Valmorel is in the Grand Domain ski area that includes Saint-Francois-Longchamp, Celliers, La Léchère, Nâves, and Doucy Combelouviere. It’s a family-friendly ski resort sitting 1,400 meters. Many skiers often overlook it in favour of larger resorts like Val d’Isere or Tignes.
It is a purpose-built ski resort, but it doesn’t follow the high-rise buildings of many French ski resorts. Instead, it is built with traditional building materials to give it a more authentic mountain village appearance with many small apartment blocks with wood cladding.
Valmorel’s snowy streets are largely pedestrianised, and most accommodation is close to the lifts. If you stay in one of the outer hamlets, you can get around on the free eco-shuttle buses.
Valmorel’s ski area has 165km of pistes that go up to 2,550 meters. The 56 runs are serviced by 50 ski lifts and feature well-established artificial snowmaking facilities. Most runs are best suited to beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. You’ll love the highway-style runs that allow you to get up to some high speeds.
Beginners can hone their skills in the six novice areas, two of which are reserved for kids. But there is also a children’s club that entertains kids while teaching them how to ski. Advanced skiers and snowboarders will love the off-piste terrain Valmorel has to offer. The best off-piste can be found around Nâves and Massif de la Lauzière, but a guide or instructor will take you to the best runs for the snow conditions.
The family-friendliness of Valmorel is enhanced with the various kids’ activities available when they’ve finished skiing. For example, kids can enjoy sledging, air boarding, and riding quad bikes and snow scooters.
You can also relax in the thermal baths or numerous spas, Valmorel has to offer. Alternatively, you can explore the area with snowshoes, paraglider, or on a dog sled.
Valmorel isn’t known for its extensive nightlife, but there are a few bars and a nightclub to entertain you in the evenings before you head back to your luxury apartment.