Lying south of Lake Geneva and roughly the same distance from Chamonix, Samoens ski resort is part of Le Grand Massif (one of France’s largest ski areas) and offers access to 265kms of excellent and varied snowboarding and skiing. The proximity of other world famous resorts and regions add to Samoens’ appeal.

The only ski resort town in France to be listed as a Historic Monument, Samoens really is a gem of a town, with its attention to detail in regard to its traditional architecture and first rate facilities. Lodgings can be had in luxurious hotel/resorts, traditional wooden chalets and farmhouses, and other budget options.

Samoens’ 28 runs are mainly aimed at beginners and intermediates and are divided into 43 per cent for beginners, 39 per cent for intermediates and 18 per cent for expert snowboarders and skiers. Sixteen ski lifts service all pistes and 16,700 people per hour, and the vertical descent is 1,780m. Expert snowboarders and skiers are also rewarded by 40kms of difficult cross-country trails.

Other non-piste activities and facilities include: snowshoe walking; dog-sledding; paragliding; ice-skating; ski touring; heli-skiing, ice-climbing on waterfalls; and parapenting. There are also indoor swimming pools and saunas, while après-ski can be enjoyed in numerous bars and restaurants. A cinema and nightclub also provide entertainment.

The mid-December to late April ski season has its best snow conditions from early February to early or mid-March, and special rates are also available during the season.

Most people arrive at Geneva-Cointrin Airport, which is only an hour away by road. A Skibus is available for direct transfer from the airport and also runs frequently in the other direction; additionally, train/bus combination transfers, via Cluses, are available.