VALMOREL - Introduction
Valmorel is a chocolate box village, offering great skiing in 2 main linked resorts, the other being St Francois de Longchamp. The efficient lift system provides access to wide range of skiing. Beginners have dedicated areas, whilst intermediates and experts can enjoy runs such as the Gollet or the Riondet. The town’s main street offers all you need for a good night with a good choice of restaurant and bars. A great “family friendly” resort.
Skiing
The central lift out of the village is the Altispace to the top of the main runs heading back to the village. Most skiing is over at Col de la Madeleine where the runs spread out over a number of minor valleys. The Mottet area, served by the Pierrafort gondola, has the highest skiing in resort. Many lower runs are south-facing and suffer in warm weather. The efficient lift system provides access to a wide range of skiing – both above and below the tree line. There are separate beginner ski and boarding areas close to the centre which need only a Valmorel ski pass. Those whose skiing skills have already developed will buy the whole area pass and jump aboard the Altispace chairlift from the village ready to tackle the vast choice of skiing. Off-piste enthusiasts will look for a powder day to test their nerve on the choice of couloirs and chutes that are to be found.
Snowboarding
The nursery slopes here are equally as good for boarders as they are for skiers, making Valmorel an ideal place to learn. Many runs are accessed by gondolas or chairlifts, and there’s a fun park with half-pipe to practice on. The real attraction is the off-piste available – serious freeriders should grab a guide and get going.
Ski Schools
All the usual tuition offered, with enthusiastic instructors and a generally good level of English. Children of all ages are looked after at the Saperlipopette. From 6 months to 3 years there’s nursery supervision. After 3 years, children are given skiing lessons with groups based on age and ability.
Eating Out
The whole area has about half a dozen mountain restaurants. The value-for-money Prariond has a good atmosphere, and the Altipano at the top of the gondola has an excellent terrace to complement its menu. If you’re over by Lauziere, try the Banquise, and if you’re at Lanchettes go for L’Arbet. On the whole the food found on the mountain doesn’t really live up to the views. In the resort there’s something for most tastes: the Grenier in Mottet scores highly, as does the Petit Savoyarde.
Bars and clubs
As the last of the sun disappears, the terraces of the bars of Bourg Morel and Le Grenier get seriously packed. Head to the main street once the sun has gone to find the best bars in the resort. If you’re looking for some quiet cocktails, Le Shaker bar in hotel La Fontaine is the place to try. The ESF have made Café de la Gare their favourite haunt and there’s live music most nights. Perce Neige has a lively atmosphere, as do the Casbah and Petit Prince. The resort only boasts one nightclub – Jeans – at which you can carry on carrying on until the early hours.
Off the slopes
There are mountain trails to follow and a couple of churches to view, but failing that you are restricted to soaking up the sun on the café terraces. There’s lift access to a couple of mountain restaurants so you can meet up with friends at lunch. There’s snowshoeing, sleigh rides and a cinema, but it’s pretty quiet otherwise.