The huge popularity of Chamonix as a ski destination is also its biggest weakness. The sheer volume of year round visitors means the town centre can be crowded, noisy and full of traffic. On winter mornings it is not uncommon for skiers to wait in excess of an hour for ski lifts out of Chamonix.
In contrast, Vallorcine is the Chamonix Valley’s local secret. It is a stunning unspoilt mountain village with great infrastructure, fantastic local bars/restaurants, ski hire, shops, a post office and a mountain railway.
This beautiful Alpine village has masterminded a plan to turn itself into a high-end destination from scratch. Vallorcine, just a few miles from the Swiss border, is making the most of its location in the spectacular Haute-Savoie ski area and is installing new amenities and lifts.
An 8 person telecabine was built for the 2004/5 winter season. This virtually queue free lift gives skiers access to the whole Le Tour ski area (location of the best off-piste skiing in Chamonix Valley) directly from the centre of the village which in turn gives you access to the entire Chamonix valley on skis.
In addition to ski facilities, the town authorities have been calling on developers to advise on creating shops, services and residential accommodation.
Vallorcine is 1264m above sea level, higher than both Argentiere (1252m) and Chamonix (1035m).
Chalet Les Parts is approx 1350m above sea level.