Vallorcine is the 'hidden gem' of the Chamonix area. Unlike Chamonix, it is not a substantial tourist town. It is a mountain village in its own valley where the cow bells can still be heard in the summer. However, it benefits from a modern high-speed ski lift into the Le Tour/La Balme ski area which also runs in the summer for the benefit of walkers and mountain bikers. That lift is less than 5 minutes' walk from Maison du Torrent (even in ski boots!). Vallorcine is a year-round destination. Chamonix is well known for its skiing, but it is also a stunning place in the summer for walking, climbing, swimming, mountain biking and so on. Vallorcine is also within easy reach of the other Chamonix ski areas on the regular, efficient and picturesque train service, which stops at Argentier...Vallorcine is the 'hidden gem' of the Chamonix area. Unlike Chamonix, it is not a substantial tourist town. It is a mountain village in its own valley where the cow bells can still be heard in the summer. However, it benefits from a modern high-speed ski lift into the Le Tour/La Balme ski area which also runs in the summer for the benefit of walkers and mountain bikers. That lift is less than 5 minutes' walk from Maison du Torrent (even in ski boots!). Vallorcine is a year-round destination. Chamonix is well known for its skiing, but it is also a stunning place in the summer for walking, climbing, swimming, mountain biking and so on. Vallorcine is also within easy reach of the other Chamonix ski areas on the regular, efficient and picturesque train service, which stops at Argentiere, Les Praz and Chamonix itself for the Grands Montets, Flegere and Brevent respectively - along with the bright lights of Chamonix itself. For those with young families, the Vallorcine valley also contains beginners skiing behind the Hotel du Buet in the Poya ski area. There are a number of great places to eat in the Vallorcine valley including Le Cafe Comptoir, la Ferme des Trois Ours, the Hotel Le Buet, the Gite Bellevue and the Arret Bougnete. There is also a super village shop 200 metres from the house from which you can buy your freshly baked croissants every day. More