Samoëns, France
Ferme du Ciel
Low season:£4,499per week
£375 per person

France
A beautifully preserved historic stone village linked to the massive Grand Massif ski area.
6 properties available
About the Resort
Samoëns is a uniquely charming and historic village situated in the Giffre Valley, renowned for its traditional stone masonry and stunning Alpine architecture. Unlike purpose-built ski resorts, it boasts a vibrant year-round community, a traffic-free village square adorned with a centuries-old lime tree, and an authentic French atmosphere. Its designation as a 'Monument Historique' highlights its cultural significance alongside its winter sports appeal.
The Resort
The resort is a key gateway to the Grand Massif, the fourth largest linked ski area in France, offering 265km of interconnected pistes. While the village sits at a low altitude of 720m, the Grand Massif Express gondola whisk skiers up to Samoëns 1600 (Plateau des Saix) in just eight minutes, providing access to an expansive, snow-sure network. The terrain favors intermediates with endless wide, rolling blues and reds, while beginners enjoy dedicated zones and experts can hunt down extensive off-piste opportunities in the Flaine bowl.
On the Mountain
The skiing caters brilliantly to all levels, with Samoëns 1600 offering one of the best beginner plateaus in the Alps. Intermediates will thrive on the sweeping tree-lined pistes winding down to Morillon and Les Carroz, while more advanced skiers can head towards Flaine for challenging bowls and freeride terrain. The area's highlight is the 14km blue 'Cascades' piste, a stunning wilderness run away from any lifts.
Grand Massif
Located in the Haute-Savoie department of the French Alps, the Grand Massif links Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon, Samoëns, and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval into one massive ski domain.
Location
Resort Details
Ideal For
Families
Excellent beginner zones at 1600m and a safe, welcoming, traffic-free historic village center.
Intermediates
Access to 265km of predominantly blue and red cruising pistes across the expansive Grand Massif.
Culture Seekers
A historic, picturesque village famous for its traditional stone masonry and authentic French charm.
Scenery Lovers
Incredible views of the Mont Blanc massif from the upper slopes of the ski area.
By Type
Slope Access
Wellness
Full Collection
Personal Concierge
Our concierge team knows every property in Samoëns. Tell us what you're looking for and we'll send personalised recommendations within 24 hours.
Where to Eat
8M des Monts
Village Center
A celebrated restaurant offering fantastic, creative dishes using organic, local ingredients.
La Louisiane
Village Center
A lively, extremely popular spot offering hearty pizzas, fondue, and a great atmosphere in a traditional setting.
Le Serac
Village Center
Classic Alpine dining focusing on local Savoyard cheese specialties in a cozy, rustic environment.
L'Estanco
Village Center
A trendy, relaxed bar and restaurant perfect for casual après-ski dining with a great selection of drinks.
Lou Darbes
On the mountain (Plateau des Saix)
A popular mountain restaurant offering sunny terrace views and hearty, traditional lunches mid-ski.
Common Questions
The ski season in Samoëns typically runs Mid-December to mid-April. The resort averages 5.5m per season of snowfall, so conditions are usually reliable throughout. The lower village altitude means no snow in the village at the fringes of the season, but the skiing reliably takes place above 1,600m.
Samoëns offers 265km of pistes with a vertical drop of 1,760m. The skiing caters brilliantly to all levels, with Samoëns 1600 offering one of the best beginner plateaus in the Alps. Intermediates will thrive on the sweeping tree-lined pistes winding down to Morillon and Les Carroz, while more advanced skiers can head towards Flaine for challenging bowls and freeride terrain. It forms part of the Grand Massif ski area.
A beautifully preserved historic stone village linked to the massive Grand Massif ski area. Samoëns is a traditional alpine village, known for its distinctive character and atmosphere. Key highlights include family friendly, beginners, intermediates, quiet village, extensive terrain.
Samoëns receives an average of 5.5m per season of snowfall. With skiing up to 2,480m, higher altitude terrain holds snow well into spring. Recent snowfall: Consistent winter coverage across the upper Grand Massif.
Samoëns is well-suited for several types of visitors. For families: Excellent beginner zones at 1600m and a safe, welcoming, traffic-free historic village center. For intermediates: Access to 265km of predominantly blue and red cruising pistes across the expansive Grand Massif. For culture seekers: A historic, picturesque village famous for its traditional stone masonry and authentic French charm.
The nearest airport is Geneva Airport, about 80km away (approximately 1h 15min by transfer). Frequent shared and private minivan transfers are available from Geneva. The short transfer time makes it ideal for quick trips. Samoëns is also reachable by train via Cluses. Public buses connect Cluses train station to Samoëns, and the Léman Express makes regional connections highly accessible.
Lift passes in Samoëns are available as Adult Day Pass (Grand Massif) (EUR 57.50), Adult 6-Day Pass (EUR 294). Passes often cover the wider Grand Massif area, giving access to a much larger ski domain. Book ski passes online in advance for dynamic pricing discounts, and secure ski school early during French school holidays.
Standout dining in Samoëns includes 8M des Monts (A celebrated restaurant offering fantastic, creative dishes using organic, local ingredients.), La Louisiane (A lively, extremely popular spot offering hearty pizzas, fondue, and a great atmosphere in a traditional setting.), Le Serac (Classic Alpine dining focusing on local Savoyard cheese specialties in a cozy, rustic environment.). With 5 recommended restaurants in total, the resort offers an impressive dining scene for a ski destination.
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