Winter in Samoens
As Autumn turns to Winter and the first snows arrive ..... generally in late November ..... the pretty village of Samoens assumes a magical appearance. The ski season starts in earnest in mid-December as the lifts open and eager visitors arrive in anticipation of a wonderful holiday in one of the most attractive ski regions ..... the Grand Massif.
While the resorts of Flaine and Les Carroz have been well known for many years, Samoens has historically been less recognisable but, with the arrival of the new skilift on the village outskirts, Samoens has very quickly become a sought after resort. The Grand Massif Express, with its eight person gondolas, provides rapid transport to Samoens 1600 where the action starts; 700 free parking places enhance the service.
For skiers of all abilities the Grand Massif area has everything to offer ...... wide uncluttered runs for the most part with many pretty routes winding down through the forests. Novice skiers can ski without the pressure that often exists at better known resorts; advanced skiers can test themselves on the many black runs above Flaine. The snow record is excellent as most pistes are north facing and, in 2006, the Grand Massif resorts figured in the top five resorts for depth of snow.
The wide, open spaces also reduce the conflict between snowboarders and skiers that can exist on the 'motorway runs' at more crowded ski areas. In all there are 265km of piste to explore with a good selection of hostelries to fortify hungry and thirsty holidaymakers.
For first time skiers the ski school has 80 instructors of which a quarter are English speaking; we do recommend investing in a private lesson rather than a group. Progress is more rapid and probably less painful!
Cross country skiing as also catered for with around 60km of langlaufing tracks. As a pleasant alternative the ice rink is open for public skating at certain times of day and evening. Children can enjoy sledging at Samoens 1600 while for very young children Samoens provides creche facilities which do have to be booked in advance.
There can be few better winter resorts than Samoens with its pretty village centre. excellent ski region and convenience for Geneva airport. We look forward to giving you a warm welcome at the start of your Samoens experience.