Samoens in Winter:
Samoens is part of the Grand Massif ski area (with Flaine, Les Carroz and Morillon) and includes some 265 km of downhill skiing, with panoramic views over to Mont Blanc. (Green 11%, Blue 40%, Red 38%, Black 11%). A wide variety of skiing is on offer for all levels with virtually no queues. There are excellent nursery slopes at Samoens 1600 - now the biggest beginners area in the Haute Savoie. For the more advanced, there are exhilarating north facing mogul slopes from the Tete des Saix, down to Samoens. With an excellent snow record - one of the best in Alps, the slopes are accessed by the super fast gondola taking you from the village straight up to Samoens 1600 in just 8 minutes. Intermediate and advanced skiers will enjoy the 49 red pistes & 12 black pistes. Just 4 km from the Chalet, towards Morzine, is the Col de Joux Plane where there is fabulous Nordic skiing and walking with racquettes. Ice skating in the town centre and dog sledging are also available.
Samoens in Spring and Summer:
Warm summers offer plenty of opportunity to swim, walk, cycle, go rafting or visit the neighbouring towns and lakes. Samoens has an outdoor leisure complex, with 2 beautiful lakes, outdoor swimming pools and a 60 metre water slide, tennis courts, basket ball, roller-blade / skateboard park and an Indiana Jones park (assault course). There is also white water rafting, canoeing / kayaking,
Samoens village has plenty of out-door cafés and restaurants and the beautiful botanical gardens, “La Jaysinia” just off the village square.
The Giffre valley famed for its flora, fauna and stunning scenery offers walks to suit all abilities at differing altitudes. All routes are clearly marked. For MTB enthusiasts there are 100s of miles of MTB paths with lifts at nearby Sixt and Morillion open during the summer. Each ride is graded according to length and difficulty. The historic towns of Evian, Thonon Les Bains, Chamonix, Mont Blanc and Annecy and are all in easy reach for days out.
Around Chalet Clos Parchet:
Chalet Clos Parchet is an enviable location, 5 minutes by car into Samoens but high enough above the village to give you a real feel of being in the mountains. The gardens surrounding the chalet are large and sunny with a small stream running to the side and front. From the front of the chalet there is a wild flower meadow and beyond stunning views of the Grand Massif. Behind the chalet is another meadow and uninterrupted views up to Col De Joux Plane and to the side views of the impressive Le Criou. A wide variety of birds and wildlife can be seen from the garden including woodpeckers, jays and red squirrels. From the garden you can hear the melodic sound of cow bells. During the spring and summer there is an outside dining area and sun loungers. Walking and cross country mountain biking trails start from the chalet and for the very active the famous Col de Joux Plane route of the tour de France passes nearby.
Ski:
Located in the French Northern Alps in Haute Savoie between Geneva, Chamonix Mont Blanc and les Portes du Soleil ski area, Samoens belongs to the Grand Massif ski area. The Grand Massif ski area (with Flaine, Les Carroz and Morillon) includes some 265 km of downhill skiing, with panoramic views over to Mont Blanc. A wide variety of skiing is on offer for all levels with virtually no queues. For the beginner there are excellent nursery slopes at Samoens 1600 - now the biggest beginners area in the Haute Savoie. For the more advanced, there are exhilarating north facing mogul slopes from the Tete des Saix, down to Samoens. With an excellent snow record - one of the best in Alps, the slopes are accessed by the super fast gondola taking you from the village straight up to Samoens 1600 in just 8 minutes. Intermediate and advanced skiers will enjoy the 49 red pistes; 12 black pistes and snow parks of the Grand Massif.
Other Activities:
white water rafting, canoeing/kayaking, Indiana Jones adventure park