Samoëns Ski Resort Guide
Samoëns, France
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Recommended For | Beginners, Snowboarders and Snowfall. |
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Total Piste Length | 266km |
Highest Lift | 2,500m |
Resort Height | 1,600m |
Nearest Airports | Geneva and Annecy |
Save on Ski Hire | Save up to 50% ![]() |
Samoëns
Samoëns is a picturesque ski resort in the French Alps, known for its beautiful scenery and family-friendly atmosphere. It offers access to the Grand Massif ski area, ensuring diverse skiing experiences.
Summary
Nestled in the Haute-Savoie region, Samoëns combines traditional alpine architecture with modern amenities. With over 265 kilometers of slopes, it caters to all skill levels and provides stunning mountain views.
The ski area of Samoëns is in the French Alps at an altitude of 1,600m, with 266km of marked runs.
Samoëns is part of the Grand Massif ski area with access to 265km of downhill skiing, with 351 marked pistes, served by a total of 78 ski lifts. In addition to the skiing in Samoëns itself (266km of pisted ski runs), the appropriate ski Lift Pass will allow you to ski or snowboard in the other Grand Massif ski resorts of Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon and Sixt Fer à Cheval.
The ski resort itself is at 1,600m, so skiing or boarding back to the resort is usually possible. With ski lifts as high as 2,500m, snow cover is generally reliable.
Notable Ski Runs
The longest possible descent in Samoëns is 14km long and the most difficult run is the 'Diamant Noir'.
Snow and Weather
Samoëns typically sees a snow depth of 100 to 300 cm during peak season, with regular snowfall ensuring good conditions. For the latest updates on snow quality, check J2Ski for reliable information.
When will it snow in Samoëns?
There is currently no significant snow in the 7-day forecast for Samoëns.
See our long-range Snow Forecast for the latest update.
Snow this week
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Ski Area Stats
Samoëns Ski Area
Black Pistes Expert Trails | 14 | 41km |
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Red Pistes Intermediate Runs | 51 | 107km |
Blue Pistes Easy Trails | 53 | 118km |
Green Pistes Beginner Runs | 15 | |
Downhill Total Length | 266km | |
Cross Country Total Length | 90km | |
Ski Lifts Number of Lifts | 16 |
Grand Massif Ski Area
Black Pistes Expert Trails | 37 | |
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Red Pistes Intermediate Runs | 132 | |
Blue Pistes Easy Trails | 140 | |
Green Pistes Beginner Runs | 42 | |
Downhill Total Length | 265km | |
Ski Lifts Number of Lifts | 78 |
Samoëns Altitudes
Highest Lift | 2,500m |
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Resort Altitude (Samoëns) | 1,600m |
Lowest Piste | 720m |
Max Vertical | 1,780m |
Ratings & Suitability
Intermediate Skiers | |
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Beginners | |
Snowboarding | |
Snow | |
Apres-Ski |
Skiing
Samoëns is part of the Grand Massif ski area, which boasts an impressive 2,500 meters of elevation. Key lifts include the Grand Massif Express and the Tête de Saix, with notable pistes like the blue 'Vercland' and the challenging 'Les Cascades'.
There are a variety of pistes to suit all levels of skier ability, from Beginner to Expert.
Ski Lessons in Samoëns

To choose a Ski School, and book Group Ski Lessons or a Private Instructor, see Samoëns Ski Schools and Samoëns Ski Instructors.
Snowboarding
Snowboarders can enjoy the terrain park at Morillon, featuring various jumps and rails suitable for all levels. The expansive off-piste areas in the Grand Massif provide additional adventurous options.
Location and Map
Where is Samoëns?
This ski resort is in the French Alps in Bonneville, Haute-Savoie.
Map
Tap for Full-Screen, or see J2Ski's Resort map, showing Hotels and Ski Shops.
How to get there
By Air
The nearest airport to Samoëns is Geneva, 52 minutes drive away.
Annecy, Chambery, Sion, Grenoble, Lyon St-Exupéry, Lyon Bron, Berne, Turin Caselle and Dole–Jura airports are all within three hours drive.
Annecy and Geneva are just one hours drive away, in good driving conditions, so you can be on the piste quickly.
Accessing Samoëns is convenient via Geneva Airport, approximately 60 km away. From there, you can take a shuttle or drive, following the A40 motorway towards Cluses, then the D907 to reach the resort.
Infrastructure
Ski Lift Capacity
The 16 ski lifts are able to uplift 16,700 skiers and snowboarders every hour.
Snow Making
Snow-making is available, on 35km of ski runs, with 143 snow cannons.
Season Dates
When is Samoëns open?
We don't currently have confirmed season dates, but hope to soon.
Usual opening is late December, and usual closing is Late April.
NOTE:- Ski area, lift and piste opening is subject to Current Snow Conditions.
Piste Map

Aprés Ski
For après-ski, Samoëns offers a range of bars and restaurants, including the lively 'Le Savoie' and the cozy 'La Buvette des Crosets'. Nightlife options are limited but enjoyable, with a few local spots to unwind.