Ralph Kent from FRANCE writes:
Samoens is a very charming typically French ski resort, a year round town which thankfully has yet to be blighted by the 'brits on tour' brigade that have invaded VdI and parts of the 3 vallees. It has recently benefitted from the investment in the Grand Massif express, which supercedes the old bubble at Vercland, meaning you get from the outskirts of Samoens to Samoens 1600 in about 10 minutes. That said, as the lift is about 1km outside of the centre of Samoens, you still will need a car or be prepared to wait for the ski-bus - this isn't really a package holiday type of place.
I've heard a lot of people say the Grand Massif is a 'beginners' resort - I'd disagree with this - I'd say is a 'progressing intermediate' resort with plenty of easily accessible large powder fields for those who are ready for it. It is not, as other reviewers have said, that geared up for complete newbies - the beginners slope at Morillon is serviced by a drag lift, which can be tricky for boarders who are learning, meaning that the nursery green at Samoens is your only real option.
It is also true that unlike some other resorts, the Grand Massif is not littered with mountain restaurants and the like. I think its quite a serious ski domain in as much as people who come here come to ski / board firstly, eat second. I prefer it that way, the mountain is less spoiled, the standard of skiing quite good. Nightlife is also pretty subdued, so if you're looking for a week on the raz, Samoens probably won't keep you entertained. John & Shane run a nice bar at Samoens (Coveys) and a restaurant at Verchaix (Caribou), there is also La Clarine Bar, and there are loads of other really good places to eat in Samoens too, but no real clubs to speak of (unless you count the awful Tomawack at Morillon / Verchaix).
2005-04-08 |
