Valloire

Valloire, France

Rated: 3/5 (from 6 ratings)

Valloire

Developing from a small farming community of the 1930s, Valloire has branched out across the Maurienne Valley, encompassing 17 hamlets, but remaining very French. It is located at the foot of the famous Galibier Pass, one of the highest in France, culminating at 2645m and at the heart of the Vallee d'or (Golden Valley). Well known for staging international competitions, including ice-sculptures.

Summary

The French ski resort of Valloire is in the French Alps at an altitude of 1,430m4,692ft, with 150km93 miles of marked runs.

Valloire has direct access to 150km93 miles of downhill skiing, with 78 marked pistes, served by a total of 34 ski lifts.

With ski lifts as high as 2,600m8,530ft, skiing and snowboarding is assured throughout the season.

Valloire Overview

The best known of the Maurienne Valley resorts, Valloire offers some of the most extensive slopes in the Alps, stretching across to the neighbouring twin stations of Valmeinier 1500 and 1800. At the foot of the Galibier Pass in the northern Alps, Valloire is snuggled in a hollow only 17km from the motorway N6.

These days tourism is the mainstay of the economy but Valloire was originally a small farming community before the ski lifts were established in 1936 and skiing's popularity began to soar. Despite the developments, Valloire has retained the charm of a typically Savoyard village with its 17th century baroque-style church.

 Notable Ski Runs

The longest possible descent in Valloire is 12km7 miles long.

Skiing

Valloire has a variety of terrain from the wooded trails on La Setaz, reached by the cable car of the same name. The other cable car Cret de la Brive transports you to Le Crey du Quart, on the other side you'll find the twin resorts of Valmeinier at 1500m and 1800m.

Wide open cruising runs on the Gros Grey 2594m make this area ideal for progressing beginners and intermediates. More experienced skiers have the challenge of the Olympic run on the Grandes Drozes leading down into Valmeiner 1500.

Parapente (skiing off the mountain with a parachute) is very popular with flights taking off from all the ski areas. First timers are taken up by an experienced instructor who rides tandem.

Children under 6 years ski free and the ski school have classes for kids from 3 years and up. A passport photo is required for lift passes.

Cross-country skiers have 10km of trails with routes for all abilities.

Valloire offers good sking, particularly, for Intermediate and Beginner skiers.

Snowboarding

Snowboarders now have a half pipe and snowboarding area with jumps, ski cross and varying routes regarded as one of the ten best in France. The snowboard club organises alpine and freestyle events including a modul contest.

Aprés Ski

There can be lively nightlife with wide choice of restaurants, pubs and discos. Alternatively try a visit to a typical farm, the thrills of the adventure park, ice skating, microlighting, snow shoeeing, bowling and fitness.