ACTIVITIES AND SIGHT-SEEING
Sporting activities
Hiking
Here in Samoens, French Alps, you will be perfectly placed to explore the endless trails and peaks of this walker's paradise. Between altitudes of 700m and 3.100m, the Grand Massif and surrounding mountains offer something for all ages and abilities.
In the Giffre Valley alone, there are more than 900km of marked trails and several nature reserves ready for walking, hiking, exploration and adventure.
If you like summits, there are some wonderful peaks which offer uninterrupted views of the Mont-Blanc. If your itinerary involves more than a day's walking / hiking or you only want to sleep a night in the mountain, there are many refuges available for overnight stays.
Some walking ideas:
- At the col de Joux Plane, the Bourgeoise is a short family walk offering the most magnificent panoramas.
- The Cirque du Fer à Cheval situated 12km away is a national site offering walks and hikes surrounded by 32 waterfalls and superb cliffs. In the heart of a natural reserve you will discover incredible views easily accessible.
- The Folly Refuge (2h15): Two ways are possible: an easy walk through the forest with large shady paths or a Cliffside walk (you will be equipped with chains for security). After having tasted the famous lemon tart at the refuge you can continue up to the Lac des chambres (1h15), glacial lake at 2000m.
- The Golèse Refuge (1h30): Flora and Fauna will accompany you on your way to the Refuge de Golèse, situated in the heart of the mountain. Then you can continue to the Refuge de Bostan 45 minutes away.
- The Sales Refuge (2h): In the heart of the natural reserve of Sixt Fer à Cheval (GR96), the hike to the refuge is marked with waterfalls and luxurious flora. It is not rare to surprise marmots, chamois and goats. You may even be lucky enough to spot an eagle or a gypaète barbu.
- After the refuge, the Brèche du Dérochoir situated 1h15 away offers an incredible panoramic view on the Mont-Blanc.
In the Giffre valley, a number of refuges can welcome you during your walks:
Samoëns :
Refuge de Bostan at 1763 m, + 33 7 63 44 79 16,
Refuge de Chardonnière at 1357 m, +33 6 81 35 67 34, graverruaz@orange.fr
Refuge de la Golèse at 1671 m, + 33 4 50 90 59 53, www.refuge-golese.com
Refuge du Folly at 1560 m, + 33 4 50 90 10 91,
And in the valley of Sixt Fer à Cheval :
Refuge Alfred Wills. Anterne at 1813 m, + 33 6 70 63 12 45, www.refuge-wills.com
Refuge du Grenairon at 1960 m, + 33 4 50 34 47 31, www.grenairon.com
Refuge de la Vogealle at 1901 m, + 33 6 20 60 91 40, www.refugedelavogealle.com
Refuge de Sales at 1874 m, + 33 9 88 18 42 93, www.refugedesales.com
Bureau des Guides, + 33 4 12 01 00 44, www.guidesmontagnes.com
Cairn, + 33 4 50 34 48 03, www.cairn-trekking.fr
Walking or Downhill Mountain biking with the ski lifts:
Enjoy the ski lifts and cable cars; discover with no effort the valley and its magnificent panoramas.
- The Grand Massif Express cable car and the Chariande Express ski lift in Samoëns.
- The Bergin and Esserts cable car and ski lift.
- The Vagnys ski lift in Sixt.
- The Kédeuze cable car in Les Carroz.
- The ski lifts on the high planes of Flaine.
188km of routes in the Haut Giffre valley: 146km of downhill, 42km of enduro/country.
Discover at your own rhythm, on your own, with your family or with a guide.
The Grand Massif cable car makes the descent easier www.grand-massif.com
The Haut Giffre valley routes: www.valleeduhautgiffre.fr
The downhill mountain biking area in the Beules: 5 open spaces for anyone to use. Including 1 pump track, 1 labyrinth, 1 parallel slalom and 2 trails.
+33 4 50 34 42 38 www.mairiedesamoens.fr
Mountain bike outing with a guide.
- J’aime sport +33 4 50 34 98 20 www.jaimesport.fr
- Bureau des Guides +33 4 50 34 43 12 www.guidesmontagnes.com
- Anthonioz ski +33 4 50 34 93 67 www.anthonioz-ski.com
Ski lift excursions
Enjoy the ski lifts and cable cars; discover with no effort the valley and its magnificent panoramas.
- The Grand Massif Express cable car and the Chariande Express ski lift in Samoëns.
- The Bergin and Esserts cable car and ski lift.
- The Vagnys ski lift in Sixt.
- The Kédeuze cable car in Les Carroz.
- The ski lifts on the high planes of Flaine.
Mountain biking
188km of routes in the Haut Giffre valley: 146km of downhill, 42km of enduro/country.
Discover at your own rhythm, on your own, with your family or with a guide.
The Grand Massif cable car makes the descent easier www.grand-massif.com
The Haut Giffre valley routes: www.valleeduhautgiffre.fr
The downhill mountain biking area in the Beules: 5 open spaces for anyone to use. Including 1 pump track, 1 labyrinth, 1 parallel slalom and 2 trails.
+33 4 50 34 42 38 www.mairiedesamoens.fr
Mountain bike outing with a guide.
- J’aime sport +33 4 50 34 98 20 www.jaimesport.fr
- Bureau des Guides +33 4 12 01 00 44 www.guidesmontagnes.com
- Anthonioz ski +33 4 50 34 93 67 www.anthonioz-ski.com
Cycling:
The hotel is situated at the departure of numerous cycling routes, including the Col de Joux Plane from the Tour de France with a magnificent panoramic view at the top on the Mont-Blanc that will take your breath away.
We dispose of a closed garage at the hotel where you are welcome to put your bike; we can prepare picnic baskets for you and would be delighted to inform you of the best routes in the valley.
A few circuits departing from Samoëns for all different levels:
Col de Joux Plane - Morzine - Avoriaz. Come back through Col des Gets - Taninges - Samoëns 76km
Col de Chatillon - Cluses - Col de la Colombière, come back through Le Borne - Bonneville - Chatillon - Samoëns 101km
Col de Chatillon - Cluses - Col de la Colombière - Grand Bornand - La Clusaz - Col des Aravis - Flumet - Megève - Cluses - Chatillon - Samoëns 133km
Mieussy - Col de Ramaz - Col de l’Encrenaz - Cote d’Arbroz -Morzine - Col de Joux Plane - Samoëns 78 km
Montée du Fer à Cheval. Come back through Samoëns - Montée Samoëns 1600 - Retour Samoëns 48km
Bike rental:
J’aime sport +33 4 50 34 98 20 www.jaimesport.com
Anthonioz ski +33 4 50 34 93 67 www.anthonioz-ski.com
Via ferrata
Are you more a risk taker? No problem, you have found what you are looking for.
The Via Ferrata is a cross between hiking and climbing:
The Mont Via Ferrata dominates the Tines gorges in Sixt Fer à Cheval.
The bureau des guides in Samoëns will help you to discover the region Via Ferrata.
Bureau des guides de Samoëns : + 33 4 12 01 00 44, www.guidesmontagnes.com
Cairn : + 33 4 50 34 48 03,
ZigZag : + 33 6 31 20 44 10, www.zigzagski.com
Via cordata
A combination of hiking and climbing.
Via Cordata "Les Mottets" in Chamonix has 600 metres of trails, with projections and ledges. The climb never exceeds "3c" level (an easy to moderate climb). The route starts at the Cabane des Mottets, which overlooks the Mer de Glace.
Bureau des guides de Samoëns : + 33 4 12 01 00 44, www.guidesmontagnes.com
Climbing
Do you want to discover climbing, perfection you skills or just prepare yourself for an ascent?
Samoëns and its surroundings can offer you multiple climbing rocks with the most amazing views.
Climbing school for children ages 5 to 15 with a 6 half-day training course.
Bureau des Guides et Accompagnateurs de Samoëns : + 33 04 12 01 00 44, www.guidesmontagnes.com
Cairn : + 33 4 50 34 48 03,
Alpinism:
Initiation to alpinism, everyone is welcome to discover the mountain tops.
In the Haut Giffre, different routes are available for you, the Dents Blanches (2771m), the Avoudrues (2666m), the Ruan (3040m), the Buet (3099m).
For the Mont-Blanc ascent, the bureau des guides can offer you a 5 day training course.
Bureau des Guides de Samoëns : + 33 4 12 01 00 44, www.guidesmontagnes.com
Adventure parc:
Situated only 5 minutes from the hotel, the Indiana Parc welcomes everybody, from young children to adults in the heart of nature; discover the forest from a different angle: 5 different circuits and a 150m zip line.
Indiana kid: 2 courses for children.
P’tit kid: For young children over the age of 2 under parent’s surveillance.
Indiana parc : + 33 4 50 49 48 60, www.indianaventures.com +33 6 89 83 18 84
Paint Ball
Situated at 5 minutes from the hotel, in the heart of nature between trees next to the local Giffre, everything is gathered to enjoy it!
Indiana parc: + 33 4 50 49 48 60 www.indianaventures.com +33 6 89 83 18 84
Nordic walking
Nordic walking is a sporting walk with long sticks; you are welcome to try all year round as it is the perfect way to discover Samoëns and all that it has to offer.
Guides de Samoëns : + 33 4 12 01 00 44, www.guidesmontagnes.com
Water activities
Rafting, hydro-speed, canoraft, airboat. The Giffre is a playground when it comes to water activities.
8km of descent with magnificent views; with your family or between friends (rafting for over 7 years olds on adapted courses).
Ecolorado rafting : + 33 4 50 34 45 26, www.ecoloradorafting.com
They can even pick you up and drop you back at the hotel!
Nunayak : + 33 4 50 93 86 74 www.nunayak.com
Canyoning
A must-try! A combination of climbing and hiking, on earth and in water. Excitement is guaranteed. You'll be accompanied by a guide all the way. The variety of canyons in the valley makes choosing the right one for your level a breeze.
Canyons in the area : Clévieux, Giffre, Balme, Nyon.
Bureau des guides : + 33 4 12 01 00 44 www.guidesmontagnes.com
Cairn : + 33 4 50 34 48 03
ZigZag : + 33 6 31 20 44 10 www.zigzagski.com
Ecolorado rafting - + 33 4 50 34 45 26, www.ecoloradorafting.com
To be picked up at the hotel :
Nunayak - + 33 4 50 93 86 74
Advantages available when booking on recommendation of the Neige et Roc.
Water skiing
Water skiing in the heart of the French Alps in a private area.
Close to Samoëns.
Roland Gay ski service : + 33 6 20 54 40 97
Fishing
Fishing in the Haut Giffre valley, one of the most breath taking fishing areas in the mountains, 27km from Morillon to Sixt, 23km from streams, the lake in Gers in the mountains and the communal lakes of Samoëns and Morillon.
Fishing is free in the lac aux dames in Samoëns for holidaymakers.
On demand at the tourist information center.
Société de Pêche du Canton de Samoëns: + 33 6 18 07 85 40, jeanpolgosset@sfr.fr
Speleology
Discover speleology in the Haut Giffre massif, the bureau des guides would be happy to discover the most amazing spots with you. Participate in a training course, no risk, no matter what the weather.
Bureau des guides : + 33 4 12 01 00 44 www.guidesmontagnes.com
Cairn : + 33 4 50 34 48 03
ZigZag : + 33 6 31 20 44 10 www.zigzagski.com
Paraglider
Discover Samoëns from a very different angle: the sky!
Try a biplace flight where you can even have the possibility of flying yourself!
An activity that the entire family will enjoy!
Biplace flight, beginner flight, discovery flight, sensation flight.
Pégase air Samoëns: + 33 6 07 14 94 24 www.parapente-samoens.com+33 4 50 34 95 80
Quad biking
Discover the valley in the driver’s seat of a quad bike with Jean-Michel, the quad biking guide.
J’aime Sport : + 33 04 50 34 98 20, www.jaimesport.com
Golf
Practice golf on water and on the green in Samoëns, only a 5minutes walk from the hotel. A great activity for all ages.
+ 33 6 16 81 75 35, golfsamoens@hotmail.fr
- Les Gets golf 23km away: 18 holes with exceptional panoramas.
- Flaine golf 40km away: 18 holes, the highest course in Haute-Savoie.
- Avoriaz golf 43km away: Situated at the entrance of Avoriaz, 9 holes.
- Chamonix golf 61km away: 18 holes at the foot of the Mont-Blanc. Created in 1934 (4 holes), it offers incredible views of the Mont-Blanc, the Drus and the Aiguille vert.
- Evian golf 60km away: 18 holes with views on the Leman Lake.
Disc golf
Participate in this fun activity in Samoëns; disc golf is just like golf, but with Frisbees instead of golf balls.
At the arrival of the Grand Massif Express + 33 4 50 90 40 00 www.grand-massif.com
Horse-riding
Do you want to learn how to ride or just go for a ride in the valley?
For all levels, from an hour and a half to a full day ride. Or just a walk on a pony round the lake for young children.
Equita’Passion à Morillon : + 33 6 03 57 17 01 / + 33 6 80 68 69 65, www.equita-passion.sitew.com
First flight in helicopter
You can do your first flight on board of an helicopter from Samoëns: take off for a first flight full of emotions around of the Giffre valley where you will have a magnificent panorama of the Mont-Blanc.
Mont-Blanc Hélicoptères : www.mbh.fr +33 4 50 92 78 00
Savoie hélicoptère : contact@savoie-helicopteres.com +33 4 50 47 25 30
Rosalie
Discover the village and its surrounding area from a Rosalie.
Roland Gay ski services : +33 4 50 34 42 44, rgski74@orange.fr
