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In the heart of the Montagnes du Giffre, discover the most beautiful routes on foot or mountain bike starting from Samoëns thanks to the many itineraries accessible to all.
Choose your activity (hiking, mountain biking, trail or motorbike) and distance by clicking on “Filter”.
Download a GPX track and print a PDF of your route by accessing the route description.
For even more hiking itineraries, click here. For VTTAE routes in the Montagnes du Giffre, click here.
NEW: a selection of 14 “turnkey” hikes to complement the summer shuttle service. An original way of combining the shuttle service with walking – or the other way round – to create some lovely loops in the valley! Discover the “Rando’ Bus” guide and the shuttle timetable.
On the Grand Massif side, discover the downhill mountain bike trails by clicking here.
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Climb Samoëns' iconic peak: Le Criou!
From the small hamlet of Les Vallons, reach Aouille du Criou via Chalets du Trot and Chalets du Criou. You'll first make your way through undergrowth, before arriving at small dwellings and mountain pastures.
A 360° panorama of the Giffre Valley and Mont Blanc awaits you.
Itinerary under the emblematic Samoëns mountain, overlooking the village.
To discover: Chalet du Trot
Are we going to climb part of the Tour des Dents Blanches?
Use the destination's mobility network to hike for longer, without having to make the round trip.
This hike takes you to the summit of the Criou, the symbolic mountain towering over the town of Samoëns. There is a breathtaking panoramic view from the summit over the Giffre Valley, Mont Buet, Rousse des Chambres and Les Dents Blanches.
Time taken: 5 hours
Starting altitude: 717 m
Finishing altitude: 2,207 m
Particular difficulties: none up to the chalets at Le Criou. The ridge at the top of Aouille du Criou overlooks the very sharp drop of the north face of the Criou.
Itinerary for guidance only.
This hike is on the famous "Grande Traversée des Alpes". It permises to discover different landscapes, enjoy breathtaking views.
On the GR®5 route, the mythical "Grande Traversée des Alpes" invites you to hike on the alpine part of one of the most fabulous hiking trails in the world!
Start walking on the shores of Lake Leman and finish 620 km further (3 to 4 weeks walk) on the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea ... There is no doubt that the Grande Traversée des Alpes is An unforgettable hike !
Itinerary for guidance only.
Unusual and enchanting, the Noctambule 10 km takes you out under the stars for a night-time mountain bike ride along the banks of the Giffre and into the heart of the Base de loisirs des Lacs aux Dames in Samoëns for a fun and friendly experience.
This year's dress code is Superhero, so get ready to win the best-dressed contest!
OPEN TO VTT & VTTAE
EASY ROUTE
Unusual and exciting, the Noctambule 16 km takes you out under the stars for a brand-new night-time mountain bike trail between the Base de loisirs des Lacs aux Dames and the hamlet of Les Allamands in Samoëns.
Expect multiple technical options for a good dose of fun, and to exclaim your delight on the final descent down an incredible single-track trail...
This year's dress code is Superhero, so go wild and win the best-dressed competition!
OPEN TO VTT & VTTAE
DIFFICULT ITINERARY
Magical and friendly, the 6 km Noctambule takes you out under the stars for a night-time mountain bike ride accessible to all, designed on the banks of the Giffre and in the heart of the Lacs aux Dames leisure park in Samoëns.
This year's dress code is Superhero, so get ready to win the best-dressed contest!
OPEN TO MOUNTAIN BIKERS & MOUNTAIN BIKES
VERY EASY ROUTE
100% fun, the new Randuro format takes you on a tour of Enduro mountain biking over 4 segments, from blue to red.
All in all, enjoy 18 km and 2200 m of single-track trails, all in an exceptional natural setting between the resorts of Samoëns, Morillon and Les Carroz.
With only 760 m of positive ascent to pedal, take advantage of the ski lifts to preserve your legs, as well as the scenery and local-flavored refreshments waiting for you at the top of the slopes!
EVENT OPEN TO MTB & VTTAE
IDEAL BIKE: mountain bike or full-suspension VTTAE
DIFFICULT ITINERARY
The Enduro promises to be a summit event, with 5 special stages on the best spots in the Samoëns and Morillon resorts.
All in all, a total of 11.5 km and 1860 m of negative altitude difference in special stages for what promises to be a foooool day...
Pedal-powered climbs and gondolas to preserve your legs.
NB: the event will support the Auvergne Rhône Alpes Enduro VTT Cup.
IDEAL BIKE: Full-suspension mountain bike
VERY DIFFICULT ITINERARY
Reserved for the e-bike category, the Enduro Electric promises a race to the top over a format of 5 special stages on the best spots in the Samoëns and Morillon resorts.
All in all, a total of 11.5 km and 1860 m of negative altitude difference in special stages for what promises to be a foooool day...
Pedal-powered climbs and gondolas to preserve your legs.
Local-flavoured refreshment stations that are anything but dietetic, but which might just save you a few tenths on the way down.
OPEN TO VTT & VTTAE
IDEAL BIKE: Full-suspension VTTAE
VERY DIFFICULT ITINERARY
(Re)experience the UTHG race at your own pace with the Tour du Giffre course!
Start with a 3km climb which offers a breathtaking view of the whole Haut Giffre valley, then cross the mountain to the Chalets du Trot.
On your descent, discover the hamlet of Le Mont and then head for the Tines gorges.
A new slope leads to the majestic Lac de Gers and its combe.
The last few kilometres will take you to the Lac aux Dames where you can take advantage of the leisure centre to stretch your legs.
Itineraries are indicative.
(Re)experience the UTHG race at your own pace with the Fireflies Tour course !
Start with a 3km climb which offers a breathtaking view of the whole Haut Giffre valley, then cross the mountain to the Chalets du Trot.
On your descent, discover the hamlet of Le Mont and then head for the Tines gorges.
The last few kilometres will take you to the Lac aux Dames where you can take advantage of the leisure centre to stretch your legs.
Itineraries are indicative.
Discover the Folly refuge on the 16km trail.
Itineraries are indicative.
This magnificent village used to be lived in all year round. It had its own primary school downhill from the chapel.
Through the Allamands forest, join the 4x4 track that leads to the Bostan valley and its refuge.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Giffre Valley and the Teeth of Oddaz.
This hike takes you through mountain pastures to the Bostan hut.
Starting altitude: 1,096 m
Finishing altitude: 1,769 m
Particular difficulties: none
Itinerary for guidance only.
Wide open and easy to access, the Col de la Golèse path has been used for a very long time. In fact, this route is the gateway to neighboring Switzerland via the Col de Coux.
Itinerary for guidance only.
