Family Fun at the Village des Pirates: Kid‑Friendly Skiing from Chalet Du Crey
Looking for a mountain holiday where your kids can learn, laugh, and love the snow from day one? The Village des Pirates in Valmorel is your answer. This playful zone, set in the heart of Le Grand Domaine, makes family skiing simple and fun—especially when you stay at Chalet Du Crey, where getting onto the slopes is easy and stress‑free.
In this guide, you’ll learn what makes the Village des Pirates ideal for young children, how to reach it smoothly from Chalet Du Crey, where beginners can progress safely, and how non‑skiers can still share the adventure. You’ll also find practical tips to streamline your family logistics—from ski passes and rentals to all‑inclusive stays—so you can spend more time making memories and less time standing in lines.
What is the Village des Pirates?
The Village des Pirates is a dedicated fun area located at the heart of the Valmorel ski area within Le Grand Domaine. Designed with families in mind, it features playful attractions for young children and sits alongside other snow fun zones such as freeride areas, boardercross, and a snowpark.
- Purpose: a playful on‑snow zone that keeps younger skiers engaged while building confidence.
- Setting: central within the ski area, making it easy to integrate into a family day on the mountain.
- Complementary zones: the snowpark (aimed more at adolescents), boardercross, and freeride spaces for mixed‑age families.
Who is it for?
- Young children who want a playful, confidence‑building space on snow.
- Families with older kids and teens can complement time at the Village des Pirates with the nearby snowpark (more suitable for adolescents) and boardercross.
Where is it?
- In the heart of the Valmorel ski area—part of Le Grand Domaine, which brings together Valmorel, Saint‑François‑Longchamp, Doucy, and Celliers.
Getting from Chalet Du Crey to Kid‑Friendly Slopes
Staying at Chalet Du Crey puts you close to the action while enjoying a peaceful village atmosphere.
- Walking access: from the hotel, it’s an easy walk to the téléski du Rocher (Rocher drag lift), providing direct access to the Grand Domaine slopes.
- Ski‑in proximity: in good snow conditions, you can ski back via the “Rocher” piste to within 50 m of the hotel.
- Free shuttles: complimentary shuttles run near the hotel, making it simple to move around Valmorel and surrounding villages with kids and gear.
Altitude context: Valmorel sits in the Tarentaise valley, with elevations ranging from approximately 1218 m at Le Crey (Chalet Du Crey) up to around 2400 m at the Col du Mottet—plenty of vertical for family adventures and big views.
The Grand Domaine: Room to Grow for Every Child
Families benefit from the scale and variety of Le Grand Domaine:
- 165 km of pistes spanning Valmorel, Saint‑François‑Longchamp, Doucy, and Celliers.
- 4 beginner zones where new skiers can learn safely and calmly.
- 4 freeride areas (secured off‑piste zones) for progressing youngsters and adults under the right guidance.
- Additional fun: boardercross for playful speed and turns, and a snowpark aimed more at teens.
This variety allows you to plan a day where younger children enjoy the Village des Pirates and beginner zones, while more experienced kids and parents sample boardercross, freeride sectors, or cruise the wider network of pistes.
Non‑Skiers in the Family? Join the Fun with the Pass Piétons‑Raquettes
Not everyone skis—and that’s okay. The Pass Piétons‑Raquettes invites non‑skiers to ride select lifts, reach scenic lookouts, and even meet up with the family on the mountain. Highlights include:
- Purpose: inspire non‑skiers to gain altitude, enjoy views (including toward Mont‑Blanc from the summits), and join family or friends on the slopes.
- Access window: lifts accessible with the pass typically from 10:00 to 16:00 (with the Télébourg running from 08:30 to 23:30).
- Lifts included: Télécabine de Planchamp, Télécabine de Pierrafort, Télésiège des Lanchettes, Télésiège de Combelouvière, Télécabine de Celliers, Télésiège du Mottet, and the Télébourg.
- Availability: purchase in Valmorel, on automatic kiosks, or directly at Chalet Du Crey.
This is a family game‑changer: grandparents, caregivers, or rest‑day parents can still share mountaintop lunches, photopoints, and access areas like the Village des Pirates.
Beyond the Village: More Family‑Friendly Winter Activities
Round out your week with memorable off‑ski experiences:
- Snowshoeing & Nordic walks: choose from gentle strolls to sporty day hikes, accompanied by professional mountain guides.
- Dog sledding: try a 30‑minute or 1‑hour ride, or even an initiation to mushing with the passionate team at Escapades Nordiques.
- Sledding: make time for the Doucy Aventures luge run for pure family giggles.
These activities keep the fun going on rest days and give kids new ways to explore the mountains.
Smoother Family Logistics with Chalet Du Crey
Chalet Du Crey is set up to help families focus on fun, not admin.
- Ski passes via the hotel: pre‑book through the hotel and your passes will be ready at reception on arrival—no queueing with tired kids.
- Ski rental support: benefit from great conditions with a local partner in Valmorel; book online and pick up your gear on arrival in resort.
- All‑Inclusive stays: choose a mid‑week or full‑week All Inclusive Ski package for true simplicity.
- Mid‑week All Inclusive highlights:
- 4‑day Grand Domaine lift pass included (ready on arrival)
- All meals from breakfast to dinner, plus a picnic for ski days
- Hot soup on return from the slopes
- Drinks included at dinner and a free bar from 17:00 to 21:00
- Week All Inclusive highlights:
- 6‑day Grand Domaine lift pass included (ready on arrival)
- The same generous dining format and après‑ski comforts as above
- Mid‑week All Inclusive highlights:
- On‑site dining: enjoy a cozy restaurant atmosphere, including a Savoyard raclette evening—always a family favorite after a day on snow.
Choosing All Inclusive adds up to less juggling and more joy: lift passes in hand, meals sorted, and après‑ski treats waiting every afternoon.
Quick Answers (for fast planning)
What is the Village des Pirates?
- A playful on‑snow area in the heart of Valmorel’s ski domain with attractions designed especially for young children.
How do we reach it from Chalet Du Crey?
- Walk to the Rocher drag lift for direct access to the Grand Domaine. In good snow, you can ski back to within 50 m of the hotel via the “Rocher” piste. Free shuttles also operate nearby.
Are there safe places for kids to learn?
- Yes—there are 4 beginner zones across the ski area where learners can progress calmly and safely.
What about older kids and teens?
- The snowpark is aimed more at adolescents, and families can also enjoy boardercross and explore 4 freeride areas under suitable conditions.
Can non‑skiers meet the family on the mountain?
- Yes—with the Pass Piétons‑Raquettes, non‑skiers can ride selected lifts (10:00–16:00) and the Télébourg (08:30–23:30) to share the views and lunch stops.
How big is the ski area?
- Le Grand Domaine offers 165 km of pistes connecting Valmorel, Saint‑François‑Longchamp, Doucy, and Celliers.
What’s the altitude range?
- From around 1218 m at Le Crey (Chalet Du Crey) up to about 2400 m at the Col du Mottet.
Compare Family‑Friendly Snow Zones at a Glance
| Zone/Area | Best For | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Village des Pirates | Young children | Playful, central fun zone on the snow |
| Beginner zones (4) | First‑timers/kids | Calm, safe areas to learn and progress |
| Snowpark | Adolescents | Freestyle features for progressing teens |
| Boardercross | Older kids & adults | Playful speed, turns, and banked features |
| Freeride areas (4) | Adv. skiers (conditions) | Secured off‑piste zones to explore |
Practical Takeaways for Families
- Start at the Village des Pirates to build confidence and smiles early in the week.
- Mix in the beginner zones for structured progression before venturing onto longer green and blue pistes.
- For mixed‑ability families, split time: young kids at the Village; older kids at the snowpark or boardercross; regroup for lunch.
- Use the Pass Piétons‑Raquettes so non‑skiers can join mountaintop meet‑ups and share the views.
- Simplify logistics:
- Book ski passes via Chalet Du Crey—ready on arrival.
- Reserve rentals online with the hotel’s partner for a quick start.
- Consider All Inclusive for meals, snacks, and included lift passes (4 or 6 days depending on stay).
- Aim for a mid‑week ski period if your schedule allows: typically calmer pistes, quicker lifts, and a more relaxed rhythm.
- Plan easy après‑ski: a cozy soup at 17:00 back at the hotel, followed by a family raclette night.
Conclusion: Make Your Family’s Mountain Story Easy—and Unforgettable
From the first playful turns at the Village des Pirates to scenic family meet‑ups made possible by the Pass Piétons‑Raquettes, Valmorel’s Grand Domaine delivers a kid‑friendly ski holiday with room for everyone to grow. Staying at Chalet Du Crey streamlines the whole experience—walking access to lifts, ski‑back proximity in good snow, shuttles nearby, ski passes ready at check‑in, and the option of a truly All Inclusive format.
Ready to turn family ski dreams into reality? Reserve your stay at Chalet Du Crey, pre‑book your ski passes, and choose the All Inclusive package that fits your week—then relax and enjoy more time together on the snow.