Samoëns Information

Apres-ski

Nightlife in Samoëns is typically quiet, although there are a handful of dependently lively bars to choose from.

La Reposette (60 Route Du Fayet Vercland) near the base of the lifts has a good food and drink menu and a DJ appearing during peak times. It also has a terrace that catches the sun for most of the day (when it's out).

Two other options particularly worthy of mention are the cosy Bar Lounge Les Glaciers (tel: +33 450 344 006; www.hotel-les-glaciers.com) and the always popular Covey's Irish pub (tel: +33 450 182 115;www.coveysirishpub.com); the latter usually being the liveliest spot in the resort.

Eating out

The list of places to dine in Samoëns appears to grow each year as the village's popularity increases, with now nearly 40 establishments to choose from.

The many atmospheric cafés and restaurants serving authentic, home-cooked Savoyard food are a big part of the Samoëns experience. Le Monde à l'Envers (tel: +33 450 341 936) fits this category well and has a Michelin Guide listing, while Mezzanine (tel: +33 450 536 522; www.mezzaninesamoens.com) has a convivial ambience and offers a good value set menu.

8M des Monts (tel: +33 450 213 001; www.facebook.com/8mdesmonts), which is run by a husband and wife team, has won recognition for its imaginative use of locally sourced ingredients and creative flair, giving traditional recipes modern twists, rather than just relying on fondue.

Additionally, there are a number of gourmet food shops that prepare Alpine delicacies such as fondue and tartiflette (a savoury potato dish), and several takeaway services, including pizzerias Snack du Giffre (tel: +33 4 5058 7196) and Le Mazot (tel: +33 4 5078 4193; www.pizzeria-lemazot.fr).

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

Although there are limited indoor options, visitors can choose from a range of outdoor activities in Samoëns, including archery, snowmobiling, dog sledding and snowshoe hikes.

If you fancy getting the adrenaline pumping, more adventurous options encompass paragliding, speed riding, ice climbing and helicopter sightseeing flights.

Come nightfall, English-language films are shown several nights a week by Société Cinémonde (tel: +33 450 344 140). There are live performances in the performing arts too at Le Bois Aux Dames (tel: +33 450 897 118), which can accommodate more than 400 seated guests or 1,100 standing.

As with most ski resorts in the Alps, it's also possible to unwind with a wide range of spa and massage treatments at several different facilities throughout Samoëns.

Family fun

With its homely atmosphere and dedicated facilities, Samoëns prides itself on being a family friendly resort.

Children aged from three months to six-years-old can be cared for in the central Les Loupiots nursery (tel: +33 450 341 396; www.samoens.com) in the village.

On the slopes, kids' ski classes are available from age three at the École du Ski Français (tel: +33 450 344 086; www.esfsamoens.com). Additionally, Ski Session (tel: +33 610 755 859; www.skisession.fr) runs private lessons for children.

Up on the mountain near the toboggan run at Samoëns 1600, a playground and discovery area offers plenty of fun for three to six-year-olds.

Retail therapy

There are around 50 shops in Samoëns catering for all tastes. There is also a weekly market – one of the largest in the Haute-Savoie region – every Wednesday from 0700 to 1300.

For savoury local delicacies, try Le Grenier Savoyard delicatessen (tel: +33 450 344 822), which is famous for its fondue and Beaufort cheeses. For gifts, head to Oxyzen (tel: +33 450 341 932), a purveyor of beautiful stones, hand-worked amber and other craft objects.

Splashing out

The experienced team of Pégase Air Samoëns in La Savoyarde (tel: +33 450 349 580; www.parapente-samoens.com) have been working in the area since 1973 and offer full pilot training as well as the rare opportunity to try speed riding, which involves descending a ski slope on skis or a board with a small parasail attached to your back in order to grab some really 'big air'.

Hotels

There is a relatively small choice of hotels in Samoëns (the most highly rated is 3-star); but the village's increasing popularity has led to a growth in accommodation options, in particular high-quality chalets in converted older buildings. Where space allows, the construction of modern, quality apartment complexes has also taken place in recent years.

Luxury

Moderate

Cheap