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Valmorel Ski Holidays
Spread between the Tarentaise and Maurienne valleys, it’s part of the wider Grand Domaine ski area - but despite its size, it feels delightfully intimate. Purpose-built yet charmingly traditional, Valmorel’s nickname, ‘Valmorel la Belle’, is no exaggeration. Its low-rise chalets are all wood, stone, and slate, giving the village a timeless Alpine feel that’s as photogenic as it is functional.
The village itself is a triumph of clever design. Bourg-Morel, the pedestrianised heart of the resort, is lined with independent shops, bakeries, and cafés, all dusted with snow and free from the usual traffic chaos. Surrounding it are several hamlets, such as Crève-Coeur and Le Mottet, which are ski-in, ski-out and connected by the convenient Télébourg lift. The result? You can genuinely ski from your front door, yet still enjoy a stroll through a proper Alpine village in the evening.
Valmorel forms part of the Grand Domaine, which links with Doucy, Celliers, and Saint-François-Longchamp, creating an impressive playground of pistes and powder fields. It’s a brilliant choice for families, intermediate skiers, and anyone who prefers a more authentic, unspoilt resort vibe without the concrete towers and party crowds.
With fantastic tree-lined runs, Valmorel gives you a picturesque village to explore after a day on the slopes!
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
Mountain facts
The Grand Domaine area boasts approximately 165km of marked pistes, spread between altitudes of 1,400m and 2,550m, offering a vertical drop of roughly 1,150-1,200m. That’s more than enough to keep legs busy for a week.
There are about 50 lifts in total, including modern gondolas and high-speed chairs, so you won’t spend your day queuing. The pistes break down into 27 green runs (37km), 48 blue (84km), 20 red (30km), and 8 black (8km) - a ratio that says it all. This is a resort made for cruising and confidence-building, not terrifying drops and cliff-edge chutes.
Snow conditions in Valmorel
At 1,400m, Valmorel sits at a modest altitude compared to some mega-resorts, but don’t be fooled. Most of the skiing happens higher up, and the snow reliability is surprisingly solid. The north-facing Mottet sector, reaching 2,550m, tends to hold the best snow and offers excellent powder days after a storm.
When nature needs a helping hand, Valmorel’s extensive snowmaking system steps in, keeping lower runs and homeward connections covered throughout the season. For peace of mind, that means you can almost always ski back to the village - something not every mid-altitude resort can promise.
Skiing in Valmorel
Valmorel is an excellent choice for beginners and intermediates alike. New skiers are well catered for with gentle learning zones like Rocher-Blanchot and wide, forgiving green runs near the village where you can practise at your own pace. The resort’s ski schools are renowned for their friendly and structured teaching, and many of the lower slopes are ideally suited for families learning together. Best of all, you can ski right back into the heart of the pedestrian village without braving anything too steep - ideal for building confidence day by day.
For intermediates, Valmorel is pure joy. The Grand Domaine is dominated by long, sweeping blue and red runs that wind through forests, across open bowls, and over the Col de la Madeleine into Saint-François-Longchamp for an all-day adventure. Advanced skiers will also find plenty to enjoy, from fast and challenging descents to four marked Freeride Zones, such as Le Gollet and Le Mottet - secure yet ungroomed areas perfect for powder hunting after fresh snow. With quick lifts, a healthy vertical drop, and connections across the wider area, there’s ample opportunity to push yourself and cover serious ground.
Snowboarding in Valmorel
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Snowboarders are well looked after here. The resort’s Snowzone is a purpose-built park featuring kickers, rails, and modules suitable for all skill levels. It’s big enough to be interesting, but not intimidating for those wanting to learn a few tricks without feeling on show.
The freeride zones also appeal to boarders, offering natural terrain features, tree runs, and powder pockets galore. Another major win is Valmorel’s lift infrastructure, with plenty of gondolas and chairlifts (including the modern Planchamp gondola), resulting in minimal drag lift usage. In other words, no more awkward one-legged balancing acts up the mountain.
Accommodation in Valmorel
Valmorel’s architecture is a major part of its charm. Everything blends seamlessly into the landscape, thanks to the resort’s insistence on low-rise, traditional Savoyard-style chalets built from local wood and stone. It feels cohesive, cosy, and very Alpine - no brutalist blocks in sight.
What's available at Valmorel ski resort?
Après-ski in Valmorel
Valmorel isn’t a wild party town - and honestly, that’s part of its charm. The après scene here is friendly and unpretentious, more about good company and mountain atmosphere than thumping bass or 3am finishes. The vibe is relaxed, sociable, and genuinely welcoming, centred around the pedestrianised high street where bars and terraces spill out onto the snow. You’ll find people clinking glasses in ski boots, children playing in the snow, and the occasional impromptu live music set drifting through the crisp evening air. It’s après-ski as it should be - easy-going, inclusive, and unmistakably Alpine.
- L’Exquise is a sleek, low-lit lounge bar that feels a little more sophisticated - perfect for cocktails or a quiet glass of wine before dinner.
- Perce Neige delivers the classic ski bar experience, all timber interiors and lively chatter, ideal for that first celebratory pint as you unclip your boots.
- Café de La Gare, near the centre, is always buzzing with locals and visitors alike, offering a more down-to-earth après atmosphere with great people-watching.
- On bluebird days, La Terrasse Valmorel is the clear winner - grab a deck chair, order a vin chaud or an Aperol spritz, and watch the last skiers carve their way down to the village as the sun dips behind the peaks. It’s laid-back, scenic, and exactly the kind of moment you come to the Alps for.
Facilities in Valmorel
Bourg-Morel is the hub for everything practical and pleasurable. Being car-free, it’s a joy to wander, and you’ll find all the essentials - supermarkets, bakeries, ski hire shops, and the tourist office - within a few snowy steps of one another.
When it’s time to unwind, Val’Form Centre and other wellness spots offer saunas, hammams, and massages to soothe those ski legs. For non-skiers or rest days, there’s plenty to do: an indoor/ outdoor swimming pool (Piscine du Morel), a cinema, bowling alley, ice rink, and even options for dog sledging, snowshoeing, and paragliding.
If you’re feeling lazy (and who could blame you after a long ski day), the Télébourg cable car shuttles between the hamlets, saving you from any uphill trudging in ski boots.
Facilities for children in Valmorel
Families will feel right at home here. Childcare options are excellent, ranging from the Piou-Piou Clubs (run by the ESF) to independent babysitting services for the youngest children.
The ESF and other ski schools have snow gardens and progressive zones designed to build confidence in young skiers - no tears, just steady progress. The highlight for kids is the Pirates’ Village, a whimsical, themed play area on the slopes with entertainment running all week.
Many residences also provide children’s pools and family facilities, so even off the slopes, little ones are kept happy and occupied.
Why choose Erna Low for Valmorel skiing holidays?
Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.
Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.
Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Fully protected bookings: We’re ABTOT and ATOL members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.
A purpose-built but beautiful resort that offers ski-in, ski-out convenience and direct access to 165km of the Grand Domaine!
Jane Bolton, Product Director
