Summer Activity Holidays in Samoens

Samoens offers the perfect destination for a summer holiday for all the family and sports enthusiasts.  If you are bored sitting on a beach all week but still want good weather, a host of activities and breathtaking scenery then Samoens is the place to come.  From May -September temperatures average between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, so you can enjoy everything from swimming in the lifeguarded mountain lakes and pools, to hiking, climbing, mountain biking and road biking, the region offers it all. The evenings cool down nicely so sleeping is never a problem too! 2009 saw the opening of the Grand Massif Express lift in summer taking you from the village to 1600m in just 8 minutes.  The leisure area has climbing walls, tennis courts, golf driving range, lakes, rafting,  adventure parks, archery, fishing, playground, football pitches, swimming pools with slide and plenty of sunbathing areas, snack bars, picnic areas, the list is endless....

View the Official Samoens Summer 2011 Brochure for information and ideas.

Still not sure? - Watch our 'Summer in Samoens' video by clicking here.

Grand Massif Lifts

The Grand Massif Express is now open during the peak weeks of the summer (July & August) to gain access to mountain biking and walking at Samoens 1600. Additionally, the Chariande Express chairlift is open two days per week giving access to the Tete de Saix for fanstastic views and links to the rest of the Grand Massif. Prices (from 2010) are 6E return for adults and children, 15E for a days mountain biking (including the whole of the grand massif area), and 31E for a weeks mountain biking. For more information on open lifts, times and prices, please click here

For younger children, Samoens also have organised activity weeks, where they join a group of other locals and tourists in a fun packed adventure week. 

Mountain biking - The Grand Massif offers 7 lifts open in the summer and 69 marked trails of all levels.  In total there is over 600 km of marked tracks open throughout the summer.  Bikes for all levels can be rented in Samoens Village. See our Mounatin Biking section for more information.

Road Biking - With 6 routes, ranging from 42km to 74km, all starting from Samoens, it is the ideal place to base when discovering the Grand Massif.   The Tour De France came through the village in 2006, then climbed the famous Col De Joux Plane to reach Morzine, then passed again in 2009.  A popular route for visiting cyclists to tackle. See our Road Biking section for more infortmation.

Walking - The area is spectacular for walkers either looking for a gentle stroll along the banks of the River Giffre and past waterfalls, or for serious hikes up to 3100m altitude, staying overnight in a refuge! There are hundreds of trails to suit all abilities with varying walk times.  With over 900km of marked trails its easy for all the family, you may also be interested in joining a guided group. See our Walking section for more information.

Rock climbing - Lots of great climbing is available within minutes of the town including indoor and outdoor climbing walls for beginners and intermediates and overhangs for the experts.

Golf - There are a variety of 9 and 18 hole courses within easy reach of Samoens. They include a spectacular mountain course at Les Gets, a course at an altitude of 1900 metres at Flaine, amazing panoramic views at Avoriaz and at Lake Annecy the course overlooks a protected nature reserve.
In Samoens itself, there is a water driving range based at the Lacs aux Dames. Access to the driving range costs 1 Euro, club rental is 2 Euros, with a bucket of balls costing 2 Euros. In addition there is a putting green and mini golf for the children.

Rafting/Canoeing - The Giffre River is perfect for a range of water activities, in particular rafting and canoeing. With a professional qualified instructor, you will be able to experience the thrills of the river and rapids without any previous experience. Alps Accommodation guests receive a 10% discount when booking with Ecolorado Rafting, visit the website here. Prices (based on 2010 prices) are approximately 27E-52E, and depending on conditions an age limit of around 7 years is normally in place.

Water skiing & wake boarding - Experience water skiing on a private local lake and try out the certified slalom course.  Great for beginners and the experienced.  Booked through Alps Accommodation locally.

Parapenting - There are various options available to enjoy the magical experience of this sport. They range from single flights with a qualified instructor to 5-day paragliding courses.
Normally an age limit of 10 years is applied with prices starting from 70 Euros per person. Alps Accommodation guests recieve a 10% discount. Click here for more information.

Swimming - Samoens has a large open air swimming park with 3 pools and waterslides, it is set in 6000m2 of lawn enabling you to relax in stunning scenery.  Open daily from 10am until 7.15pm, prices are from 3.50E per child per day, and 4.50E per adult per day (based on 2010 prices). More information including pictures and pricing can found here. The more adventurous can swim the rapids with a qualified instructor, equipped with float, flippers and wetsuit. Or if that is not enough try a swim in the designated surrounding mountain lakes, some of which have lifeguards during july and August.  We do provide a bath towel and a hand towel but if you plan to swim in the pool or lakes we recommend you bring your own swimming towels.

Adventure Parks - With 2 Indiana Adventure Parks, one for all ages and one for the little ones, everyone can have a go swinging like a monkey! Suspended bridges, climbing, rope slides and walkways high in the trees. A great way to experience a forest adventure in complete safety with qualified supervision. Prices start from around 20E per adult, 16E per child (based on 2010 prices), click here for more information.

Via ferrata - This is a cross between walking and climbing, opening up the mountain to a wider spectrum of people. The routes are equipped with cables, ropes and ladders which make the route a little easier, although it is a demanding activity and not for those with a fear of heights.  You have two clips and are constantly attached to the mountain by at least one of them.  Check out the video of the via ferrata in Samoens by clicking here.

Other activities include Helicopter rides, Tennis, Horse riding, Fishing in river streams and lakes, Potholing, Archery, Jet skiing and more!

Day trips - Either reached with your own transport or by taking a coach or organised tour from Samoens, the following are just some of the many day trips available. Travel by cable car from Chamonix to reach the peak of “Aiguille du Midi” at nearly 4,000 metres, offering great views of Mont Blanc. Visit Annecy with it’s canals and flower decked quays and marvellous shopping. Or perhaps Lake Geneva , to visit the largest lake in Europe or Yvoire situated on the lakes of Geneva with its 14th Century village and garden of senses.

Prices and Availability