Valmorel, France

Valmorel is one purpose built family ski resort which actually fulfills its ambition. Built in the 1970's to create a traffic free mountain village using only traditional Savoyard stone and wood for the largely slope-side accommodation it is very attractive, practical and brilliant for families looking for an easy ski holiday. Its location, just a short drive from Moutiers, makes it one of the most accessible Tarentaise ski resorts and although not on a par with its huge neighbours, the Trois Vallees and Espace Killy, it has a fairly extensive range of slopes for all levels of skiers and boarders.

The highest lift reaches an impressive 2,550 metres but the majority of the runs are below 2,000 metres which means snow quality is not excellent right the way through April. The choice of accommodation, restaurants and bars is fairly limited, with the resort unashamedly marketed towards intermediates, families and mixed ability groups. However, there is an excellent Club Med luxury hotel. Valmorel is divided into several areas: Fontaine, La Foret, Bourg-Morel, Planchamp, Le Mottet and Creve Coeur. However, these separate villages merge into each other along a winding road. Bourg-Morel is the hub of the resort, and it has the bulk of the shops, restaurants and bars.