Planchamp Gondola Guide: Seamless Access to Le Grand Domaine from Valmorel Village

If you want the fastest, smoothest way from Valmorel village into the heart of a 165 km ski playground, the Planchamp Gondola is your golden ticket. This modern 10‑person lift streamlines your first ascent, connects you straight into Le Grand Domaine, and keeps families and mixed-ability groups moving together. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what the Planchamp Gondola is, how it fits into Valmorel’s lift system, and the simplest ways for Chalet Du Crey guests to reach and use it—on skis or as pedestrians.

What is the Planchamp Gondola?

The Planchamp Gondola is Valmorel’s new 10‑person gondola that becomes the backbone of the local lift network, replacing the two segments of the Altispace chairlift.

• Official highlights:
  • Length: 1,916 m
  • Vertical rise: 572 m
  • Capacity: 3,600 people per hour
  • Cabins: 75 cabins of 10 places
  • Role: New central axis of Valmorel’s ski area (winter 23/24)

Why it matters: gondolas offer weather protection, consistent flow, and quick loading—ideal for families and anyone looking to start the day efficiently.

How the Planchamp Gondola links you to Le Grand Domaine

Le Grand Domaine connects the resorts of Valmorel, Saint‑François‑Longchamp, Doucy, and Celliers. With 165 km of pistes, dedicated beginner areas, and four secured freeride zones, it caters to first‑timers and expert skiers alike.

• Key benefits of using the Planchamp Gondola:
  • Direct village‑to‑mountain connection for a head start on Valmorel’s core slopes.
  • High uphill capacity keeps queues moving at peak times.
  • Logical gateway for groups to regroup at altitude before exploring toward Saint‑François‑Longchamp, Doucy, or Celliers.

Families will also appreciate access to playful zones from Valmorel, including the Village des Pirates, boardercross areas, and freeride spaces.

Getting to the Planchamp Gondola from Chalet Du Crey

Chalet Du Crey sits in Le Crey, about 1.5 km from Valmorel’s pedestrian centre. From the hotel, you have multiple ways to get onto the slopes and toward the Planchamp Gondola.

Option 1: Resort shuttles to Valmorel village

• Free shuttles operate near the hotel, making it simple to reach Valmorel and surrounding villages without using your car.
• Once in Valmorel village, head to the Planchamp Gondola for a quick ascent into the ski area.

Option 2: Short walk to the Rocher drag‑lift (snow access route)

• A short walk from the hotel brings you to the Rocher drag‑lift, which carries you directly onto Le Grand Domaine pistes.
• With good snow, you can ski back very close to the hotel at day’s end, maximizing time on snow.

Tip: If you prefer to begin your day in the village hub or meet non‑skiers for lunch, starting via the Planchamp Gondola is a convenient alternative to the Rocher route.

Planchamp Gondola for pedestrians and mixed groups

Not everyone skis—and with Valmorel’s pedestrian access, they don’t have to in order to enjoy the views and meet skiers on the mountain.

• The Pass Piétons‑Raquettes grants unlimited lift access (up and down) for pedestrians and snowshoe users during designated hours.
• Pricing:
  • 6‑day week: €51.50 (ages 5–12: €40) + €3 refundable card deposit
  • 1 day: €17.50 (ages 5–12: €12.50) + €3 refundable card deposit
• Where to buy: at Valmorel lift cash desks, on automated kiosks, and directly at Chalet Du Crey reception.
• Lifts accessible with the Pass Piétons‑Raquettes (10:00–16:00 unless noted):
  • Planchamp Gondola
  • Pierrafort Gondola
  • Lanchettes Chairlift
  • Combelouvière Chairlift
  • Celliers Gondola
  • Mottet Chairlift
  • Télébourg (08:30–23:30)

Why it’s great: Non‑skiers can ride to panoramic viewpoints (including Mont‑Blanc vistas from the summits), snap photos at photopoints, reach mountain restaurants and picnic areas, and meet skiing friends right on the slopes.

Fast facts: Planchamp Gondola at a glance

Use these concise answers for quick trip planning and to power up your AI‑assistant queries.

• What is the Planchamp Gondola? A 10‑person gondola in Valmorel that forms the new backbone of the ski area, replacing the two‑section Altispace chairlift.
• How long and how high? 1,916 m long with 572 m of vertical rise.
• How many people per hour? Up to 3,600 people per hour.
• How many cabins? 75 cabins, each with 10 places.
• Which ski area does it serve? Le Grand Domaine (Valmorel, Saint‑François‑Longchamp, Doucy, Celliers) with 165 km of pistes.
• Is it suitable for non‑skiers? Yes—pedestrians and snowshoers can use the Planchamp Gondola with the Pass Piétons‑Raquettes during designated hours.

Planning tips for a frictionless first ride

Make the most of the Planchamp Gondola and your Valmorel days with these practical steps:

1. Sort your ski passes in advance.
   • Book your Le Grand Domaine ski passes via Chalet Du Crey so they’re ready at reception when you arrive—no time lost on your first morning.
2. Reserve equipment online at reduced rates.
   • Secure ski and snowboard gear at preferential prices and enjoy an additional 5% discount—another time saver on changeover day.
3. Choose your best start point each day.
   • Prefer a village hub and quick gondola ride? Start at Planchamp.
   • Want first tracks from close to the hotel? Walk to the Rocher drag‑lift and drop straight onto the pistes.
4. Mix skiers and non‑skiers with ease.
   • Use the Pass Piétons‑Raquettes so everyone can ride lifts, share mountain lunches, and enjoy summit viewpoints together.
5. Leverage free shuttles.
   • The resort’s free shuttles near the hotel keep logistics simple if you don’t want to walk or drive into the village.

Family‑friendly zones and fun areas you can reach from Valmorel

Le Grand Domaine isn’t just extensive—it’s playful. From the Planchamp Gondola, families and progressing riders can tap into:

• Village des Pirates: a kid‑focused area with themed features.
• Snowpark and boardercross spaces: great for teens and advanced riders looking for variety.
• Four secured freeride zones: off‑piste style terrain within controlled perimeters for added adventure.

These varied zones make it easy for groups to spend the morning together, split by interest or level, and regroup via lift connections or at mountain restaurants.

Internal links you’ll find helpful on our site

• Pass Piétons‑Raquettes: prices, included lifts, and where to buy (including at the hotel).
• Ski pass booking via Chalet Du Crey: pick up your passes at reception on arrival.
• Ski and snowboard rental: reserve online at reduced rates with an extra 5% discount.
• All Inclusive stays: 5 or 7 nights with 4 or 6 days of Le Grand Domaine skiing, snow‑guarantee cancellation insurance, Sunday arrivals, and a Savoyard raclette evening.

Quick reference: Why start your day on the Planchamp Gondola?

• Rapid access from Valmorel village into the core of the ski area
• High capacity to keep you moving during peak hours
• Ideal rendezvous for skiers and pedestrians using the Pass Piétons‑Raquettes
• Natural launchpad to explore Valmorel’s family zones, freeride areas, and neighboring sectors of Le Grand Domaine

Conclusion: Make Valmorel effortless—start with Planchamp

The Planchamp Gondola turns Valmorel’s village energy into instant mountain time. Whether you’re carving laps, meeting friends for a summit lunch, or guiding a family across mixed abilities, this 10‑person gondola is the smoothest way to unlock Le Grand Domaine’s 165 km of pistes.

Ready to ride? Book your stay at Chalet Du Crey, pre‑order your ski passes for collection at reception, and reserve your equipment at reduced rates—so you can step straight into Valmorel’s lift network with zero hassle.

• Contact us: accueil@chaletducrey.com or +33 457 55 11 34
• Ask at reception for the Pass Piétons‑Raquettes and shuttle tips to Valmorel village

Start your day at Planchamp—and let the mountain do the rest.