French Alps: Le Gran Massif at Samoens
March 7 – 15, 2025… 6 ski days / 7 nights in splendor
The village of Samoens is the most charming in the 5-resort region of Gran Massif.
Five connected resorts: Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon, Samoëns and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval Huge terrain and over 100 miles of trails. One of the largest ski complexes in the Alps in the shadow of Mt. Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe.
Seven nights in the most charming village of Samoens in 4-star spa hotel with breakfast AND daily dinner.
Private charter transport to/from Geneva.
Daily guided groups for expert backcountry skiing and intermediate trail skiing by local guides (optional). Inexpensive lift passes @$45 a day.
$1,898 double occupancy / $2,798 Single occupancy
* Price subject to adjustment up or down based on change in the Euro / Dollar exchange rate.
Logistics page for deposit and payment information.
Mt. Blanc, the tallest mountain in Europe adds to the spectacular scenery of Gran Masif. 5 connected resorts offers virtually endless ski opportunities.
This part of the French Alps is stunningly beautiful. Join us for a week of exploring this resort, one of the few major resorts in the Alps we have not been to. We cannot wait!
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Gallery of our Swiss and Italian Alps tours last year
Also, see “Why I love to ski the Alps” essay here
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The French resorts in the Alps are absolutely among the best in Europe. Of our 56 ski weeks we have offered, dozens have been in France and there are reasons for this. Massive terrain, the best lift systems, wonderful cuisine, and spectacular beauty are a few. Any passionate skier should ski the Alps at least once. They are unforgettable and they will keep you coming back.
We have skied every major resort in France except this one. This 5-resort complex has eluded us for various reasons, and we are excited to finally ski there in 2025. With over 150 miles of trails and unlimited backcountry for experts, these connected resorts offer skiing that is uniquely European and unavailable in the States. All the resorts are higher elevation and are usually snow-sure.
We love the off-trail skiing in the Alps and we will offer expert and intermediate guided groups daily. The backcountry in the Alps is not to be missed. It is why we have been going back for almost 3 decades.
Guided groups: For experts the backcountry off-trail skiing in the Alps is spectacular and it is why we have been returning for decades. We always offer guided expert groups to access this terrain safely. We are also offering the same guided experience for intermediate and expert skiers who want to explore the trails and get some skiing pointers along the way. Led by local guides, these guided days are pricey for one or two skiers, but by have groups of 7 to divide the cost, it is very affordable. If you are an expert skier, you really must do this with us!
The Alexane is a 4-star-plus property… luxury all the way with a top-notch full spa facility.
The hotel: Luxury all the way… The 4-star Hotel Alexane is over the top. The rooms are gorgeous and definitely 4-star worthy. The most outstanding aspect of this property is the spa. Sauna, hot tubs, steam room, and a huge beautiful indoor pool. This property is truly awe-inspiring.
Gallery of this past year’s tours in the Swiss and Italian Alps
Logistics page for deposit and payment information.
*Single occupancy rate is higher than our usual single upgrade for this week because this hotel does not have any small single rooms. Single occupancy rooms are regular-sized rooms, the same as rooms used for double occupancy. If you would like us to find you a same-sex room mate let us know. We cannot guarantee it, but we will attempt find you a roommate.
Our village: There are several villages you can stay in to ski this region. We are residing in the most charming and quaint one:
Samoens is the most charming village in all of the five connected resorts. Its scenic setting is a big part of its ambiance.
It is not a purpose-built resort village, it is well located on the mountain, and it has one of the nicest 4-star hotels in the region.
Le Gran Massif ski region in the French Alps is enormous, as are many other French resorts. It is a series of villages all connected by miles of trails.
*Single occupancy rate is higher than our usual single upgrade for this week because this luxury hotel does not have any small single rooms. Single occupancy rooms are regular-sized rooms, the same as rooms used for double occupancy. If you would like us to find you a same-sex room mate let us know. We cannot guarantee it, but we will attempt find you a roommate.
Air to Europe: You procure their air from their U.S. You will leave the U.S, on March 7, 2025 arriving into Geneva GVA airport by noon March 8, 2025. Do not buy air until our minimum trip size has been reached. Return air: March 15, 2025. Do NOT schedule any return earlier than 10:45 AM. Note: It might be necessary to arrive a day earlier into Geneva if you cannot find air that arrives at the required time.
Doing both ski weeks: Make the most from their airfare and stay for both ski weeks. If you have the resources and the time, a great idea. Note: There will be a surcharge for the transfer between the two ski weeks for those doing both weeks. This will be determined once we know the exact number of two-week participants. The distance between and Le Gran Masif and Trois Vallees is about 1.5.hours. We will organize the most economical mode of transport depending on the number of participants that need to be transported.
BUY TRIP INSURANCE Never leave the country without it. It not only covers trip cancellation, but it covers $100,000 of emergency medical, medical evacuation, trip interruption and delay, baggage, and more. We never do a trip without it.
Do NOT buy trip insurance until the minimum participant number has been reached and we have given a go-ahead on the purchase of the trip insurance and your air purchase.
If you are under 70, go to World Nomads. If you are 70 or over, look at comparative policies at Aardy.com.
How to get on board: A non-refundable deposit of $375 is required to reserve space.
First deposit must be in by November 6, 2025. It is recommended to deposit ASAP.
Note: AFTER November 6 deposit, anyone adding on to this tour will have an additional cost of $49 per person assessed. This is due to our receiving an early-bird discount for rooms deposited on by Nov. 6.
Logistics page for deposit and payment information.