From an outstanding beginners debutante area to epic long cruise runs and from invigorating snowshoe trekking to enchanting horse-drawn sleigh rides, Valmorel ski resort is beautifully French and compact and has something for everyone.
Where is Valmorel ski resort?
Nuzzling the foot of the high Cheval Noir mountain, the family-friendly, forest-covered bijous village of Valmorel sits in the Tarentaise valley in the heart of the French Alps. Built in the seventies as a chocolate box style wooden and slate resort, it sits at 1,400 metres with a top height of 2,403 metres. Although purpose-built, car-free Valmoral oozes Alpine charm with Mont Blanc view restaurants, snug chalet-style bars, roaring open fires and mouthwatering Savoyard cuisine. Valmorel is the central hub of the Grand Domaine ski area and has lift links to Celliers, Doucy Combelouvière and Saint François Longchamp.
What does the Valmorel piste map look like?
You’re in for a treat at Valmorel’s ski-in/ski-out resort with its linked area of 165km of pistes, four off-piste areas and a plethora of green slopes for beginners. A quick look at the Valmorel piste map reveals a snowy playground of green, blue, red and black runs. You’ll find dedicated spaces given to snow parks and boardercross as well as safe and secure sliding areas for those who have never been skiing before. Off-piste skiers with red and black experience can enjoy free ride zones at Le Gollet, The Riondet and The Procureuse and those that love snowshoeing will find 50 kilometres of high altitude marked trails for exhilarating outdoor adventure.
Is Valmorel good for beginner skiers?
In Valmorel itself there are 100 kilometres of pistes with a fantastic 14 green slopes for beginners. These shallow and wide green slopes are perfect for those just finding their feet. The resort has a large cordoned-off debutante area for beginners that has plenty of English instructors on hand for lessons. The high-quality nursery slopes are situated doorstep, so the novice skier needn’t worry about chair lifts either. As beginners progress they’ll discover green and blue runs featuring beautiful tree-lined routes.
Is Valmorel good for intermediate and advanced skiers?
Intermediate skiers will feel at home on the Col de Madeleine which has a brilliant network of red and blue runs. You’ll find impressive four-kilometre long cruising pistes and if you grab the Grand Domaine ski pass you’ll also get to try out some great blue runs in Saint François Longchamp. Whilst there are only a small number of black runs for advanced skiers – look out for the black and red runs of the Col du Mottet and the demanding three-kilometre Riondet descent – there is certainly the allure of breathtaking off-piste trails for experienced skiers and speed riders.
What is après ski like in Valmorel?
It’s a chilled out and fairly mild après ski scene here but you can still dance until the early hours at Sound pub and club, indulge in fondue and wine at cosy chalet bars and devour hearty Alpine cuisine at pretty little restaurants. Daytime on non-skiing days also brings a choice of three spas, yoga classes, ice climbing and horse-drawn sleigh rides.