The ‘S’ Word: Samoëns gourmet après-ski weeks

We’re talking all things ‘gourmet’ in the French Alps village of Samoëns this winter. It’s time to get your culinary hat on and dive into a food-filled après-ski not to be missed!

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Samoëns is a charming, traditional village nestled in one of the most northern parts of the French Alps. It is still relatively undiscovered by British skiers but this little village is starting to make a big impact in the UK, continuing to gain popularity with holidaymakers for both winter and summer seasons. Only one hour from Geneva airport, it makes for easy access which means less time travelling and more time to enjoy your mountain holiday.

Samoëns offers direct access to the extensive Grand Massif ski area but when you come down off the slopes there is much more to still enjoy including a wide range of culinary delights. This little Alps village has long been renowned, in France, as a Mecca for gourmet cuisine and visitors invariably rejoice about their foodie experiences in this resort which is justifiably proud of its culinary heritage.

New for this winter, French Alps ski specialist Peak Retreats and the Samoëns Tourist Office are offering guests the opportunity to partake in the inaugural Samoëns gourmet après-ski weeks. This is part of an exclusive invitation to discover and celebrate the local cuisine and wine through intimate workshops with local experts and award-winning gastronomic names.

So, what’s on the menu?

The workshops start on Monday where you can meet wine expert M. Martin Girat of local wine merchant Le Nez en l’Air in a fun and entertaining introduction to five wines. Followed by ‘Tuesday cheese day’ – discover Savoie cheeses through introduction and tasting then view a demonstration of the region’s signature dish: fondue Savoyarde.

On Wednesday join local expert Jean-Claude Belbarbe of the famous Feuille de Vigne Savoyarde for wine/liqueur tasting. Then finish the week off on a sweet note on Friday, learning the art of gourmet dessert creation through a demonstration by M. Thierry Froissard (who holds the accolade Meilleur Ouvrier de France).

But that’s not all as we’ve saved the best until almost last! – on Thursday enjoy dinner at a mountain restaurant. Depart from Samoëns 1600m for a 20-minute walk with head torches and walking poles for dinner at the Luge à Téran – atmosphere guaranteed! Seated by the fire you’ll enjoy a dinner of local produce with your host M. Pascal Pinaud and wine/coffee to accompany.

As part of the package, guests stay on a half-board basis at the award-winning Hotel Neige et Roc located near the village centre. Prices are from £828 per person based on two people sharing a room for the week, including return Eurotunnel crossing and inclusion in workshops.

The size of the groups will be a maximum of 20 for this exclusive après-ski experience so book now to secure your place. For more information or to book visit peakretreats.co.uk, call 0844 576 0123 or www.samoens.com