Valmorel, Le Grande Domaine

Founded in 1976, Valmorel is one purpose-built French resort 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. There are a few hotels and Club Med chose Valmorel for its 2011 opening, which really transformed the resort's fortunes and continues to attract most of our clients to the area.

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. The links to St Francois Longchamp via the Col de la Madeleine, most famous for the Tour de France that passes here every few years, ensure afternoons can be spent basking in the glorious sunshine on that side!

Don't be fooled by the resort's altitude, the slopes on the Valmorel side are exclusively North-facing, meaning they're sheltered from the sun and hold onto their snow just as well as higher south facing resorts.

Because the resort is right by the ski area, though, you can ski to your door. Although there are a few reasonable restaurants, bars and shops, Valmorel certainly isn't a destination for those looking for raucous apres-ski. A picture perfect family resort!