Discover Valmorel
Valmorel is just over 40 years old and has the advantage of being a purpose-built resort without looking like one – you will find Savoyard style buildings with slate roofs and wood rather than concrete. It is the gateway ski resort to the Tarentaise valley, and is part of the Grande Domaine ski area. The resort centres around the ski lifts and a pedestrianised high street called Le Bourg is full of bars, cafes and shops. Valmorel is a small, family-friendly resort.
Valmorel is popular weekend getaway resort due to being only 1 hour from Chambéry airport and 2 hours from Geneva. Less well known than its famous Tarentaise neighbours, its ski runs are well designed, and much thought has been given to the beginner. For example, a really slow ski lift to practice getting on and off to build confidence. Most of the ski runs end in the village and the runs are kept open with snow cannons.
The village is car-free and parking can be expensive. There are 530 garaged spaces underground as well as 1200 outside spaces. The benefit is that the village is quiet and there are a number of lovely courtyards, a village square and numerous outside sitting areas to enjoy some après ski.
Valmorel is connected to 165km of skiing in what is known as the Grand Domaine ski area which includes Saint Francoise Longchamp as well as the smaller and more traditional resorts of Doucy and Les Avanchers..
A pretty resort offering easy access to no hassle skiing in a large and mixed level ski area.
A dual season resort ranging from 1400m –2500m
Snow sure skiing & Pedestrianised village
Popular with beginner to intermediate skiers
1hr from Chambery airport, 2 hrs from Geneva airport.
The Grand Domaine ski area offers 165km of slopes served by 52 ski lifts. Easy slopes make up 70% of the total, with 21% intermediate and 9% difficult. From the resort itself there is also 40 km of cross-country skiing.
The Grand Domaine ski area altitude runs from 1,400m in Valmorel up to 2,550m ensuring a decent length season. The 342 snow cannons throughout the ski area help to keep this a snow sure resort and ensure the ski area is fully linked. The snow cannons also make the resort totally ski in throughout the ski season.
Cross over the Col de la Madeleine mountain pass to glide along in complete tranquility between Saint-François-Longchamp, Valmorel and Doucy-Combelouvière. The more experienced and daring will push their limits venturing down the steeper slopes. The slopes around Nâves offer backcountry skiing and snowshoe hikes through the rolling, mountainous terrain.
And, thanks to the gondola service in Celliers, backcountry skiing and snowshoeing enthusiasts can get off the beaten track to explore the vast, untouched Lauzière massif, where they’ll be alone to set out upon the snowy slopes.
This is a wonderful resort to learn to ski in and is perfect for young families. Especially popular is Club Piou-Piou which has 6 acres of snow gardens surrounding a 700m2 chalet with nap rooms, playrooms and an arts and craft centre.
Sufficient nightlife ensures teenagers and young adults are happy too.
Valmorel brims over with charm, character and life in the summer months.
There are numerous hiking trails from the village as well as 115 miles of mountain bike trails and 6 downhill runs. Valmorel’s central position in the Haute-Savoie makes exploring the region easy. For example, Lake Annecy is only 1 hour away.
There are swimming pools at Valmorel, Doucy and Bellecombe, and numerous streams and rivers to dip into if you prefer a more natural environment.
Valmorel also has one of the highest high rope courses in France which is suitable for all ages. There is also whitewater rafting, horse riding, golfing and rock climbing on offer in the area.
