Summer in Samoëns

From hiking or biking to white water rafting

When the snow has melted and the long summer days arrive, the Alps become a vast playground for those seeking outdoor activities surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Whether you wish to explore the mountains on foot or chase adrenaline thrills such as rafting or rock climbing, Samoëns offers the perfect location for all holiday makers.

In summer, the area around Samoëns becomes a colourful landscape full of contrasts. Alpine meadows are green and lush, the lakes and rivers a deep blue from the melting snows and the air is fresh and clear.

The climate in summer is generally very warm with temperatures often up to 30C or more. As the village of Samoëns is situated at an altitude of 700m, the temperatures are generally a few degrees cooler than at sea level. The weather can be very changeable, with thunderstorms in the late afternoons, so always be prepared when you venture off into the mountains for the day.

Summer activities include...

For the Adventurous

The Alps are a huge adventure playground and for anyone seeking some thrills, Samoëns has many activities to keep the adrenaline flowing.

Rafting – One way to stay cool in summer

Rafting

Discover the thrills of rafting down the Giffre river and stay cool at the same time! This activity is popular with many visitors and there are several rafting operators within Samoëns. eg. NunaYak, & Ecolorado

Paragliding

Look up into the sky during summer and you will nearly always spot the paragliders high above the village, often rising thousands of metres carried by the air thermals generated by the summer heat. If you fancy a bird’s eye view of Samoëns then why not give this a try yourself. Tandem flights with a qualified instructor are available or you could take a course and start the process of learning to fly yourself. Visit Samoëns-parapente for more info.

For those with a head for heights

Climbing

Whether you are an experienced climber or simply wishing to try the sport for the first time, there is a mountain waiting for you to conquer. Visit the Guides Montagnes for more info.

For the family

Enjoy a day at the pool in Samoëns surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery

Swimming

The open air swimming pool in Samoëns lies in a beautiful parkland setting with panoramic views of the Grand Massif. There’s a main pool, a beginners’ swimming pool, a paddling pool and a 60m slide. With the mountain backdrop the Samoëns pools are an ideal place to take the kids.

Mountain Biking and Hiking

There are over 400km of mountain bike trails, 450km marked trails for great hikes and more. Many chairlifts are open in the summer to take you up – you can even take your mountain bike, so all you have to do is ride down! If you don’t have your own bike then mountain bikes can be hired at several of the sports shops in the village.

Adventure Park

The Indiana Adventure Park

The Indiana Park, Indiana Kid and the P’tit Kid adventure trail are next to the Lac aux Dames. A play area with bar, restaurant and parking is available. Visit Indianaventures for more info.

Closeby you’ll also find Le Mali’s Parc and mini golf.

Day Trips

Ice grotto at the Mer de Glace glacier – Chamonix – A collection of ice sculptures and caves, dug out every summer, are inside under the glacier

If you are visiting the region with a car then why not do some sightseeing in the Mont Blanc region.

One of the most popular places to visit is Chamonix. Visit the Mer de Glace, in the Chamonix Valley which is the largest glacier in France, or a ride on the Aiguille du Midi cable car, the highest vertical ascent cable car in the world.

Other popular destinations for the day include Annecy with it’s beautiful lake and old town or Morzine with activities such as the summer luge.