Valmorel

The Apartment

Photos

Prices

Valmorel “La Belle” is a well kept French secret – a small purpose-built ski resort which has the feel of a village and has not been commercialised as much as its more famous neighbours. That said, Club Med has plans to open a 4 star complex here in 2011. The regulars at this resort talk of the relaxed family atmosphere as the big attraction – and the prices are more reasonable than in the fashionable resorts. 

Valmorel has a good variety of pistes and is ideal for the intermediate skier; there are a few more demanding slopes for the more experienced skier and a great range of off piste skiing. The ski area is linked to that of St Francois Longchamp on the other side of the Col de la Madelaine to produce  83 slopes and 56 ski lifts. Most of the slopes are natural meadows (and home to the local cows in summer) so can be skied on even when there is only light snow. An Australian school has started a five year course for the best young skiers in Australia, based in Valmorel. The Three Valleys – Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens - are in the neighbouring mountains and can be accessed by car. 

In summer there are spectacular mountain walks and a range of adventure sports are available. The two main chairlifts open on alternative days to give you an easy start to the day. As with other ski resorts the shops are only open in the winter and summer seasons.  

How to get there – 20 minutes from Moutiers, about 2.5 hours from Lyon. Take the Aigueblanche exit (no 38) off the N90 from Albertville just before Moutiers, and follow the signs to Valmorel.