My stay in Valmorel was a real breath of fresh air. What immediately charmed me was the authentic and welcoming atmosphere of the village. Unlike the large, concrete-laden resorts, Valmorel has managed to preserve its Savoyard charm with its wooden chalets, slate roofs, and narrow pedestrian streets. After a day on the slopes, it was a pleasure to stroll through the village, discover the small local shops, and enjoy a fondue or raclette in a cozy restaurant with a mountain view. The welcome is warm and friendly; you can tell it's a human-scale resort where they take the time to make visitors feel welcome.
As for the skiing, the area pleasantly surprised me with its diversity. With 165 km of slopes linked to Saint-François-Longchamp, there's something for everyone. I was able to enjoy some beautiful red runs while my less experienced friends had a blast on the more accessible blue runs. What I particularly appreciated was the absence of lift lines, even in peak season. The panorama is breathtaking, with views of Mont Blanc and the Lauzière mountain range. In addition to skiing, the resort offers plenty of fun activities: snowshoeing, tobogganing, and even relaxing moments in spas overlooking the mountains.
Of course, there are a few things to consider: the relatively low altitude can be a problem for snow conditions at the end of the season, and prices, whether for lift passes or restaurants, remain quite high. The atmosphere in the evenings is also rather quiet, which might disappoint those looking for a lively nightlife. But despite these minor drawbacks, Valmorel remains an ideal destination for a holiday with family or friends. It's a resort where you quickly feel at home, with a perfect balance between sport, relaxation, and a friendly atmosphere. I would definitely go back!