SKIING / SNOWBOARDING – The Grand Massif ski area consists of 5 resorts (Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon, Samoëns and Sixt) and has over 265km of pistes. The Grand Massif Express (GME) gondola takes you up to Samoëns 1600 and direct access to the slopes of Samoëns and the wider Grand Massif domain. Here you will also find the beginners’ ski area, toboggan runs, and Ski School meeting points. A large free car park is located at the bottom of the GME.
To avoid queues at peak times at the GME, you can also start your day by taking the Vercland gondola, where you rarely see large queues. To get there by car, pass in front of the GME over the bridge. Immediately after crossing the bridge take the steep road up to the left (direction Vercland/Samoëns 1600). About 2km up on the right is the Vercland gondola, again with free parking. The ski buses also run regularly between the GME and the Vercland Gondola.
Another option is to start your day from Morillon, which also has free parking (accessed via the small pathway opposite the gondola). The ski buses also run regularly between Samoëns and Morillon. The Morillon gondola takes you up to Morillon 1100, where you will find several snack bars, restaurants, shops and a bakery. With lots of green, blue and red runs, the Morillon ski area is ideal for beginners and intermediates.
We strongly recommend that you check the closing times of the ski lifts (especially the links), which may close earlier than expected due to bad weather. These times are clearly displayed at the bottom of each lift.
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING – There are numerous marked routes around the valley from Morillon to Samoëns and Sixt Fer à Cheval (when snow cover is ample). There is also a daily bus from the Tourist Office to the Col du Joux Plane cross country ski area, which usually offers snow all winter and where you can enjoy an incredible panorama with views of Mont Blanc. There is also a daily shuttle bus to Sixt Fer à Cheval. For more information, including timetables, contact the Tourist Offices, where you can also buy your cross-country ski passes.
WINTER FAT BIKING – As an experienced international mountain bike leader, Jamie Carr from Ride the Alps is able to offer tours on fat bikes. Escape the crowds, explore remote valleys and experience a true two-wheeled adventure. Accessible to all technical levels, Jamie can tailor an unforgettable cycling experience to your liking. A plus, the equipment and all necessary instructions will be provided. 
SNOWSHOEING – Providing half, full or multi-day snowshoe tours, Arno de Jong of Snowshoe Samoëns can offer you a memorable trip exploring the peace and tranquility of the backcountry. He can also offer “igloo building” sessions as well as snow safety/avalanche rescue courses. For your convenience, equipment is provided for all activities.
TOBOGGANING / LUGE – There are two luge runs at the top of Samoëns 1600, one in Sixt Fer à Cheval and another one at the top of the Joux Plane. Fun for kids and adults alike!
ICE SKATING – There is a large ice skating rink in Samoëns, near the Tourist Office. It provides skating for the general public, as well as organised Ice Hockey matches and shows/performances .
MOBILE SAUNA, BASTU 74 – New for 2023/24!!! – Mobile wood-burning barrel sauna, located on the edge of the beautiful Lac Bleu, Morillon. Reserve your hour long session, combining a sauna session and if you dare, a dip is the refreshingly clear waters of the lake. Bastu74 offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature and leave all those stresses behind, all in the most stunning of locations BASTU74 bien etre Nordique
SWIMMING – There are public indoor swimming pools in Cluses, Flaine and Morzine, as well as a large sports complex in Les Carroz (Aquacîme), with a large indoor swimming pool, a second outdoor swimming pool and a wellness area.
SPA, WELLNESS, MASSAGE – A holiday wouldn’t be a holiday without some time for rest and relaxation, and Samoëns is the perfect place to unwind. There is no shortage of spas & wellness centres in Samoëns:
O des Cimes Spa, CGH Residence
O des Cimes Spa, La Reine des Pres
ClubMed at Samoëns 1600 – The day pass gives you unlimited access to the facilities (swimming pool, spa, yoga studio, gym, games room etc), including an “all you can eat“ buffet.
YOGA – Simply YOGA with Annabelle. We have a local fully qualified Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga instructor, Annabelle. Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic, flowing style of yoga that connects the movement of the body with the breath. Annabelle holds regular group lessons at her private residence in Morillon, but can also provide private lessons for groups and individuals in your own accommodation.
CHRISTMAS VILLAGE – Celebrate Christmas in the fairytale atmosphere of the Christmas chalets and stalls in the heart of the village of Samoëns. Every evening over the festive period local associations and artisans welcome you with their traditional fayre, including savoyard snacks, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate. The highlight is the arrival of Santa Claus on his sleigh on 24 December, followed by a procession of street performers – a magical treat for the little ones.
THE CHURCH OF NOTRE DAME DE L’ASSOMPTION – Situated in the village centre the beautiful Samoëns church is open every day from 9 – 11.30am and 3 – 6pm.
LA JAYSINIA BOTANICAL GARDENS– Covering 3.7 hectares of south-facing terrain overlooking the village, the gardens are carved out of the south side of the mountain, but accessed directly from the village. It is the only botanical garden of its kind in the Alps, containing no less than 5000 varieties of mountain flowers from all 5 continents, as well as a laboratory where wide-ranging research is carried out. The narrow path winding its way up the mountainside passes waterfalls and fountains before reaching the ruins of the 12th century Tornalta castle and a 13th century chapel. FREE entry and open daily to the public (except when snow on the ground). Dogs not allowed.
GUIDED TOURS – A guided tour is one of the best ways to discover the rich history of Samoëns. Contact the Tourist Office for more information.
MARKET DAY – Held every Wednesday from 9am-1pm, Samoëns plays host to one of the largest markets in the Haute Savoie. There’s cheese, meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, breads and cakes, crafts, clothing and numerous regional specialties.
LA GRENETTE – Situated in the main square, the covered area of La Grenette is the place for a variety of demonstrations, stalls, children’s entertainment, bingo, games and even cooking lessons for all the family! Try your hand as a master Savoyard chef and learn to make the infamous tartiflette.
CINEMA – The cinema is open every day except Saturdays. A weekly programme of screenings is available from the Tourist Office .