Winter

Chalet Forest is in the very heart of the Alps, between Chamonix and Geneva. Located in  the Giffre Valley and part of the Grand Massif network of ski stations, Chalet Forest welcomes winter sports enthusiasts to a beautiful area filled with character, authenticity, adventure, and fun. The Grand Massif is the 4th largest linked ski area of France. Surrounded by spectacular scenery, the Grand Massif faces the french side of Mont-Blanc, offering a breathtaking panoramic view.

The Grand Massif network of stations includes the resorts of Morillon, Samoëns, Sixt Fer à Cheval, Les Carroz and Flaine. These family resorts allow great ski, and many other winter sports. From the green slopes, perfect for beginners, to the black slopes for experienced skiers and snowboarders, this ski domain fulfills snow fans of all levels. Located in the Haute-Savoie region, the area offers a preserved environment and a breathtaking panorama. It is an extremely diverse ski area with vast untouched spaces, perfect for nature lovers. Nordic ski is also honored in the Giffre valley with the Espace Nordique du Haut-Giffre and the nordic area of Praz de Lys Sommand, which is one of the most extensive of Haute-Savoie. Chalet Forest is right near the action, in an easily accessible part of the Giffre valley (vallée du Giffre in French).

Grand Massif Winter Activities

Skiing and snowboarding are the big winter attractions, but the winter resorts of Samoens and Morillon have a huge amount to offer during your ski chalet holiday. Please see below for a few ideas of how to spend your time when you are not on the slopes.

Weekly Alpine Markets

There are weekly markets during the winter ski season in both Morillon and Samoens. The Morillon market is on Wednesday afternoon in winter (Friday morning in summer), and the Samoens market is on a Wednesday morning. The markets are typical alpine affairs, with lots of cheese, Haute-Savoie wine, various cured meats, and lots of arts and crafts stalls.

Ice-Skating

Samoens has a new skating rink that is open during the winter. The rink is a covered outdoor ice rink, located in the town centre close to the tourist office. Hockey matches, ice skating shows and ice dance parties are organized during the winter. Enjoy some fun with family or friends and discover the pleasures of skating on this new ice rink (56mx26m) with bleachers (450 seats).

Cross Country Skiing

We are spoilt for choice with cross country areas in Le Grand Massif. Called ‘Ski de Fond’ in France, there are 46km of crossing country skiing pistes in the Giffre valley, mostly in Morillon and Sixt Fer a Cheval. For the more advanced cross country skier (and later in the season when the snow starts to melt in the valley), the Col de Joux Plane offers 35km of pisted ‘Ski de Fonds’ at an altitude of 1700m. This skiing gives amazing panoramic views over the Giffre valley and the whole Grand Massif ski area.

There is a shuttle bus specifically for cross country skiers which accesses all the different Ski de Fond areas in the valley. Cross Country Ski Passes can be purchased at both the Morillon Tourist Office and the Samoens Tourist Office.

Our Chalet Concierge can also help you to purchase tickets, or arrange for other excursions in and near the valley, including husky outings, snowmobile rentals, horse-drawn carriage rides, tobogganing / sledding, and more.

Summer

Here in the French Alps, Chalet Forest is the perfect base to explore the endless trails and peaks of this walker's paradise. Discover the many trails, creeks, passes and paths of the area at your own rhythm, on your own, with your family, your friends, or with a guide. Between altitudes of 700m and 3.100m, the Grand Massif and surrounding mountains offer something for all ages and abilities. In the Giffre Valley alone, there are more than 900 km of marked trails and several nature reserves ready for walking, hiking, exploration and adventure. There are some wonderful peaks which offer uninterrupted views of the Mont-Blanc. If your itinerary involves more than a day's walking / hiking or if you want to experience sleeping a night in a mountain lodging, there are many retreats available for overnight stays. Our Chalet Concierge can help you organize a memorable hiking trip, arrange for a picnic lunch, or even a stay in a mountain refuge.

Grand Massif Summer Activities

The area offers multiple hiking trails and paths with incredible views, trails, and very easily accessible.  There is also the possibility to arrange walks with donkeys, who may carry your heavy packs, or your little ones. Of course Horse Riding is a wonderful option, and a great way to get out in nature, see the area, and really enjoy the hidden paths and secrets of our area.  There are even pony rides by the lake!

Bicycle Riding

Did you know that many of the ski lifts are open in summer? Walking or Downhill Mountain biking with the ski lifts is a fun and exciting outing. In summer you can enjoy the ski lifts and cable car – discover (with very little effort) the valley and its magnificent panoramas. The lifts take you up, so that you can walk or downhill mountain bike all the way back down to the valley.

The chalet is near many cycling routes, including the Col de Joux Plane, from the Tour de France, with a magnificent panoramic view at the top on the Mont-Blanc that will take your breath away. The chalet has space in the ‘mud room’, where you can store your bike if you bring your own.  Or our Concierge can help you to find and book just the right bicycle for your level and your challenge. We can prepare picnics and snacks for your day trips, and would be delighted to advise you of the best routes in the valley.

Mountain Climbing

Do you love climbing? Our area is the perfect place to begin, work on your skills, or prepare yourself for a challenging ascent. Samoëns and its surroundings can offer you multiple climbing rocks with the most amazing views.

Obstacle Courses

If you are looking for an afternoon of fun and adventure for all ages, try the Parcours Adventure parks.  Les Aventuriers du Lac in Morillon and the Indiana Parc in Samoens. Situated only minutes from the chalet, these obstacle courses in the trees, complete with zip lines and various circuits will welcome everybody, from young children to adults in the heart of nature; discover the forest from a different angle.

Water Activities

The Giffre is a playground when it comes to water activities. Rafting, hydrospeed, canoraft, airboat are all available close by. 8km of descent with magnificent views; with your family or between friends (rafting for over 7 years olds on adapted courses) is a fun and exciting way to cool off on hot days, and get the adrenaline rush you want.  There are also several beautiful lakes, lake beaches, rivers, creeks, and an outdoor pool with kiddie splash pool, too. The lakes in Morillon and Samoens have playgrounds and snack bar areas where you can enjoy a treat or a drink while the kids play.  The pool also has a terrific snack area.

Paragliding

This is the vacation for you to make the memory of a lifetime: Discover the panoramic views of the mountains and valleys from a very different angle: the sky! Try a paraglider (parapente) biplace flight where you can even have the possibility of flying yourself! An activity that the entire family will enjoy!  Our concierge specializes in this airborne sport, and can arrange lessons and flights that are truly unforgettable.