If you’re new to the Grand Massif, or if you haven’t been here for a while, then read on! Find out about the Grand Massif, just how big, snowy and varied it is, and what you've been missing out on.
Samoens and the Grand Massif ski area offer excellent varied skiing for all abilities, from beginners to experienced piste and off-piste skiers and snowboarders. The area offers reliable snow cover, a great selection of restaurants, fantastic views, and is great value for money in comparison to the other big Alpine ski resorts. You’ll find a good selection of highly regarded ski schools, great nursery areas, and it’s located only 50 minutes drive from Geneva Airport.
One of the real highlights of the Grand Massif is its incredibly varied terrain. No matter your level of experience, interests, or what kind of weather you've got, there really is something for every situation.
The ski area consists of five village sectors – Samoens, Morillon, Sixt, Les Carroz and Flaine. Each area has something for everyone, while providing it’s own distinct characteristics. In Samoens, you’ll find great terrain for intermediate and advanced skiers, and reliable snow on the relatively high and steep north facing slopes above the tree line. Over in Morillon and Les Carroz, the pistes are generally wide and more biased towards beginners and intermediates. These tree-lined slopes are particularly beautiful after heavy snowfall and offer protection in times of stormy weather. The Coulouvrier bowl, located between Samoens and Morillon offers more great tree-lined skiing but is generally slightly steeper so more suited to intermediate/advanced skiers. Flaine provides the highest skiing in the Grand Massif, with predominantly wide, playful pistes located mostly above the tree line. It offers pistes for all abilities, including the 14km Cascade piste down to Sixt, and the Gers bowl, an impressive off-piste paradise for advanced skiers and snowboarders. Finally, Sixt is perfect for beginners and families with its own excellent nursery area, and boasts a truly beautiful, unspoilt location at the base of the Cascade piste with bus links to Samoens and Morillon.
The Grand Massif is located very close to Mont Blanc, and on the windward side of the highest mountain in the Alps, meaning the area receives the full force of passing storm systems. All of this makes the Grand Massif one of the snowiest areas in the Alps, in fact the highest parts of the ski area can reach 15m total snowfall in a winter! This micro climate, plus a high proportion of north facing slopes, and an impressive network of snow cannons, mean the Grand Massif generally offers reliable, season long snow cover from December to April. No ski resort can claim to be 100% snow-sure, but Samoens and the Grand Massif are up there with the best in France. See the average snow depth records.
The Grand Massif has an excellent selection of piste side restaurants, cafes and bars of all prices ranges, from delicious hot chocolates and snack style food, to Savoyard classics like fondue and tartiflette. You’ll find charming, beautifully renovated restaurants, roaring log fires, sunny terraces, and even live music in spring. Find out more.
Is Samoens a ski in, ski out village? It's a question we're asking a lot- find out in this article, including Morillon, Morillon 1100 and the Grand Massif ski area.
Vercland telecabine - The hamlet of Vercland, Samoens is getting a brand new telecabine! The new vercland ski lift will offer a quick and efficient link into the Grand Massif ski area.
Here's our guide to a cheaper ski holiday in Samoens and the Grand Massif. If you normally ski in the big name resorts such as Courchevel or Val d'Isere, you could save significantly in the Grand Massif, and have just as much fun!
What do I need to pack for a ski holiday?? Take the stress out of packing for your next ski holiday in Samoens and the Grand Massif by following our packing list!
The histroy of Samoens and the Grand Massif's skiing. Over 100 years of skiing and winter sports and details on how skiing in Samoens has developed.
Alps Accommodation were recently invited along on an excellent morning exploring the numerous works carried out in Samoens, Morillon and the Grand Massif, including the fantastic new Coulouvrier chairlift in the Combe de Coulouvrier, and dramatic changes to the Tete des Saix summit.
Discover all the new developments in the Grand Massif ski area, including Samoëns, Morillon, Les Carroz and Flaine