Where timeless village charm meets world‑class skiing in the heart of the Grand Massif
Just one hour from Geneva Airport, Samoëns is the rarest of winter destinations — a true, year‑round mountain village with deep roots, rich culture, and direct access to the fifth‑largest linked ski area in France. For winter 2025/26, this historic gem is unveiling new experiences that blend high‑adrenaline adventure with serene, soul‑restoring moments, making it the perfect choice for skiers, snowboarders, and families seeking more than just a holiday on the slopes.
New for This Winter
Chalet Montplaisir
Perched at 1,400 metres and accessible only by snowshoe or ski touring, this beautifully restored alpine chalet offers an exclusive back‑to‑nature retreat for up to 10 guests. With no mobile signal, it’s a haven for true disconnection. Guests can enhance their stay with optional Afghan walking sessions or cold yoga, set against the stillness of the surrounding peaks.
The Botanical Garden in Winter
For the first time, the celebrated Samoëns Botanical Garden — a ‘Remarkable Garden of France’ — opens its gates under a blanket of snow. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the village, explore the ruins of Tornalta Castle, and discover hardy alpine flora in a magical winter setting.
Ski Touring & Paragliding
Thrill‑seekers can now combine a two‑hour ski tour to the Bostan refuge with a tandem paraglide over the Aravis, Chablais, and Mont Blanc ranges. This unique “peak‑to‑sky” adventure is led by the sons of two of France’s pioneering free‑flight athletes.
Four‑Season Rafting
The Giffre River, which winds through the village, is now open to winter exploration via packrafting — a light, inflatable craft that allows you to hike to hidden rapids and paddle through icy, secret stretches of water.
Signature Experiences
Les Vignerons Font du Ski
This one‑of‑a‑kind wine festival invites skiers to swap ski poles for tasting glasses at the end of the day, meeting winemakers and sampling fine vintages in a convivial alpine atmosphere.
Cold Yoga & Cold Water Swimming
From Tibetan‑inspired toumo yoga on a snowshoe hike to a supervised plunge into the icy waters of Lac aux Dames, these invigorating activities combine breathwork, resilience, and the restorative power of nature.
Aperitif at Altitude
Board the Vercland cable car for a 50‑minute sunset ride, wrapped in a cosy blanket, enjoying a Savoyard sharing platter and fine wine as the mountains glow in the fading light.
La Jaÿsinia Pâtissier
Since 1880, this family‑run pâtisserie has been a Samoëns institution. Today, the Froissard family continues the tradition with creations such as the Samoëns chalet iced log and the Septimontaine galette — a butter and blueberry brioche that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Why Samoëns Stands Out
As a local will tell you, Samoëns offers the best of both worlds: the charm of a living, breathing alpine community and the scale of the Grand Massif’s 265 km of pistes. Here, you can carve fresh tracks in the morning, wander cobbled streets in the afternoon, and toast the day’s adventures with friends as church bells chime across the valley.
This winter, the village’s blend of new experiences and timeless traditions ensures every guest — from seasoned freeriders to first‑time skiers — leaves with stories worth telling.
For more information and booking, go to https://www.samoens.com/en/