Wide overview of mountainside with snow-covered trees and skier on piste

Valloire

Vallée de la Maurienne, Savoie, French Alps

Extensive skiing in three valleys high above the Maurienne and beside the legendary Col du Galibier.

Road access is via Grenoble, from which an autoroute speeds progress through the valley.

Straightforward transfers from Chambéry Savoie Mont Blanc & Grenoble flights, or TGV rail services from Paris to St Michel de Maurienne.

Skier on tree-lined piste after fresh snowfall

The Ski Area

Spread across three valleys, the whole area offers extensive skiing for just about all levels. Highlights include long blue-graded scenic cruises which begin high and end among pine forests. You can even follow the course of a river. It can take a little getting to know, which, of course, is all part of the appeal.

The link between two sides of the ski area is simple enough, via a choice of two lifts – the Inversins detachable chair at the top end of the valley, and the Arméra chairlift, which reaches Valmeinier 1500 across a deep gorge in a memorably-vertiginous single span.

A further plus is the provision of green-graded descents from peaks like Gros Crey (2594m), allowing less-experienced skiers to enjoy top-of-the-mountain sensations.

New for winter 2019/20 is the replacement of 2 old chairlifts by 1 new detachable 6 seater charlift called Montissot which goes up to the Grand Plateau and Château Ripaille areas. There's also a new blue piste called Primevère which drops skiers off the Grand Plateau for the return to the Brive and Séa sectors, or as the start of a long scenic blue cruise. On the Valmeinier side of the ski area, the new La Sandonière chairlift takes skiers up to a new highpoint at 2750m.

Resort Information

Altitude : 1430m - 2750m
Valloire
Pistes Total:
160 km
Galibier-Thabor
Pistes Total:
160 km
17 Green
31 Blue
33 Red
9 Black
Ski Domain Lifts: 29
1 Magic Carpets
10 Draglifts
18 Chairlifts
2 Gondolas

Green Credentials...

Flocon Vert label

Valloire has been awarded the Flocon Vert label meaning that as a mountain tourist destination, it has an environmental strategy for the future with a process of continuous improvement that engages all the interested parties of the ski area in the transition towards a sustainable tourist development in the mountains.

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Chalet-style hotel and skiers' bar

The Ski Village

Valloire, at an altitude of 1430m has all the charm and history of a traditional working community. The mood is friendly and there’s quite a buzz after the lifts close, particularly during the annual international ice-sculpture competitions.

Above the main village of Sétaz on the route up to the Col du Galibier lie other accommodation centres around Moulin Benjamin and Les Verneys, while in the opposite direction (back towards the Col du Télégraphe) is Le Hameau. All are served by shuttle-buses, although the centres on the Galibier side have chairlifts to the skiing. A high-speed six-seater has overcome the queues which once plagued Les Verneys.

The linked ski resort of Valmeinier comprises two villages, set at 1500m (la Ville Dessus) and 1800m, with a third development (Gros Crey) set roughly midway between them. Not surprisingly, the higher, purpose-built sites well above the tree-line have a slightly separate feel. They are, however, right in the thick of the ski terrain and ski-in/ski-out, although Gros-Crey is served by a single Green-graded piste.

Staying There

Value for Money Accommodation Dining Out Nightlife Village Charm

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Skiers on chairlift leaving ski village

Why go skiing in Valloire ?

Young independents and budget-conscious family skiers clearly love this place, and we can see why. Older French families, too.

It’s not obsessed with sophistication, being more focused on the skiing - which we applaud – with plenty of variety and opportunities to put real mileage under your skis.

On the other hand, you can take it easy on gentle, scenic runs through forests or simply enjoy hanging out among relaxed company. It’s very convivial, and you get the sense that plenty of families return here year after year. All in all, a cheerful place to be.

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Skiing There

Beginners / Families Intermediates Advanced / Expert Mountain Scenery

Snowboarding

Offers different fun zones according to ability, plus Easy Park and Animal Safari for learners and young ones. Big air bag.
1 Snowparks
1 Snowboarder Cross
1 Half-Pipe


Cross-Country Skiing

Free access to three groomed trails.
10km Cross-Country and Nordic Ski Trails

Handiski...

  • Half price ski pass for 80% disability or more  (proof required)
  • Disabled access to the Pontet gondola (drop-off point and ramp to lift)
  • ESF and ESI (equipment included) ski schools offer specialist instruction.
  • Central booking office can offer advice on suitable accommodation tel: +33(0)4 79 59 00 22 or www.resavalloire.com

icon-smileyYes please...

  • Extensive terrain for intermediates plus gentle return runs for novices.
  • Lots of safe ski terrain, activities and events aimed at families.
  • Free beginners' slope at Verneys plus a 1.7km blue piste for families complete with picnic areas.
  • 70% of the ski area is above 2000m.
  • Tree-sheltered lower runs.
  • Skipass gives one day in any other Maurienne ski station or Val Thorens in Three Valleys via Orelle (supplements apply).
  • Plenty of accommodation to suit most budgets.
  • Valloire a friendly, traditional village - welcoming in all seasons.
  • Frequent free ski buses.

icon-frowneyYes but...

  • Getting around the large area can be confusing for newcomers.
  • Higher, more exposed areas can lose snow-cover during high winds.
  • Long, winding access road can require snow chains or snow tyres.

icon-winkingOur Tips

  • Find peace and solitude by skiing further from Valloire, working your way around towards Valmeinier.
  • Visit Valloire during the remarkable International Ice or Snow Sculpture competitions in held every year in January. Check Valloire website for details

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Practical Information

Tried and testedLe Hameau de Valloire

Les Granges,
Valloire

Hameau de valloire ski apartments, Valloire, French Alps

 Simply furnished accommodation with fully-equipped kitchen, comfortable beds and plenty of storage. We loved the views towards the village and mountains and the spacious and light feel to the apartment. There's an indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, fitness room, sauna & steam room for guests. The ski-lockers on the lower ground floor have access by a short flight of steps to the Le Col shuttle bus which comes to the front door of the residence every 20 minutes - a reliable service running from around 08h30 until early evening. This is invaluable, since the residence is 2km outside Valloire. Free outdoor parking. WiFi (payable) in reception only.


Tried and testedLes Chalets du Galibier

Route du Galibier,
73450 Valloire

Chalets du Galibier ski apartments, Valloire, French Alps

Comfortable, well-equipped self-catering apartments in a quiet location right opposite the Moulin Benjamin chair-lift.
Guests can enjoy 2 indoor swimming-pools, lounge with open fire, pool table (payable) and tea-making facility, sauna and steam room (1 free session per apartment, then €39/apartment/week), left luggage room, laundry room (payable). The residence has free outdoor parking and its own covered parking (£25/week, payable at time of booking). WiFi internet in reception (payable).
Regular free shuttle buses stop outside for access to all ski departure points and the shops, or a few minutes’ walk will take you to the village centre.

Enquiries and bookings:
Peak Retreats
023 9283 9310
reservations@peakretreats.co.uk


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