Vallorcine resort guide Ski area, apres-ski, things to see & do in Vallorcine
Vallorcine reviews
Vallorcine sits at 1,264m at the far end of the Chamonix Valley and is a wonderful family friendly ski resort. Its relatively quiet compared to its much larger neighbour Chamonix, just 15kms away via the Col de Montets pass.
The village is made up of a scattering of hamlets set among deep forests and rolling alpine meadows that convert to gentle greens and blue pistes during the ski season.
Après-ski
The apres-ski is relaxed and informal so if you are looking for something with busy bars and nightclubs, then head to Chamonix which has a very lively apres-ski scene with trandy bars, pubs and nightclubs plus some fantastic new restaurants. In the village, there are a few bars and restaurants to sample although at some point, you may want to venture over to Argentiere and Chamonix.
Vallorcine ski area guide
The local ski area of Balme-Vallorcine is definitely the best spot for beginners and intermediate skier and boarders with some long cruising blues and some excellent tree lined runs.
When the weather is not great and the Grand Montets has zero visibility, Balme-Vallorcine is usually a good bet as it's typically below the cloud level.
| Key information (local area) | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 1264m |
| Top lift | 2250m |
| Family | |
| Beginner | |
| Intermediate | |
| Expert | |
| Longest run | 4 km |
| Off piste | |
| Cross country | 10 km |
| Season | Dec - April |
| Snowboard parks | 1 |
| Heli Skiing | ✔ |
| Summer skiing | ✘ |
| Glacier skiing | ✘ |
| Babysitting | ✔ |
| Creche | ✔ |
| Apres ski | Relaxed |
Beginners
If you are a beginner or on a family ski holiday, Vallorcine is a good choice as there is a wide variety of gentle nursery slopes especially around the base of the Charamillon gondola.
Intermediate
For intermediates, there are some excellent runs and good fun skiing through the trees. Other areas to explore are Argentiere, Brevent and at the entrance to the valley at Les Houches.
Advanced
There is only 1 black piste to conquer but that is not to say there is no more challenging terrain - far from it. From the Tete de Balme, head to the right and a short walk brings you to the deep off-piste terrain through forests, powder bowls and along side the reservoir. This area can be prone to avalanche so only attempt it with a qualified guide.
For more options, the Mont Blanc unlimited pass includes the whole Chamonix Valley including the high altitude trails off the top of the Grand Montets at 3,300m and the 20km Vallée Blanche ski tour starting at the Aiguille du Midi at 3,842m.
Cross-country
There are many cross-country skiing trails around Vallorcine and the local hamlets for all abilities.
Snowboard & kite skiing
Vallorcine has a snowboard park called the Summit and has a dedicated area for kite skiing.
Where to stay
Vallorcine accommodation is considerably cheaper and some would argue, better value, than its more illustrious neighbours of Argentiere and Chamonix. Many of the self catering chalets and apartments are within walking distance to the main lift and local apres-ski bars and restaurants.
Our view on Vallorcine
Vallorcine is a fantastic family friendly ski resort comprising a quiet collection of hamlets with Chamonix being easily accessible by bus a few 20km down the valley. Some suggestions for your ski holidays in the Chamonix Valley...
- When the weather is not great at the higher ski areas of Argentiere, locals tend to either stay in the Balme-Vallorcine area or head to Les Houches
- If you have time, the beautiful authentic village of St Gervais is worth visiting where you can also go skiing around the Mont Blanc Evasion circuit that includes Megeve
