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If you are looking for new destinations, don't miss out on Esquiades.com's latest novelty: the ski resort of Valmorel Le Grand Domaine! The ideal destination for those seeking authenticity, comfort and variety of terrain in the Tarentaise valley. With 165 km of slopes, a 100% pedestrian village and a spectacular natural environment, it offers a welcoming experience for families and beginners as well as intermediate skiers.
The ski resort is divided into three interconnected ski areas: Valmorel, Doucy-Combelouvière and Saint-François-Longchamp. Together they form the ski area Le Grand Domaine, and its ski pass allows you to ski freely on its more than 165 km of slopes, combining filmy alpine villages with spectacular mountain scenery. Opened in December 1976, it has grown to become one of the most attractive destinations in the French Alps for its authentic family atmosphere.
Valmorel offers 22 green runs, 39 blue runs, 17 red runs and 8 black runs, making it a true paradise for beginners and intermediate skiers, but also with challenging options for more experienced skiers. This balanced distribution ensures that both families and groups of varying levels enjoy themselves to the fullest. In addition, the signage is clear and the slopes are well maintained.
Its 46 lifts allow quick and uncrowded access to the slopes. They are distributed in 4 gondolas and 14 chairlifts, in addition to 24 tele-skis and conveyor belts. Among the most outstanding facilities is the Planchamp gondola lift, inaugurated in 2020. It is the first gondola lift manufactured by POMA in France. It has 75 cabins and allows an ascent time of just over 4 minutes.
Did you know that Valmorel was the first pedestrian resort in France, a pioneering urban model in the 1970s? It is designed as a car-free resort, with a charming pedestrian village that recreates traditional Savoyard architecture, integrating with the landscape and making it easy to ski right to the door of your accommodation. It is ideal for families and beginners, with many easy slopes, excellent ski schools and themed play areas for children. Everything is designed to offer safety, comfort and warmth. So much so, that in 2014 it was elected The best family resort in the world!
The Valmorel ski area is family-friendly and accessible, perfect for those who are just starting out or want to ski with children. But it is also a very attractive option for couples or groups of friends who value authenticity, tranquility and a relaxed atmosphere without giving up good facilities and more technical slopes.
In addition to alpine skiing, Valmorel has a "Pirates" themed snowpark, timed slalom runs, marked ski touring trails and freeride circuits. Cross-country skiing is also possible thanks to its 20 km of trails. For non-skiers, snowshoeing, dog sledding and paragliding are organized.
Don't miss the Snake Gliss toboggan run, one of the most fun experiences in the entire ski resort. In addition, a few minutes away is the Valmoforme complex, a spa with natural hot springs where you can relax with a view of the Alps.
Valmorel offers a relaxed and authentic après-ski, ideal for those looking to enjoy the mountain beyond the slopes. Although it is not an intense party resort, it has a variety of bars and activities to close the day with a good atmosphere.
Take a stroll down Rue du Bourg, the main street lined with stores, where you'll find an ideal place for a good hot chocolate! At the foot of the Planchamp cable car you will find the restaurant L'Après Ski, which combines Savoyard cuisine and international dishes offering panoramic views of the Tarentaise valley. If you are looking for a warmer atmosphere in which to enjoy a mulled wine, a beer and a game of billiards, we recommend the Pub of the Hôtel du Bourg or Le Ski Roc.
You can find all types of accommodation in the villages of Valmorel village, Les Avanchers, Saint François Longchamp, Doucy-Combelouvière, Le Pré, Le Crey, La Charmette and Celliers. Most of the accommodations follow the traditional Savoyard style with chalets made of stone, wood and flagstone roofs.
If you are looking for a more economical option, you can stay in La Léchère-les-Bains, located about 15km from the resort and where accommodations are more affordable.
With altitudes between 1,250 m and 2,550 m and an excellent orientation, Valmorel offers good quality snow throughout the ski season, which usually runs from early December to mid-April. Please note that you can check the opening and closing dates of all ski resorts here.
The resort receives an annual average of 346 cm of accumulated snow, with the heaviest precipitation in December and January. In addition, to guarantee the quality of the snow on the slopes, the ski area has 396 snow cannons that reinforce the most critical areas in periods of low precipitation.
Valmorel is located in the Savoie department and is well connected by road, train and plane. The resort is located about 2 hours from the international airports of Geneva, Lyon and Grenoble, making it easy to reach from all over Europe.
The nearest train station is Moûtiers - Salins - Brides-les-Bains, located only 15 km from Valmorel, which is easily accessible by bus, cab or private transfer. In addition, road access is easy thanks to the A43 freeway and the N90 national highway, with good signage and services en route.