Samoëns Has A Problem

[@standardgeography2263]

There is an additional knock on problem from Chariande 2 being closed. Anyone who wants to make a step up from the beginner runs in the 1600 area has to go to on the Chariande express to tete des saix. The 'Blue' run from the top here, Perce Niege is narrow and quite steep for a blue, and is usually full of moguls by lunch time. On busy weeks this run is absolute carnage. Packed, with beginners falling all over the place and frankly dangerous. Chariande 2 (used to) drop people below this run, allowing for a nice step up from beginner level. Without this, the step up from beginner to skiing Perce Niege from the top is significant, and also Perce Niece is just way too busy. I always take beginners to Morillon now, and usually go there myself in busy weeks, although with warming, the height of this resort is also becoming a problem. And yes, the Colouvrier run is low. Snow is nearly always rubbish, and I never ski that run from Samoens. Seems like was a costly mistake to build this lift. Also, Samoens village is ever expanding, new hotels every year, with all these extra people, those holiday queues for Chariande express (and indeed for the Grand Massiff express from the village) are only going to get bigger.

[@Simonjburgess]

@@standardgeography2263 thanks for this! I’m glad I’m not the only one who see’s there is a problem to solve in Samoëns. Completely right about Morillon being a nice step up with the blues there. Nice that it’s linked to Samoëns by bus. But equally sad that the runs below the gondola now seem untenable. Fingers crossed that Samoëns can see the light and replace the Chariande 2 as a priority!

[@RaduCrican]

Great video and initiative to bring awareness on the problem, definitely will help others considering to come around. Hope your holiday plans get sorted out!

[@Simonjburgess]

Thank you. I thought it was important to address it as it’s a resort I really like. I don’t want people having a negative experience there… You can avoid the worst of it if you get up the lift early before all the parents have dropped kids at ski school but it can be really awful if you time it wrong

[@BramskiVlogs]

Great video mate and really informative, I remember snow being a big problem in Samoens lower down. On the plus side it looks like they have been investing in the infrastructure. Think they might need to move that pylon!

[@Simonjburgess]

Thanks mate…. Apparently they won’t move it, that lift is now out of service and will be removed.

[@BramskiVlogs]

@@Simonjburgess can't imagine how much that cost

[@williamheslop9244]

Very informative video . I was lucky enough to visit just before Covid hit and loved Samoens.I ski out of busy periods normally but with 3 young grandchildren I will be skiing more at peak times so yes for those many skiers young and old this issue needs sorting

[@Simonjburgess]

Hi William, thanks for watching and your comment. Completely agree that this needs addressing. With young skiers in tow the rush to beat the queue is not realistically going to happen. Especially if you need to drop at ski school etc. As someone who LOVES Samoëns, I do hope they can sort this

[@SteezeMcQueen]

thats nuts surly they look at where the base snow line starts before spending time and money putting the lifts in

[@Simonjburgess]

You’d think right 🤷‍♂️ That’s just one employees opinion but in 3 weeks over Xmas and Jan the Coulouvrier was open for one day of my trip. It was running in Feb but the conditions leading down to it were yuck

[@goodridevibes]

Place looks pretty nice man... maybe a lil crowded... but I'd take it... One of the pilons moved years ago and they didn't fix it? LOL

[@Simonjburgess]

Yeah it’s such an oversight… there was no crowing before that lift went wrong… if they address it would solve so much. I managed to avoid the worst of it by heading up early before all the families and those picking up rentals etc…

[@patkilbane3857]

Can you bus anywhere nearby to avoid the queue?

[@Simonjburgess]

Yes… I was pretty successful by getting the first bus to Vercland gondola (this avoids queues at the GME) from Vercland ski straight to Chariande Express. If you are early you will be fine. The problem is when everyone comes up the GME and drops kids etc at ski lessons then head to the chariande

[@Simonjburgess]

Should also say…. You can take the bus to Morillon and go up the gondola there. This means you can avoid Samoëns all together. Morillon has links to Les Carroz and then across into Flaine

[@patkilbane3857]

@Simonjburgess Thanks for all the info. 8 of us - very mixed ability - staying in Sameon starting 23 March. Probably hire the gear from the shop beside the Express lift.

[@Simonjburgess]

Nearly game time! Hope you enjoy your trip

[@larsvaneynde4281]

Snow looks great though, so much untracked :).

[@Simonjburgess]

It can be an awesome resort for finding fresh snow… just need to sort out this lift issue

[@MsMsmak]

Please please please get new music. That music overlay is terrible.

[@Simonjburgess]

Thanks for the feedback. May I suggest mute. It works for my voice as well 😀🫶

[@MsMsmak]

@@SimonjburgessYou're right. It does.