From Trail to Table: Experiencing Valmorel’s Territoire de Trail with a Stay at Chalet Du Crey

Looking for a mountain base where you can run spectacular alpine routes by day and savour hearty local cuisine by night? Valmorel’s Territoire de Trail delivers unforgettable miles across four valleys, and Chalet Du Crey turns that effort into comfort with generous dining and a sunny terrace to unwind. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the most of Valmorel’s Territoire de Trail—from choosing routes to pairing your runs with restorative meals and relaxing recovery.

What is Valmorel’s Territoire de Trail?

Valmorel’s Territoire de Trail is a colour‑coded, numbered network of trail‑running routes spanning four valleys—Nâves, Morel, l’Eau Rousse, and l’Isère—organized into seven sectors. The routes are graded in four colours, following the familiar difficulty coding used for ski and MTB trails, so you can choose the right terrain for your level at a glance.

Expect everything from balcony paths and forest singletrack to high ridgelines and big‑mountain panoramas—think the Balcons de la Lauzière, the mythic Cheval Noir, and the crests of Crève‑Tête. Whether you’re building endurance, sharpening technical skills, or chasing views, you’ll find options that fit.

Tip for quick planning: many mountain destinations now use interactive route maps to filter by difficulty, distance, and elevation. Pair that with the local colour codes and you’ll match a route to your goals in minutes.

Why base yourself at Chalet Du Crey

Set in the Savoie’s Tarentaise valley, Valmorel sits at 1,320 m—an ideal elevation for summer running that feels fresh without becoming extreme. As your base camp, Chalet Du Crey brings together location, comfort, and fueling that’s tailored to active days.

• Point‑of‑departure convenience: In summer, Valmorel is one of the finest playgrounds for trail running and hiking—your starting point: Chalet Du Crey.
• Hearty fueling, done right: A copious breakfast buffet with fresh, local products sets you up for long efforts. Evenings feature a three‑course dinner blending local and international cuisine, with the Raclette Savoyard tradition on offer.
• Relaxed recovery: Enjoy the sunny terrace for breakfast, dinner, or a well‑earned drink. The hotel bar is perfect for sharing trail stories after a big day.
• Multi‑sport friendly (Accueil Vélo): Since summer 2024, the hotel offers a secure bike room equipped with professional SpaceRail (a BikeRail.store product), plus a repair kit, route advice, and access to rental or repair services if needed. You’ll also find route booklets and leaflets to guide your itineraries and loops—ideal if you mix trail days with cycling cross‑training.
• Bike‑ready all season: Each spring, the ski room transforms into a local à vélo to safely store your bike—great for duathlon‑style holidays.

For broader exploration days, Valmorel also opens onto the Vanoise, Beaufortain, and Lauzière massifs—names that signal variety, scale, and classic alpine scenery.

Route ideas: pair iconic runs with restorative meals

Below are sample day concepts you can adapt to your pace and the colour‑coded grading on Valmorel’s Territoire de Trail. Always match routes to your fitness and conditions on the day.

Scenic balcon paths — Balcons de la Lauzière

• What to expect: Sinuous balcony trails with big views of the Lauzière range, ideal for steady aerobic running and photo stops.
• Who it suits: Runners seeking moderate elevation with maximum scenery; a great first‑day shakeout.
• Post‑run pairing: A terrace apéritif followed by a light starter and a balanced main to refuel without overdoing it.

Big‑mountain classic — Cheval Noir

• What to expect: A committing outing to the mythic Cheval Noir, delivering that high‑alpine feeling and a sense of accomplishment.
• Who it suits: Experienced runners comfortable with sustained climbs and exposed terrain, aligned with the higher colour grades.
• Post‑run pairing: Go full table gourmand—soup or snack at 17:00 for a quick revive, then a three‑course dinner. On a celebratory night, opt for Raclette Savoyard.

Ridge‑run bliss — Crêtes de Crève‑Tête

• What to expect: Playful, airy ridgeline running with open horizons. Choose an out‑and‑back or loop depending on the colour grade.
• Who it suits: Intermediate to advanced runners seeking technique practice and big‑sky vistas.
• Post‑run pairing: Hydrate, then a protein‑forward main to support recovery, finished with a local dessert.

Active recovery and rest‑day options

A smart mountain week alternates intensity with restoration. Valmorel makes that easy:

• Pools with a view: The pools of Valmorel and Doucy are ideal for a sun‑soaked wind‑down. Families love the ludic pools of the Morel—especially the big waterslide for kids.
• Village animations: With the Pass’Montagne, you can enjoy a variety of summer activities and events around the village—an effortless way to keep the day light and fun.
• Hiking loops in the Vallées d’Aigueblanche: For a low‑impact day, explore 27 marked and secured hiking loops across four sectors, ranging roughly from 430 m to 2,455 m in altitude and 2.5 to 16 km in length. Expect torrents, cascades, alpine pastures, rocky summits—and chances to spot marmots, chamois, grouse, and raptors.
• Road cycling cross‑training: The legendary Col de la Madeleine is within reach for a classic climb. With Accueil Vélo services at the hotel (SpaceRail storage, repair kit, and route resources), you can safely spin the legs without logistics stress.

Quick answers for fast planners

Is Valmorel’s Territoire de Trail suitable for beginners?

Yes. Routes are colour‑coded across four difficulty levels, mirroring ski/MTB grading. Start with the easier colours and build up as you acclimatize.

How is the trail network organized?

The network is numbered and colour‑coded across four valleys—Nâves, Morel, l’Eau Rousse, and l’Isère—and subdivided into seven sectors for clarity.

What are the signature areas to run?

Highlights include the Balcons de la Lauzière, the Cheval Noir, and the crêtes de Crève‑Tête.

Where can I store a bike if I also ride?

At Chalet Du Crey, you’ll find a secure bike room with SpaceRail equipment, a repair kit, and access to rental/repair services if necessary, plus route booklets and leaflets to guide your loops.

Practical takeaways to go from trail to table

• Plan by colour: Use the four‑colour grading to match terrain to your goal for the day—endurance, technique, or views.
• Build your week: Alternate a pinnacle day (e.g., Cheval Noir) with a balcony or ridge day and a recovery swim.
• Fuel deliberately: Hit the breakfast buffet early for slow‑release carbs and local proteins; post‑run, rehydrate and enjoy the hotel’s three‑course dinner.
• Time the weather: Alpine weather can change quickly—start earlier for bigger objectives and carry layers.
• Leverage local resources: Ask onsite for route booklets and leaflets; keep an eye on village animations with the Pass’Montagne; use the pools of Valmorel and Doucy to freshen up tired legs.
• Mix disciplines if you like: With Accueil Vélo services and a local à vélo, cyclists and duathletes can easily add rides to the week.

Conclusion: Your alpine running, elevated

From the balcony trails of the Lauzière to the high crests of Crève‑Tête and the allure of the Cheval Noir, Valmorel’s Territoire de Trail offers a rich, colour‑coded playground for every runner. Chalet Du Crey turns those miles into a full experience—big breakfasts, relaxed afternoons on a sunny terrace, and satisfying dinners that celebrate the Alps.

Ready to run from trail to table? Book your stay at Chalet Du Crey, explore Valmorel’s Territoire de Trail, and plan balanced days with rest‑day options like the pools of Valmorel and Doucy or the 27 hiking loops in the Vallées d’Aigueblanche. Your best mountain week starts here.

Looking for related reads and planning resources?

• Learn about our Accueil Vélo setup (SpaceRail storage, repair kit, and route resources).
• Explore the 27 marked hiking loops across the Vallées d’Aigueblanche.
• Discover more summer activities with the Pass’Montagne.