Ferme St Christophe Samoëns - The stunning gardens featuring wood fired hot tub and sauna

Choosing Your Perfect Chalet or Apartment in Samoëns and the Haut-Giffre Valley

Location | Facilities | Catered vs Self Catered | Style vs Ambience | Group Type | Property Type | Budget

 

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.

Our Advice

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.

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.

Our Advice

Numerous village centre options exist throughout all villages of the Haut-Giffre valley. Samoëns offers the most amenities and attractions, Morillon offers a slightly more laid-back feel along with a great selection of amenities.

Solitude

For those who value calm, a property outside the village can offer space, privacy, and tranquillity to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.

Our Advice

The sunny, south-facing slopes above Samoens are a popular choice for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while remaining within walking distance of the village. The more remote properties surrounding Vercland, and well as Sixt, and its celebrated national park, are both top choices.

Top Tip:  Our map of the valley gives a great high-level overview of all our properties in relation to the other points of interest in the valley, to help you find your perfect location.

 

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 goal, 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.

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. In general, outdoor pools are available from spring to autumn, while indoor pools are available year-round.

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.

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 in summer they’re perfect for barbecues, quiet breakfasts, and deep relaxation.

Top Tip:  We've designed our property search with filters to allow you to narrow down your search based on the facilities most important to you.

 

Catered vs Self-catered

Choosing between a catered or self-catered stay comes down to how you like to holiday.

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, guests who prefer a more independent stay, and those on a tighter budget.

Catered

For those who want to switch off completely, a catered option could be for you. Breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner are all taken care of - no shopping lists, no washing up, just more time to ski and unwind.

Our Advice

For us, self-catered accommodation is the way to go in Samoëns 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 Ambience

The style of a property can define your experience just as much as its location or facilities, in fact, for some it's even more important.

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. 

Our Advice

The villages of our valley are unspoilt, charming, and retain the charming architecture we love so much. This means you'll find plenty of renovated farmhouses, mazots and barns in addition to wonderful new built properties offering the maximum of comfort and convenience.

You’ll even find some magnificent traditional properties renovated to a particularly high standard, offering the best of both worlds!

 

Group Type

Different types of travellers have different priorities. When choosing a chalet or apartment, consider how the layout, facilities, and atmosphere suit your group.

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.

 

Property Type

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 and families. With generous living areas, multiple bathrooms, gardens, and often features like hot tubs or log fires, they provide a relaxed environment.

 

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 the best-value school holiday of the ski season.

Samoëns is a 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.

Top tip:  Our website displays real-time availability and pricing, so use our search facility to experiment with different dates, facilities and villages to find a property for your budget.