Before You Arrive | The Ski Area | Away From the Pistes | Accommodation
The school holiday periods are very popular times for holidays in Samoëns and the Grand Massif ski area, and for very good reason! Whether you're looking to welcome in the new year in style or make the most of February's usually tip-top mid-winter skiing conditions, they are both great times to visit.
With over 20 years of experience living in the area, we’ve learned most of the tips and tricks to help you make the most of your stay during these very popular times!
Reserve Equipment & Lessons in Advance
Reserving equipment in advance can save time when in resort, but it is also vital to ensure availability during the busier weeks. Our rental partners also offer additional discounts for advanced bookings.
Reserve Restaurants in Advance
Demand is higher, so we recommend booking restaurants in advance to avoid disappointment.
Arrive Friday/Sunday
Consider picking a property with a Friday or Sunday changeover day when travel routes are generally less busy.
Take the Vercland Telecabine to Samoëns 1600
It's usually much less busy than the Grand Massif Express and quickly accessible by car, currently with free parking or take the free ski bus from many of the stops around the villages.
Coulouvrier Chairlift to Tete de Saix
If you're heading to Tete de Saix (the top of the Samoëns ski area at 2120m), then take the Coulouvrier chairlift via the Aouia blue piste from the top of the Grand Massif Express or Vercland telecabines. Its always quieter!
Ski Over Lunch
The traditional lunch period of 12-2pm is significantly quieter on the pistes, so have an early or late lunch and take advantage. The restaurants will also be much quieter after 2pm.
Start Late/Finish Late
The main Grand Massif Express in Samoëns can be busy for the first 30-60 minutes of opening. So either start really early, or for a more relaxed ski, start a little later if you' re not fixed to ski school times and avoid that busy 08:30 to 09:30 start time. At the end of the day, about 16:00 to 17:00, is a really popular time to take the Grand Massif Express back to the village, so why not enjoy a little apéro in Pre d'Oscar or Lou Caboëns and catch the last lift down. Or take the Vercland lift down and catch the free ski bus back to Samoens, maybe stopping at La Reposette for a little après ski! If you started really early, why not finish a little earlier too, and enjoy the village atmosphere or your chalet's hot tub or sauna in those that have one.
Ski to Flaine Later
Many skiers head straight to Flaine first thing in the morning, so avoid the congestion by enjoying a few runs in Samoëns, Morillon, or Les Carroz, then head to Flaine late morning after the rush. As a bonus, you can often enjoy quiet, untouched corduroy local pistes!
Avoid the Corbalanche Chairlift
When returning from Flaine, if the Corbalanche chairlift is busy, continue past the lift and join the stunning Portet blue run. This goes all the way down to the newer, high-speed Tête des Saix chairlift instead.
Ski to the Valley Floor
When snow conditions allow, ski back to Morillon village, or Vercland, to avoid the potential end of day download queues, and enjoy a huge descent!
If you are heading to Flaine, the pistes served by the Aup de Veran telecabine are often quieter than in other parts of Flaine. And enjoy Mephisto, one of our favourite pistes in the whole ski area!
As mentioned earlier, the tree lined pistes of Samoëns, Les Carroz, and Morillon can often be overlooked either for a morning, or a full days skiing. With dozens of pistes to enjoy in the local area alone, you could benefit from much quieter slopes than those found in Flaine.
The nursery slopes of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval can be quieter than those of Samoëns or Morillon and are easily accessible by bus or car. The Le Rouet restaurant and its fabulous terrace overlooking the slopes are excellent!
The car parks closest to the main lifts can occasionally become full, so save yourself some hassle, and do your bit for the environment by taking the bus.
If you fancy a day off from skiing, or if you are a non alpine skier, then get away from the main pistes, and you can have the mountains to yourself at times!
Ski Touring
The ultimate way to ski without the crowds, ski touring allows you to explore more of the Haut-Giffre valley and get away from it all. The area boasts a range of terrain from beginner to expert level, with marked routes in and around the Grand Massif ski area. Equipment can be hired, as can a guide.
Cross-Country Skiing
The valley has a huge network of cross-country pistes, including the snow-sure Col de Joux Plane. Escape the crowds and try something new!
Snowshoeing
There is huge potential for snowshoeing, from valley floor trails to mountain peaks which can be explored with or without a guide. Snowshoes can be rented from our equipment partners.
Sledging & Ice Skating
Always popular with families! Dedicated sledging areas are available on the Col de Joux Plane, the Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, and Samoëns 1600. Samoëns modern ice rink is a sure-fire favourite, and quieter during the day.
Col de Joux Plane
Situated at 1691m and hosting a wide variety of activities including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledging, and some spectacular views. A restaurant is ideal for refreshments or lunch. Accessible by car, but we recommend the free shuttle and always much quieter than Samoëns 1600.
The Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval
The magnificent natural amphitheatre of towering cliffs and frozen waterfalls, the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding. Or simply enjoy a delicious lunch at a restaurant located right in the centre of the cirque allowing you to take in the views.
Lac Bleu & Lacs aux Dames
Lac Bleu in Morillon and the Lacs aux Dames in Samoëns and easily accessible just a few hundred metres from the centre of their respective villages and offer several activities in winter, restaurants, and spectacular views. Located next to the Lac Bleu in Morillon village are Bastu74. Where you can take a cold dip in the lake and reheat in their wonderful saunas.
We offer a comprehensive selection of chalets and apartments in prime locations, but during the busier weeks, there’s nothing quite like unwinding in a private detached chalet tucked away in a peaceful corner of the valley. Add to that a private garden, stunning views, and perhaps even a sauna or hot tub, and you’ve got your very own tranquil Alpine retreat - an ideal escape after a day in the mountains. Our owners are totally flexible last minute so can offer short breaks and flexible stays during the peak weeks.
If you have any other tips to help visitors to the Grand Massif, please get in touch and let us know so we can pass them on!