Samoëns

Travel Guide

A mountainous landscape with a dirt path, dense green forest, and rocky cliffs.
A family hiking on a rocky mountain trail with a view of distant mountains.
A group of hikers on a rocky terrain with a mountain in the background.
A town with a clock tower, surrounded by mountains and a river.
A mountain village with a prominent clock tower, surrounded by lush greenery and steep mountain slopes.

Travel to Samoëns for skiing, serene lakes, and unique alpine gardens, with nearby areas enhancing your adventure.

Samoëns is an ideal destination for ski and adventure travelers. You can enjoy various attractions, including the Samoëns Ski Resort, which offers extensive skiing options. For relaxation, visit the Base de Loisir des Lacs Aux Dames, a serene lake perfect for leisurely activities. Additionally, explore the Jaysinia Alpine Botanical Gardens, where you can appreciate unique alpine flora. If you're looking for things to do, take a ride on the Grand Massif Express Gondola or one of the ski lifts like the Grand Crêt or Vercland Gondola Lifts to access the stunning slopes.

While you're in Samoëns, consider visiting some nearby areas for more adventure experiences. Morillon is known for its ski options, featuring the Morillon Ski Resort and several ski lifts. Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval, another nearby area, offers natural beauty with attractions such as Rouget Waterfall and Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval Nature Reserve. Likewise, Verchaix provides opportunities for outdoor activities, with highlights including Lac de Joux Plane and Chamossiere Ski Lift. Each of these areas enhances your experience with their unique offerings.

The best time to visit Samoëns is from June to September, when the weather is cool and mostly dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Demand for accommodations and activities remains fairly steady throughout the year, with slightly busier times from December to February. In contrast, April to May and October tend to be quieter months, allowing for a more relaxed experience. This seasonal variation can help you plan your visit according to your preferences for crowd levels and activities.

Where to stay in Samoëns

Find the best Samoëns areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Samoëns
Learn more about Samoëns

Vercland

Though Vercland might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Samoens Ski Resort and Grand Massif Express Gondola.

MGM Hôtels & Résidences – Hôtel Les Suites d’Alexane

MGM Hôtels & Résidences – Hôtel Les Suites d’Alexane

4 out of 5
La cour route du Giffre Samoëns Haute-Savoie
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Samoëns. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Flaine Ski Resort and Jaysinia ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (152 reviews)
"Excellent but staff on reception could be a bit friendlier"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2026

MGM Hôtels & Résidences – Hôtel Les Suites d’Alexane
MGM Hôtels & Résidences – Résidence Alexane

MGM Hôtels & Résidences – Résidence Alexane

5 out of 5
Avenue des Loisirs Samoëns Haute-Savoie
Book a stay at this luxury residence in Samoëns. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Flaine Ski Resort and Jaysinia ...
10/10 Exceptional! (53 reviews)
"Lovely stay , facilities are very good-pool, sauna , steam room, etc , very clean and central location. Staff were friendly and a bonus for us was the shuttle to the ski lift."

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2026

MGM Hôtels & Résidences – Résidence Alexane
4-Star Chalet – Charm, Spa & Panoramic Views of the Criou – Samoëns

4-Star Chalet – Charm, Spa & Panoramic Views of the Criou – Samoëns

Samoëns Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Book a stay at this family-friendly chalet in Samoëns. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Flaine Ski Resort and Vercland ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (89 reviews)
"chalet très agréable, trop sonore cependant d'un étage à l'autre. Le spa a grandement contribué au plaisir de tous."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2026

4-Star Chalet – Charm, Spa & Panoramic Views of the Criou – Samoëns
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
MGM Hôtels & Résidences – Résidence Alexane

MGM Hôtels & Résidences – Résidence Alexane

5 out of 5
Avenue des Loisirs Samoëns Haute-Savoie
Book a stay at this luxury residence in Samoëns. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Flaine Ski Resort and Jaysinia ...
10/10 Exceptional! (53 reviews)
"Lovely stay , facilities are very good-pool, sauna , steam room, etc , very clean and central location. Staff were friendly and a bonus for us was the shuttle to the ski lift."

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2026

MGM Hôtels & Résidences – Résidence Alexane
Résidence La Cour

Résidence La Cour

3 out of 5
385 Chemin de la Cour Samoëns
Book a stay at this ski residence in Samoëns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Flaine Ski Resort and Grand Massif Express ...
9/10 Wonderful! (14 reviews)
"We enjoyed such a fabulous stay at this place. So conveniently located a 10 minute walk from the ski lifts and 5 minutes to the main town square. Well equipped room, comfortable bed, and every room has doors leading to a patio or balcony. The hosts were incredibly kind and helpful. The spa facilities ..."

Reviewed on Jun 3, 2026

Résidence La Cour
4-Star Chalet – Charm, Spa & Panoramic Views of the Criou – Samoëns

4-Star Chalet – Charm, Spa & Panoramic Views of the Criou – Samoëns

Samoëns Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Book a stay at this family-friendly chalet in Samoëns. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Flaine Ski Resort and Vercland ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (89 reviews)
"chalet très agréable, trop sonore cependant d'un étage à l'autre. Le spa a grandement contribué au plaisir de tous."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2026

4-Star Chalet – Charm, Spa & Panoramic Views of the Criou – Samoëns
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Samoëns attractions

Things to do

Frequently asked questions

Is Samoëns worth visiting?
Samoëns is worth visiting for its excellent winter sports, with easy access to Samoëns Ski Resort via the Grand Massif Express Gondola. Travelers can also enjoy diverse European and Italian dining experiences, offering a range of flavors to savor after a day of activities.
When is the best time to visit Samoëns?
The best time to visit Samoëns is from December through February, when it's most popular for winter activities. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of April through June are a good option, offering a different experience with milder, spring-like weather.
What is Samoëns known for?
Samoëns is known for being home to Samoëns Ski Resort and the Grand Massif Express Gondola, providing access to mountain activities. Travelers can also explore Lac de Gers, a beautiful lake in this French destination.
What is a good itinerary length for Samoëns?
A good itinerary length for Samoëns is two to four days to enjoy skiing at Samoens Ski Resort and using the Grand Massif Express Gondola. An extended stay of five to seven days allows more time on the slopes with a Grand Massif ski pass, plus exploring Lac de Gers and enjoying local European, Italian, and brasserie dining. See Samoëns Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Samoëns?
In Samoëns, travelers can enjoy alpine skiing, scenic gondola rides, and beautiful natural landscapes:


How do I plan a trip to Samoëns?
To plan your trip to Samoëns, book flights, hotels, and rental cars in advance. If you're interested in skiing, consider booking Grand Massif ski passes, available from April 4th to 17th. Explore attractions like Samoëns Ski Resort, the Grand Massif Express Gondola, and Lac de Gers. Remember to pair outdoor plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Samoëns?
In Samoëns, travelers can find French cuisine, featuring classic dishes like Coq au Vin, Croque Monsieur, French Onion Soup, and Crêpes. You'll also discover options for Italian food, and a selection of Asian dishes.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Samoëns?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Samoëns by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Samoëns with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Samoëns trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Samoëns?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Samoëns can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Samoëns trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Samoëns trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Samoëns trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Samoëns trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Samoëns?
If it's your first trip to Samoëns, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Samoëns hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Samoëns hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Samoëns

Explore a world of travel with Expedia