Whether you like sports or simply relaxing, the mountains are perfect location all year round, especially for families. Their astonishing natural beauty, incredible landscapes and excellent activities make them a unique destination, well worth the flights to Geneva airport, transfersand general planning.
In this article, we’ll outline things to see and do in Samoëns all year round to keep the whole brood happy while you’re away. Read on to discover more!
Walking, Cycling and Mountain Biking
Perhaps the best reason to come to the mountains is to see landscapes you can’t see anywhere else. From calm long hikes to thrilling mountain bike runs, Samoëns offers a few different ways to explore.
Walking
The simplest way to explore the lush Haute Giffre valley is through its sprawling web of trails. From routes through villages and botanical gardens to longer, wilder treks, there’s something for everyone. But, for best results, head to the Sixt Fet-á-Cheval National Park, where you can marvel at sweeping lakes and thundering falls.
Cycling
If you want a bit more of a workout, there’s also a variety of trails for cyclists of all abilities, from the flat, easy route into the village of Vallons to more challenging descents following the River Giffre.
Mountain Biking
Finally, something more challenging. From winter through April, Samoëns is part of the excellent Grand Massif ski area – the fourth-largest and one of the most popular in the country. While you’d struggle to get down the slopes on skis or a snowboard in summer, the lift network remains active to take you to mountain bike runs.
The colour system used for pistes is used also here, with greens and blues the easiest runs and reds and blacks the most difficult. For downhill thrills without the cold and snow, look no further.
Playgrounds and Adventure Parks
After your flight and Geneva airport transfer, you’ll probably want to stretch your legs – and the same can be said for the kids! Luckily, Samoëns has you covered here.
Playgrounds
All of us have fond memories of swinging, sliding and climbing, and you can find everything you need for that in the area’s playgrounds. Add in some truly breathtaking mountain scenery across acres of grassland, and you have the perfect place for an idyllic afternoon.
Adventure Parks
Want something more exciting? Indiana Adventure Parks offers courses for all ages, with a variety of bridges, walkways, zip slides and climbing ropes to challenge and thrill you. Just select the course that’s right for you and get ready to feel the adrenaline.
Swimming
Who doesn’t enjoy swimming? With a variety of locations for all ages and preferences, Samoëns is a great place to cool off after your flight and Geneva airport transfer.
Lakes
There aren’t many things more beautiful than a mountain lake, and Samoëns boasts many. Adventurous families can trek out to find their own spots, but those with young children needn’t feel left out – there’s a lifeguard on duty at Lac Bleu’s swimming area in July and August, as well as family-friendly restaurant La Covagne and a beautiful sandy beach.
Pools
If you prefer your swimming areas built for purpose, or if you just want some variety, the resort caters for you with an outdoor pool surrounded by beautiful scenery with a dedicated picnic area.
The best reason to come here over a lake, though, is the variety of facilities. There’s a baby pool with its own small slide, and even an open-air swimming park with a full-size 60m slide. What more could you ask for?
Golf and Horse Riding
Finally, it wouldn’t feel right ending this article without noting some of the less typical activities you can do in the area.
Golf
While there aren’t the full courses you’d find on a golfing getaway, there are a couple facilities in the area that are well worth trying out. First, the lakeside village of Verchaix offers a fun minigolf course for just €3 per person – perfect for a hot day with nothing else planned.
Second, the driving range at the lake charges you just €2 for a bucket of balls and lets you hit them out over the lake to your heart’s content. Each of these is well worth the small cost to while away an afternoon.
Horse Riding
Once you’ve tried hiking and cyclinlg, you might think you’ve seen the area enough, but kids especially will love the chance to saddle up and explore it on horseback. Septiponeys offers easy rides around the lake for young children, while Ride in the Alps takes you on longer journeys along the river and up into the mountains.
Where to Stay
AEC Vacances – Les Becchi – Just 350 yards from the main lift network, this charming mountain-style accommodation offers access to an indoor pool, terrace and spa, offering massages and sauna sessions. It’s also less than a mile from the nearest adventure park and lake.
La Petit Ferme – Gorgeous mountain views are a major selling point here, and you can enjoy them from the outdoor pool, the garden or while cooking on the barbecue. A private bathroom and well equipped kitchenette help you feel at home, making this the perfect base from which to explore the area.
How to Get There
The mountains are pretty remote, but the resort’s popularity mean it’s pretty easy to get there with a flight and Geneva airport transfer. Prices rise in the busy seasons, but many affordable airlines generally offer the route to Geneva Airport.
Once you land, a Shuttle Direct transfer to Samoëns will get you there in less than 90 minutes.
Overview
- UK to GVA Flight Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- GVA to Samoëns Distance: 87 kilometres
- Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
About Shuttle Direct
With experienced and friendly drivers, Shuttle Direct is proud to be Europe and North Africa’s most popular airport transfer operator. Just book in advance to get where you need to go on time and without hassle – and feel free to book any car seats you need.
