Worldwide Ski Resorts • France • Samoens

Samoens ski insurance cover

Overview

This historic French village is rated as one of the prettiest in the area and with a centre which is traffic free and a weekly market with all the traditional traders selling their wares it stands out as a very appealing resort to spend your time. It is listed as an Historical Monument in France where once it was a thriving community involved in stone masonry which is still very much in evidence today. The streets are narrow and have shops selling excellent French food, what a bonus if self catering. Even with some modern developments the feel of rural France is maintained here with stone churches, medieval buildings and an ancient Linden tree.

Profile

Samoens is very near to Geneva which can result in the weekends being fairly busy. The resort was apparently transformed when the long awaited 8 seater gondola from village level was opened a few years ago giving it ski resort status. The access lift is quite a way from the village and the base station is a bus ride or drive from the hotels. With slopes to suit almost everyone and glorious panoramic views this is a delightful place to stay, even if the lifts can be a little slow after going up from mid mountain.

Mountain Information

Above the resort the skiing is mostly on open slopes beneath Tete Des Saix and these upper pistes are for the experts facing some of the most challenging in the Grand Massif. Also for the experts there is good off piste in the bowls and valleys between Samoens and Flaine. For the intermediates this is a really practical place to be with a wide choice of long runs in a variety of directions. The Black runs are only slightly more steep than the Reds and not so much used.

For beginners there is a specific pass which goes up to 1600 feet where the snow is good and the slopes are more gentle at this stage of learning. There are 11% Black runs, 38% Red runs, 40% Blue and 11% Green. There are ski schools and guides and for the children there is a reasonably new Kindergarten where ski lessons are available. For cross country enthusiasts there are good trails in the bed of the valley around Samoens and for more of a challenge go up towards Sixt and Col de Joux Plane. The slopes face due north with snow reliability being good above 1600 feet, but below this there is some snowmaking. When it gets to lunch time there are plenty of places to eat with the usual variety of huts, self service and table service eateries on offer with the expected good local food and a welcoming staff.

Apres Ski

Not for the jet set here, but in keeping with the beautiful surroundings a more convivial gentle approach to leisure time with good restaurants and a selection of bars. Covey’s is an Irish bar and said to be really authentic with that good old Irish welcome and a jolly time for all. A few other treats on offer are alcoholic ice-creams and a restaurant serving up delicious pizzas cooked in a wood oven. Shopping is always a welcome option with plenty on offer and for those with annoying endless energy send them to the outdoor ice rink which is covered or try snow mobile trips which are said to be wild and exciting.

French Resort Guide

Resort Information • Samoens

Resort Height Resort Height 720m
Top Station Top Station 2480m
Bottom Station Bottom Station 820m
Vertical Descent Vertical Descent 1600m
Drag Lifts Drag Lifts 468
Chair Lifts Chair Lifts 6
High Capacity High Capacity 2
Opening Dates Opening Dates Dec-May
Rating Expert Rating Expert 5
Rating Intermediate Rating Intermediate 6
Rating Beginner Rating Beginner 4
Apres Ski Rating Apres Ski Rating 6
Snow Reliability Snow Reliability 6

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