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Blog > Découverte de Samoëns l’hiver > A successful winter in Samoëns, 100% sensational!
Two of the great classics of this winter and of holidays in the mountains! Downhill skiing and snowboarding are back and will delight all snow sports enthusiasts. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, the Grand Massif ski area is full of slopes adapted to your level. In the heart of the 4th largest massif in France, both modern and environmentally friendly, and with its 265 kilometres of green, blue, red and black runs, you will find a multitude of sensations linked to skiing.
The ski area is accessible from the village of Samoëns thanks to the shuttle buses. These skibuses are free and regular to help you get around. You have two accesses to the Grand Massif domain, the new Vercland gondola and the Grand Massif Express.
In Samoëns, the culture of off-piste skiing is very present. The most experienced skiers will be able to put on their skis and go deep into the powder, without forgetting to respect the basic safety rules. For those who want to try this practice, they can follow the tracks of a guide who will take them away from the hustle and bustle.
A real moment of freedom, off-piste skiing remains a must for all skiers in need of adrenaline. Although accompanied by a guide, it is recommended to have a sufficient level of skiing to enjoy the snowy slopes in complete safety. Please contact the guide office for more information and advice on the level required.
Whether you discovered the thrill of ski touring last winter or you are a seal skin enthusiast, ski touring is a must on the Grand Massif ski area in Samoëns. This winter, 6 new marked ski touring itineraries have been opened to complete the ten or so trails already present. With a difference in altitude of 60 to 800 metres, there is something for all levels. These itineraries allow you to climb the snowy peaks far from the crowds and enjoy a descent in powder snow or on the ski slopes for beginners!
Although the practice of this sport is open to all, it is important to remember that safety equipment is essential (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe). To equip yourself, you can go to the ski shops in Samoëns which offer everything you need to practice this sport.
Although it may not seem as exciting as downhill skiing or snowboarding, cross-country skiing is nonetheless full of adrenaline. Put on your skis and embark on a sporting session or a discovery session on the specially designed slopes. For all levels, two areas are available:
A Nordic domain in the heart of the Giffre valley from Samoëns to Morillon and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
A domain located at 1700 meters of altitude in the heart of an exceptional site: the col de Joux Plane
The latter, given its altitude, offers snow cover all winter long. As a bonus, you can enjoy an incredible panorama with a view of Mont Blanc.
Pure adrenalin! To take in the sights and discover the Mont-Blanc massif in a completely different way, come and enjoy an atypical way of skiing. Reserved for good skiers, the snowy slopes are waiting for you. After being dropped off by helicopter on a summit far from the ski lifts, take to the powder with your guide to discover the hidden sides of the resorts off-piste.
For a day or over several days, depending on your availability, heliskiing can be adapted to your wishes and your level to guarantee you a maximum of adrenaline. Some valleys, still wild on the summits and accessible by heli-skiing, are equipped with ski lifts to allow you to extend your day with a few descents on the slopes.
A good level is required with knowledge of off-piste skiing
Heli-skiing is done with a guide
Take on a sensational activity along the Giffre River for a whole day. The Frozen Day is an adventure that starts with off-piste skiing from the resort of Samoëns 1600 where you travel to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval via the powder slopes of the Grand Massif resort.
The return journey is more icy! Put on a wetsuit, helmet and lifejacket and embark on a raft, canoe or hydrospeed in the tumultuous waters of the Giffre. This is the perfect activity to combine the pleasures of skiing and water sports with a trip down the Giffre, usually done in summer.
Price : 145€ per person
Includes: Supervision, ski safety equipment, river equipment, transport of people and equipment
Accompanied by a guide, get on your snowmobile and embark on a ride on the slopes in the heart of the Grand Massif domain between Les Carroz, Flaine, Samoëns and Morillon. The route is varied and full of discoveries and will take you through powder snow, forests and slopes.
Whether you are a thrill-seeker or a fan of atypical rides, you can choose between the two styles of hikes:
The first ride, the Caribou, allows anyone, whatever their level, to discover snowmobiling with ease. A new sensation that will allow you to enjoy the great outdoors.
The second snowmobile ride is more challenging, on a varied route. You can enjoy a break during which the view of the Aravis mountain range, Megeve, Combloux, Faucigny, the Salève, Annemasse and Geneva will leave you breathless!
To drive: Must be over 18 years old and have a driving licence
To be a passenger :
– Be over 8 years old to sit behind your parents
– Be over 5 years old to sit behind the guide
Come warmly equipped (ski clothes, gloves, ski boots), helmets approved for motorbikes are provided
Often recognized as a popular activity in summer, paragliding is also possible in winter. It is a great way to get up high, fly over snow-covered peaks and enjoy a sensational experience out of time.
Several organisations offer short discovery flights as well as longer flights to make the most of your experience. In tandem with an instructor, you will take off from a gentle slope to reach the bottom of the valley with the wind, in front of a breathtaking panorama.
Discovery flight: children and adults
Duration according to the chosen formula
Winter in Samoëns is also an opportunity to discover a new sport or activity. What better way to do this than to put on cross-country skis, shoulder a laser rifle and let yourself be carried away by the desire to clear all the targets, sometimes lying down, sometimes standing up, like in real biathlon. Following in the footsteps of the French champions of the discipline, come and discover this unique discipline combining effort and precision.
Private lessons offered by the ESF
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced climber, come and discover this unique practice of ice climbing with experienced and passionate guides. With the frost, the waterfalls become a real playground to discover with your guide as you climb. Knowing how to save yourself and anticipating the route to follow are the main rules of this elegant and sporty discipline. But beyond the technical aspect, which is quickly mastered, climbing an ice fall is above all an extraordinary winter day full of sensations.
66, place de l’Office de Tourisme – 74340 SAMOËNS
Tel : +33 (0)4 50 34 40 28
Mail : infos@samoens.com
