Ski Holidays in Valmorel, France

Snow report issued:	2nd Feb 12
Last snowed:	1st Feb 12
Fresh snow depth:	15cm
Depth at resort:	153cm
Mountain depth:	200cm
Piste state:
Excellent (Great skiing thanks to the recent snowfalls)
Weather report:
Clear skies providing great views
Temperature:	-10°C
Open lifts:	30 of 30

View Valmorel snow history

Slope Direction	N NE NW
Very Easy Runs	14
Easy Runs	25
Medium Runs	11
Difficult Runs	5
Toughest Run Name	Riondet
Skiable Vertical	1300m
Number Of Lifts	34
Top Lift Height	2550m
Night Skiing	N
Snowboarding Parks	1
Half Pipes	0
Swimming Pools	0
Night Clubs	1
Mountain Restaurants	5

Chambery:	60 minutes
Geneva Cointrin:	2 hours and 30 minutes

There are two beginner stadiums designed for adults and children based on gentle slopes that are pasture land for the local cows during the summer!

Once you have mastered your initial technique with ski school you will be ready to tackle a themed circuit that has been created for environmental protection, a subject close to Valmorel's heart, in the beginner's zone of the Bois de la Croix.

Nearly ninety percent of this large ski area is graded easy or intermediate so there are plenty of trails for a full week or more without running out of options. Trails are up to four kilometres (two-and-a-half miles) long and in 2007-8 new fun circuits were added to widen the interest beyond just skiing down!

Known predominantly as a paradise for intermediates, there are non-the-less half a dozen black trails, the steepest the three kilometre (two miles) long Riondet. Mountain guides are available to take you to the best off piste skiing routes, heliskiing in to Italy and high mountain ski touring.

Valmorel is fully equipped for boarders with a snowpark including a good variety of jumps and rails, and halfpipe. A boardercross has been created in the Beaudin sector. There is also a freeride zone at the top of the Creve Coeur chair.

Valmorel offers lots to do besides skiing and boarding. On-mountain activities include ice climbing, or snowshoe outings with Jean-Pascal,a state qualified instructor.

Also available are guided hikes to discover the valley's heritage, perhaps visiting the local village of Les Avanchers with its traditional farms, church and chapel. Hiking trails are prepared including a seven mile (11 km) route from the top of the Altispace or Les Lanchettes chairlifts and around the resort.

There are a further 31 miles (50 km) of paths through valleys and forest, passing near the neighbouring villages of Les Avanchers or Doucy-Combelouvière. These routes are also offered as sleigh rides.

Two unusual options are an 'Olden Days' evening excursion with pack donkeys or a visit to a village of igloos built nearby and named Kanat. Here you can stop for a drink and a tour, or book in for an overnight bed and breakfast package.

Tandem paraglider and microlite flights (from the top of the Altispace chairlift) are also on offer and if you enjoy more active sports, try ski-joring, being towed behind a horse on your skis.

There's also an ice rink, snowmobiling, paintballing, quad biking and new toboggans to try, including the airboard (a high speed inflatable sledge) and snake-gliss. That's a long articulated sledge lots of people can ride down on together.

Indoor facilities include cinemas, web café and fitness centre with massage and beauty therapy.

Valmorel has a moderate selection of bars and restaurants. Most establishments serve local Savoyard specialities including crepes, fondues and raclette.

The Cafe Alpin at the base of the slopes serves pizza whilst Le Jimbo Lolo strives for a South America atmosphere and offers tapas and tex mex. Le Ski Roc is a wine bar serving quality cuisine. Le Grenier is one of the best places to dine in the resort, serving traditional and Savoyard gastronomic cooking.

For late night dancing Les Nuits Blanches discotheque has two rooms with a different atmosphere in each. They are known as "Le Before" and "L'After."

Valmorel's pedestrian centre, non-intimidating ski slopes and low-key resort make it a great choice for families.

The children's club Les Piou-Piou operates a special snow garden in which children as young as three can learn to ski in specially designed classes. The snow garden covers six hectares and is equipped with its own snow making and two moving carpets.

Indoor play and other facilities are provided in a large chalet with games rooms, calm sleeping areas for the little ones, rooms for gym, handicrafts, a library, and a sun terrace.

The club caters for children aged from 18 months to 6 years old and is split into two sections. Younger children up to age three have non-ski play sessions whilst older ones can begin ski lessons. The facility is open every day except Saturday and half or full day classes can be booked.

Activities available in resort for children include pony rides (ages four to seven) a toboggan run and tubing.