Rating on Samoëns
Very good and varied ski area, good value for money
We stayed a week in February at Le Giffre approx. 250m walk from the Grand Massive gondola express (8 pers.). Once at the top you can ski off and start your day. There are no valley runs back to the valley station though. You always have to go back down with the gondola (which sometimes is a godsend when your legs are jelly at the end of the day!). The ski area has mainly blue and red runs, so suitable for all levels. All villages are connected so that each day you can ski to another resort. What I have noticed is that there are not so many restaurants up on the slopes, so the afternoons it can be very busy in the restaurants. But if you stop for lunch around 11:30/12, then you get the best spot on the terraces and you shouldn't have to queue for lunch. The prices in the restaurants are average French ski resort prices: a plate of fries with sausage, 10 euros for example. The center of Samoens is small but very cozy and it's still an authentic mountain village. During the winter months there is a market every week on Wednesdays where you can wander about quietly. The campsite is fully equipped and also features a heated ski locker. The staff at the camp are very friendly and helpful. In the morning, between 9 and 10 am, very busy on the gondola. In the afternoon, very busy in the restaurants on the slopes.
- Camping right near the gondola lift
- Beautiful skiing to all the nearby villages
- Good lifts