Valloire
Why Valloire Ski Resort?
- It’s a 'real' French resort
- With Valmeinier, it has 160km of pistes – 70% of which are above 2000m (6,500 ft)
- There’s some excellent après-ski with plenty to do and many places to relax
- It’s well-suited to non-skiers
- Awarded 'Flocon Vert' certificate for sustainability in Dec 2022
- Holders of a 6+day lift pass for Valloire can pay a small upgrade fee locally and ski in Val Thorens
- Easy access to other resorts like Orelle, the back door into the 3 Valleys for the likes of Val Thorens – is a 30-minute drive away (a new fast, super modern cable car has been built for 21/22 season in Orelle making access even easier up to Orelle and Val Thorens)
- And it’s only 17km from motorway exit
Read Mary Novakovich's review of Valloire in The Guardian, 'Walking with llamas and the best beer in the Alps!'
Valloire Resort Information
In the 'Golden Valley', Valloire and its 17 hamlets (including Les Verneys, Les Clots and Les Granges where some of our accommodation is located) is a reasonably large traditional village with 1300 inhabitants and is located between 1400m and 1800m. At the foot of the famous Galibier Pass, Valloire is accessed via the motorway exit and TGV station at St Michel de Maurienne (17km) and is four hours from Paris by train.
Valloire has is a good selection of bars, discos, shops, an ice rink, bowling and a fitness centre. Alternatively you can visit a working farm in Valloire to try the local Beaufort cheese - or try spotting a chamois on snowshoe outings, go parapenting or try a microlight flight. There are five kindergartens, while teenagers (aged 10 to 99!) will be keen to visit Valloire’s Adventure Park.
For three days and nights each year in Valloire ski resort, sculptors from all over the world meet to compete in a snow-and-ice sculpture contest .
Galibier Pass
This pass, the natural frontier between the southern and northern Alps, not far from ‘la Vanoise’ and ‘les Ecrins’ National Parks, has been made famous because of the celebrated Tour de France bike race. You can admire other summits such as the ‘Aiguille d’Arves’ and you might even get a glimpse of an ibex.
VALLOIRE SKI AREA
Valloire is rightly recognised internationally as an excellent ski region. With 150km of well-groomed pistes linked with nearby Valmeinier and 70% of the area above 2000 metres, over 400 snow cannons and predominantly North facing slopes, snow conditions are first class.
The lightly wooded terrain is varied and some of the runs are as long as 1,000 vertical metres.
On the Valloire side, there are four locations where you can access the ski area.
- The Cret de la Brive gondola departs from the centre of the resort right by the church. This takes you up to the Crey du Quart area of Valloire. There are all types of runs along this sector and the in-resort runs are green or red. You can drop down into Valmeinier from this side of the mountain.
- The Setaz gondola leaves from another point in the resort centre and takes you up to the Setaz mountain area and the Thimel mountain. Again it’s a mix of runs with some great black runs for the experts off the side of the Thimel mountain. The resort runs are green or red.
- The Moulin Benjamin chairlift heading out of the main Valloire town into another hamlet links up with the Thimel mountain area. The resort run back to the Moulin Benjamin area is blue. Les Chalets du Galibier are situated opposite the chairlift.
Also in Les Verneys is a FREE drag-lift for beginners. The resort runs down to Les Verneys are green or blue. Les Fermes du Planet and Le Planet are close by.
Additional ski fact info, main ski info in resort facts box at top of page (22/23):
Valloire only - 15 lifts (2 gondola, 7 chairlift, 5 draglift, 1 carpet), 43 slopes:
Green slopes: 8
Blue slopes: 10
Red slopes: 20
Black slopes: 5
VALLOIRE SKIING
VALLOIRE BEGINNERS
There is an above-average choice of runs for “never-ever” skiers and progressing beginners. They can quickly get a 'feel' for the peaks on the nursery slopes around the Thimel mountain restaurant. Whichever area you choose to ski there are also green and blue slopes and a free drag-lift at Les Verneys.
VALLOIRE INTERMEDIATES
Intermediates have a good choice of runs from wide reds to gentle blues.
VALLOIRE EXPERTS
Black runs like the long Cascade will test many experienced skiers. There’s is also a snow park and half-pipe.
Valloire ski hire & lift passes (pre-bookable)
Pre-book your 6 day+ Valloire ski hire and/or Valloire lift pass with Peak Retreats.
To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.
Other lift passes are available to buy in the resort such as half or full-day passes (for those who only wish to ski the odd day) or one-use lift passes for pedestrians. Some resorts also offer specific beginner area passes and cross country passes.
Valloire group ski school (pre-bookable)
Ski school for children is available to book from 3 years to 12 years in Les Gets (including some childcare in the nursery alongside ski lessons with meals, please enquire) with Peak Retreats. Children can learn to snowboard from 7 years+.
To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.
Valloire private lessons (not pre-bookable)
Private lessons with an instructor can only be arranged directly with the ESF ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these. Private lessons are usually around €40-60 per hour (depending on resort, time of day and period) and becomes cheaper the more hours you take and the more people you have to share the hours with i.e with family members or friends. Some resorts insist on a minimum of 3 sessions to be booked at once.
Contact ESF Les Gets for private lessons - 0033 4 79 59 00 73
Valloire childcare (not pre-bookable)
Childcare from 2 years-2.5 years (non-skiers)
ESF Mini-club - 2 to 2.5 years old children usually don't ski but stay in the Kindergarten and play a series of indoor or outdoor games. The Mini-Club/ kindergarten Les Marmottons is located in Centre Station inside ESF building, at the foot of Crey du Quart.
Please contact ESF direct as we cannot pre-book this kids club - 0033 4 79 59 00 73.
It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as spaces get filled quickly, especially in Peak times. A childhood vaccination record will be needed.
Babysitters (not pre-bookable)
A list of babysitters is available from the tourist office.
Top winter activities to experience in Valloire!
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable.
Snowsport activities:
Easy park on the slopes
Have a go on the small bumps and hairy turns on the Escargot run - Access: TSF Lac de la Vieille / Piste Escargot lift.
Boardercross on the slopes
480m of downhill thrills with a beautiful view of the Golden Valley. For children and adults, solo or in groups - Access: TSF Thimel lift.
Big airbag on the slopes
Fly through the air with your skis on your feet and land on a big, inflatable airbag – Access: TSF Lac de la Vieille or TK Château Ripaille lift.
Snow Racer on the slopes
710m of steep curves, humps, tunnels and surprises for everyone! Test your mettle on the Snow Racer slope! - Access: Thimel ski lift.
Cross-country skiing
3 loops of different levels all starting in Verney's hamlet– access by shuttle.
Dog-sledge rides
Come for a 30-minute ride in the sled led by 10 dogs around la Valloirette (not suitable for children under 2 and expectant mothers and people with back pain). The sled can carry 2 adults and 2 children aged less than 10 years old or 1 adult and 1 to 2 children (Weight limit: 200 kg or 440 lbs)
Ice skating rink
Open December to April.
Snow-shoeing & walking
Please take note that outside of prepared zones you are at risk (steep slopes, cliffs, crevasses…). Dangerous areas are not marked and there may be an avalanche risk. Leave marked areas at your own risk and peril. This sport requires walkers to have knowledge and understanding of what walking off-piste entails. Find out about the avalanche risk. Walk off-piste with a guide. Choose a route adapted to your technical and physical level.
Valloire Freeride
Valentino specialises in teaching beginners and off-piste skiing in Valloire. He will find a route adapted to your level: discover the area with « Ski Safari » - improve your technique, train and maintain your level of fitness, ski touring and for those who want to be the first to leave their mark on virgin snow, discover the best spots to do so! Half-day or 4 to 6 half-days.
Other activities:
Animal Safari
A fun way to discover the ski area: hunt down the five huge wooden animal sculptures which make sounds. The Marmotte, chamois, eagle, wolf or hare tell tales of the valley and Valloire.
Musical treasure hunt
Look for musical instruments hidden in the ski area (bells and xylophones).
L’Eestancot – Family outings with llama Gilles Tosca
Tchupi and his friends will take your family for a ride (children from 4 years of age). Trip Advisor approved. Information at Kosa Kruta in the square in front of the town hall or at the welcoming event Dahu Malin on Sundays.
Segway touring
Segway tours. Try a Segway to see what all the fuss is about! Open to everyone, even to those with physical disabilities (if they can stand).
Paragliding & speed riding
Accompanied by a team of dedicated professionals, this gentle way of taking to the skies, facing the Aiguilles d’Arves Mountains, lets you pick up speed on your skis then lift off and admire a breathtaking panorama from the air. For thrill-seekers: aerobatics and proximity flying for added excitement.
Les Sens des Cimes spa
Les Sens des Cimes is an oasis of serenity in the heart of Valloire where you can rest and relax. Our spa, of refined design, welcomes you both alone and in pairs. You can choose various massages, formulas or facials and body treatments. We have a Jacuzzi for you to relax in and a sauna and hammam to drain your stress away and to eliminate fatigue and toxins. If you want to take the experience even further, you can end your visit in our tea-room.
Cinema
Seats 334, digital and 3D equipment, about 15 different films every week including previews, French films and box-office hits. The cinema is classed as « Art et Essais ».
Association Valloire Patrimoine & Culture
Visits with qualified heritage guides from Savoie Mont-Blanc
Bowling Le Mafayo
Bowling - Bar - Cocktails - Billiards – Table football – Video games. Open from 4pm to 2am (2pm in the event of rain or snow). Next to the ice-skating rink, 6 lanes, all equipped with bumpers for children. (Please book in advance) Karaoke and gift evenings every week – Big screen TV for sports events.
Please note: All the above information is for information only. For the most up-to-date information please visit the resort tourist office website. All prices for activities are in local currency (€ Euros) and are bookable and payable locally in resort.
Valloire Tourist Office
Valloire tourist information
Open every day in season
e-mail: info@valloire.net
Tel 0033 479 59 03 96
www.valloire.net
Valloire Resort News & Events 2022/23
Events:
- The Magical Christmas 19th - 25th December 2022 An enchanting week for the whole family.
- Valloire Dynafit Sensation 26th December 2022, 30th January 2023, 6th, 27th February 2023, 6th March 2023 Cross country skis, 'seal Skins' and the desire to push yourself! These are the ingredients of the Valloire Dynafit Sensation!
- 31st Ice Sculpture Contest 10th - 13th January 2023 The 31st Ice Sculpture contest will last 4 days and welcomes 20 sculptors. On the last day, a musical and light show will close the contest.
- 40th International Snow Sculpture Contest 17th - 20th January 2023 The Snow Sculpture Contest is 40 years old! On this occasion, sculptures are presented in a space dedicated to pedestrians.
- Snow Race 20th February 2023 Race open to everyone. Walk or run on the Verneys area!
- Jazz Week 11th - 17th March 2023 For a whole week, the Jazz Parade is staging concerts in the participating restaurants and hotels!
- Belgian Week 1st - 8th April 2023 During your school holidays, Valloire gives a warm welcome to our Belgian friends, fans of skiing, the open air and the sun!
- Alpine Skiing Cup 8th April 2023 The ski race and festival for young skiers with Jean-Baptiste Grange! The Ski Club de Valloire, with the ESF and the Fan Club JB Grange work together with the SEM, Town Hall and AEP to organise a downhill race-event, open to all, members and non-members alike.
- La Montagne aux Enfants! Special week for families with children 9th - 14th April 2023 A whole load of activities for an unforgettable week in Valloire!
Valloire Après-ski, Bars & Restaurants
Restaurants will suit all tastes and budgets and range from the much-praised 'Le Gastilleur' to the cosy Crêperie.
There are 19 Bars, 23 restaurants, a cinema, bowling, 2 night clubs and 6 altitude restaurants.
Valloire Altitude restaurants
L’Auberge de l'Archaz (Pré-Rond) ..................00334 79 59 78 28
Le Chalet de la Brive .........................................00334 79 59 59 39
Le Chalet de Montissot .....................................00336 25 91 43 43
Château Ripaille .................................................00334 79 83 31 34
Les Mérégers ........................................................00336 11 28 19 83
Thimel....................................................................04 79 05 36 65
Valloire restaurants
L’Antre d’Eux ...............................................00334 79 83 35 68 - b6
L’Asile des Fondues .................................... 00334 79 59 04 71 - c5
Le Beauséjour (Verneys) ...........................00334 79 59 37 85 - d8
Bistrot Chez Fred .......................................00334 79 59 08 32 - b6
Le Chalet des Saveurs ................................00334 79 59 21 44 - b5
Le Diablotin ................................................00336 09 49 12 03 - a5
Le Don Camillo ..........................................00334 79 59 08 21 - d6
L’Escale .........................................................00334 79 83 38 62 - a5
L’Escarnavé ..................................................00334 79 59 00 95 - a5
La Ferme de Poingt Ravier ...................... 00334 79 59 07 78 - e5
La Fontaine .................................................00334 79 59 00 83 - b5
La Grange de Thelcide (+ crêperie) .......00334 79 59 06 62 - b5
Le Great Himalaya ..................................... 00339 52 42 52 70 - c5
Le Hameau Gourmand ..............................00334 79 59 00 99 - b5
La Maison d’Angeline ............................... 00334 79 59 31 97 - c5
Les Mélèzes .................................................00334 79 59 03 44 - b7
La Pizza ........................................................00334 79 59 09 14 - b5
Il Pizzaïolo Les Marmottes (Verneys) .....00334 79 59 07 55 - e10
Pizzeria Vent d’Italie ................................. 00334 79 05 91 98 - c5
Le Plancher des Vaches (+ crêperie) ...... 00334 79 59 07 27 - b7
Le Planté du Baton ..................................... 00334 79 83 34 68 - c5
La Poutre (Bonnenuit) ...............................00334 79 59 08 75 - c10
Au Resto ...................................................... 00334 79 59 39 23 - c6
Valloire Bars
BARS
L’Aiguille Noire ............................................00334 79 59 01 74 - b5
L’Antre d’Eux ...............................................00334 79 83 35 68 - b6
L’Asile des Fondues .................................... 00334 79 59 04 71 - c5
Bar du Soleil (+snack) ..............................00334 79 83 34 27 - b7
Bistrot Chez Fred .......................................00334 79 59 08 32 - b6
Le Centre .....................................................00334 79 59 00 83 - b5
L’Equipe ........................................................00334 79 59 00 57 - b7
L’Escale .........................................................00334 79 83 38 62 - a5
La Grange de Thelcide (+ crêperie) ........00334 79 59 06 62 - b5
Le Mafayo (bowling) .................................00334 79 83 30 20 - b3
Les Mélèzes .................................................00334 79 59 03 44 - b7
La Poste .........................................................00334 79 59 03 47 - c5
Patchwork Café ...........................................00334 79 59 00 99 - b5
Pub l’Atelier .................................................00334 79 59 09 58 - b4
Au Resto (bar à vins) ................................ 00334 79 59 39 23 - c6
Le Beauséjour (Verneys) ...........................00334 79 59 37 85 - d8
Le Crêt Rond (Verneys) ............................00334 79 59 01 64 - d8
Le Relais du Galibier (Verneys) ..............00334 79 59 00 45 - e10
Valloire Clubs
Le Village: Open every night from 11pm. Free entry
www.myspace.com/levillagevalloire
• Le Slalom/Odyssée : Bar - Discothèque,
Open from 12pm (midnight) – Free entry
www.leslalom.com
Valloire Amenities
Valloire is served by a range of amenities including: mini-supermarkets, several cash points, doctors, pharmacies, physiotherapist and dentists. Library, fitness centre, beauty parlour, 3 hairdressers, launderettes/dry cleaning, bakeries…
The resort has 70 shops, 19 bars, 23 restaurants, multiple pubs and a disco.
Getting to Valloire, France
By Road:
Driving distance from Calais 580 miles (8hrs30)
From Calais, take A26 Motorway towards Reims and Troyes, then Dijon, Lyon, then A43 Motorway Exit no9. Follow signs to Valloire (17 km from the motorway exit).
The Galibier pass is closed from the end of October till the begining of June.
Valloire Petrol station
Credit Card 24/24
Station Service La Vallée d'Or
Route du Télégraphe - 73450 Valloire
By Rail:
St-Michel – Valloire (17 kms).
• TGV directs :
Paris/St Michel - Valloire (4h30)
Sat and Suns during Christmas, Feb and Easter holidays.
Bus transfers from rail station to the resort of Valloire.
Booking on www.mobisavoie.fr
Airports:
Chambery is 118km from Valloire (1 hour)
www.chambery-airport.com
Grenoble is 179km from Valloire (1 ½ hours)
www.grenoble-airport.com
Turin Airport is 147m from Valloire (1 ¾ hours)
www.aeroportoditorino.it
Geneva is 190km from Valloire (1 ¾ hours)
www.gva.ch/en
Lyon Saint-Exupery is 189km from Valloire (2 ½ hours)
www.lyonairport.com
Public shuttle bus transfers from airports
Lyon Airport - Valloire via St Michel de Maurienne (www.lys-altibus.com).
Chambery Airport - Valloire via St Michel de Maurienne (www.lys-altibus.com).
Valloire Airport Taxi Transfer
For pre-bookable private transfer rates with Peak Retreats, view here.
Getting around Valloire
Different shuttles lead you from the town centre to the hamlets:
- Hameau du Col > Valloire roundabout Brive / Valloire roundabout Brive > Hameau du Col
- Les Verneys > Valloire centre / Valloire centre > Les Verneys
- Les Charbonnières > Valloire roundabout Brive / Valloire roundabout Brive > Les Charbonnières
- L'Archaz > Les Clots / Les Clots > L'Archaz
- La Curia > Valloire roundabout Brive / Valloire roundabout Brive > La Curia
As well, a little train is driving around the town-centre - everyday except on Saturdays.
SHUTTLES AND LITTLE TRAIN ARE FREE!
Valloire Opening Dates
The Valloire ski area (La Toussuire, St Jean d'Arves, St Sorlin d'Arves, Les Bottieres, Le Corbier) is open: 17/12/22 - 14/04/23
