Samoens Ready For 2025-26 Season

The charming, traditional village of Samoëns, nestled in the heart of the Haute-Savoie, is gearing up for what promises to be anSome description exceptional winter season as part of the massive Grand Massif ski area. While retaining its historic, stone-built charm and commitment to sustainability, the region is continually investing in modern infrastructure and exciting new ways to enjoy the slopes.

Beyond the snow, Samoëns’ status as a living, working village ensures a vibrant calendar of events:

• The Christmas Village (December 6, 2025 – January 2, 2026): The village square transforms into an enchanting winter spectacle with craft markets, shows, and workshops.
• Les Vignerons font du Ski (Winemakers Skiing - January 9-12, 2026): A popular event combining daytime skiing with lively après-ski wine tastings and bottle sales with passionate producers.
• Nordic Activity Day (January 24-25, 2026): A free, family-friendly event focused on Nordic and local winter activities in the beautiful setting of the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval.

Samoëns remains a gateway to the Grand Massif, offering access to a wide variety of terrain from gentle tree-lined blues to longer, more challenging runs. The resort’s proximity to iconic descents such as the 14 km Les Cascades ensures it still appeals to intermediate and advanced skiers while keeping plenty of beginner- and family-friendly slopes close to the village. Ski buses and the quick gondola link make it straightforward to move between the traffic-free village and higher pistes.

The Grand Massif, covering 265 km of interconnected pistes, has confirmed its opening dates, with Samoëns and Les Carroz set to kick off the main season from Saturday, December 13, 2025, running through to April 12, 2026 (snow conditions permitting, of course!).

This accessibility is key to the Samoëns experience, which offers a vast skiing playground—from the iconic 14km-long blue Cascades run down to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval to the powder opportunities in the Combe de Gers.

While Samoëns is renowned for its protected architecture, investments focus on making the Grand Massif faster and smoother. Travelers will appreciate the continued focus on high-speed lift systems across the region, minimizing queue times and maximizing vertical descent.

Notably, the focus for 2025/2026 is on improving skier flow and connectivity, ensuring seamless access across the five connected resorts: Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon, Samoëns, and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. This commitment to modern, comfortable lift infrastructure reaffirms the area's reputation as one of the best family-friendly, high-altitude domains in the French Alps.

Families continue to be at the heart of the Samoëns offering. The resort is famous for its dedicated, progression-friendly slopes like the 5km Marvel piste, which winds through an ancient forest. The upcoming season sees a commitment to enhancing the learning experience with specialized beginners' areas and fun zones designed to build confidence in a safe, dynamic environment.

The standout addition is Chalet Mont Plaisir, a renovated alpine refuge perched at 1,400 metres that’s reachable only by snowshoe or cross-country ski. The chalet sleeps up to ten guests and is promoted as an eco-conscious, network-free retreat for groups seeking a digital detox and immersive mountain nights. This move reflects a broader trend in Samoëns toward unusual, small-scale accommodation that complements the resort’s traditional Savoyard architecture and village atmosphere.

Samoëns is expanding its interpretive and family offerings with science-led discoveries and life-size outdoor adventures designed to engage children and adults alike. The resort continues to position itself as a place for both active skiing and slower, discovery-based holidays—emphasising guided nature walks, local heritage trails, and events that celebrate the area’s stonecutting and botanical traditions.

The pedestrianised centre, historic market square, and local gastronomy continue to be core draws; Samoëns is promoting a winter calendar of events that blends traditional Savoyard culture with contemporary mountain experiences. Visitors can expect local markets, cultural programming, and a focus on sustainable tourism that preserves the resort’s character while accommodating modern expectations.

For travellers seeking authentic village charm combined with new, low-impact mountain experiences, Samoëns’ 2025–26 season offers a compelling mix: secluded overnight options, family-focused discovery trails, and reliable access to the Grand Massif’s varied skiing. Whether you want a classic Savoyard stay or an off-grid alpine night, Samoëns is sharpening its appeal for a thoughtful, experience-led winter holiday

Furthermore, Samoëns is promoting its incredible range of non-ski activities. From ice-skating and snowshoeing to snowmobile excursions and the traditional Pony Sledging, there is always an adventure waiting, regardless of snow conditions.

The Grand Massif continues to lead the industry in environmental responsibility, a movement that Samoëns embraces fully. The area is celebrated as the first ski domain in the world certified Green Globe for the entirety of its ski lifts, slopes, and associated services. This means skiers are not just enjoying world-class conditions; they are supporting a resort deeply committed to protecting the stunning natural environment, particularly the 40,000 hectares of preserved forest the domain is nestled within.

The combination of an authentic alpine village feel, massive interconnected terrain, and a strong focus on sustainability makes Samoëns an unbeatable choice for your next winter escape.