Skiing in Samoens, Flaine and Les Carroz

Samoens is directly linked by telecabine to the Grand Massif, one of the larger linked ski domains in France. The 265km of runs link Samoens with the villages of Les Carroz, Morillion, Sixt, and the purpose built resort of Flaine.

Beginners and intermediates will be in heaven. There is lots of fun to be had for advanced skiers too. Here is our guide to the best ski runs in the Grand Massif. Of course, if you join our hosting group, he will do a lot of the navigating for you!

Beginner Skiing

One of the largest beginner ski areas in the Haute Savoie is accessible right from the top of the Samoens bubble lift. There are a number of scenic green runs around there, and then dozens of wide, confidence boosting tree lined blues to progress onto, taking you to the scenic villages of Morillion and Les Carroz. The whole resort is well linked by easy blues, so even beginners should get a chance to really explore the resort – very satisfying for a first ski holiday.

Intermediate Skiing

The Grand Massif as a whole is widely regarded as an excellent intermediate resort. Wide, long, cruising reds and blues dominate the terrain. These are particularly picturesque on the north and west facing tree lined slopes down to Les Carroz and Morillion. Push on over to Flaine for plenty more fun in the high altitude, snow filled bowl enclosing the resort.

From the Grand Platières (2480m), the highest point in the Massif, you can access the famous Cascades piste. The 14km blue run drops 1800 vertical metres, cutting through the mountain alongside frozen waterfalls on its way to the stunning hamlet of Sixt-Fer-Cheval. The only way out is by shuttle bus back round to Samoens, making it a great finish to the day, and one the most memorable runs of any ski holiday.

Advanced Skiing

Probably thebest thing about the Grand Massif from an expert’s point of view is the very fact that it has a reputation as an intermediates resort. The result? A huge amount of accessible, fun terrain that doesn’t get tracked out.

To name but a few highlights, you will find some steep off-piste and black terrain on north facing slopes above Samoens and over into the Combe des Gers.

The Flaine bowl is one expansive ski area with off-piste to be had in every direction.  In good snow there is surely nowhere better. The bowl keeps the snow well due to height and aspect, and can take the brunt of storms around Mt Blanc, so the snow record is excellent.

A guide is recommended for those keen on exploring deep into the backcountry, as there are a number of hidden dangers and drops. We can certainly help you organise one – ask us at the time of booking.

Fancy skiing in Samoens, Les Carroz and Flaine?

Ski Weekends Thursday to Monday From £550pp	Ski Midweeks Monday to Thursday From £350pp	Ski Weeks Monday or Thursday changeover From £875pp