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Vallorcine Ski Holidays
Often thought of as the valley’s hidden gem, Vallorcine offers something that is becoming increasingly rare in the world of high-octane ski resorts: authenticity. It's a place where the pace slows down, the crowds thin out, and the focus shifts to the pure joy of the mountains. Whether you're a family looking for a safe haven for the kids or a seasoned skier seeking untouched powder stashes, this village is your gateway to an incredible winter experience.
What makes it unique is its location. It is roughly 11 miles from the centre of Chamonix, making it accessible yet distinct. You won’t find high-rise hotels here; instead, you’ll find wooden chalets, stone farmhouses, and a community that feels genuinely welcoming. The village is connected to the rest of the valley by the Mont-Blanc Express, a scenic railway that makes the journey as enjoyable as the destination. If you're coming from further afield, Geneva Airport is a manageable drive away, typically taking about an hour and a half.
Natural, tree-lined skiing on the edge of the Swiss border with direct access to the scenic Domaine de Balme!
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
Mountain facts
To get a real sense of the playground you’re stepping into, the numbers do a lot of the talking: the resort starts at 1,260m, climbs to a peak of 2,400m, and delivers a very satisfying vertical drop of around 3,740 ft, with roughly 18 miles of runs in the local Domaine de Balme alone, all plugged into the wider Chamonix Valley network that unlocks over 71 miles of terrain on your lift pass, accessed primarily via the Vallorcine Gondola that whisks you into the heart of the Balme sector in minutes, where the skiing splits into two distinct personalities - the Vallorcine side offering more sheltered, wooded slopes, and the Le Tour side serving up wide-open, sun-soaked bowls - a contrast that happens to be one of the resort’s greatest strengths.
Snow conditions in Vallorcine
Vallorcine is often the snow hole of the valley. Because it sits at the head of the valley and is North-West facing, it tends to hold its snow exceptionally well, even when lower-altitude resorts are starting to look a bit green in the spring.
The average peak season snow depth often exceeds 60 inches on the upper slopes. While the village itself is at a lower altitude, the efficient gondola ensures you can reach the high-altitude snowpack quickly. Because the slopes are less crowded than those at Brevent or Flegere, the snow often stays in better condition throughout the day - you won’t find nearly as many icy patches or mogul graveyards by 3pm.
Skiing in Vallorcine
Skiing here is very much a tale of two halves, with the Domaine de Balme earning its reputation as an intermediate’s dream thanks to long, flowing blue and red runs that let you properly settle into your rhythm, including spectacular descents from the top of the Aiguillette des Posettes where you’re carving wide, forgiving pistes with front-row views of the Aiguille Verte and the Mont Blanc massif like you accidentally booked a private cinema.
But don’t let the family-friendly label lull you into complacency, because when the snow is fresh the tree skiing back down to Vallorcine turns savage in the best way - steep, technical, and often completely untracked since most people stampede toward the Grands Montets - and for those with the right kit and a qualified guide, the back side toward Switzerland unlocks some genuinely jaw-dropping backcountry touring that feels like cheating the system.
Snowboarding in Vallorcine
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Snowboarders will appreciate the natural flow of the Vallorcine terrain. Unlike some resorts that are plagued by long, flat traverses (the bane of every boarder's existence), the Balme area is largely fall-line oriented.
The highlight for freestylers is the Summit Park at Charamillon. Located at 6,560 ft, it’s one of the largest snowparks in Europe. It features multiple lines (Blue, Red, and Black) with kickers, rails, and boxes that are expertly maintained. If you’re more into natural freestyle, the rolling terrain provides plenty of lips and gullies to play in.
Accommodation in Vallorcine
Where you stay in Vallorcine depends on whether you want ‘full-service luxury or ‘rustic charm’. Whatever you decide, we’ve handpicked the best of the best, just for you.
What's available at Vallorcine ski resort?
Après-ski in Vallorcine
The après scene here isn’t about table-dancing in ski boots; it’s about good conversation, local flavours, and a warm atmosphere. Here are the spots you simply cannot miss:
- Le Café Comptoir is arguably the heart of Vallorcine's social life. It’s a beautifully designed bistro that manages to be both chic and cosy. Whether you’re stopping for a glass of Mondeuse (a local red wine) or staying for their legendary dinner menu, the vibe is always spot-on. It's located just a short walk from the gondola.
- Don't let the name fool you; while Ancey Guy Tabac Presse is the village shop and newsagent, it’s also a beloved multi-service bistro and bar. It’s the place to go if you want to rub shoulders with the locals (and perhaps the legendary Guy himself). It’s unpretentious, friendly, and the perfect spot for a morning coffee or a low-key afternoon beer.
- Restaurant La Ferme des 3 Ours is where to go if you want the ultimate Savoyard experience. Run by Nadia and Bruno, this wooden farmhouse restaurant is famous for its warm fireplace and hearty portions. Their fondue and tartiflette are second to none, and the setting - surrounded by snow-covered fields - is like something out of a postcard.
- Madame Renard Nadia is in the Plan Droit area, and is another gem associated with local hospitality. It offers a very personal, casual dining experience. It’s the kind of place where you feel like a guest in someone’s home rather than just a customer in a restaurant.
Facilities in Vallorcine
Despite its small size, Vallorcine is impressively well-equipped and wonderfully easy to navigate. The Vallorcine train station acts as your main gateway, and one of the best perks is that travel on the Mont-Blanc Express is usually free between Servoz and Vallorcine when you have your guest card or ski pass, which makes exploring the valley feel both adventurous and financially responsible. Getting to the slopes is equally painless, with everything funnelling neatly toward the gondola so your ski day starts without the usual logistical circus.
On the practical side of things, you’ve got ski hire shops sitting right next to the gondola for effortless gear swaps, last-minute tuning, and emergency waxes, plus a small local grocery store that covers the essentials without fuss. If you’re planning a proper chalet feast, though, most people take the easy 11-mile trip down the valley to the larger supermarkets - a minor expedition that usually results in far too much cheese and absolutely no regrets.
Facilities for children in Vallorcine
Vallorcine is a pretty good spot if you’re skiing with the family. The dedicated beginner area, La Poya, sits in the peaceful hamlet of Le Buet just 0.6 miles from the main village and is completely separate from the main mountain, which means beginners can learn without being buzzed by experts rocketing past at questionable speeds, while the ESF’s brilliant Club Piou-Piou welcomes children as young as three and somehow manages to make ski lessons feel like recess.
When the skis come off, the fun doesn’t stop - there’s a tobogganing run tucked behind the tourist office for post-ski chaos, and as the sun dips, the outdoor ice rink becomes a glowing little hub of activity where kids spin, wobble, and laugh themselves silly while parents stand around pretending not to be cold.
Why choose Erna Low for Vallorcine 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 TOPP 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.
This traditional village offers a quiet escape and a direct gondola from the train station to sunny runs!
Jane Bolton, Product Director
