A complete guide to Valmorel

Tucked away in the heart of the French Alps, Valmorel is a hidden gem that combines authentic mountain village charm with a fantastic range of skiing opportunities. Known for its traditional wooden chalets, slate roofs, and car-free village centre, Valmorel is a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the spirit of the Alps.

This guide is designed to help you make the most of your Valmorel ski holiday, with all the information you need on its location, ski areas, season dates, and more. Discover why this picturesque French resort is a favourite among families and skiers of all levels, and get ready to enjoy a ski experience unlike any other.

Valmorel, France - overview

1. Where is Valmorel?
2. Valmorel the resort
3. Valmorel ski area
4. Skiing in Valmorel
5. Valmorel ski season dates
6. Valmorel snow history
7. Restaurants in Valmorel
8. Things to do in Valmorel
9. Valmorel après-ski, and nightlife
10. Valmorel town map
11. Practical information

Where is Valmorel?

Valmorel is located in the Savoie region of the French Alps, near the Parc de la Vanoise, easily accessible from major cities like Geneva, Lyon, and Chambéry.

Nearest airport

• Chambéry Airport (95 km)

Transfer time

• Chambéry Airport (1hr 10 min)

Valmorel the resort

• Resort altitude: 1350 m
• Permanent residents: 778

Valmorel is a purpose-built ski resort that beautifully preserves the look and feel of a traditional alpine village. Constructed with natural materials like wood, stone, and slate, the resort avoids high-rise buildings, instead featuring charming chalets that blend seamlessly into the landscape. The village is fully pedestrianised, with cobbled streets, lively squares, and courtyards filled with cafés, shops, and restaurants. Valmorel is divided into several areas including Bourg-Morel, La Forêt, Le Mottet, Planchamp, Fontaine, and Creve Coeur. Each area has its own unique vibe but they all merge to create a cohesive and welcoming environment. The main village centre, Bourg-Morel, serves as the hub of activity, with a variety of dining options, après-ski bars, and shops.
                                                                                                           

Pros	Cons
Family-friendly	Limited activities for non-skiers
Ideal for beginners and intermediates	Limited après-ski
Good value accommodation options	Snow may not be reliable late in the season
Ski-in ski-out accommodation	Limited expert runs

Here is what it's like at the Valmorel resort

(Ref: Valmorel Tourisme)

Back to top

Valmorel ski area

• Summit elevation: 2,550 m
• Kilometres of pistes: 165 km
• Vertical drop: 1200 m
• Ski lifts: 50

Valmorel is part of the expansive Grand Domaine ski area, which it shares with the neighbouring resorts of Saint-François-Longchamp, Doucy, and Celliers. This interconnected ski area boasts a diverse 165 km of pistes, making it an ideal destination for skiers of all levels. The Grand Domaine is renowned not only for its well-groomed pistes but also for its off-piste areas and four dedicated freeride zones—The Gollet, The Mottet, The Riondet, and The Procureuse—that offer secure yet ungroomed runs, perfect for thrill-seekers looking to push their limits. Beyond the traditional slopes, Valmorel also features fun zones like a boardercross course, snowparks, and even the Pirates' Village, a family-friendly area offering week-long entertainment and activities that add to the resort's charm.

Skiing in Valmorel

Beginners

Valmorel is an excellent destination for beginners, with plenty of gentle slopes and dedicated learning areas such as the Rocher-Blanchot zone, as well as other beginner-friendly areas like Bois de la Croix, Malatrai-Roches Blanches, and Echappeaux-Charmettes, providing the perfect environment for newcomers to build their skills.

Intermediates

Intermediate skiers will appreciate the variety of blue and red runs the resort offers, including the Beaudin piste, which combines scenic views with a manageable descent—perfect for those looking to refine their skills.

Advanced

Advanced skiers can challenge themselves on Valmorel’s black runs, particularly in areas like Le Mottet. The resort's long black pistes are a highlight, providing the perfect terrain for those seeking to test their skills.

Off-piste

Valmorel offers some of the best off-piste experiences in the Grand Domaine, with secure freeride zones like The Gollet, The Mottet, The Riondet, and The Procureuse—perfect for thrill-seekers and powder enthusiasts.

Snowboarding

Valmorel’s snow park is a major attraction for snowboarders, featuring elements designed for both beginners learning new tricks and seasoned riders seeking more advanced features. The inclusion of a half-pipe makes it even more appealing to freestyle snowboarders.

Valmorel ski season dates

The ski season in Valmorel for 2024/25 is expected to start on December 21st and run until April 13th, though dates may vary depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Valmorel next winter, be sure to explore our Valmorel ski deals for the best ski offers available.

Valmorel snow history

Valmorel offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 32 cm and 27 cm of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 2.7 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 21 cm but occurs more frequently, averaging 2.8 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of December, traditionally the snowiest week in Valmorel, with an impressive 44 cm of snow over 3.2 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 13 cm of snow over 2.1 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.

                                                                                                                                                                   

Month	Snow amount (week)	Snow days (week)
December	32 cm	2.9 days
January	27 cm	2.7 days
February	21 cm	2.8 days
March	22 cm	2.9 days
April	13 cm	2.1 days

(Ref: snow-forecast.com)

Back to top

Restaurants in Valmorel

Mountain restaurants

• L'Alpage: Located at the top of the Altispace chairlift, this spot offers stunning views of Mont Blanc alongside delicious alpine dishes.
• L'Altipiano: A family-friendly restaurant with a play area for kids, serving hearty meals at the top of the Pierrafort gondola.

### Resort restaurants

• La Marmite: Specialising in Savoyard dishes like raclette and fondue, this cosy eatery is a must-visit for lovers of traditional mountain cuisine.
• Le Jimbo Lolo: A unique restaurant serving Tex-Mex dishes in a vibrant setting.
• La Table Du Berger: Known for its pizzas and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a casual dinner.

Things to do in Valmorel

• High altitude walks
• Mountain kart
• Hike'n fly
• Airboard
• Building igloos
• Fat bike
• Paragliding
• Snowmobile
• Snake gliss
• Snowshoe
• Zipline
• Cinema
• Indoor golf
• Sleigh dog rides
• Heritage tours
• Wellness & Spa
• Indoor swimming pool and children’s pool

Valmorel après-ski and nightlife

Valmorel has a relaxed après-ski scene, perfect for those who enjoy a quieter end to the day. Popular spots include:

• La Cordée: Known for its cocktails and lively atmosphere, this bar is a great place to start your evening.
• Le Café Alpin: A cosy café bar at the base of the slopes, ideal for a post-ski drink.
• Hotel du Bourg's Pub: A charming pub with an open fireplace, pool tables, and a welcoming vibe.

For late-night fun, head to La Tour, the resort's main nightclub, open until the early hours with music and dancing.

Back to top

Valmorel town map

Download Valmorel resort map here

Practical information

• T.O email: info@valmorel.com
• T.O phone: +33479098555
• T.O address: 25 Bourg Morel
• Closed Saturdays and Sundays
• For visa & passport travel advice, visit here