Grand Massif - A ski holiday with a difference!
The Grand Massif is such a fantastic resort for the whole family which not only caters to the avid skier. Below is a list of some our favourite activities to choose from.
Snowshoe Guide
If you are looking to get off the beaten track and away from the crowds then snowshoeing is a must for you! Far from the pistes, you’ll discover utterly magical, wild landscapes and feel a million miles from anywhere. We highly recommend booking through our friends at Zigzag ski who will provide you with the latest equipment and an experienced guide. Whether you take a half or full day to conquer a summit, take a stroll through the woods or build an igloo as a family, there’s an excursion to suit your needs. The Haut-Giffre valley offers a great variety of beautiful walking itineraries. Take a guided walk in the company of a professional in order to find the most beautiful paths and enjoy the most spectacular views over the Mont Blanc range. Whatever your level of fitness, there’s a route to suit you.
Prices start from €260 for a group of 4 with Zigzag ski
Husky Dog Sledding
Are you looking for a thrill for the whole family? Imagine a group of dogs in harness, waiting impatiently for you to give them the start signal. Each person drives or rides their own sled with three or four dogs depending on the chosen formula for the day outing. A qualified instructor will explain to you the basic technique for driving. You can choose from a 30 minute taster session to a 3 hour tour of the wilderness,
Prices start from €70 per person with Evasion Nordique 74
Ice Skating
There is a fantastic ice rink situated in the heart if Samoens that is open everyday for the whole family to enjoy with equipment available to hire and changing areas for your use. Samoens also has a great local ice hockey team that compete in weekly matches free for locals and tourists alike to enjoy. There are also frequent events from the ice dancing team and much more.
Prices start from €3.40 for children-for up to date pricing and opening times please visit the ice rink.
Snowmobile
Even after the slopes have closed for the day, you're adrenaline fuelled fun doesn't have to stop! Accompanied by a professional guide, you can either drive or passenger a snowmobile around the beautiful landscapes of the Grand Massif. A thrilling snowmobile ride will take you around many different areas between ski slopes, fire roads and forests with a break to enjoy the views over the Aravis mountains, Megève, Combloux, Faucigny, Salève, Annemasse and Geneva. What more could you wish for!? You can also opt to have your photos and videos taken all along the tour so you can leave with everlasting memories!
Prices start from €100 per person with Nature Motoneige
Tobogganing & Luge
Be sure to book your space at Morillon lift station for the weekly toboggan down the beautiful Marvel ski slope, spaces sell out fast! Don't be fooled by this gentle green slope, you will be sure to have lots of laughs and spills from the whole family. Toboggans can be rented from various local ski hire shops, or bring your own! Alternatively you can try the new luge mini rollercoaster in Les Carroz, consisting of a 350m climb before an 850m downhill run punctuated with banked turns, rollers and flip-flaps or succession of rises to the right and left along. You can travel individually or as a pair and if one of you is brave enough you are also able to where a virtual reality headset!
Prices for the toboggan run are €7.50 per adult and can be purchased from the Morillon lift pass office or on the Tourism de Morillon website.
Prices for the luge start from €7 and tickets can be purchased at the lift pass office in Les Carroz
Off -Piste Coaching and Guidance
If you're looking to test your limits and move away from the slopes we highly recommend booking an off-piste guide from our friends at Zigzag ski! They recommend that off-piste tuition is only suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers who would like to improve their technique in powder.
Whether you’re venturing off-piste for the first time or you have years of experience, their instructors will help to improve your fluidity, control and confidence off-piste. Alternatively you can book an off-piste guide which is suitable for those who are already able to ski confidently off piste and who are interested in exploring new, exciting off-piste runs. Their high mountain guides are hugely experienced and will take you to find the best snow that’s available, so you’re guaranteed a great day out whilst keeping you safe.
Prices start from €260 for a group of 4 with Zigzag ski
Spa & Wellbeing
If you are looking for a relaxing day off from the mountain or a quick rejuvenation in the afternoon we recommend 4 local spas in Samoens which are all open to the public.
CGH residence offers a wide ride of massages, facials and full body treatments. There is access to their indoor pool, hot tub and steam room with any treatment booked. Telephone: 0033 (0)4 50 78 01 77
La Table de Fifine provide a wide range of beauty treatments at reasonable prices including facials and body treatments. Telephone: 0033 (0)4 50 34 10 29
Oxalis Institute - offer facials and body beauty treatments and are located in the center of the village at the main square. Relax with hot stone massages, manicures, waxes and exfoliation plus many other treatments which are all available. Telephone: 0033 (0)4 50 54 22 40
Club Med Samoens 1600 - Club Med offer day passes to their pool and spa area for both locals and tourists. A day pass includes their buffet meals, unlimited drinks and access to the pools and hot tubs. If you would like a massage or treatment this can be booked in advance or on arrival. It is best to call ahead to ensure you're not disappointed upon arrival. If required Mountain Lifts are more than happy to provide transport, please get in touch to book your ride today at info@mountainlifts.com
Telephone: 0033 (0)4 50 78 60 00
Parapenting
A once-in-a-lifetime experience, not to be missed !
Once again our friends at Zigzag ski can help you to experience Samoens from an entirely new angle, secured safely in tandem with your own professional pilot. Paragliding (known in French as parapenting) is a wonderful adventure for all ages. No previous experience is necessary; your pilot speaks English and will take care of it all while you sit back and enjoy the total liberty of free flight. With magnificent views in all directions, you’ll be on a high for days afterwards.
Rest assured, there’s no jumping from a cliff involved. Paragliding simply entails running or skiing down a gentle slope until your feet are no longer touching the ground. The experience is entirely relaxing, while utterly stimulating.
Prices start from €85 with Zigzag ski
Weekly Alpine Market
If you like french produce then this is not to be missed! Every Wednesday morning from 0900 to 1200 the village streets come alive with over 70 stalls selling the very best local french produce and goods from delicious tapenade, olive oils, meats, fish, charcuterie and cheeses to name but a few. This is one of the best markets in all of Haute Savoie with its beginnings being traced back as far as 1476!
