The ski resort of Valloire is located in the Maurienne region. Home to French skier Jean-Baptiste Grange, Valloire has 160 kilometres of pistes, located between 1,430 and 2,750 metres above sea level.
Valloire, 4th generation resort
As early as 1850, Valloire welcomed its first tourists. These were young British people making their tour of Europe. Then, from 1911 onwards, tourist cars passed through Valloire, as the village was on the Route des Grandes Alpes. The passage of the Tour de France also contributed to the promotion of Valloire.
Valloire is a so-called 4th generation resort, which really took off in the 1970s, with the creation of the link with Valmeinier. The authentic aspect of the village has been preserved over the years. This is still a large part of its charm today.
The Galibier, an emblematic pass
The commune of Valloire is generally associated with the Galibier pass. This climb, very famous in the world of cycling, has been climbed several times by the riders of the Tour de France. It is classified as a non-category climb because of its difficulty. It is a natural border between the Maurienne valley and the Southern Alps.
The very first motorable road was opened in 1891. Over the years, a new route was built and the last laces that we know today were made in 1979, at the same time as the tunnel.
The Valloire Galibier ski area
The ski area of Valloire is linked to that of Valmeinier. It is the Galibier-Thabor ski area. Spread out between 1,430 and 2,750 metres, it consists of three massifs, five slopes and 29 ski lifts. The 89 runs are distributed as follows:
- 17 green
- 31 blue
- 33 red
- 8 black
The Crey du Quart massif also has a snowpark.
Valloire Galibier
The best rated hotels
Depending on your budget, we have selected for you three accommodations located between Valloire and Valmeinier. They have very good reviews from customers.
Hotel du Crêt Rond
The Hotel du Crêt Rond is located just 200 metres from the slopes of Valloire. A shuttle bus leaves the hotel every 15 minutes to reach the ski area. Ski storage is available for hotel guests.
From 116€ per night.
Chalets du Galibier
The Chalets du Galibier is located 200 metres from the Moulin Benjamin ski lift. The residence offers guests a wellness centre and an indoor swimming pool. There is also a communal lounge where you can enjoy the evenings and play billiards.
From 89€ per night.
Le Hameau et les Chalets de la Vallée d’Or
Le Hameau et les Chalets de la Vallée d’Or is a residence located 500 metres from the slopes. It features a sauna and a semi-covered swimming pool. Private parking and ski storage are available for guests.
From 81€ per night.
The most beautiful chalets
For an unforgettable holiday in the mountains, we offer two chalets for rent. They are very popular with holidaymakers.
The Peak
The Peak chalet offers ski in/ski out access. It has a surface area of 120 m², 5 bedrooms and a ski room. From the terrace you can enjoy the beautiful view of the mountains. Pets are allowed in the chalet.
Les Lions Blancs
The Odalys Chalet Les Lions Blancs is located 400 metres from the Valloire Ski School. You can access the ski slopes directly from the accommodation. The chalet is 130 m² and has 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.
Winter sports
Downhill skiing is not the only activity you can do in winter in Valloire. You can, for example, be tempted by dog sledding. An unforgettable experience that will allow you to rediscover the mountain.
Another option is cross-country skiing. The resort offers 17.5 kilometres of marked and groomed trails for this discipline. 4 loops are available for cross-country skiers:
- 1 green, the Golf, about 2 km long
- 2 blue, Pratier and la Rivine, about 5.5 km long
- 1 red, Bonnenuit, 10 km long
The athletes of the resort
Every resort has its athletes. Valloire is no exception to the rule. Presentation of two emblematic figures of the village.
Jean-Baptiste Grange
The idol and role model of a whole generation and of Valloire, Jean-Baptiste Grange is a local child. A former member of the French Alpine Ski Team, now retired, he won the crystal globe in slalom in 2009. He was then crowned World Champion in 2011 and again in 2015, after several years marked by injuries.
Ludovic Pommeret
Ludovic Pommeret is an athlete specialising in trail running. He started in this discipline in 2000 and achieved his first results in 2004, when he took part in the Mont Blanc Trail. In 2017, he won the Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc. Ludovic Pommeret has participated several times in the Diagonale des Fous, a race known to be particularly difficult. In 2019, he came second in this competition.
The must-see events in Valloire
The resort of Valloire organises many events, both in winter and summer. However, some of them stand out and have become, over the years, unmissable events. We present you three of them.
The JB Cup
The JB Cup is an event organised by Jean-Baptiste Grange. This race is an opportunity for young skiers to compete in a friendly atmosphere. This event has become unmissable and takes place on the Sétaz massif and marks the end of the winter season in the resort of Valloire.
Extra info: registrations can be made directly on the resort’s ski school website. The JB Cup is open to children, whether or not they have a licence.
Snow sculpture competition
The snow sculpture competition is an institution in Valloire. It is an event not to be missed if you stay in the resort. The sculptures are displayed in an area reserved for pedestrians. Everyone is invited to vote online for the one they prefer.
Extra info: the competition is also available on ice.
Straw and hay sculpture competition
In the summer, the snow competition has a different format. It is offered on straw and hay. The sculptures can be seen throughout the summer season on the Verneys side, on the road leading to the Galibier pass. In all, 12 sculptures are made in teams of two.
Extra info: the sculptures are up to 7 metres high.
Ski passes
Several types of ski passes are available in Valloire. They allow you to ski in the Valloire Galibier Thabor area. Some good deals are to be known:
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The special “Saturday” pass is only sold via the Internet.
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With a two-day pass or more, you have the possibility to ski for free one day at Les Sybelles or at Saint François Longchamp.
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You benefit from preferential rates for Val Thorens if you have a valid two or more day pass.
Snowshoeing itineraries
Lovers of wide open spaces, you can discover several snowshoe itineraries in Valloire. We suggest several ideas for walks. It’s up to you to decide which ones are best suited to your level.
The Balconies of Valloire
During this walk, you will have a beautiful view of the mountains. The advantage of this itinerary is the sunshine. We recommend that you leave in the morning and take your picnic. This way, you can enjoy the day to the full, without rushing. Don’t forget to bring suitable equipment, such as walking sticks.
Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours depending on levelDifficulty: red and blue
The Forest
The Forest trail has some difficult sections. It takes place in the shade, so remember to dress warmly. The start is under the Sétaz cable car. If you are not used to snowshoeing, don’t hesitate to ask a professional to accompany you.
Duration: 1 h 30 to 2 hours depending on the levelDifficulty: red
The Panoramic
The Panoramic snowshoe trail links the Télégraphe pass to the Balcons trail. You will have to follow the purple signs throughout the walk, as well as the pink or orange dots on the trees and the pink markers. Make a diversion to the Telegraph Fort, from where you have a beautiful view of the valley.
Duration: 2.5 hours round tripDifficulty: blue
Ideas for activities in summer
Different activities can be done in summer in Valloire. We will obviously think of hiking. We recommend the one leading to the Cerces lake, which will offer you a beautiful scenery and the view on the Aiguilles d’Arves.
Another option is to try mountain biking or road biking. In the first case, you can ride down the 11 cross-country trails of the resort or the 155 kilometres of marked routes. In the second case, you will have the possibility to test yourself on the famous Galibier pass.
Access and public transport
There are several ways to get to Valloire. You can take the train to Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne station, then finish the journey by taxi or bus. Another option is to drive. But be sure to have your special equipment and winter tyres with you during the winter season.
Note that when you buy a train or shuttle ticket, you get free access to the Valloire ice rink.
Video presentation of Valloire
Resorts close to Valloire
Valloire is not the only resort in the Maurienne. Going up the valley, it is possible to find other ski areas, such as Val Cenis or Bonneval-sur-Arc. They are in the Haute-Maurienne, after Modane.
