Samoens, France

Samoens is just an hour’s drive from Geneva airport and is located in the Grand Massif ski domain, France’s fourth biggest ski area which has 265km of runs and some fantastic off piste. In total there are 146 ski runs served by 67 lifts, linking five different resorts, so there is heaps of skiing to be done at all levels.

Samoens is known for being a quiet, family-friendly, off the beaten track ski area, but combined with the Grand Massif it is excellent for everyone, from beginner to advanced. The skiing ranges from the longest blue run in the Alps to a particularly challenging off-piste trail from the top of Flaine. This involves an abseil down a frozen waterfall followed by 20km of gorgeous terrain through snow-covered Alpine villages. Flaine also has its own microclimate and is extremely snow-sure, while 70% of the slopes at Samoens are north-facing, meaning that they hold the snow well too.

Samoens is a really pretty, authentic, award-winning medieval village with lovely bars, restaurants and shops. There is heaps to do for non-skiers: lovely snow-shoe walks, ice skating in Samoens village, husky dog sledding, day trips to beautiful medieval Annecy or the spa at Pre St Didier, both of which are only an hour away, and even skidoo rides.