Skiing:
The huge Grand Massif ski area is suitable for skiers of all standards, with more than 134 different pistes from meandering blues to steep black couloirs. The introduction of hands-free ski passes two winters ago means there's little queuing.
If you like motorway skiing, the nine-mile run Les Cascades, the longest blue run in Europe, will be a dream descent – from the top of Les Grandes Platières (2,580m) in Flaine down to the village of Sixt (700m).
For more advanced skiers, the Combe de Gers, a steep black run that rapidly drops 800m into a bowl, is a real thigh burner.
There is a wide choice of piste-side restaurants, from cheap self-service stops to places you can settle in if the weather (or your legs) take a turn for the worst. Our favourites are one at Lac de Gers, where you arrive by skidoo or at Les Molliets, which are children vote has the best spag bol in the area.
There is also ice-skating, dog sleigh rides and paragliding.
Samoens:
Stroll around...
The narrow streets of Samoens. Once famous for its stone-builders (Frahans), this medieval village is filled with their edifices. Not to be missed are the gothic church built on the foundations of a Roman church in 1438 and the Jaysinia botanical gardens that fill the slope above the old village centre. Finally, wander back through the narrow streets filled with local craft and haberdashery shops and the smells of charcuterie. Those with energy still to burn may head to the local ice rink (eight euros) or opt for a snow-shoeing trip.
Buy...
Patisseries. Anyone with a sweet tooth will be spoilt for choice. From its chocolate fountain and confiseries to gateaux aux pistaches and tarte aux pommes, the Pâtisserie à la Jaÿsinia on the main high street is the best and boasts an eat-in, waddle-out coffee room.
Local crafts. Every Wednesday for over 500 years has been market day in Samoens, clustered around the lime tree in the main square.
Summer months:
Although you might just feel like lazing by the pool there is no excuse to feel bored as there are so many acitivities in the summer. Try white water rafting, paragliding, riding, walking, mountain biking, adventure tree parks, summer toboganning, go-karts etc. and then come back and recover by the pool!
The valley is close to many lovely towns and villages, Chamonix, Annecy, Yvoire, Geneva, Les Gets and Megeve.
Ski:
The huge Grand Massif ski area is suitable for skiers of all standards, with more than 134 different pistes from meandering blues to steep black couloirs. The introduction of hands-free ski passes two winters ago means there's little queuing.
If you like motorway skiing, the nine-mile run Les Cascades, the longest blue run in Europe, will be a dream descent – from the top of Les Grandes Platières (2,580m) in Flaine down to the village of Sixt (700m).
For more advanced skiers, the Combe de Gers, a steep black run that rapidly drops 800m into a bowl, is a real thigh burner. There's also plenty of great off-piste action. A three-day pass for the Grand Massif area costs 99 euros.
There is a wide choice of piste-side restaurants, from cheap self-service stops to places you can settle in if the weather (or your legs) take a turn for the worst. Our favourites are one at Lac de Gers, where you arrive by skidoo or at Les Molliets, which are children vote has the best spag bol in the area.
Other Activities:
Dog sleigh rides, ice-skating, tree climbing adventure parks, white water rafting
