About

FoOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAr almost 200 years the little hamlet of Les Chosalets has been home to The Lazy Labrador – a traditional Haute-Savoyard farmhouse built of local stone and timber. The Lazy Labrador, or “The Barn” as it is often known, provides visitors with a unique base from which to explore and enjoy the surrounding mountains at any time of year, it is truly a “barn for all seasons”.

SKIING, SNOWBOARDING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

The skiing is excellent. First and foremost is Le Grand Massif, a wonderful inter-connected ski area that encompasses Samoëns, Flaine, les Carroz and Morrillon. The nearest lifts can be reached from the Barn in about 10 minutes.

If you want a change of scene, there is any number of world-class ski resorts within an hours drive:

  • Les Portes des Soleil which consists of Morzine, Les Gets, Avoriaz, amongst other resorts;
  • Chamonix, and the Valle Blanche, one of the world’s greatest day trips;
  • Argentiere and Les Grand Montets, arguably the best skiing in the world;
  • Le Grand Bornard & La Clusaz;
  • Courmayeur, in Italy going through the Tunnel du Mont Blanc;
  • Megeve and numerous other small resorts than can provide excellent entertainment and variety.

Amongst these resorts and their surrounding mountains there are excellent opportunities for all winter and summer activities:

WINTER

  • Off-piste skiing and snowboarding;
  • Ski mountaineering from the door of door of the Barn, weather permitting; the Haute Route starts only an hour’s drive away and numerous other opportunities;
  • Snow shoeing, excellent hills for this enjoyable sport;
  • Nordic skiing, available just above the Barn at the Joux Plane, amongst other places;
  • Skating in Samoens;
  • Not least, sledging and other fun in the snow.

SUMMER

  • Walking, the Barn provides access to some of the Alps’ most delightful and isolated mountains; a system of huts provide excellent accommodation;
  • Mountain biking, endless trails and downhill runs from the Barn and close by;
  • Rock climbing, big hills are accessible as well as pegged training routes;
  • Mountaineering, the whole Mont Blanc Massif is only 40 minutes drive away and other mountains nearby provide a variety of challenges;
  • White water rafting, hydro-speed, white water canoe and inflatable canoe, the Giffre (which goes through the Samoëns valley) provides excellent sport; the Dranse is only 40 minutes away;
  • Horse riding & touring, the mountains are a great riding opportunity;
  • Wildlife and flora viewing, the spring flowers are especially beautiful whilst the mountain Ibex make inspiring viewing;
  • Paragliding and hangliding, this is one of the World’s best areas for flying;
  • Caving, a huge local sport, the Criou hides the world’s deepest explored cave;
  • Swimming, in the beautiful pool in Samoëns, in the skimming lake at Morrilon, fishing in local rivers and lakes and picnicking in the lower valleys are also available.
  • Tennis, there are courts in Samoëns.