Grand Massif Ski Resorts

Discover a hidden backdoor to the Grand Massif, Frances 5th largest interlinked ski area

The ski area of the Grand Massif has 265 kms of marked runs

Altitude between 700-2500 m

Runs 133 different runs

Ski Lifts 78

Season 17 December 2005 - 23 April 2006

Airport Geneva 45 minutes , Lyon 2 hours, French ports 7 hours

The main resort of the Grand Massif, Flaine is not renowned for its beauty, or its French architecture but there is one little alpine village which predates the purpose built mania.

While the modern resorts are high above the tree line and can be rather bleak mid winter. Samoens sits at the base of the valley encircled by seven dramatic mountain peaks.

The historic village of Samoens dates back to the middle ages and is the only winter sport resort in France to be listed as a historic monumental town. Alpine architecture and the detailed work of the local stonemasons is apparent all around the village.

Today the village offers idyllic Haut Savoyard charm, a handful of good family-run traditional restaurants, shops producing local cheeses such as Reblochon only known to this area, hams and wines , all of which can be tasted during our evening meals.

Samoens has its own ski school, tourist office, local ice rink in the centre square and a traditional Wednesday market.

Grand Massif Resorts

Skiing

It’s only lately that the Samoens Grand Massif Express lift has been completed taking, you to a snow sure height of 1600 m and connecting to the area of the Grand Massiff ski domain.

The 8 man lift is ideally situated and links quickly into the main network of Sixt Fer à Cheval to the left, Morillion and les Carroz to the right of the valley, and Flaine.

The local area has some of the best skiing and has some epic off piste tracks with couloirs and deserted itineraries for the more advanced.

Jamparks throughout the Grand Massif area are at the disposal of freestylers of all skills and ambitions as well as some of the prettiest and longest blues in the Alps.

For the last run of the day how about The Cascades de pistes a run 14 kms long, an altitude drop of 1800m down into the adjoining village of Sixt Fer à Cheval, wonderful scenery, and never encountering one single ski lift!

Start at the top of Les Grandes Platières. From the finish at Sixt, take the free shuttle bus and within 3 minutes you’re back to our front door for a freshly baked cake and hot chocolate - what a way to finish the day.

Exceptional snow cover

The natural snow record of Grand Massif allows it to open over a long period of time and guarantees excellent ski conditions throughout the season.

Record snow heights in the spring 25/04/03 : 320 cm at 2500 m
09/04/04 : 320 cm at 2500 m
19/04/05 : 280 cm at 2500 m

116 canons top up the snow cover on the fragile slopes ensuring the best possible snow conditions throughout the season