Our favourite summer activities in Samoens!
Here in the Haut-Giffre valley you'll find a veritable mountain of activities and events to keep you busy in summer! From the most relaxing to action-packed, and everything in between! If you're wondering if there will be enough to entertain your energetic children, thrill seeking teenagers, adventurous adults, or relaxation-seeking grandparents for one or two weeks, then trust us, there is! We've been here for over 20 years, and we're still trying to complete our ever expanding summer to-do list!
To help you navigate this mountain of fun and excitement, we've compiled our list of the must-do activities and events in Samoëns, Morillon, Sixt. Don't even think about leaving until you've done them!
The valley features a vast network of marked mountain bike trails which are suited to all disciplines and levels of experience. From gentle trails along the Giffre river linking Sixt to Morillon ideal for families, XC routes linking beautiful hamlets and great descents, to the lift-served trails of the Grand Massif. The recent introduction of E-bikes has been a game-changer in the mountain biking world, and the valley features four e-bike specific trails, in addition to all the others.
The breathtaking Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval features huge cliffs, peaks, glaciers and over 30 waterfalls and is an absolute must-see corner of the valley. The area has something for all ages and abilities with walks of varying lengths, pony rides, restaurants, cliff-top cafes, and some of the most incredible views of anywhere in the Alps. Don't forget your camera!
La Bourgeoise, Samoëns, is an easily accessible peak offering probably the 'best value' hike in the valley in terms of effort vs reward! Overlooking Samoens village, the Bourgeoise offers wonderful views over the entire Grand Massif to the dramatic Mont Blanc massif, including Mont Blanc itself. Starting from the Col de Joux Plane at 1712m, it's a relatively flat hike taking around 1hr 30mins in total, it's a perfect option for families, picnics, and even sunsets!
A white water rafting trip down the Giffre river is an unmissable adventure! The descents can be tailored to offer more or less 'excitement' depending on your preferred taste and you can even choose your mode of transport including raft, hydrospeed and canoraft. Descending through the Gorges de Tines is not to be missed, including a stop to jump into the river from the rocks! A great activity if you happen to have a rainy day.
Of the many hikes in the Samoëns area, this one is our favourite! If you're looking for wonderful views, waterfalls, lunch in a mountain refuge and the best chance of seeing local wildlife, then this is the one! The hike to the Refuge de Sales is never boring! Huge waterfalls, towering cliffs and a good chance of seeing chamois, ibex, marmottes, and maybe even some eagles! The refuge provides a great place for refreshments, a delicious lunch, or even a place to sleep if you fancy spending a night in the mountains.
Lac Bleu in Morillon and the Lac aux Dames in Samoëns provide the ultimate fun-filled family day out! These beautiful blue lakes are located a short distance from the village centres and offer a huge number of activities, relaxation and stunning views! Life-guarded swimming areas, open grassy areas perfect for sunbathing, picnics and games, tree-top adventure parks, golf, volleyball and a pump track (Lac Bleu). You'll find excellent restaurants and bars at both lakes offering meals, snacks, drinks and all-important ice creams!
No visit to the Haute Savoie would be complete without trying a fondue, raclette, tartiflette, a cheese lover's dream, and in addition to the Savoyard cuisine and fantastic local restaurants. There is so much local produce to sample which you can buy directly from the farm or producer - fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, wine, beer, chocolate, and coffee to name just a few!
If you've skied the Grand Massif in winter, you may have spotted the Refuge du Lac de Gers which is accessible from the Cascade piste. Located on the edge of a lake in a stunning and secluded valley, it is just as beautiful in summer! Starting from the car park between Samoëns and Samoëns 1600, it's an enjoyable, relatively straightforward hike on a 4x4 track for a rewarding lunch on the sunny terrace. It's also easily accessible by mountain bike or e-bike.
There is possibly no better sensation than floating above stunning Alpine mountains on a beautiful sunny day in summertime. Tandem flights with an instructor mean no experience is necessary, and anyone can enjoy a flight subject to height and age restrictions. Parapenting offers, without a doubt, the best views of the valley!
You're in a ski resort in summer... the lifts are open... you've got to go up them, right? Of course! In Samoëns, you can take the Grand Massif Express Telecabine to Samoëns 1600 which itself offers great hiking and picnic opportunities. However, we would recommend taking the chairlift all the way to La Tête des Saix, the top of the mountain! From there, enjoy fantastic views over the surrounding mountains, including Mont Blanc. To enjoy the best views, remember to check the forecast, and go earlier in the day.
And remember, these suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things to do and see in Samoëns and the valley. Visit the summer section of our website for more ideas!
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