Valloire/Valmeinier – the „small“ three valleys Valloire/Valmeinier (1430-2750 m)

The youngest skiing region of the Alps that has been available to winter athletes only since 1986 is often called the younger sister of the three large valleys. There are two reasons here for. One, the foundation stone of one of the largest skiing stations of the famous Trois Vallées, the cosmopolitan ski village Courchevel was originally intended to be here. Two, the „young-skin region“ Valloire/Valmeinier offers a ski area with three valleys and therefore quite a bit of slope.

Located in the sunny Maurienne-valley, the skiing areas Valloire and Valmeinier were merged in the eighties and the village Valmeinier at an altitude of 1.500 meters was changed into a ski station first. Still, Valmeinier 1500 has maintained the charm of a typical Savoyian mountain village with its old, traditional stone houses. Valmeinier 1800 is just as sympathetic and cosy, if even if it newly built, being the youngest winter sports village in the Maurienne-village. All buildings of the modern skiing station were ideally adapted to the surrounding mountain region and built in the authentic chalet style with much wood, grouping around the valley station like a horseshoe, allowing you to ski all the way to the doorstep of the sun terraces of the beautiful cafés.

The third skiing village of the small three valleys is located at an altitude of 1.430 meters at the foot of the famous Col du Galibier and the Télégraphe, the charming winter sports village of Valloire, which is directly connected to its neighbouring skiing village Valmeinier 1500.

Skiing region with guaranteed snow

A total of 160 kilometres on 89 slopes is at your disposal in the mutual area of the skiing regions of Valloire and Valmeinier. A versatile offer of different slopes and sophisticated deep snow slopes that are spread between an altitude of 1.500 and 2.750 meters. The great plus of the skiing region Valloire/Valmeinier: As approximately 70 percent of all slopes are located above 2.000 meters, the three small valleys have a reputation of having guaranteed snow. In addition, snow is ensured in the lower regions and on the valley slopes by more than 400 snow canons. Over 30 lifts provide uncomplicated and convenient skiing pleasure in the skiing region Valloire/Valmeinier for skiers of all levels. All three valleys between the three peaks of the skiing region, Gros Crey, Crey du Quart and La Setaz, offer the perfect tour for every skier from easy to difficult slopes. Among the numerous options of the generous snow slopes above Valmeinier, „Génépi“ is especially recommended, leading all the way to Valmeinier 1500 and providing a unique view of the Arc valley. The next valley of the skiing region of Valloire offers mostly easy to medium-hard downhills on its broad western slopes. The eastern side however surprises with great deep snow options and the longest slope of the skiing region. The „Selles“ with a difference in altitude of 1050 meters is still adequate for beginners. A true challenge for professionals can be found on the slopes of the third mountain of Valloire/Valmeinier. Next to fast wood passages into the valley to Valloire, truly ambitious black slopes like the „Cascade“ and the „Olympique“ wait for practiced skiers.

The untouched deep snow slopes of the skiing region Valloire/Valmeinier are valued not only by professionals. The young skiing area is a true insider tip also among freeriders and snowboarders. Avalanche courses are offered on location so that deep snow experiences stay a safe pleasure for all winter sports vacationers of the three valleys.

However, snowboarders come to the small three valleys not only because of the deep snow of Valloire/Valmeinier. The huge „Snowpark du Lac de la Vielle“ at the Crey du Quart offers several zones on different difficulty levels, a skicross as well as a halfpipe, and is prepared daily. Not without reason was the unit certified with the French quality seal of the snowboarder association AFS, and is among the five best Snowparks of France.

Winter athletes that prefer to explore the beautiful landscape of the sunny skiing region on cross country skis find a scenic trail above Valloire that leads to the small airport of the skiing region through a valley with a slight incline. There is also an ambitious high altitude trail to try that also crosses the slopes of Trois Croix high above Valloire.

The skiing areas of Valloire and Valmeinier also offer the best for small skiing professionals who do not need a ski pass up to 5 years of age. So-called easyparks in Valmeinier and Valloire that were specifically built for children allow a playful approach to skiers and such and make for easy learning. Visitor kindergarten and children’s ski school in Valloire and Valmeinier round off the offer for the small ones.

If you want to do sports but not on the slopes for a change, oyu will also find what you are looking for here. 20 kilometres of prepared trails for winter hikes or Nordic walking tours, daily guided half-and full day hikes and night hikes with snowshoes, dog sledging and three toboggan runs leave no wish unanswered.

Numerous restaurants, bars, stores and three cinemas invite you to relax and enjoy – truly pleasurable skiing holidays in the three valleys of Valloire/Valmeinier.