Valloire – a linked ski area with something for everyone Valloire (1430 m)

The traditional ski resort of Valloire in the Maurienne valley has all the charm and character of an authentic French mountain village – a charm which visitors find impossible to resist. With its typical French shops, restaurants and creperies and many attractive holiday homes, apartments and hotels, Valloire is a great place to spend time and relax. Situated in a pretty location below the Col du Galibier at 1,430 metres, this is a real alpine paradise.

Together with its neighbouring ski stations Valmeinier 1500 and Valmeinier 1800, Valloire forms part of the ski area known as Valmeinier-Valloire, a varied three-valley linked ski area which provides first-class facilities for winter sports fans. Reaching its highest point at 2,600 metres, this area offers 150 kilometres of pistes and 85 downhill runs for skiers of all abilities and is served by a network of 32 lifts linking the pistes. The combination of excellent snow conditions in the Northern Alps and the plentiful sunshine of the Southern Alps makes the Valmeinier-Valloire ski area the perfect destination for a great skiing holiday.

Snow parks for the older winter sports fans - Easyparks for the younger ones

The modern ski area of Valloire is also becoming more and more popular among freeriders and snowboarders who are attracted particularly to the resort’s superbly-equipped snowpark, complete with quarterpipe, halfpipe, tables, hips and slides. The park also boasts a fantastic boardercross course.

Cross-country fans will likewise not be disappointed as they will find a total of 10 kilometres of well-marked trails around Valmeinier and Valloire. A particularly attractive trail starts above Valloire and winds its way gently uphill until it reaches a small airfield. Or there is a more challenging route, some of it over hilly terrain, which runs from Valloire as far as Les 3 Croix in the direction of Valmeinier. Whatever route you decide to follow, the beautiful countryside of the Maurienne valley will leave you spellbound.

Younger skiers will love the Easyparks, as they have come to be known, in Valloire and Valmeinier. These provide a safe, fun environment where less experienced skiers can take their first tentative steps out on the piste.

Ice sculptures and French style

A really relaxing way to enjoy the unique alpine landscape around Valloire is to join a guided winter hike, snowshoe tour or a dog-sledding expedition.

There is also plenty going on away from the slopes in Valloire, particularly for those with an interest in art. Every year Valloire is the the scene of the international “Ice Sculpture Contest”, a unique exhibition of works of art made entirely from ice.

A nice way to end a busy day is to take a leisurely stroll through the resort and then, when evening comes, head to one of the resort’s restaurants to sample one of the delicious raclette or fondue dishes so typical of this area. After that, how about a nightcap in one of Valloire’s many bars – the perfect end to a perfect day!

There are, of course, other après-ski activities to enjoy in Valloire, for example a bit of shopping - the shops and boutiques here sell local produce and regional specialities - or just a leisurely stroll round the village’s quaint narrow streets. To round off a busy day on the slopes, what better than to sample the delights of one of the many restaurants here which offer a choice of French or international cuisine? Guests staying in Valloire can then finish their evening in one of the many bars and discos, including the club known as “Le Village”, famous for (among other things) its karaoke evenings.