Valloire

Nestled in the heart of the Maurienne Valley in Savoie, Valloire is an authentic mountain resort that charms visitors with its traditional charm and lively atmosphere. Located at the foot of the iconic Galibier and Télégraphe mountain passes, this destination offers an exceptional setting for winter sports enthusiasts and summer activities.

Hotels, apartments, chalets, gîtes… at the foot of the slopes, in a peaceful and charming environment, Valloire offers a wide range of high-quality accommodation. Rental solutions for all tastes and budgets!

The Valloire ski area

The Galibier-Thabor ski area, shared between Valloire and Valmeinier, covers 160 km of slopes, offering a varied playground for all levels. With 90 slopes served by 30 ski lifts, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy suitable descents, from green to black slopes. The area enjoys a mainly northern exposure, guaranteeing optimal snow quality throughout the season.

Freestyle enthusiasts are not left out thanks to the Lac de la Vieille Snowpark, regularly ranked among the best in Europe. It offers a half-pipe, a ski cross, an expert slopestyle with seven modules to link together, as well as a medium park for progressing in complete safety. For beginners and younger skiers, discover the easyparks, located at the edge of the slopes on the three Galibier-Thabor massifs. These fun areas are equipped with whoops, banked turns and bumps accessible to all.

The resort also focuses on mountain safety with the ARVA Park, located at the top of the Sétaz 2 chairlift, where skiers can improve their avalanche victim search techniques. Head to the nearby first aid and information station for advice on how to use the equipment and demonstrations.

Skiing and lots of other activities

Valloire is not just about skiing and offers a wide range of activities for all ages and tastes. In winter, in addition to downhill skiing, visitors can try their hand at biathlon, combining cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, or go on a dog sled ride in the Valloirette valley, an unforgettable experience for young and old alike.

Bored in Valloire? Impossible! Whatever your age and whatever you feel like doing, you’ll find the activity of your dreams. To relax: sauna, hammam, jacuzzi… For entertainment: cinema, ice rink and snow and ice sculpture competitions. And to party the night away: live music cafés and nightclubs! After a day in the fresh air, it’s time to treat your taste buds! Authentic and welcoming, the restaurants, inns and crêperies of Valloire welcome you in the resort, in the hamlets or on the slopes.

With family or friends, come and share a pleasant moment around the region’s specialities!

The Valloire ski resort is committed to sustainable development

In 2004, the Valloire ski resort, along with five other natural sites each facing different problems, were the subject of a survey aimed at assessing the sustainability of tourism practices. The survey was conducted by the French Tourism Engineering Agency, the Caisse des Dépôts and the Ligue Urbaine et Rurale (a French government initiative to promote French heritage, the living environment and sustainable development).

Aware of environmental issues, Valloire is actively committed to sustainable development.

The resort has been awarded the Flocon Vert label, which recognises mountain tourist destinations committed to ecological and social transition.

It is implementing concrete actions such as modernising infrastructure to reduce its environmental impact, promoting soft mobility and raising visitor awareness of the preservation of Alpine ecosystems.

The mountain resort of Valloire in summer

For thrill seekers, Valloire offers a variety of activities such as via ferrata, climbing, paragliding, microlighting, canyoning and even water skiing. Families will enjoy horse riding, tree-top adventure courses, mini-golf and relaxing in the heated outdoor swimming pool. The resort also offers an E-Pass Loisirs, providing privileged access to a wide range of activities

Le Jardin du Lautaret: a botanical gem

About 30 kilometres from Valloire, the Jardin du Lautaret is a must-see for nature lovers. Located at an altitude of 2,100 metres, this alpine botanical garden, created in 1899, is home to more than 2,000 species of mountain plants from all over the world. Open from June to September, it offers daily guided tours, workshops, conferences and activities for all ages. The garden is also a scientific research centre affiliated with the CNRS and the University of Grenoble Alpes, welcoming researchers from all over the world.

Hiking in Valloire

When the snow gives way to green meadows, Valloire is transformed into a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 135 km of marked trails, hiking is the summer’s most popular activity. The routes, suitable for all levels, offer exceptional views of the Aiguilles d’Arves, the Grand Galibier and the high-altitude lakes of Cerces and Rochilles. For mountain biking enthusiasts, Valloire has 11 marked trails, ranging from family rides to more technical descents, with the option of using the ski lifts to access the peaks. The legendary Galibier and Télégraphe passes also attract road cyclists looking for a challenge.

In winter and summer alike, a large number of professional mountain guides and instructors are on hand to tell you about the history of Valloire and help you discover the flora and fauna and the village’s walks.

An accessible and welcoming destination

Located about 210 km from Lyon and 140 km from Turin, Valloire is easily accessible by car, train or bus. The resort has free shuttle buses to facilitate travel between the various hamlets and ski lifts. With its warm atmosphere, local shops, restaurants serving Savoyard specialities and a wide range of activities throughout the year, Valloire is an ideal destination for holidays with family, friends or as a couple.

Hotels in the resort of Valloire

Hotel Christiania ***

Mountain chalet, 20 fully renovated rooms with light wood.

Located in the heart of the resort, at the foot of the Brive cable car. It has a spa, sauna and hammam. Gourmet and regional cuisine. In summer, located on the Route des Grands Alpes.

Nestled in the heart of the village, the Hotel Christiania showcases its decorated balconies and beautiful sunny terrace all year round.

Inside, the cosiness of a chalet makes for a very welcoming atmosphere.

Grand Hotel de Valloire et du Galibier ***

Located opposite the slopes and ski lifts of the Valloire ski resort.

This hotel can be enjoyed in both summer and winter.

In summer: after a hike, enjoy the comfortable lounges, the cosy atmosphere of the bar or the warm atmosphere around the fireplace. A swimming pool is available in the hotel grounds.

In winter: After skiing, enjoy the comfortable lounges, the cosy atmosphere of the bar or the warm atmosphere around the fireplace.

Les Réaux Gite

In a quiet location with views of the chamois, the gîte is located 6 km south of Valloire and 3 km from the Verneys ski lift, at an altitude of 1,750 m.

It has a terrace offering magnificent views of the Galibier (3,228 m) to the south and the Aiguilles d’Arves (3,510 m) to the west.

The gîte is a place to stay and relax, whether with friends or family. It has been awarded 2 épis (Gîtes de France classification) and is maintained annually to meet the requirements of this classification; it can accommodate up to 30 people.

Parking is 100 metres from the house; the owners can lend you a cart or sledge to transport your luggage.

Breakfast and/or dinner available on request.

Skiing in Valloire: the resort’s strong points

Nestled between the majestic peaks of Galibier and Thabor, in the heart of the Maurienne massif, Valloire is a resort that combines the tradition of a lively village with the dynamism of a large ski area.

Its location, at an altitude of 1,430 meters in the village and with a highest point at 2,600 meters, offers guaranteed snow and a variety of slopes that will satisfy both families and expert skiers.

A varied and extensive ski area

Valloire, together with Valmeinier, forms the Galibier-Thabor ski area, with 160 km of marked slopes spread over two valleys and 89 runs (18 green, 30 blue, 33 red, and 8 black).

The skiable vertical drop exceeds 1,170 meters, and 70% of the slopes are above 2,000 m, ensuring quality snow throughout the season, from December to April.

The resort also has 400 snow cannons that reinforce coverage in the lower sections and allow for a comfortable return to the village until the end of the season.

Skiing for all levels

Valloire is a well-balanced resort: beginners will find large safe areas, such as the Les Verneys sector, with adapted lifts and gentle slopes.

Intermediate skiers can enjoy long blue runs with panoramic views, such as “Sétaz Bleue,” and more experienced skiers can tackle the technical red runs of La Sétaz des Prés or the black runs of Le Gros Crey, with spectacular views of the Écrins massif and Mont Thabor.

The snowpark in the Montissot sector is another attraction: it is recognized as one of the best in Savoie, with lines for all levels, boardercross, and a fun area for children and families.

An authentic village with an alpine soul

Valloire is not an artificially built resort: it is an authentic mountain village inhabited all year round, with lively streets, shops, markets, and traditional stone and wood architecture.

Its moderate size makes it easy to get around on foot, and most of the accommodation is close to the ski lifts or free bus stops.

The atmosphere is warm and family-friendly, without losing its Savoyard charm: here, the mountains are experienced naturally, without ostentation, but with quality and hospitality.

Complementary activities and events

In addition to downhill skiing, Valloire offers snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice skating.

Every January, it hosts the International Ice and Snow Sculpture Competition, an artistic event that transforms the resort into a temporary open-air gallery.

The après-ski scene combines bars with live music, restaurants serving local cuisine, and spas with views of the valley.

Environmental commitment

Valloire actively participates in the Galibier-Thabor sustainability program: responsible snow management, reduced energy consumption, and preservation of local biodiversity.

Its mobility policy promotes free public transportation and walking within the village, with the aim of reducing visitors’ carbon footprint.

Tips from the I Love Ski Community for skiing in Valloire

Start early in the Sétaz sector.

In the morning, the orientation of Sétaz offers cooler, more compact snow, ideal for warming up your legs. In the mid-afternoon, switch to the Crey du Quart sector, which is sunnier and more panoramic.

Take advantage of the Galibier-Thabor ski pass.

The link to Valmeinier is smooth and fast. Spend at least one full day exploring the entire domain: there are some really fun red runs and controlled off-piste sections with unique views of the Galibier.

Les Verneys, perfect for beginners.

If you’re traveling with family or beginners, the Les Verneys sector is ideal: gentle slopes, stable snow, and cafés at the foot of the slopes for comfortable breaks.

Avoid the queues in high season.

The main ski lifts can get very busy on weekends in February. The best strategy is to get up early and head to Valmeinier before 10:00 a.m.

Don’t miss the snowpark.

Even if you don’t do freestyle, it’s worth a visit: the energy of the place, the scenery, and the riders’ spontaneous displays are a spectacle in themselves.

High-altitude gastronomy.

Book a table at one of the traditional restaurants in the center: the raclette at La Maison d’Angeline or the fondue at the Chalet du Verney are unmissable experiences after an intense day of skiing.

Night falls, but the magic continues.

At dusk, the lights of the village under the silhouette of the Galibier create a picture-postcard atmosphere. End the day with a stroll through the center or a drink in front of the fire in one of the alpine bars.