Skiing and boarding

The Grand Massif is awesome ski area rising to 2500m at the top of the Grand Platieres cable car. From there the view of Mont Blanc is spectacular, and with the sun shining and the snow sparkling, these views from the top of the world are not to be missed!

Grand Massif Piste Map

The ski domaine incorporates Samoëns, Flaine, Morillon, Les Carroz and Sixte.
There is something for everyone with 265 km of interconnected pistes, where you can ski from resort to resort without taking your skis off! There are 75 lifts, 53 blue runs, 51 red runs, 14 black runs, and stacks of off-piste.

This is a superb snowsure area, with the Grand Massif holding the record as one of the top areas in the French Alps due to its closeness to Mont Blanc and many north-facing slopes. Just in case, there are 128 snow cannons to ensure the area stays open from December to Easter.

There are many authentic mountain restaurants to be found on the slopes, with a warm welcome to be found. Whether you choose to sit in the sun on the terrace, or go inside to get warm by the fire, there are a variety of dishes and drinks at reasonable prices to suit everyone.

Snowboarding

– Snowboarders need not fear – they haven’t been forgotten! In the Grand massif they have 3 fantastic terrain parks, operating in 3 locations with different themes.

The most hardcore location is in Flaine, on the Calcedoine run over the Aujon area. It has half pipes, boardercross, big air jumps, tables rails and quarters. It has a chalet reception area, sound system and cool zone. It is an un-missable spot for all riders. Free sessions are organised with BBQs, DJs, snow parties and more.

Lift Passes

Prices include 3.00€ pass for hands-free chip equipped passes (reusable).

Free lift pass for those under 5 and seniors over 75

There is the possibility of buying additional insurance with your ski pass @ 3.50€ per day per person.

Pedestrian passes can also be purchased for the Samoëns cable car at a price of 9.00€ per day.

2007/2008 Prices

Ski Tution

There are several highly regarded ski schools operating in Samoëns and offering ski and snowboard instruction at all levels in both English and French.

For the traditionalists, École du Ski Français, (ESF) is the largest ski school in Europe with a well established reputation (http://www.esfsamoens.com/), however we personally recommend smaller private schools ZigZag International Ski School ( http://www.zigzagski.com/ ) and 360 International (http://www.skisurf360.com/ ). Both operate from Samoëns and provide a far more personalized style of tuition tailored specifically to suit your level, with enthusiastic and friendly instructors ready to improve your technique on the slopes.

For prices and further information on the services each school offers please visit their websites, and to make a reservation contact us on +33(0)4.50.58.44.57 or use our contact form.

Equipment Hire

Upon arrival we will take those guests requiring ski or snowboard hire directly to see Roland at Ski Set, where all your hire requirements will be met with a smile. We are delighted to be working with Ski Set this year as they have shops both in the centre of the village, and on the mountain at 1600. This means that if you prefer not to cart your equipment around you can leave it in a locker at the top of the ski lift. Our guests told us last year that this is what they would prefer, so we hope it makes life easier for everyone!

Other Activities

If skiing is not your thing, or if you’dsimply like to try something else, there are a range of other winter activities available in the Giffre Valley. Explore the mountains at a more peaceful pace on snowshoes (http://www.alptracks.com/), whip through them on snowmobiles (http://www.naturemotoneige.com/), soar above Mont Blanc on a spectacular helicopter ride (http://www.mbh.fr/), or experience true romance in the snow on a husky sleigh ride! Whatever you’d like to do, we’ll happily make arrangements on your behalf.