Samoëns, Haute-Savoie, France

Samoëns sits at an altitude of 950 metres and provides a selection of ski route for all abilities. The Giffre valley sector offers 46km of pistes stretching from Verchaix, through Samoens, as far as Fer-a-Cheval (Horseshoe) at the top of the valley. There are a variety of trails from 2km to over 16km which should keep skiiers of all abilities happy.

Getting to Samoëns by Air

Geneva airport is a 1 hour drive
Lyon airport is within 2 hours drive, with Air France and EasyJet

Transfer from the airport

Links to transport companies and taxis between arrival airports and Samoens:

Getting to Samoëns by Train

The closest TGV trains are:
- SNCF station – Cluses TGV
- SNCF station – Cornavin railway station – Geneva TGV

You can then transfer to the resort using bus, taxi or transfer companies from the stations :
- Bus
- More information on "Getting to Samoëns"

Map of the Samoëns area

Cross Country Ski Maps of the Samoëns area
Cross Country Ski Tracks and Routes

The Samoëns area provides a selection of routes for all abilities. The nordic skiing is divided into 3 distinct areas:




Cross Country Ski Passes

You will need to buy a Nordic Pass to be able to ski.  Take a look at the current prices.
 

  • Online: follow this link
     
  • Nordic reception in the tourist office of Samoëns, open 9am to 12pm and 1:30pm to 5pm


  • Welcome cottage in Joux Plane, open from 9am to 4:30pm
     
  • Morillon and Sixt (day pass only) in the offices of Haut-Giffre tourism
Joux Plane
Giffre Valley

The Col de Joux Plane has 35 kms of snow-sure pistes at an altitude of 1700m with 6+ cross country ski routes. These give great views over the entire Grand Massif ski area to Mont Blanc.


The pass sector which is permanently open consists of:

  • The Lake - 1.1 km
  • Little loop of the Lake - 0.6 km
  • The island of the Lake - 0.5 km 
  • The Pass - 1.5 km                             
  • La Chamossière - 2.2 km
  • La Bourgeoise - 5.5 km

The bonus area which is open when there is no risk of avalanches has:

  • The Couttaz - 3 km                   
  • Little loop of the Croz - 1 km
  • The Croz - 4.5 km
  • La Mouille au Bois - 6 km
  • Lairon - 8.5 km

This valley has an altitude of 700 to 900 m, 7 cross country ski routes + 2 connecting trails with 46 kms of tracks.


Along the Giffre, a gentle difference in height takes you near the villages, in the forest, on the plain and around the lakes. there are starting points in the heart of the villages of Morillon, Samoëns and Sixt to choose from:


  • Blue Lake Circuit - 0.5 km             
  • Morillon Plain Circuit - 4.5 km
  • Bois de l'Etelley Circuit - 4 km
  • Lacs aux Dames Circuit - 1.5 km
  • Circuit des Sages - 1 km
  • Vallon Circuit - 7.5 km
  • Samoëns - Sixt connection - 3.5 km
  • Glière Circuit - 2.5 km
  • Sixt - Molliet - 2 km
Fer à Cheval (Horseshoe)

This 11 km loop from the Brairet to the heart of the Fer à Cheval circuit is at an altitude of 900 m.  It has 4 cross-country ski trails and 1 Nordic Park. They are Intermediate circuits that can be joined, according to length you required, and there is a Nordic Park for  practice:

  • Horseshoe Circuit - 11 km
  • Circuit du Frénalay - 1.2 km               
  • Molliet Circuit - 2.7 km
  • Circuit du Pelly - 2.7 km
  • Nordic Park
Ski Bus

During the ski season, a free valley wide ski bus service is available offering quick and efficient transport to the Grand Massif Express telecabine, Vercland telecabine. as well as the other nearby villages including Morillon and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. A regular service is also available from the foot of the Cascade piste, Col de Joux Plane and Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval.


Visit the Alps Accommodation Transport page for more information.  And see the ski bus timetable.

Cross Country Ski Rental


Lessons can be arranged through Zig Zag ski school if you are attempting nordic skiing for the first time.
Website: www.zigzagski.com
Email: info@zigzagski.com


The Ski rental shops of Samoëns offer discounted ski hire for Alps Accommdodation clients

Where to stay

Alps Accommodation offer a range of apartments in Samoëns.  Here are a couple of options, which are also included on the accommodation page.

Tour Companies who featuring Samoens

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