A ski holiday at the Grand Domaine offers you the opportunity to ski on slopes that are never crowded, thanks to a ski area whose development is in harmony with the adjoining resorts. Located around the Col de la Madeleine, this ski area of 1,250 to 4,203 metres above sea level connects the municipalities of St-François-Longchamp, Doucy, Celliers and Valmorel.
On snow-sure slopes, there is guaranteed to be something for skiers of all ages and with France’s only German ski school, your offspring will start their future skiing career.
The most important data about the fifth largest ski area in France in brief:
- 165 kilometres of slopes
- 49 lifts
- 24 kilometres of snow-making
- 5 x Boardercross
- 3 snow parks or rail park
- 4 fun zones,
- 4 freeride zones
- 3 photo spots,
- 2 Labell’Aires (Let yourself be surprised by the rest areas specially designed for sun-seekers!)
The slopes are suitable for all skill levels and range from gentle alpine meadows to steeper, high-altitude slopes. In general, beginners can tackle most of the ski area on blue slopes. The Grand Domain is a paradise for lovers of off-piste skiing.
Doucy
Doucy-Combelouvière is a small quiet village near Valmorel. The village is connected to the Le Grand Domaine ski area by a lift. Do you want a cozy, traditional French village that is not overrun by tourists and where the original alpine atmosphere has been preserved? Then Doucy-Combelouvière is definitely worth it. Cozy chalets around a central square, a beautiful view and direct access to the ski area – let yourself be surprised by this enchanting part of France.
Celliers
Lovers of space and tranquility will love celliers. With its snow-covered surroundings, it is the perfect holiday spot in the heart of an omnipresent and unspoiled nature. It is the meeting point for lovers of ski mountaineering and snowshoeing.
The village is connected to the Valmorel ski area by a gondola lift, which offers access to the ski slopes of the Grand Domaine either for one or several days.
Valmorel
Valmorel is a ski-in/ski-out ski resort where everything is designed to ensure that you can reach the slopes easily and quickly. The place is characterized by its authentic, traditional architecture and its way of life in the mountains. From the village, the ski lifts open up the surrounding slopes and slopes in a star shape, so that you can return to the village in the evening without the need for a ski bus. The village is directly connected to the surrounding slopes of San Francois, Longchamp and Combelouvière.
You can reach the village via a departmental road coming from Aigueblanche, which alone opens up the Morel valley with its various villages. The nearest train station in Moûtiers is about 15 km away.
Saint François Longchamp
![View of the French Alps in winter](https://reisemagazin-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Franzoesiche-Alpen_1058482556-380x214.jpg)
The town of Saint François Longchamp offers a magnificent view of the imposing silhouette of Mont Blanc and gives you the feeling of floating above the ground.
Winter sports are the main interest of tourism in Saint-François-Longchamp.
Back in the 50s, the longest and fastest ski lift in the Savoie was put into operation here. In good snow conditions and bright sunshine, people like to use the particularly oxygen-rich air to try out various outdoor sports.
50 km of cross-country ski trails provide an excellent basis for this, and the Saint-François-Longchamp ski area is connected to the Valmorel ski area via a common ski pass. The village is also open in summer and offers such diverse and varied activities as hiking, climbing, swimming or tennis. The town also has two city stadiums, a four-season toboggan run, a trail to discover plant species and opportunities for rafting, canyoning or hydrospeed.
Walking through the charming village of Saint-François-Longchamp, you will encounter the very beautiful, typical Savoyard architecture with the old half-timbered houses. Also worth a second look is the architecture of the “Chapelle Sainte-Anne”.
Entertainments in Saint François Longchamp
Are you in the mood for an original attraction with thrills? Then the rail sled “La Comète” should be just right for you: The rapid descent is 900 meters long, with hairpin bends, a 540-degree end spiral and a breathtaking view over the village and the mountains. Thanks to the possibility of determining the downhill speed of the sled yourself, young and old alike get their money’s worth.
Do they love unusual experiences? Do they like dogs? Then a ride with the sled dogs can make your heart beat faster. On the route of the Tour de France
runs the 5 km long slope and is suitable for children and adults of all ages.
If you’re looking for something sporty, take advantage of off-piste skiing with an experienced mountain guide, take part in a guided ski tour with descents on low-traffic slopes or heli-ski with a helicopter in Italy on hard-to-reach peaks.
Or discover the aesthetics of crystal-clear ice and ephemeral sculptures while ice climbing by climbing a real icefall with the help of ice axes and crampons.
Welcome to Balneo: a place designed for well-being and relaxation, in the middle of the mountains
On over 2500 square meters, the Balneo welcomes you, a wellness temple in a class of its own with cosmetic treatments, massages, various therapy pools, saunas, steam baths, spas and jacuzzis. For athletes, water aerobics and aquabike classes, fitness and weight room are at your disposal.