Family-friendly Valmeinier enjoys a dramatic location in the Maurienne Valley, with a cosy village and some fabulous terrain. The Galibier-Thabor ski area (shared with neighbouring Valloire) is named after two of the highest peaks, the former being an historic stage in the Tour de France.

The ski area is shared with neighbouring Valloire, giving a total of 150km of pistes.  It’s also possible to access Val Thorens and the Three Valleys ski area via the Orelle cable car (about 30 mins drive) with your Galibier-Thabor pass plus a day rate (currently from 21€).
Valmeinier’s own terrain is on both sides of a deep valley, spanned at either end by a chairlift and offering a choice of open or more sheltered terrain, including exhilarating forest runs. Skiing over to Valloire today gives a sense of covering some real distance, with great cruising terrain along the way, served by a capable, modern lift system that has benefited from recent investment.

The village is basically in two parts, at 1500m and 1800m, with Valmeinier Gros Crey sitting roughly midway between them, the remaining accommodation spread among smaller outlying hamlets.

Highlights

  • Lots of great cruising terrain for intermediates.
  • Encouraging snow record, backed up by extensive snowmaking.
  • Good lift system
  • The whole ski area is relatively high-altitude, most of it being above 2000m.
  • Good value, with a friendly, family vibe, both on and off the mountain.
  • The Galibier-Thabor lift-pass allows you to ski the Three Valleys (extra charge applicable).

Lowlights

  • Until tree-planting is better established, runs on the village side are quite exposed.
  • Piste signage above Valloire can sometimes be confusing, until you get your bearings.
  • Relatively quiet nightlife (except in January when student groups come to party here).

 

Tourist office links
Tourist office website
Accommodation