens: Tête du Pré des Saix
📷 Flaine: Samoens from Tête des Saix
📷 Araches-la-Frasse › North-east: Le Carroz
📷 Araches-la-Frasse › South-east: Mont Blanc
📷 Araches-la-Frasse › South-east: Tête du Pré des Saix - Télésiège Tête des Saix
📷 Araches-la-Frasse › North-east: Alpage de l'Airon
📷 Araches-la-Frasse › South-east: Auberge de Vernant
📷 Les Gets › South-west: Piste Marmotte
FAQ about Samoëns
How much piste can you ski from Samoëns?
From Samoëns you reach the Le Grand Massif ski area with around 363 km of marked pistes and 62 lifts.
What does a ski holiday in Samoëns cost?
Accommodations in Samoëns start from around €583 per person; Nivosola compares 8, refreshed daily.
Is there enough snow around Samoëns?
Yes. Recent winters in Le Grand Massif reached a maximum snow depth of around 229 cm. December to March is the most reliable period.
How high is Samoëns and where do you ski?
Samoëns sits low in the Giffre valley; the pistes of Le Grand Massif run between 1778 and 2319 metres. A cable car takes you straight from the village into the ski area.
Is Samoëns suitable for beginners?
Yes, there are practice zones and quiet blue runs above the gondola. The sheer size of Le Grand Massif also makes it a good place to progress.
How lively is Samoëns?
Samoëns is a lively village with shops, restaurants and a weekly market, but apres-ski stays low-key. It is busier and more atmospheric than Morillon, quieter than the big purpose-built resorts.
Which village in Le Grand Massif is an alternative?
Flaine is the choice if you want to stay high and right on the piste, Morillon if you prefer a smaller and cheaper village. All three ski the same linked area.