Make the most of your stay, even during peak periods!

During the high season, some of our iconic sites can quickly become very busy, with car parks reaching capacity:

  • Plateau des Saix (Samoëns 1600), the gateway to the Grand Massif, is a popular winter destination thanks to its ski runs for all abilities, its friendly snow front and its beginner area, making it ideal for families. In summer, it attracts walkers with routes winding through alpine meadows and past mountain lakes, offering outstanding views of the surrounding peaks, including Mont Blanc from the Tête des Saix (2,100 m). For a comfortable and environmentally responsible journey to Samoëns 1600, the Navettes du Giffre* serve the village gondola lifts, which provide a direct ascent to the plateau in just 15 minutes.
  • Col de Joux Plane (1,700 m), a legendary cycling climb and a must-see for its high-altitude lake and breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, offers a true escape into nature. In winter, visitors can enjoy its Nordic area, while in summer it provides a wide range of walking routes. Given the site’s preserved setting and limited parking capacity, the Navettes du Giffre* are a natural and sustainable alternative for accessing the pass.
  • Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval (1,100 m), a natural jewel reminiscent of a vast national park, captivates visitors with its majestic mountains and spectacular waterfalls. To preserve the magic of this exceptional site and limit environmental impact, access is also supported by the Navettes du Giffre*, offering a gentle and responsible arrival — ideal for fully immersing yourself in the unspoilt atmosphere of the nature reserve, away from traffic and pollution.

* Navettes du Giffre shuttle service is available during the French summer school holidays, as well as during the opening of the Grand Massif ski area in winter.

 

To help you enjoy a more relaxed, eco-friendly and equally immersive experience, we’ve put together some practical tips and alternative ways to explore the valley differently:

1️⃣ Leave the car behind: choose greener ways to get around

Choosing greener ways to get around means less traffic, lower fuel costs and no time wasted searching for a parking space.

 

🚐 Travel with the Navettes du Giffre shuttle service:

During the French summer school holidays, as well as during the winter opening of the Grand Massif ski area, the Navettes du Giffre are an excellent way to get around easily, without the hassle of parking.

 

They allow you to travel easily:

  • around Samoëns, to discover the old village centre, the Lacs aux Dames and the La Jaÿsinia Alpine Botanical Garden
  • to the Grand Massif gondola lifts, providing access to Samoëns 1600 and Morillon 1100
  • throughout the Vallée du Giffre, to explore places of interest and reach walking trail starting points without searching for a parking space

👉 Check out the shuttles service dates and timetables

 

🚌 Get around with regional buses:

Regional bus routes Y94 and Y02, operating respectively from Cluses and Annemasse, provide an affordable way to travel around the valley, particularly during the low season.

👉 Find out about timetables, fares and booking information for regional buses

 

🚲 Travel by bike or mountain bike:

Our many sports shops offer bike and mountain bike hire, making it easy to explore the valley at your own pace.

👉 Explore cycling and mountain bike routes

2️⃣ Opt for less crowded walks that are just as beautiful

Step off the beaten track!

Rather than heading for very popular sites such as the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval nature reserve or the Col de Joux Plane mountain pass, we invite you to discover more discreet routes that are just as rewarding.

 

❤️ Our favourite alternative walks:

  • The ‘Au fil du Giffre’ greenway, for a flat and easy stroll along our beautiful river
  • The Gorges des Tines, just outside Samoëns, to enjoy the coolness of the forest and catch a glimpse of the rafts down below
  • The Lac des Gouilles Rouges and Tête des Saix, starting from Samoëns 1600, to admire the Giffre mountains and Mont Blanc
  • The Cirque des Fonts, little brother of the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval in Sixt, for a shaded hike among alpine chalets and waterfalls
  • The Gers, Folly, Bostan and Golèse mountain refuges in Samoëns, for a slightly more challenging outing with the option of a refreshing and/or gourmet break (it’s up to you! 😉)

These routes offer you:

🍃 More peace and quiet

🌲 A variety of landscapes

🚌 Easy access without a car: shuttle buses, regional buses, gondola lifts… or hikes starting directly from the village of Samoëns

 

Looking for a hiking map?

Please note that hiking maps and guidebooks are available to browse and buy at our Tourist Office and on our online shop, as well as available for free download in PDF format.

3️⃣ (Re)discover Samoëns in a different way

Take the time to explore our village:

When the major sites are very busy, the village of Samoëns and its surroundings offer an ideal alternative — one you never tire of.

 

❤️ We highly recommend:

 

😎 What if the best alternative to the crowds was simply to slow down and enjoy the present moment in Samoëns, with your loved ones?

4️⃣ Adjust your schedule for a more relaxed experience

⏰ A few simple changes can make all the difference:

  • Set off earlier in the morning to enjoy the peace and the softly awakening landscapes
  • Consider late-afternoon outings too, such as a mountain bike ride along the Giffre at sunset
  • Whenever possible, avoid visiting major attractions in the afternoons and at weekends

❤️ Our tip:

If you use the Navettes du Giffre shuttle service, choose early-morning departures — journeys are more pleasant and sites are quieter.

 

Find out about visitor numbers for the day by speaking with our tourist information advisors:

👉 Contact the Samoëns Tourist Office

5️⃣ Ski smart this winter

⚡ Make the most of your access to the slopes according to your profile:

  • Beginners and ski lessons: access the alpine ski area directly via the Grand Massif Express gondola. The beginner area and ski schools meeting point are located at the top of this gondola.
  • Experienced alpine skiers: save time and avoid queues by taking the 10-seater Vercland gondola — an ideal alternative to the Grand Massif Express.
  • Cross-country skiers and snowshoe hikers: use the Joux Plane shuttle buses to reach the Col de Joux Plane Nordic area (1,700 m altitude), and the Y94 regional bus line to access the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval nature reserve (1,100 m altitude).

Plan your return to the village ahead of time:

To fully enjoy the end of your day on the slopes and avoid queues at the lifts, we recommend heading back to the village before 3 p.m. Starting your ski return earlier ensures smoother journeys and more relaxed final runs. One hour really can make all the difference!

 

🤓 Did you know?

If you ski as far as Flaine — despite its apparent proximity — it will take around one hour to return to Samoëns Village.

 

✨ Sometimes, timing is everything!

Famille à Samoëns

✅ In summary…

 

🚍 Choose sustainable ways of getting around: Navettes du Giffre shuttles, regional buses, gondola lifts, cycling and walking…

 

🚶‍♀️ Opt for less busy walks and trails

 

🏘️ Rediscover Samoëns and its cultural and natural heritage

 

⏰ Adjust your schedule

 

⛷️ Ski smart

 

🌱 Enjoy a calmer, more responsible stay

 

…for a stress-free, unforgettable holiday with family or friends!