2 Days in Samoëns

Spend a weekend in Samoëns to step away from the everyday noise and reconnect with yourself through mindful activities in serene alpine landscapes.

The historic alpine village of Samoëns is defined by its rich heritage, with old market halls, a centuries-old botanical garden, cobbled streets, and a name that dates back to 1167, derived from a medieval expression meaning ‘The Seven Mountains’. Ten centuries later, Samoëns is as charming as ever. Just one hour from Geneva Airport, it’s the perfect alpine sanctuary for a 48-hour escape to unwind, recharge and return renewed in just one weekend. 

Here’s an idyllic two-day getaway in Samoëns, all planned for you:

Day One

MORNING

Spend the morning skiing the slopes of the Grand Massif Ski area, where more than 265km of interconnected, high-altitude slopes set against the picture-perfect backdrop of Mont Blanc and snow-draped trees. Renowned for its wide, sweeping runs, it’s a paradise for intermediate skiers and families alike. Although you cannot ski down to the village itself, the Samoëns’ dependable local buses weave through the village and deliver you straight to the gondola that takes you to Samoëns 1600 in just 13 minutes – your gateway to the heart of the Grand Massif. 

As with many ski resorts, Samoëns is home to several ski schools, but ZigZag has earned its place as Samoëns most popular English-speaking ski school. Becoming a household name for tourists, they offer both group and private ski and snowboard lessons for children and adults of all ages. 

AFTERNOON

Once you’ve had your fill of pristine slopes and Mont Blanc views, head back down the gondola and strap on your snowshoe cleats and set off on a guided walk, finishing with a refreshing cold-weather yoga session. 

As you trek through the snowy landscapes, you will practise breathing techniques, gentle movements and mindful exercises that warm your body from the inside out, an activity originally developed by Tibetan yogis in harsh Himalayan conditions. You will use your breath as a concentration and resilience tool in different yoga poses while enjoying the benefits of cold-air immersion. The experience is as rejuvenating as it is grounding, offering a refreshing way to reconnect with nature and yourself in the mountains.

EVENING

After wandering through Samoëns village, head to Neige et Roche, a family-owned traditional alpine hotel that has been open in Samoëns for generations. The dining room is a celebration of tradition, which is reflected in everything from its menu to the etched beams of the wooden chalet. 

For an apéritif, try the house Casimir cocktail, a Campari-inspired creation with a secret, herby recipe designed to cleanse the palate before trying soupe châtrée, Samoëns’ local delicacy. This hearty winter dish is a twist on French onion soup: a savoury onion broth is poured over layers of crusty bread and thick slices of Tomme cheese, baked until golden, then sliced with a knife and served ready to enjoy. 
 
Traditionally served on St Christopher’s Day (21 August) to prevent leftover bread from going to waste, this speciality is served today at Neige et Roche, one of the village’s few restaurants continuing the tradition.

Day Two

MORNING

In addition to being connected to the fourth-largest ski area in Europe, Samoëns is also a premier destination for ice swimming. Taking a dip in water colder than 5°C comes with a long list of benefits, helping to rest both the mind and body. The temperature in Samoëns’ Lacs aux Dames in the depths of winter can drop to as low as 1°C, and swimmers choose to brave the cold in nothing more than their swimsuits.

Stress relief, improved blood circulation and a boost to the immune system are just some of the benefits, says Carrie Wilmot and her husband Rob, who are British ice swimming world champions. The couple rave about the mental benefits of ice swimming, who have had friends come off medication for depression after picking up this rather unusual hobby. 

“If you’ve had a long day, ice swimming is the reset button,” says Carrie, “You get in the lake, and you leave everything behind.”

“The potential to feel good isn’t in the water; it’s when you get out, it’s like a drug.”

Florian Milesi, Samoëns’ resident sports coach and cold-water swimmer, guides you through breathing exercises beforehand to help you stay relaxed when you step into the icy lake, encouraging you to listen closely to your body as you push past your comfort zone for the better.

AFTERNOON

After the exhilaration of the cold-water dip, the rest of the afternoon is yours to unwind and let the experience settle. Sink into the heated pools, saunas, hammams, hot tub, or an après-ski massage at La Renadière, which gently counteracts the cold. A gentle, warming contrast that allows you to enjoy the lingering calm that follows the plunge, safely back in the warmth. 

EVENING

For your final evening, head to L’Estanco, a modern French restaurant ideal for when you’ve had your fill of Savoie cheese for the weekend. This restaurant has a small but thoughtful selection of dishes using local produce and excellent attentive service, all at a reasonable price.

By the end of your 48-hour escape, Samoëns leaves you refreshed, grounded, and inspired. Whether you’ve skied its sweeping slopes, trekked through frost-kissed forests, practised cold-weather yoga, or braved an icy dip in Lacs aux Dames, the village’s unique blend of adventure and wellness ensures every moment is memorable.

As you sip your final evening aperitif or savour one last Savoyard speciality, you carry home not just photographs fit for a postcard, but a renewed sense of calm and connection that lingers long after the weekend ends.

Samoëns Essentials

Where to stay:

Lodge le Grand Cerf is a stylish yet cosy alpine lodge right in the heart of Samoëns, perfect if you want week-long comfort without losing that mountain-village feel. The lodge offers spacious, well-designed suites with balconies or terraces that look out over the surrounding peaks, making it easy to unwind after a day outdoors. One of the highlights is the large wellness area for some much-needed relaxation post-skiing, which includes indoor and outdoor heated pools, a sauna, a hammam, a jacuzzi, and fitness spaces. With its warm alpine décor, peaceful garden setting, and easy access to the village and slopes, it’s a great base for a laid-back but luxurious stay in the French Alps.

The lodge’s central location also makes getting around Samoëns very easy, even without a car. Lodge le Grand Cerf is close to local bus stops and within easy reach of regular regional bus lines that connect Samoëns with nearby towns and train stations such as Cluses and Annemasse, which is ideal if you’re arriving by train. In winter, free ski buses run through the village and provide quick, convenient access to the Grand Massif Express gondola and other lift areas, so getting to the slopes is simple and stress-free. Being right in the village also means shops, cafés, restaurants, and walking trails are all just a short stroll away, making the lodge a practical and comfortable base for exploring the area year-round.

From junior suites for couples to larger family and prestige family suites, it can comfortably accommodate everyone from solo travellers to bigger family groups without feeling cramped. This variety makes it a practical option whether you’re planning a relaxed family holiday, a multi-generation trip, or a shorter getaway that still offers a touch of luxury.

For a weekend getaway, few places compare to La Renadière, a charming alpine residence that effortlessly combines traditional character with modern comforts. Located on the yellow and white bus lines, with a stop directly opposite its entrance, staying at La Renadière makes getting around Samoëns’ village and reaching the gondola effortless. After a day spent soaking in the cool alpine air, guests can relax in the inviting spa and sauna facilities. The friendly, attentive staff create a warm, relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for couples or families seeking a home-away-from-home experience.

La Renadière caters to every kind of alpine escape, from intimate studios to spacious apartments with full kitchens. Each option blends traditional Savoyard charm with modern comforts. Rates vary to match budgets and lengths of stay, making it easy to plan a quick weekend getaway.

The heated indoor pool, hot tub and wellness centre, complete with an on-call masseuse, provide the perfect way to unwind, while the occasionally spotty WiFi can be seen as an encouragement for a genuine digital detox, inviting visitors to embrace a weekend of relaxation.

Getting around: There are direct transfer services from Geneva Airport operated by GoMassif, with an average journey time of around one hour and 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can rent a car directly from Geneva Airport and drive to the resort.

What you need: You’ll need skis, poles, and a helmet to get started. Don’t worry if you don’t own any equipment – ski rental shops make it easy to rent everything you need, and they can help fit your gear properly so you’re comfortable and safe on the slopes.

I was a guest of Samoëns Tourisme to find out more, visit their website.