Travel Eye on Valmorel (Alps, France)

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Overview:

Valmorel is one purpose-built French resort that breaks the mould. Called the Grande Domaine, Valmorel and St Francois Longchamps have 165km of marked pistes.

The resort is composed of a number of small satellite villages, each of which includes mostly chalet-style buildings with self-catering accommodation. Unfortunately these villages aren't linked by a free bus service, representing one of the resort's greatest failings.

Set at 1400m, with a top altitude of 2550m, Valmorel has gained the reputation as being an excellent family resort for a number of reasons. First, the centre of the village is car-free. Second, most of the pistes cater to beginners and intermediates.

Third, there are areas specially designed for people of all ages to learn. This does mean that advanced skiers aren't presented with very much to test their skills, apart from mogul fields and some good off-piste.

This area is a good all-rounder, particularly popular with families and those seeking a less commercialised destination. Beginners and intermediates well catered for, advanced skiers may get a little frustrated. Not much on offer for nonskiers.

There is a handful of small, unremarkable hotels play second fiddle to a plethora of alpine-style apartment blocks and numerous chalets giving that authenic alpine feel.

The general consensus is that Valmorel is a good value destination, but can suffer from a lack of snow owing to its lower altitude. As long as you don't the lack of tough skiing, this is an ideal venue for first-time skiers and families in particular.

Locality:

Valmorel is situated in south-east France, in the Savoie region. 12 mls south-west of Moutiers, 24 mls S of Albertville. 82 mls S of Geneva (Switzerland) and its airport.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Skiing - Torchlit descents:

Snowboarding - Snowparks: 1, Halfpipes: 1

Other Snow Sports - Cross country: 20km, Cross country equipment available, Snow shoeing, Snow shoes available: Telemark: Sleigh rides:

The French ski-school (ESF) meets at the top of the Telebourg cable car in Le Mottet and has over 90 instructors, many English speaking; a range of ski tuition as well as snowboarding lessons, ski-kindergarten and day-care provision.

There is a modest in choice and sophistication, and mainly concentrated in Bourg-Morel. Principally ski-related goods plus a chemist, newsagent, souvenirs and a couple of small supermarkets.

During the daytime the winter activities include downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, winter walking on cleared paths, snowshoeing, sledging, horse-drawn sleigh rides, heliskiing, para- and hang-gliding, microlight flights.

The evenings are fairly low-key and unsophisticated, with limited bars and restaurants, disco and cinema. There are also evening sledge rides on "bob-sled train, meal at mountain restaurant with torchlit descent, occasional themed nights organised by tour operators.

Restaurants here are unpretentious and lacking variety, with pizza and fondue the staple offering, numerous snack bars but few exciting restaurants. Gastronomes will be disappointed.