Location
When it comes to choosing the right chalet or apartment, location can make all the difference.
The perfect spot isn’t the same for everyone - some guests want to be first on the lift each morning, while others dream of quiet evenings surrounded by nature. Understanding what matters most to you will help narrow your search and ensure your stay feels effortless from start to finish.
Ski In Ski Out & Close to The Lift
For families with young children, or if skiing is your main focus, being near the lift and/or piste is a game-changer, allowing for quick, hassle-free access to the slopes.
Local Tips
The ski in, ski out village of Morillon 1100 is an obvious choice, as it Morillon village with its telecabine and piste linking it to Morillon 1100. These two options provide great ski in, ski out accommodation options.
In Samoens, the hamlet of Vercand with its telecabine and piste is another excellent option, while Samoens village also offers some properties within a few hundred metres of the lift.
Lastly, the incredibly scenic, unspoilt village of Sixt-fer-a-Cheval offers its own small ski area, ideal for young families, with ski-in ski-out properties on the piste.
Village centre
Staying in the heart of the village means everything’s on your doorstep: shops, bakeries, restaurants, and après-ski, as well as family-friendly entertainment and other events which happen throughout the villages.
Local Tips
Many village centre options exist throughout all villages of the Haut-Giffre valley.
Solitude
For those who value calm, a property outside the village can offer space, privacy, and tranquillity in beautiful natural surroundings.
Local Tips
The sunny, south-facing slopes above Samoens are a popular choice for those looking to immerse themselves in nature, as are the more remote properties surrounding Vercland. Sixt, and it’s celebrated national park, is another top choice.
Facilities
The right facilities can turn a good stay into an unforgettable one. Maybe you’re looking to recover after a day in the mountains, or if ultimate relaxation is your aim, it’s often the little luxuries that make a big difference.
Hot Tubs & Saunas
After a full day in the mountains, few things beat easing tired muscles in a bubbling hot tub or unwinding in a private sauna surrounded by snow, or a summer sunset. A highly popular choice, they’re the ultimate indulgence and a year-round highlight, offering pure comfort and a touch of luxury.
Local Tips
Swimming Pools
A shared or private pool adds something special, especially for families or summer stays. Morning laps, lazy afternoons, or simply cooling off with a view of the peaks — it’s a feature that brings everyone together.
In general, outdoor pools are available spring to autumn, while indoor pools are available year round.
Local Tips
The valley offers a wide range of chalets and apartments with communal, private, indoor and outdoor swimming pools (and an outdoor public pool in summer!)
Log Fires
There’s nothing quite like returning to the warm glow of a log fire. A log burner or open hearth adds instant atmosphere, whether you’re curled up with a book or sharing a glass of wine after dinner. It’s the heart of an authentic Alpine stay.
Local Tips
Most chalets have log fires, and even some apartments!
Gardens and Outdoor Areas
Private gardens, terraces, or balconies extend your living area and invite you to soak up the mountain air. In winter, igloos and snowmen are built aplenty, while summer they’re perfect for barbecues, quiet breakfasts, and deep relaxation.
Local Tips
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Catered vs Self-catered
Choosing between a catered or self-catered stay comes down to how you like to holiday. Both offer comfort and quality, but they suit very different styles of travel.
Self-Catered Freedom
A self-catered chalet or apartment gives you complete flexibility. Cook when you want, eat where you want, and enjoy the freedom to explore local restaurants or relax with a meal in your own space. It’s ideal for families with varied tastes, groups who enjoy cooking together, or guests who prefer a more independent stay.
Catered Convenience
For those who want to switch off completely, a catered option offers total ease. Breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner are all taken care of — no shopping lists, no washing up, just more time to ski and unwind. It’s a social and indulgent experience that many guests love, especially during busy winter weeks.
Local Tips
For us, self-catered accommodation is the way to go in Samoens and the Haut-Giffre valley. With a great selection of fabulous restaurants, a large, reasonably priced supermarket, and a fabulous frozen meal delivery service, it offers you the best of both worlds.
Style vs Ambiance
The style of a property can define your experience just as much as its location or facilities. Across our portfolio, you’ll find a mix of modern new-builds and renovated traditional chalets, each offering distinct advantages.
Modern New-Builds
Contemporary chalets and apartments combine Alpine character with modern design. Expect open-plan layouts, large windows, excellent insulation, and underfloor heating. Many feature energy-efficient systems such as heat pumps or pellet burners. Finishes are high quality, prioritising space, light, and functionality. These properties suit guests who value comfort, efficiency, and maximum convenience.
Traditional Renovations
Renovated farmhouses and mazots retain original materials and charm while offering essential modern upgrades. Thick stone walls, exposed beams, and log fires create a warm, authentic feel. Renovations typically include modern kitchens, updated bathrooms, and improved heating, ensuring comfort without losing character.
Local Tips
Samoëns offers a great mix of new-build chalets and apartments with sleek design and eco-friendly systems, and traditional farmhouses and mazots renovated to a high standard. You’ll even find some magnificent traditional properties renovated to a particularly high standard, offering the best of both worlds!
Groups / Families / Couples
Different types of travellers have different priorities. When choosing a chalet or apartment, consider how the layout, facilities, and atmosphere suit your group.
*split properties*
Families
Families typically benefit from practical layouts - bedrooms on the same level, open-plan living areas. Children (and their parents!) often appreciate a space to themselves such as a games room or second living area, while outside space is usually a priority.
Large Groups
Larger groups often appreciate multiple bathrooms, large dining tables, and spacious communal areas. Features like hot tubs or games rooms can enhance social time.
Couples
Couples often prefer smaller, well-designed spaces that feel private and quiet. Cosy living areas, and fireplaces, create a comfortable retreat. Proximity to restaurants or walking access to the village may also be appealing.
Local Tips
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Chalet vs Apartment
Choosing between a chalet and an apartment comes down to space, budget, and how you plan to spend your time in the mountains.
Apartments
Apartments are ideal for those who prioritise a central location and value. They’re often close to lifts, shops, and restaurants, offering maximum convenience and minimal travel. Modern apartments provide excellent comfort, efficient layouts, and great facilities at a more affordable price point.
Chalets
Chalets offer more space, privacy, and flexibility - ideal for larger groups, families, or those planning longer stays. With generous living areas, multiple bathrooms, gardens, and often features like hot tubs or log fires, they provide a relaxed environment.
Local Tips
Samoëns and Morillon offer a great mix of both. You’ll find spacious, stand-alone chalets with hot tubs and gardens ideal for groups and families, while modern apartments close to the lifts and village centres provide excellent value and convenience for couples and keen skiers alike.
Budget
When it comes to budget, it’s all about priorities. Decide early what matters most - location, facilities, space, and style - and focus your search there. Properties a little further from the lifts often offer more space for the same price, while sharing a larger chalet with friends or family can deliver excellent value.
Prices vary significantly with the season: Christmas, New Year, and February school holidays are the most expensive weeks, while Easter is best-value school holiday of the ski season.
Samoëns is true year-round resort, so take advantage and visit outside the peak periods where both accommodation and transport costs drop considerably, offering excellent opportunities for longer or more affordable stays.