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Valloire Ski Holidays
It sits between the Col du Télégraphe and the famous Col du Galibier - names that may ring a bell if you’re a fan of the Tour de France - but for skiers, this little gem is a blend of charm, character, and genuinely good skiing.
Unlike many purpose-built French ski resorts, Valloire feels lived-in, not manufactured. You’ll still find locals shopping in the boulangerie each morning and farmers tinkering with machinery in the nearby hamlets. It’s not flashy or fast-paced—it’s friendly, traditional, and refreshingly real. Families, beginners, and anyone looking for a proper French mountain escape without the glitz of the big-name resorts will feel right at home here.
The ski area, known as Galibier-Thabor, is shared with its higher neighbour, Valmeinier, creating a well-linked and varied playground that totals 160km of pistes. Together, they offer an easy-going yet exciting mix of runs, ideal for beginners and intermediates, with just enough off-piste and challenge to keep more experienced skiers entertained.
If you’re after a low-key, picturesque, family-friendly spot that still delivers proper Alpine skiing, Valloire hits that sweet spot perfectly.
A lively mountain village that links with Valmeinier to give you uncrowded slopes and a fantastic range of terrain!
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
Mountain facts
The Galibier-Thabor ski area is often described as a hidden treasure - and for good reason. With 160km of slopes, 30 lifts, and a pleasing mix of terrain, it’s large enough to keep things interesting without ever feeling overwhelming.
Valloire itself sits at 1,430m, while the highest lift-accessible point reaches around 2,600m (or 2,750m if you include the full linked area). That gives a healthy vertical drop of about 1,170 m, so you can expect some decent leg-burners on the way down.
The lift system is a modern, efficient mix, with two gondolas, plenty of high-speed chairlifts, and minimal drag lifts (a win for snowboarders). The area is compact yet well-connected, making it easy to navigate from sector to sector without long traverses or frustrating bottlenecks.
Snow conditions in Valloire
At first glance, you might think Valloire’s base altitude of 1,430m sounds a bit on the low side - but don’t be fooled. More than two-thirds of the skiing sits above 2,000m, and the slopes span a variety of aspects, including plenty of north-facing terrain that keeps snow in excellent shape well into spring.
Valloire has invested heavily in snowmaking, too, so even when Mother Nature is feeling stingy, the resort can maintain reliable coverage - particularly on the lower runs back into the village. The grooming is meticulous, and the ski area generally opens from early December to mid-April, depending on conditions.
And for those glorious bluebird days? The south-facing slopes around the Crey du Quart sector catch the sun beautifully, perfect for a leisurely lunch and a top-up of vitamin D before carving back down.
Skiing in Valloire
Valloire is a brilliant resort for beginners, with well-designed learning zones close to the village that make those first tentative turns easy and enjoyable. Once confidence builds, the gondola carries you up to the Gros Crey sector for gentle, scenic runs that let novices experience high-altitude skiing from day one. The resort’s ski schools, including ESF and ESI, are known for their friendly, English-speaking instructors and small group sizes - ideal for learning at your own pace without the pressure.
For intermediates, Valloire is pure cruising heaven. The Crey du Quart and La Sétaz sectors are packed with smooth, rolling blues and reds that stay blissfully uncrowded, offering perfect conditions for carving and confidence-building. Highlights include the long, meandering Sétaz Bleue and the red Jeux run, both of which deliver gorgeous valley views. Advanced skiers won’t find endless black runs, but they’ll be rewarded with excellent off-piste and ungroomed terrain - especially around Mérégers and upper La Sétaz - where guided exploration after fresh snowfall promises a proper adventure.
Snowboarding in Valloire
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Valloire has quietly built a strong reputation among snowboarders, and for good reason. The resort’s main snowpark, located near the Thimel lift, is one of the best in the Maurienne Valley. It’s well-shaped and offers a mix of jumps, rails, and boxes to suit all levels - from first-timers to freestyle fanatics.
The freeride terrain is also a big draw. After a fresh dump of snow, you’ll find fantastic natural bowls and tree-lined routes, especially on the Crey du Quart side. And because most of the lift network is made up of modern chairlifts and gondolas, there’s no need to battle drag lifts - always a plus for boarders.
Accommodation in Valloire
Accommodation in Valloire perfectly reflects the resort’s personality - charming, unfussy, and full of Alpine character.
What's available at Valloire ski resort?
Après-ski in Valloire
If your idea of après-ski is dancing in ski boots until 3am, Valloire probably isn’t going to scratch that itch - but that’s exactly what makes it so appealing. Here, the après scene is more about genuine Alpine hospitality than booming basslines. The atmosphere is relaxed, sociable, and wonderfully unpretentious, with cosy bars and welcoming restaurants where the focus is firmly on good food, good company, and the simple pleasure of winding down after a day on the slopes. Families mingle with locals, friends gather around firesides, and no one’s in a rush to go anywhere fast.
- A great place to kick things off is Brasserie Galibier, a friendly microbrewery right at the base of the slopes. Their home-brewed beers are excellent - especially the pale ale, which pairs perfectly with a plate of charcuterie - and the terrace is a suntrap for that golden-hour drink.
- Over in the village centre, Hôtel de la Poste offers the quintessential Alpine pub experience: a warm, wood-panelled interior, steaming mugs of vin chaud, and a lively buzz as skiers trade stories about the day’s best runs.
- If you’re after a later night, Le Globe tends to pick up as the evening goes on, serving well-made cocktails and playing a mix of upbeat tunes without ever slipping into full-on nightclub territory.
- And when hunger inevitably strikes, Restaurant Le Planté du Bâton delivers the goods - hearty tartiflette, gooey fondue, and indulgent raclette served in a snug, candlelit setting. It’s the kind of place where you linger long after your plate’s empty, simply soaking up that warm, contented Alpine glow.
Facilities in Valloire
Despite its traditional charm, Valloire has everything you need for a comfortable stay. The village centre is compact and walkable, packed with bakeries, supermarkets, ski shops, and rental outlets, as well as a few independent boutiques offering local crafts and produce.
When you’re not skiing, there’s a surprising amount to do. Families love the ice rink and bowling alley, while film buffs can cosy up in the cinema. There’s also the Val’Form wellness centre, which offers a pool, spa, and fitness facilities for those who fancy a bit of relaxation or cross-training. For something different, try paragliding, snowshoeing, or even dog sledging - all readily available with local guides.
And don’t miss the International Ice and Snow Sculpture Competition, held every January. Artists from around the world descend on Valloire to transform blocks of snow and ice into stunning sculptures - an event that brings a real buzz to the village.
A free resort shuttle bus runs frequently between the village and outlying areas like Les Verneys, so getting around is straightforward even if you’re not staying in the centre.
Facilities for children in Valloire
Families are exceptionally well catered for here. There’s a crèche and nursery for little ones, plus ESF and ESI ski schools offering lessons from age three upwards.
The resort’s dedicated beginner zones are designed with safety and fun in mind, featuring gentle slopes, magic carpets, and interactive features like the Snow Rocket fun slope. Away from skiing, there are sledging areas, snow play zones, and even small adventure trails - ideal for keeping younger kids entertained.
It’s all very relaxed and easy-going, making Valloire a fantastic choice for a first family ski trip or a stress-free return to the slopes.
Why choose Erna Low for Valloire skiing holidays?
Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.
Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.
Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Fully protected bookings: We’re ABTOT and ATOL members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.
The perfect place to enjoy a classic, friendly atmosphere and high-altitude skiing.
Jane Bolton, Product Director
