Chalet Grande Ourse
Samoëns is a charming, historic mountain village, located in the Haute Savoie region, just a 1 hour drive from Geneva Airport.
At the foot of the Grand Massif ski area, Samoëns combines an intimate, family feel, with an expansive ski area.
With 5 interlinked resorts (Samoëns, Les Carroz, Flaine, Morillon and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval) there is 265km of pistes available, with skiing for all ability levels.
The Chalet is just a 5 minute walk into the centre of Samoëns, and each morning and afternoon we provide minibus transfers between the chalet and the Grand Massif Express.
At the foot of the Grand Massif ski area, Samoëns combines an intimate, family feel, with an expansive ski area.
With 5 interlinked resorts (Samoëns, Les Carroz, Flaine, Morillon and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval) there is 265km of pistes available, with skiing for all ability levels.
The Chalet is just a 5 minute walk into the centre of Samoëns, and each morning and afternoon we provide minibus transfers between the chalet and the Grand Massif Express.
Accommodation:
Chalet Grande Ourse is a 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom property sleeping up to 13 people.
The large open plan living area surrounding the central glass staircase is an ideal environment for relaxing after a day on the slopes. At one end of the room is the dining area whilst the other is home to the comfy sofas, honesty bar and log burning fireplace. Just off of the living area, one of the chalet balconies is home to a very inviting hot tub,
There is plenty to keep the whole family entertained with free Wifi internet access, UK satellite TV, a Nintendo Wii and plenty of games, books, CDs and DVDs to appeal to all tastes. Whilst downstairs you can find the games room with pool table and darts board.
Our comfortable and individually styled bedrooms offer a number of options to cater for your group.
Three of the bedrooms are upstairs from the living area: the Aubergine room (ensuite with a double and single bed); the Praline room (an ensuite double); and the Framboise room (another ensuite double).
Downstairs, the ensuite Cerise room with a bath offers itself as either a double or twin room. The Chocolat room contains two sets of adult-sized bunk beds and has its own private shower room.
Subject to availability we may be able to accomodate groups of up to 19, with Chalet Petite Ourse (next door) sleeping up to 6.
The large open plan living area surrounding the central glass staircase is an ideal environment for relaxing after a day on the slopes. At one end of the room is the dining area whilst the other is home to the comfy sofas, honesty bar and log burning fireplace. Just off of the living area, one of the chalet balconies is home to a very inviting hot tub,
There is plenty to keep the whole family entertained with free Wifi internet access, UK satellite TV, a Nintendo Wii and plenty of games, books, CDs and DVDs to appeal to all tastes. Whilst downstairs you can find the games room with pool table and darts board.
Our comfortable and individually styled bedrooms offer a number of options to cater for your group.
Three of the bedrooms are upstairs from the living area: the Aubergine room (ensuite with a double and single bed); the Praline room (an ensuite double); and the Framboise room (another ensuite double).
Downstairs, the ensuite Cerise room with a bath offers itself as either a double or twin room. The Chocolat room contains two sets of adult-sized bunk beds and has its own private shower room.
Subject to availability we may be able to accomodate groups of up to 19, with Chalet Petite Ourse (next door) sleeping up to 6.
Current Promotions for Chalet Grande Ourse:
10% Off remaining January weeks!
Dates: 01 Jan 25 - 31 Jan 25 Enjoy 10% off advertised dates for all remaining weeks in January 2025!Further discounts available for large groups and children.
Facilities:
bar, boot dryers, cot/highchair, games console, games room, hot tub (outdoor), iPod docking station, laundry facilities, private parking (open), satellite/cable TV, terrace, wifi (free in-room), wifi (free public area), wood burning stoveCuisine:
All our winter chalets are operated on a fully catered basis (6 days a week), giving you more time to relax and enjoy your stay.
- Breakfast (cooked options, pastries, cereals, fresh fruit & yoghurts).
- Afternoon Tea.
- Canapés & Prosecco.
- 4 course Evening Meal with Wine.
- For children under 12 a kids menu is available
- For those with dietary requirements, we can tailor a menu to suit you.
Services:
- In resort transfers to lifts
- Airport Transfers
- Advice on ski hire, lift passes, lessons, childcare etc
Resort & location information:
click +/- to maximise/minimise
Resort name: Samoens
Ski area: Grand Massif Country: France Amenities: accrobranche, adventure park, bars and restaurants, beauticians, bowling, bus station, bus stop, canoeing, canyoning, cash withdrawal facility, childcare, cinema, climbing wall, cross country skiing, cycling, doctor, dog sled rides, fishing, fitness centre, free shuttle bus, freelance catering, golf, hairdressers, high altitude restaurants, high ropes course, hiking, horse driven sleigh rides, horse riding, huski dogs, ice driving, ice fall climbing, ice rink, lake, massage, micro brewery/restaurant, mini golf, mountain biking, mountaineering, off piste guiding, paragliding, parapenting, pilates classes, rafting, ski school, ski touring, skidoo safaris, skiing, skiing/snowboarding, sledging pistes, snow mobiling, snowboard school, snowshoe walking, spa, supermarket, swimming pool (indoor), swimming pool (outdoor), tennis, toboganning, torch lit descents, tourist office, via ferrata, wine tasting, yoga classesContact
View this member's featured properties
web: www.geeski.co.uk
email: info.geeski@gmail.com
tel: UK - +447759911715
facebook: Facebook page
Advertiser with Chalets Direct since: December 2018
Guest reviews:
Review posted online by Rebecca Hackett
"Brilliant chalet!We’re just back from a week at Chalet Grande Ourse and would highly recommend it. Thanks so much to Chris, Ella, Sophie and all the staff. The chalet was very comfortable and the service was outstanding.
We enjoyed delicious food - just the right balance of sophistication but hearty after a day on the slopes. Excellent catering for dietary requirements too and so many nice touches.
The airport transfers being included took a lot of stress out of the process and the in-resort transfers worked well.
Would definitely love to stay with GeeSki again!" 27 Jun 24
Review posted online by Greg Wilkinson
"Great family week with GeeskiWe had the best ever 14 person family holiday hosted by Chris, Sophie and the team at Chalet Grande Ourse and Petite Ourse.
The bedrooms were all en-suite or with adjoining bathrooms and the communal areas were warm and inviting. The food, all week, from breakfast, afternoon tea and 4 course dinner, was first class and the children in our party loved it all too!
Nothing was too much trouble for our hosts including running us all (in 2 new minibuses) to and from the slopes, ski shop and bars; though the shops and bars were within easy walking distance!
Overall, we had a fabulous week with Geeski!
Thank you to them." 27 Jun 24
Review posted online by Carinne M
"If Carlsberg did ski holidays .... absolutely magnificent!!!A fantastic holiday. Chalet Grand Ourse had everything you could possibly want. Chris and colleagues went above and beyond to meet our every need. The food was top notch throughout.
I cannot recommend this company highly enough. They were exceptional. Thankyou so very much for making our holiday magical." 27 Jun 24
Review sent by email/letter by Cormac Twomey
"Thanks for hosting us last week the guys could not be more positive about the experience especially the food.Thanks once again from all of us for being so accommodating and making it a great experience for us all." 02 Apr 20
Review posted online by Andy Lathrope
"Thanks folks, just had great holiday with you guys, you looked after us brilliantly, nothing was too much trouble, great hospitality and the food was fantastic." 02 Apr 20Review posted online by Trudi Kirby
"Thank you all at GeeSki, we have just had a fabulous holiday with everything we could wish for. Great Team!! Great Accommodation!!! Great food and service!! Thank you guys!!" 02 Apr 20Review posted online by Sarah Davis
"Great chalet, amazing hostsThis is a lovely chalet, amazing rooms and great living space, the games room is great for the children and adults alike, but the best thing about the chalet and Geeski is Chris and Karen nothing was too much trouble and the food amazing.
We hope to go back and I highly recommend." 02 Apr 20
Review posted online by Alex Holmes
"Lovely chalet and great personal serviceWe were greeted with Vin chaud and a hand with our cases. Dinner was great with 3 courses each night and perfect menus for the children too. Prosecco and handmade canapés each evening. Hot tub with a view and fluffy towels and always a lift when needed each end of the day!
Samoëns is lovely picturesque french town so lovely to wander down to. A lovely holiday with hosts for whom nothing was too much trouble." 02 Apr 20
Review posted online by Louise Millwain
"Just back from a week skiing at chalet Grande Ourse in Samoëns. Everything was beautifully organised from pick up at Geneva to return.The chalet is spacious and the rooms larger than many we've stayed in.
The lift is 5 mins in the chalet minibus or an easy 15 mins walk if you leave your boots and skis in lockers at the hire shop. We tended to get a lift down and wander back through town in afternoon.
Adam and Chris were great hosts and the food was probably the best we've had at a chalet. I particularly appreciated the approach to vegetarian options which was to make clever modifications to the menu, rather than wholesale changes.
We tried our best but in the end we failed the 'cheese challenge' and may have to go in to training before returning for another attempt next year.
Seriously though great chalet and lovely people." 02 Apr 20
Review posted online by Louise Millwain
"Just back from a week skiing at chalet Grande Ourse in Samoëns. Everything was beautifully organised from pick up at Geneva to return.The chalet is spacious and the rooms larger than many we've stayed in.
The lift is 5 mins in the chalet minibus or an easy 15 mins walk if you leave your boots and skis in lockers at the hire shop. We tended to get a lift down and wander back through town in afternoon.
Adam and Chris were great hosts and the food was probably the best we've had at a chalet. I particularly appreciated the approach to vegetarian options which was to make clever modifications to the menu, rather than wholesale changes.
We tried our best but in the end we failed the 'cheese challenge' and may have to go in to training before returning for another attempt next year.
Seriously though great chalet and lovely people." 02 Apr 20
Review posted online by Karen Allen
"Best ski holiday everWe have been on numerous ski holidays in various resorts but would like to thank Chris, Karen,Adam and Amy for the best holiday ever!! From the initial booking to being dropped at the airport on the way home everything was seamless and nothing was too much trouble.
Everybody was so welcoming, the chalet was great, the food was first class and a special thank you to Chris for making me a separate vegetarian meal every night they were all super tasty! Amy your baking was fantastic also!
The ‘door to door’ lift to and from the gondola just made everything super easy- no carrying skis or walking in ski boots.
We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend- thanks again- we’ll be back!!" 02 Apr 20
Review posted online by Laura Skinner
"We stayed at the larger chalet out of the pair which was beautifully set out and had everything we needed and more! From the outset our time with Gee Ski ran incredibly smoothly. We couldn’t have asked for a better bunch of people and a better run family business!The pickup from the airport was a breeze and Karen was there to meet us and was incredibly welcoming. During our stay they made everything we wanted to do possible with such ease, nothing was ever seemed a problem of as if we were putting them out. They were there to pick us up/drop us off to the main lift at our request. The food was delightful every evening served with such friendly happy faces!
During our stay we had a slight medical issue and the team couldn’t have been more accommodating. Karen drove us back and forth to the hospital when we desired, also sat with us all evening and translated to us! She made us feel at such ease and I couldn’t have been more grateful to have her there with us! She is an asset to the team!
We can’t wait to return next year – purely down to the people and service we received. Highly recommend this chalet and the whole experience that they bring with it! Oh and the location is just perfect! Its a 2 min walk down into the town, for my mum who didn't enjoy skiing all day this was great! She could come back at lunch time and there is so much to do and it is all very accessible." 02 Apr 20
Review posted online by Mitra Powell
"Highly recommended chalet in a great ski area, with incredible food!Just returned from a week at Grand Ourse Chalet Samoens. Chris and his team were wonderful hosts, meeting us at the airport, taking us to the piste and picking us up at the end of every day, as well as providing the most amazing breakfasts, tea and dinners. Every meal was delicious - cooked and presented with flair - including the best Christmas dinner ever!
The chalet is a 5 minute walk from the village which had lots of family apres ski events on during Christmas week. And the skiing was amazing, with fresh snow across the Grand Massif range, which includes the Flaine area, and gives you more skiing options than you can possibly cover in a week. Immaculate chalet, great hosts." 02 Apr 20
Review posted online by Julie Roberts
"Brilliant Summer Holiday in the AlpsWe recently returned from a wonderful weeks stay in the Grand Ourse Chalet. The chalet was immaculately presented with lovely views of the valley and positioned in walking distance to the village centre. Chris and Karen are fantastic hosts, very friendly providing knowledgeable advice about walks and activities in the area. They efficiently handled our activity bookings, then transported us to and from activities and walk start & ends - a service that's never been available to us on numerous other summer alpine holidays.
We chose catering on a couple of nights and the food was delicious and plenty of it - Chris's barbecued prawns were the best prawns I've ever eaten!! The activities on offer in the area are brilliant.
We did: the best white water rafting we've ever done through a spectacular gorge; mountain biking; road biking up the spectacular Col de Joux Plane (I was on an electric bike making it quite easy!!); horse riding which catered to all levels with a lovely varied trek through trees to a beautiful lookout point and some of the most breath taking alpine walks we've ever undertaken.
Samoëns itself is a small traditional alpine village with good selection of shops, restaurants and bars and has a pretty park with lake, swimming pool and fitness trail.
I can't recommend the chalet, Geeski and area enough, we will definitely be back again." 02 Apr 20
Review posted online by Janette Brodie
"Perched on the side of the hill just above Samoens, Grand Ourse is an outstanding and extremely comfortable chalet.Nothing is too much bother for chalet hosts Karen and Chris (Geeski), both are experts in the kitchen and very knowledgable about the local area. They can recommend some spectacular walks and will happily arrange some superb activities including white water rafting (highly recommended), bike hire and horse riding. Just a short walk away, Samoens is a traditional alpine village with a good selection of shops, restaurants and even a swimming pool (don’t forget the Speedos!).
Thank you for a fantastic holiday, it was perfect. We look forward to returning, maybe to experience the snow next time!" 02 Apr 20
Review posted online by Nancy Pitt
"Lovely holiday in Samoens July 2019Chris and Karen are wonderful hosts, they made us very welcome at the Chalet Grand Ourse on our hiking holiday. The chalet is very comfortable, rooms are small but that’s generally the case in ski chalets, food was plentiful and well cooked, Chris kindly let me have a couple of recipes which I’m looking forward to trying.
Bruno our guide was well informed and good company on our hikes, he pointed out marmots, chamois and ibex which was amazing! Some of the hikes were quite strenuous but Bruno made sure the slower ones in the group (me!) were looked after and offered easier routes where possible.
Overall, if you love the outdoors, beautiful scenery and amazing flora and fauna, I would recommend this holiday, we hope to go back next year." 02 Apr 20
Review posted online by Christina Yeung
"Everything above expectations!Our party of 5 spent a week of hiking holiday at Samoens in late June and stayed at the Chalet Grande Ourse. The Chalet is very well maintained. Karen and Chris took good care of us and the meals prepared by them were just fabulous. There was a great variety of choices for breakfast and the anticipation of the dinner menu was also an exciting part of each day. They served Prosecco and canapes too before dinner, how nice! The hiking part of course was another highlight. Our mountain guide Bruno is very knowledgeable and made the hikes very enjoyable.
Highly recommend GeeSki! You won't be disappointed!" 02 Apr 20
Review posted online by Adrian Coleman
"We have just returned from a fabulous short break to Samoëns in the Grand Massif with Geeski.Great communication leading up to our trip, a smooth private transfer from the airport with Go Massif (included) and a great modern chalet.
We have stayed in a number of catered chalets in a range of resorts. The food is some of the best we have had, the local cheese selection really rounded off each evening superbly! The rooms were very comfy and everything worked as it should ( including the wifi!). What really set this break apart were the great hosts, Chris, Adam and Karen and the extras at the chalet- the pool table and dart board, hot tub, Netflix and Amazon prime.
Nothing was too much trouble and we would highly recommend this chalet and team." 02 Apr 20
Review posted online by John Farnsworth
"A group of 5 skiers, we rented for a short 3 night break. The chalet is clean, modern and in a great location; the fact it is a 5 minute drive to the lift station is irrelevant as the deal includes lifts to and from various lift stations in and near Samoëns, on demand.Great bedrooms, nice beds and powerful, hot showers.
Terrific 4 course meals, bigger than most visitors' appetites.
Chalet hosts could not be more accommodating - in fact 2 of our party were stuck on a broken down lift on our day of departure and were running out of time; the hosts made separate trips to pick us up from the lift station and returned our hired skis.
Great value when you consider the quality of the food and accommodation, inclusive airport transfers, and piste transfers. The snow was great and the chalet so good that we never needed to venture out of the chalet in the evenings." 02 Apr 20
Review posted online by Barbara Phillips-Kerr
"Another wonderful week in the Grand OurseThis was our seventh visit and we thought the previous team would be hard to beat, but the new Geeski team of Chris, Adam, Karen and Amy could not have done more to make our holiday wonderful. The service they offer is fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble, going above and beyond with all our requests and always with a ready smile. The food was delicious. The canapés, a new addition this year, were amazing.
From the initial booking, to the speedy responses to my email queries, everything was spot on. The weather during our week was very mixed, but having the lovely chalet and Amy’s light as a feather cakes to come back to each afternoon was a real treat." 02 Apr 20
Review posted online by Claire Robb
"Grande Ourse & Samoens fab base to explore Grand MassifWe have recently returned from a fab week staying in Grand Ourse. It's a lovely chalet in a great location with beautiful views looking out over Samoens village. Samoens is a super spot and it is a short walk down into the village centre and well worth a look around.
Once we arrived (Chris met us at Geneva) at the chalet and had a welcome bite to eat Adam kindly took us down to the ski hire shop (Xtreme Glisses right near the gondola v. handy) to get our gear. From canapes & bubbles through to dessert Chris & Karen's menu was very well thought out and absolutely delicious. You won't go hungry here. The cakes in the afternoon were fantastic. Chris, Karen, Adam & Amy looked after us extremely well and nothing was too much trouble.
We were really lucky with the weather and had fresh snow on the first day and sunshine the rest of the week. It's definitely worth doing the Marvel run - our kids loved it and also the Piste des Cascades (14km) there's a little bit of uphill at the start but then downhill all the way, it's a must do. We bought tickets for the whole area and it is definitely worth going over to Flaine. The boulangerie next to the ski hire shop is amazing and we stocked up with picnic items every day and ate lunch on the hill. All in all a super week." 02 Apr 20
Review posted online by Clair Howison
"We are just back from a magical week staying with Geeski in the Grande Ourse Chalet in Samoens. Our party consisted of 2 families including 5 kids under 9. It was our first family ski holiday and I was quite nervous. I find putting on my own ski boots stressful enough let alone sorting out all the kids and getting them on the slopes in time. I need not have worried as Geeski had it all covered.Chris collected us as arranged at Geneva airport and got us all quickly and efficiently to the chalet. The chalet itself really impressed, immaculately presented with a surprise light lunch waiting for us. Once fed Chris and Adam took us to the ski hire shop to sort our equipment - they felt like family already, helping the kids with their boots and carrying equipment. Chris also popped out to get the lift pass we had forgotten to arrange - nothing felt stressful or too much trouble. An amazing first impression.
Adam and Amy were our team in the Grande Ourse (although we also very much enjoyed Karen's baking throughout the week!) and we couldn't have asked for better chalet hosts - amazing cooks, great personalities, a perfect balance of being there and being invisible. They became a wonderful part of our holiday and the food they produced everyday was way beyond my expectations - better than lots of restaurants!!
After a delicious breakfast every morning Adam and Chris were on hand to get us all to the piste in time and a text in the afternoon to arrange collection was always responded to very promptly - it was stress free which given how rubbish getting to and from the pistes with ski gear can be is really saying something." 02 Apr 20
Review posted online by Jill Greenwood
"We stayed in the Chalet Grand Ourse toward the end of January 2019. We'd previously stayed in the Petite Ourse in 2018 and it was so good we persuaded friends to join us in the larger Chalet this year (2019). When you've already had a great experience somewhere, its a lot for the new kids on the block to live up to, but the Geeski team rose to the occasion and get our full recommendation. They are brilliant!We've visited Samoens in winter for 6 of the last 7 years and as a destination it never disappoints. We've had all the weather you an expect from the Grand Massif, and this year it was so cold under the blue skies that I think atoms nearly stopped moving. The perfectly timed drop offs and pick ups that the Geeski team provided meant our kids (still young) never felt the exposure for long especially after full day of exercising. And when stupidity prevailed the team even went the extra mile to drop off forgotten ski boots.
The breakfasts fuelled us for the day and the dinners, oh man the dinners... from the canapés through to the deserts, were top class. The team seamlessly accommodated any fussy whims (not just the kids but me also) and kept everything ship shape and so easy that all you have to do is focus on when you're hitting the hill and when you're evicting the kids from the hot tub.
Seriously though, great team, great service - just be prepared for a starvation diet when you get home. Thanks team Geeski you helped make our holiday amazing." 02 Apr 20