Flaine (Samoens), France
MGM Hôtels & Résidences – Hôtel Alhena
Low season:£175per night
~£1,225 per week

France
Experience Flaine's snowy bowls and the historic charm of Samoëns in the vast Grand Massif.
5 properties available
About the Resort
Flaine and Samoëns are the two contrasting anchors of France's spectacular Grand Massif ski area, offering a unique dual-resort experience. Flaine is a high-altitude, Bauhaus-inspired, purpose-built ski-in/ski-out resort renowned for its remarkable snow record, dramatic limestone topography, and uninterrupted views of Mont Blanc. In stark contrast, Samoëns, situated lower in the valley, is a beautifully preserved historic stone-masonry village that exudes authentic Alpine charm.
The Resort
Together with Morillon, Les Carroz, and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, they form an interconnected domain boasting 265km of pistes. The skiing is incredibly varied, perfectly suiting mixed-ability groups. Beginners and intermediates can enjoy sweeping, tree-lined descents down towards Samoëns and Morillon, while advanced skiers and snowboarders are drawn to Flaine's open bowls and the legendary lift-served off-piste of the Combe de Gers.
Whether you prioritize the ultimate convenience and snow reliability of Flaine or the traditional, gastronomic village atmosphere of Samoëns, the Grand Massif delivers a world-class French Alps experience with less international crowding than some of its mega-resort neighbors.
On the Mountain
The Grand Massif offers incredibly diverse terrain, ranging from the wide, open snowy bowls of Flaine to the scenic, tree-lined trails sweeping down towards Samoëns and Morillon. Beginners will find excellent progression zones, while advanced skiers can tackle the steep black runs of the Gers bowl or enjoy extensive, easily accessible off-piste powder.
Grand Massif, Haute-Savoie, France
One of the largest interconnected ski areas in the French Alps, linking Flaine, Samoëns, Morillon, Les Carroz, and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval with Mont Blanc views.
Location
Resort Details
Ideal For
Families
Vast selection of beginner and intermediate runs with excellent ski schools and village facilities.
Intermediates
Miles of long, cruising blue and red runs perfectly connecting the five distinct villages.
Freeriders
The Gers bowl and Flaine's natural limestone halfpipes provide accessible and thrilling off-piste.
Culture Seekers
A fascinating architectural contrast between Flaine's modernist art monuments and Samoëns' historic stonework.
By Type
Slope Access
Wellness
Full Collection
Where to Eat
Le Mic Mac
Flaine Forum
A cosy atmosphere serving generous and excellent Savoyard specialties right in the heart of Flaine.
L'Étable
Samoëns Village
Set in a renovated old farm stable, this highly-rated restaurant offers a deeply authentic rustic dining experience.
L'Igloo
Morillon/Flaine Pistes
A popular slopeside restaurant perfect for a sunny lunch with stunning valley views and great local meats.
La Pente à Jules
Flaine slopes
A vibrant slopeside spot with a large sunny terrace, often featuring live music and a lively après-ski vibe.
Common Questions
The ski season in Flaine (Samoens) typically runs Mid-December to late April. The resort averages 5.5m per season of snowfall, so conditions are usually reliable throughout. The famous Cascades run to Sixt usually opens later in the season as it depends heavily on natural snowfall at lower elevations.
Flaine (Samoens) offers 265km of pistes with a vertical drop of 1,780m. The Grand Massif offers incredibly diverse terrain, ranging from the wide, open snowy bowls of Flaine to the scenic, tree-lined trails sweeping down towards Samoëns and Morillon. Beginners will find excellent progression zones, while advanced skiers can tackle the steep black runs of the Gers bowl or enjoy extensive, easily accessible off-piste powder. It forms part of the Grand Massif, Haute-Savoie, France ski area.
Experience Flaine's snowy bowls and the historic charm of Samoëns in the vast Grand Massif. Flaine (Samoens) is a modern mountain resort, known for its distinctive character and atmosphere. Key highlights include family friendly, intermediates, ski in ski out, off piste, extensive terrain.
Flaine (Samoens) receives an average of 5.5m per season of snowfall. With skiing up to 2,500m, higher altitude terrain holds snow well into spring. Recent snowfall: Excellent mid-winter coverage supported by the Mont Blanc microclimate.
Flaine (Samoens) is well-suited for several types of visitors. For families: Vast selection of beginner and intermediate runs with excellent ski schools and village facilities. For intermediates: Miles of long, cruising blue and red runs perfectly connecting the five distinct villages. For freeriders: The Gers bowl and Flaine's natural limestone halfpipes provide accessible and thrilling off-piste.
The nearest airport is Geneva Airport (GVA), about 80km away (approximately 1h 15min by transfer). Regular shuttle buses, private taxis, and shared transfers operate frequently from Geneva Airport to both Flaine and Samoëns. Flaine (Samoens) is also reachable by train via Cluses. High-speed TGV trains connect to Cluses, followed by local bus services (Altibus) directly to Flaine or Samoëns.
Lift passes in Flaine (Samoens) are available as Grand Massif Adult Day Pass (EUR 58), Grand Massif Adult 6-Day Pass (EUR 290). Passes often cover the wider Grand Massif, Haute-Savoie, France area, giving access to a much larger ski domain. Book lift passes online in advance for dynamic pricing discounts and to bypass ticket office queues.
Standout dining in Flaine (Samoens) includes Le Mic Mac (A cosy atmosphere serving generous and excellent Savoyard specialties right in the heart of Flaine.), L'Étable (Set in a renovated old farm stable, this highly-rated restaurant offers a deeply authentic rustic dining experience.), L'Igloo (A popular slopeside restaurant perfect for a sunny lunch with stunning valley views and great local meats.). With 4 recommended restaurants in total, the resort offers an impressive dining scene for a ski destination.
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