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Mont Blanc - Vallorcine

The resort

The tiny, unspoilt village of Vallorcine is superbly located at the foot of Mont-Blanc, 20km from Chamonix and included in that famous resort's area lift ticket. Close to the Swiss border, the scenery is stunning and the snow record good. More


Skiers have fast access to the friendly local Balme ski area, shared with neighbouring Le Tour, via an efficient gondola from the village.

 

Facilities in the Vallorcine village itself are blessedly limited.  There are a handful of simple restaurants and available activities, besides skiing, are limited to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.  However if you’re looking for a livelier night out or more extensive facilities, it’s easy to get Chamonix and the local guest card provides discounts on activities in the area, such as the Chamonix swimming pool complex.

 

Chamonix (10 miles away) is indeed a fascinating traditional resort with a bustling atmosphere thanks to the presence of over 100 shops, bars and restaurants. The picturesque town also has a casino, Olympic ice rink, sports complex, tennis courts, climbing wall, bowling, Alpine museum, seven night clubs and three cinemas.  Also in the region you can try paragliding or take a helicopter sight-seeing flight.

 

Chamonix Valley Resort Opening Dates

 

Chamonix Valley is open from 17/12/11 - 08/05/12

 

Individual opening dates:

Grands Montets ski area opening: from December 3rd 2011 to May 8th 2012

Le Brévent ski area opening: from December 17th 2011 to April 22nd 2012
La Flégère ski area opening: from December 17th 2011 to April 22nd 2012
Balme ski area opening  from December 17th 2011 to April 22nd 2012

Follow the links below

 

Follow the links below

 

 

- Children Activities Apres Ski Access/Getting Around Maps-

 

 

 

Why Vallorcine?

·          Small, unspoilt resort that’s less crowded than Chamonix

·          High altitude skiing with very good snow records

·          Traditional village

 

Childcare in Chamonix Valley

Panda Club: 10 months - 12 year olds, telephone 0033 450 558 612 Chamonix Centre, or 0033 450 540 476 Argentiere.

 

A list of approved baby-sitters is available from the Chamonix Tourist Office.

 

Activities in nearby Chamonix

A large sports complex offers sports hall, indoor and outdoor ice rink, speed skating rink, 19 tennis courts including 4 indoor, squash courts, swimming pool complex with water-slide & fitness centre (saunas, Turkish baths, solarium). Click here for more information

Centre Sportif Richard Bozon

Tel : 00 33 450 532 370

SEE CHAMONIX PAGE FOR MORE INFO ON OTHER ACTIVITIES

 

Activities in Vallorcine

Nocturnal sport in Vallorcine

In the hamlet of Le Buet in Vallorcine, the cross-country piste is flood-lit two evenings per week during the school holidays. Free entry

 

Ski joering in Vallorcine

Ski-joëring at the foot of Aiguilles Rouges!
New this winter!
With the Couteray team.
Try it yourself- Rides (individuals, groups, night-rides)
Sleigh rides.
Welcome point: Le Buet, 50 m from the railway station
Information: L'attelage de Couteray

Pascal Berguerand
+33 (0) 450 54 63 45
or +33 (0) 615 17 30 23

 

Dog-sledding (upon booking) in Vallorcine
Learn how to drive a sled and its dogs.
Contact Evasion Nordique:
Philippe Von Compernolle
+33 (0) 682 09 50 03
evasion.nordique.74@wanadoo.fr
Website : www.evasion-nordique.com

 

Outdoor ice rink in Vallorcine

Free access.
Evening outings, events, etc..

Snack-bar "Le petit Mont-Blanc" with terrace right next to the ice rink:
Mulled wine, hot chocolate, snacks...

Ice skate rental:
1 rental: 5 euros

Opening period : From 17/12/2010 to 31/03/2011.

 

La Ferme de Vallorcine

Farm shop selling cheeses Vallorcine +33(0)4 50 54 69 42

 

Numerous runways are available for hang and paragliders.  The Alpine Mueseum and a range of exhibitions with vaied themes are offered throughout the season.

 

If you prefer walking or snowshoeing to skiing, Chamonix has just what you need to enjoy high mountain scenery: discover the Mer de Glace with the picturesque cog railway of Montenvers, take Europe’s highest cable car to the top of the Aigulle du Midi, ride on the tramway du Mont-Blanc, Frances highest cog railway, fly over the Mont-Blanc with Chamonix Mont-Blanc Helicopters – or simply enjoy the 17km of footpaths which take you deep into the winter landscape.                              

Eating Out and Après-Ski in Vallorcine/Chamonix

There are 5 restaurants (plus 2 refuges) in Vallorcine. OtherwiseChamonix hosts a wide selection of typical cafes and tempting pastry shops along with 14 bars, 80 restaurants, 100 shops and 7 discos.  The world class casino in the centre of town will tempt the gambler in you with black jack, roulette and slot machines of the purest tradition.  The Vox cinema delights moviegoers with all the latest films. A free guide to the restaurants in the Chamonix Valley is available from the Tourist Office.

 

All the above information is for information only. For the most up-to-date information please visit the resort tourist office website

 

Vallorcine Tourist Office

Vallorcine tourist information
Le Betté Chef Lieu
74660 VALLORCINE
Tél +33 450 54 60 71
Fax +33 450 54 61 73

www.vallorcine.com
info@vallorcine.com

Access to Vallorcine 

By Road: Driving distance from Calais to Vallorcine 530miles (8hrs)

Direct access by the 'Autoroute Blanche' (Motorway), connected to the European motorway network, all the way to Chamonix. Then on the RN 506 to Vallorcine (17 km), heading towards Switzerland.

 

By Rail: TGV (fast train) to Saint-Gervais. Mont-Blanc express Saint-Gervais - Vallorcine.

 

Airports:

Geneva Airport is 116km from Vallorcine (1 ½ hours)

www.gva.ch/en   

Chambery Airport is 149km from Vallorcine (1 ¾ hours)

www.chambery-airport.com

Lyon Saint-Exupery is 236km from Vallorcine (2 ½ hours)

www.lyonairport.com

Grenoble Airport is 243km from Vallorcine (2 ½ hours)

www.grenoble-airport.com

 

Getting around the Chamonix Valley area

(Argentiere, Le Tour, Chamonix, Les Houches, Vallorcine etc)

 

Buses from Servoz to Vallorcine are free for holders of the guest card (Carte d’Hote) or a ski-pass. You can also travel by train (free of charge) between Servoz and Vallorcine with the Carte d’Hote.

 

The Chamonix Valley has very good shuttle bus links throughout all its resorts so it’s easy to hop on the resort shuttle to whatever ski area you desire. For a full timetable for all resorts in Chamonix Valley, including the night bus, download the PDF document here. Link up to Chamonix town, Les Houches, Vallorcine; buses run from early in the morning to late afternoon and the night bus runs between 10pm-12pm, returning latest 12.30am.

 

The SNCF line serves all the villages from St Gervais/Le Fayet to Martigny (Switzerland), passing through Chamonix, Argentiere and Vallorcine. Roughly one train every hour (see http://world.chamonix.com/PDF/sncf.pdf).

The Mont Blanc Express train also provides access between the Chamonix Valley resorts. See full PDF train timetable here.

 

Airport Transfer

Pre-book your taxi transfer with Peak Retreats

From Geneva Airport to Vallorcine – from £75 per person return based on 4 people sharing. 

For all other transfer prices please click here

 

 

 

 

 

 

Access Plan

Vallorcine France

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vallorcine France

Resort Map

 

 

 

 

 

Skiing

The Chamonix Valley is generally known for its hardcore riding. However the local ski area of Domaine de Balme provides great family skiing (all but one of the runs is graded red or blue) served by 10 lifts providing a maximum skiable vertical of just over 1,000m. There are wide sunny, north west facing slopes over gentle alpine pastures as well as more challenging off-piste in the trees for advanced skiers. More


SKI AREA

Domaine de Balme is formed of the village of Vallorcine and Le Tour next door. The area is lift linked (22 easy and intermediate runs), however the main beginner’s areas are both a train ride away at either Le Poya (separate ski area on other side of valley) or Le Tour. The train to Le Tour doesn’t go directly to Le Tour and instead has a stop at Montroc (about 1km from Le Tour itself). It does mean a bus ride to reach the main lift station area. Intermediate skiers can reach Le Tour on blues and reds instead of taking the train/bus.

From the top of the Domaine de Balme ski area there are some spectacular views down to Switzerland. There is some great off-piste skiing to be found as well. Le Tour offers mixed terrain where pistes tend to be wide cruisy blues or fairly easy intermediate reds.

 

BEGINNERS

For families and beginners arriving when there is snow at valley level there’s the additional option of the small, separate, la Poya ski area which operates three lifts and three runs – a green, blue and red as well as a snow garden for children. 

The other area is at Le Tour/La Vormaine. Probably the best beginners areas which has 3 draglifts for all levels of beginners. The ski area is wide and flat so plenty of space to practise. Very sunny, lots of snow (highest altitude of all the lower valley slopes), views of Le Tour glacier and great for beginners/intermediates. Ideal for children. Gentle blue runs can then be progressed on at top of Le Tour main lift served by the Autannes chairlift. Try runs Arve and Stade for improving beginners. Take the gondola Charamillion at end of the day as there is only a red run (Caisets) back to Le Tour.

 

INTERMEDIATES

Intermediate level skiers will be satisfied by the local ski area for several days, particularly the long blue run back to the resort.  The Autannes Chair at the front gives access to some good intermediate runs on the front, Ecuries being the most obvious as it runs below the lift. The front of Le Tour is littered with gullies, which during the winter fill in with snow and form themselves into natural halfpipes.

 

EXPERTS

Advanced skiers will probably want to take advantage of the Mont Blanc regional pass which encompasses the ski areas of a dozen resorts around Western Europe’s highest mountain, including Courmayeur across the border in Italy.  This provides access to all the treasures of Argentiere, Chamonix and many more. Chamonix is about a 20mins drive or shuttle bus ride away from Vallorcine.

 

However there are snowy delights to be had closer to home.  In addition to the one technical black run on Balme, Emosson, which includes a steep mogul section, Les Jeurs, on the northern part of La Tete de Balme is one of the favourite off-piste routes which goes down through the forest. There are many other options which the local mountain guides, who are based in Vallorcine, can take you to, with option of skiing further along the valley and returning to the villager by train. Of course, for the hardcore skiers amongst you there is the famous Vallee Blanche in Chamonix.

 

CHAMONIX PISTE MAP

To see the Chamonix piste map for 11/12 please see the resort guide panel on the top right hand side of the current page.

 

CHAMONIX SNOW REPORTS

To see Chamonix snow reports please see the resort guide panel on the top right hand side of the current page.

 

Vallorcine Lift passes

Save Time in resort and budget ahead by pre-booking lift passes. See below for prices.

 

PRE-BOOK* your CHAMONIX VALLEY LIFT PASS with PR

 

 

Ski-Pass Mont Blanc Lift Pass Prices 2011/2012

 

Choose from 2 different passes

                               

Adult

Child

(4-15) + Senior

(65-74)

Senior (+75)

 

Family*

 

7 Day Cham Pass (1)

£216

£184

£108

£615

6 Day Cham Pass (1)

£191

£162

£95

£545

5 Day Cham Pass (1)

£173

£147

£86

£492

7 Day MBU (2)

£260

£221

£130

£741

6 Day MBU (2)

£232

£197

£116

£661

5 Day MBU (2)

£211

£179

£105

£601

MBU Early snow (03/12-23/12) & Spring (14/04-06/05) OFFER: 6 day passes only. See below prices.

6 Day MBU (2) OFFER

£174

£148

£87

£496

MBU  Early Booking Offer (weeks 14/01-10/02 & 10/03-13/04): 6 day passes only. See prices below. MUST BE BOOKED BY 15/11/11

6 Day MBU (2) OFFER

£185

£158

£93

£529

 

(1) Chamonix Le Pass: Brevent/Flegère (Chamonix), Lognan (Argentière, except Lognan - Grands Montets cable car), Balme (Tour/Vallorcine) + Les Planards, Le Savoy, Les Chosalets, La Vormaine (family area, bottom of the valley). Access to the resort shuttle service also included.

 

(2) Mont-Blanc Unlimited

 

What's covered by the MONT BLANC Unlimited pass:

In France

• Unlimited access to the ski areas in the Chamonix-Mont Blanc Valley: Les Grands Montets (includes Lognan - Les Grands Montets cable car),

Brévent-Flégère, Balme ski area (Le Tour - Vallorcine), Les Houches ski area, La Vormaine, Les Chosalets, Le Savoy, Les Planards.

• Unlimited access to 3 major attractions: Aiguille du Midi Cable Car (access to the Vallée Blanche), Montenvers Train,

Mer de Glace (Vallée Blanche return route), Mont Blanc Tram (from Saint Gervais - Le Fayet).

In Switzerland…

• The Verbier - 4 Valleys ski area (included in passes valid for 6+ days): an 'unlimited' ski area, fantastic for all snowsports.

In Italy…

• The Courmayeur ski area (1224 m - 2624 m): this warmly welcoming ski area just 20 minutes from Chamonix by road offers a variety of pistes for

all abilities in sunny, wooded surroundings with the bonus of some great Italian food and delicious lunch opportunities along the way.

• The Monte Bianco Cable Car to the Vallée Blanche from Italy.

 

Still included: Free daily shuttle buses to Courmayeur and back (reservation required), reduced rates for the Mont Blanc Tunnel crossing, free reservations on the Aiguille du Midi Cable Car, plus lots more on offer

 

NOTE: Compulsory €3/pass for hands-free pass to pay locally (reuseable annually). No photo necessary.

*2 adults + 1 child (4-15yrs); extra children free (people with same name living at same address).

 

Other lift pass on offer (to buy locally in resort in Euros):

 

Cham Le Pass ski pass – ½ day and daily rates:

½ day - €32 children, €37 adults

Day - €36 children, €42 adults

Vallorcine-Le Poya ski pass -½ day and daily rates:

½ day - €8 children, €10 adults

Day - €12 children, €14 adults

Mont Blanc Unlimited-½ day and daily rates:

Day - €44 children, €52 adults

 

Vallorcine Ski Schools

PRE-BOOK* your GROUP SKI/BOARD LESSONS WITH PR

 

Please note that a booking fee of £9 per party will be charged

 

Group Ski Lessons

 

 

Ski School ESF Vallorcine Prices 2011/2012

Ski School only (lift pass not included)

 

- SKI - *

 

Adult

(13+yrs)

Children

(6-12yrs)

Kindergarten

(3-5yrs)

5 half days

£127

£117

£117

6 half days

£127

£127

n/a

KIDS CLUB- ski lessons + lunch + garderie

 

Adult

(13+yrs)

Children

(6-12yrs)

Kindergarten

(3-5yrs)

6 half days

/

£214

£214

6 days

/

£271

£271

 

- SNOWBOARD - **

 

Adult

(13+yrs)

Children

(9-12yrs)

Kindergarten

(4-6yrs)

5 half days

£127

£117

n/a

6 half days

£127

£127

n/a

 

Times and Schedules (ALL TIMES TO BE CONFIRMED, SUBJECT TO CHANGES).

 

* SKI: Adults (5 sessions, Monday-Friday)

 

AM – Mornings

 

PM - Afternoons

All season

09.30-12.00

OR

14.15-16.45

 

* SKI : Children (6-12yrs) (5 or 6 sessions, Sunday/Monday-Friday)

 

AM – Mornings

 

PM - Afternoons

All season

09.30-11.30

OR

14.15-16.45

 

* SKI : Kindergarten (3-5yrs) (5 or 6 sessions, Sunday/Monday-Friday)

 

AM – Mornings

 

PM - Afternoons

All season

09.30-11.30 (3-5yrs)

OR

14.15-16.15 (4-5yrs)

 

** SNOWBOARD: Adults & Juniors (9-12) (Sunday-Friday):

 

AM – Mornings

PM - Afternoons

Beginners–All season

09.30-12.00

Not available

Other Levels–All season

Not available

14.15-16.45

 

Please note that lesson times are subject to change right until the last minute. Outside French school holidays the ski school reserves the right to cancel group lessons should numbers be insufficient. For peak periods (18/12-2/1, 13/2-13/3 & 9/4-24/4) we strongly recommend that you book as early as possible and in any case at least 6 weeks prior to the required dates. Morning lessons tend to get booked up first and therefore we may only be able to offer afternoon classes within 6 weeks of departure. In some resorts English speaking instructors may not always be available, particularly at peak times.

 

Vallorcine Individual Tuitions

(11/12 prices, NOT pre-bookable)

 

 

Duration

Cost

1-2 pers*

1hr

48€

1-2 pers**

2hr

88€

* + €5 per person suppl.

** + €8 per person suppl.

 

Individual tuitions can only be purchased directly from the ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these.

 

Gare de la Télécabine
74660 Vallorcine

Ski school contact number:
Tél : +33 (0)4 50 54 61 67
contact@ecole-ski-vallorcine.com

 

Vallorcine Ski Hire

Ski hire in Vallorcine prices start from £37 for children (skis and boots) & £54 for adults (skis and boots) for 7 days. View here for Vallorcine ski hire prices

 

Mountain restaurants

Various

 

Ski in Vallorcine Off-Piste

Le Tour in the Domaine de Balme has some of the best off piste in the valley. Do take a guide with you though; as comes with the territory of off-piste skiing the conditions can be dangerous and avalanches are frequent in this area.

 

Ski in Vallorcine Cross country

In the centre of the village.
Tel: (+33) 4 50 54 61 09
Open every day from 9 am - 12 noon & 1.30 pm - 5.30 pm.

10 km of cross country pistes starting from the foyer or Le Buet. For beginner & intermediate skiers.

 

Snowshoeing in Vallorcine

At Balme there is now a snowshoeing trail which departs from the top of the Vallorcine gondola, direction Les Posettes.

 

*ALL PRE-BOOKABLE EXTRAS ARE PAYABLE TO PEAK RETREATS IN STERLING PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. PRICES ARE IN £.

 

ANYTHING IN EUROS (€) WE ARE UNABLE TO PRE-BOOK AND

WILL BE PAYABLE LOCALLY.

 

Vallorcine, Mont-Blanc

Resort Height 1260m-3864m

(3,410-12,680ft)

Vallorcine Ski Resort

 

Domaine de Balme

(Vallorcine, Le Poya and La Tour)

Slopes

 21

Lifts

 na

No. of slopes

 

  3 (in La Tour)

 

 11

 

  9

 

  1

 

Chamonix Valley ski area

Km

 205

Lifts

 na

No. of slopes

 

 12

 

 27

 

 19

 

 12

 

View here for more details on the different areas of the Chamonix Valley ski area

Beginners

**

Intermediates

***

Experts

****

Boarders

****

Driving distance from Calais to Vallorcine 518 miles or 8hrs

VALLORCINE RESORT INFO

*

Vallorcine Resort News

*

Chamonix Snow Record

 

CHAMONIX PISTE MAP

*

Domaine de Balme Map

 

VALLORCINE RESORT MAP

*

Vallorcine Resort Map

 

*

Summer Page



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