Hiking in Samoëns: Fer-à-Cheval, Rouget and snowshoeing

The Giffre valley gives Samoëns an exceptional hiking ground, crowned by one of the finest settings in the Alps: the Fer-à-Cheval cirque, a vast amphitheatre of cliffs and waterfalls. From family strolls to the Grand Massif summits, and on to winter snowshoe outings, there’s something for every level and every season.

Summer, on foot

• The Fer-à-Cheval cirque: a few minutes from Samoëns, at Sixt, this grandiose cirque lines up dozens of waterfalls beneath dizzying walls. An easy path at the back of the cirque, more committing hikes towards the Bout du Monde (“End of the World”).
• The Rouget waterfall: nicknamed the “queen of the Alps”, a spectacular fall of nearly 90 m, easily reached.
• The Grand Massif summits: from the Saix plateau, altitude routes towards the ridges and lakes, with views of Mont Blanc.

Winter, on snowshoes

When snow blankets the valley, snowshoes take over. Outings head towards the Col de Joux Plane, facing Mont Blanc, or into the Giffre forests, far from the pistes. A guided outing with a local leader lets you aim for the finest routes safely and discover the winter nature.

Booking

For winter, here is our guided snowshoe outing in the heart of nature with our partner. The summer trails are walked freely.

Good to know

Level. From the flat walk at the back of the Fer-à-Cheval to the Grand Massif summits, there’s something for all. Check the elevation gain before setting off.

Gear. Walking shoes with ankle support, water, a windbreaker. In winter, snowshoes and poles are provided by the guide.

Season. Walking from June to October; snowshoes from December to March depending on snow cover.

With the family. The back of the Fer-à-Cheval cirque and the Rouget waterfall are perfect with children.

See also in Samoëns

Cool off with whitewater on the Giffre, or stroll the listed village. Back to the destination: Samoëns.