Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
6 Sep 2025
Reply rate
94.4 %
Usually responds within 5 days
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4
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Details
Description
If learning about off-grid living on an Alpine farm, immersed in nature, surrounded by nature and outdoor sports interests you then this may be the workaway for you.
Our 100% autonomous lodge & farm is located directly beneath a 2000 meter mountain in a pristine Alpine valley. A long abandoned farm has been restored by ourselves and volunteers with a focus on sustainable, biodiverse, regenerative agro-forestry practices with an eye on climate change..
We hold regular open days for visitors where we showcase tried and tested as well as new and innovative ways of increasing fertility for plants with biochar and microbial-rich compost, producing electricity and heat via pyrolysis of wood biomass and being entirely energy self-sufficient and sustainable.
Our farm structures such as animal housing, sheds, fences as well as plant growing spaces are built with materials collected from the forests around us with as little manufactured materials as possible. We follow the ancient country tradition of using hazel rods woven together to make wattle fences and lay down living hedges to both protect animals from predators and to keep the deer out of our vegetable gardens. It is an entirely off-grid farm where the focus is on improving biodiversity and sustainability while prioritising food sovereignty. All the food we produce is consumed on the farm by ourselves, volunteers and friends. The energy we generate from wood biomass keeps the light on, the house warm and produces zero pollutants.
Recreation
Criss-crossed by nature trails, the farm is a gateway to a vast Alpine wilderness notably the Reserve Naturel de Sixt-Passy, the largest natural reserve in Haute Savoie encompassing over 1700 hectares.
Located two kilometers from the town of Samoëns - a famous winter sports, hiking , biking, climbing, paragliding destination winter and summer.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Videography
Vegetarian or vegan
Self development
Sustainability
Pets
Farming
Charity work
Writing
Photography
Gardening
Cooking & food
Books
Architecture
Animals
Winter sports
Yoga / Wellness
Sailing / Boating
Outdoor activities
Nature
Mountain
Hiking
Dancing
Cycling
Camping
Adventure sports
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
As a Workawayer at our farm, you’ll experience a true cultural exchange rooted in the traditions of Alpine mountain life and sustainable living. The farm lies along a historic hiking trail that crosses into Switzerland and is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. You’ll have the chance to learn about regenerative agriculture, foraging, composting, and off-grid systems, while also enjoying local customs, food, and community life. From our Ark of the Alps project, you'll learn about the necessity of growing crops and plants - like Kernza perennial wheat and high altitude potatoes - that are most suitable for a rapidly warming climate which is affecting mountainous regions more rapidly that any other part of the planet.
Outside of farm tasks, the area offers endless adventure—rock climbing at the edge of our field, mountain biking, rafting, spelunking, and even hang gliding are all just 10–20 minutes away. Or, if you prefer to slow down, you can relax in natural pools carved by a mountain stream running through the farm, or gather around a campfire and gaze at star-filled skies in an area with almost zero light pollution.
We welcome curious, open-minded travellers eager to learn, share stories, and immerse themselves in a unique mountain lifestyle.
Help
Are you interested in learning about living off-grid, while immersed in wild nature, and surrounded by opportunities for adventure—whether it’s off-piste and Nordic skiing, rock climbing, mountain biking, trail running, rafting, or canyoning?
We’re looking for motivated people including couples with basic skills and a collaborative spirit to help us with repair tasks around the farm. You’d also lend a hand with everyday household tasks, help prepare the gardens for winter, and support indoor and outdoor mushroom cultivation.
We’re happy to share what we’ve learned—our mistakes as well as successes—about building an off-grid lifestyle that’s both comfortable and low-impact. In return, we’re eager to learn from your experiences and ideas too. If you’re curious about regenerative living, resourceful by nature, and excited to trade knowledge over meals and campfires, we’d love to hear from you!
We also have lots of opportunities for learning other farm activities including:
1. Learning about our exciting tasks testing perennial Kernza® wheatgrass: and other regenerative agricultural initiatives like rare heritage potatoes grown at altitude
2. Animal husbandry. specifically organising our forest pastured ducks and chickens
3. Vegetable production in organic garden
4. Biochar production, compost heat extraction, green building for animal shelters
5. Forest thinning and brush removal along communal paths that crisscross the farm and its surrounds
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
French: Fluent
Accommodation
Renovated apartment with a wood-fired oven in an 18th century off grid chalet
We provide food for workawayers to prepare their meals including organic produce from our gardens and have regular meals together to enjoy cultural exchange.
What else ...
Samoens and the wider Giffre valley is teeming with activities for the outdoor enthusiasts. It is a major destination for summer and winter sports, from the ski lifts that lead to the huge Grand Massif skiing area to the countless cross country trails through the mountains.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Ducks, Chickens, Geese
Bees
Django & Pacha
Ninja & Leo
Pirate
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (2)
Leonard and Amy (and of course Nora, the real boss) were amazingly kind and made me feel at home as soon… read more
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Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(4.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(4.5)
Leonard and Amy (and of course Nora, the real boss) were amazingly kind and made me feel at home as soon… read more
