Valmeinier

The ski resort of Valmeinier, nestled in the heart of the Maurienne Valley in Savoie, stands out for its harmonious blend of Alpine tradition and modern infrastructure. Linked to the vast Galibier-Thabor ski area, it offers winter sports enthusiasts an exceptional playground, while appealing to lovers of nature and authenticity.

A ski-in/ski-out resort combining tradition and modernity

Valmeinier is made up of two complementary entities:

• Valmeinier 1500: this traditional village has preserved its old-world charm with its stone houses and slate roofs, testimony to a rich history and authentic Alpine life.
• Valmeinier 1800: designed in the 1980s, this high-altitude resort blends perfectly into the landscape thanks to its environmentally friendly architecture, offering modern accommodation and direct access to the slopes.

The two areas are linked, allowing visitors to enjoy winter and summer activities to the full in a preserved natural setting.

The Valmeinier ski area

In Valmeinier, the villages were built along streams created from glacial deposits, with each house nestled against the next, leaving more space for agriculture, with terraced fields rising from 1,300 to 1,800 metres above sea level and up to 2,500 metres for transhumance during the summer months.

It was a difficult and deprived agricultural life, almost unchanged between the 12th and 20th centuries, marked by the seasons and governed by religion: crucifixes planted here and there to remind us of this, each village with its own chapel, and the church rebuilt more than once.

However, despite epidemics (the plague in the 17th century), wars, the massacre of Valmeinier during the French Revolution in 1793 and poor harvests, the population continued to grow until it reached a maximum of 850 inhabitants in 1848.

From then on, with industrialisation, the decline began. For a few years, the men worked in two jobs (factories or mining and farming), then they became exclusively factory workers and left the mountains to live closer to their work. Thus, little by little, Valmeinier disappeared, with only about 50 permanent inhabitants in 1971 and the closure of the last of its five schools in 1972.

The rebirth of the village of Valmeinier

Everything changed with a new team at the head of the Valmeinier town hall, which opted for the development of tourism, and so the rebirth began. The Crêt du Quart was equipped with a chairlift and became operational during thewinter of 1973/74, followed by the village centre (between the two towns) in 1984/85/86 with two holiday centres, apartment buildings, commercial premises, a new school, a cable car linking the two sides of the valley and the Roi chairlift.

In 1986, the third phase of Valmeinier’s tourist development took place with the construction of the road, chairlifts and accommodation in 1800 (Auberge de Jeunesse du Grand Fourchon, Aquarius Club Med, Les Carrettes, etc.). Valmeinier continued to develop and improve its accommodation capacity with Pierre et Vacances, Odalys, Espace 2, etc. and with an open environment and a landscape to explore.

The Valmeinier ski resort is committed to sustainable development

Given the nature of the seasons, winter sports facilities use artificial snow. This is produced naturally from water without additives. Thanks to the low temperatures, the water droplets propelled into the air turn into snowflakes.

WHEN THE SNOW MELTS, THE ARTIFICIAL SNOW ALSO RETURNS TO A LIQUID STATE AND FLOWS BACK INTO STREAMS AND OTHER NATURAL RESERVES.

Since its creation, the Valmeinier resort has been heavily involved in the sustainable development of its economic model and the responsible development of its ski area, while respecting its unique environment.

Unforgettable experiences in Valmeinier

Valmeinier is not just about downhill skiing. In winter, holidaymakers can enjoy unique experiences such as a tandem paragliding flight from the summit of the Gros Crey massif, at an altitude of 2,600 metres, with breathtaking views of the Aiguilles d’Arves and the Maurienne valley. The flight ends gently in Valmeinier 1900.

Sled dogs in Valmeinier? Of course!

Comfortably seated in the sled or learning how to drive a team of dogs, everyone can discover the mountains in a fun and immersive way, guided by a passionate musher. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snow tubing and fat biking complete the range of winter activities on offer.

The Valmeinier mountain resort in summer

Bar à Coiffer

The resort offers a variety of events and entertainment, as well as relaxing activities such as the Bar à Coiffer, an original lounge with a bar area and terrace, which is very popular in the summer season.

Fishing in lakes and mountain streams

In summer, the resort also becomes a real playground for nature lovers. Hiking trails allow you to explore the alpine landscapes and observe the local wildlife, while fishing enthusiasts can try their luck at trout fishing in the Lac de Jeux or the high-altitude streams.

Valmeinier ski resort webcam

If you would like to see the current conditions at the ski resort and its natural surroundings, you will find the Valmeinier webcams below, showing real-time images.

La Sandonière

Hotels in the resort of Valmeinier

Chalet de la Meraloup

The chalet is located in the heart of the picturesque village of Valmeinier 1500. Completely renovated, it has three apartments available for rent all year round.

In winter, direct access to the ski area means you can be on the slopes in two minutes. In summer, it offers easy access to fantastic hikes in the Vanoise or Mont Thabor regions.

It has free WiFi access, nearby parking, a solarium and a total of 15 beds spread over 3 chalets. Ideal for couples and families looking for peace and tranquillity.

Hôtel L’Aigle **

Located in Valmeinier 1800, opposite the ski slopes and ski lifts, the Hotel l’Aigle has an outdoor jacuzzi, a solarium, a sauna and a steam bath.

The rooms offer mountain views, a bathroom with a shower and bathtub, and a wardrobe. Some rooms also have a balcony.

Guests can enjoy an open-plan area, a shared lounge with a fireplace, a restaurant, and a games room with views of the valley and Valmeinier resort.

A buffet breakfast is available at an additional cost. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas.

Cévéo “les Angeliers”

This 3-star holiday village is located in the heart of the traditional village. It offers apartments for 2 to 9 people with TV, equipped kitchen and bathroom. All are decorated in a mountain style.

At your disposal: a 100 m² ‘relaxation and wellness’ area with sauna, hammam, massage room and jacuzzi, and free access to the complex’s heated outdoor swimming pool.

Free parking is available near the residence.

Relax in the wellness area of the residence near the Valmeinier ski resort, located in the heart of the traditional village which, with its stone and slate chalets, has retained its authentic character.

Skiing in Valmeinier: the resort’s strong points

Nestled between the Galibier and Thabor massifs in the heart of the Maurienne valley, Valmeinier combines the best of two worlds: the modernity of a well-planned resort and the authenticity of a high-mountain environment. With altitudes ranging from 1,500 m to 2,600 m, its ski area offers one of the best snow guarantees in Savoie, within an open and luminous landscape.

A large, connected ski area

Valmeinier shares its ski area with its neighbor Valloire, forming the Galibier-Thabor complex, with 160 km of marked trails, 89 runs, and 30 modern lifts.

From the balconies of the Gros Crey sector, the view of the Écrins massif and the peaks of the Galibier is simply spectacular.

The domain is perfectly balanced: family areas at lower altitudes, fast and panoramic slopes in the upper parts, and technical descents for the more experienced.

The connection with Valloire is smooth and natural: a single ski pass is all you need to move between the two valleys, enjoying a continuous and well-connected terrain.

A modern, functional, and accessible resort

Unlike other older Savoyard resorts, Valmeinier was designed to offer direct access to the slopes from most accommodations.

Its modern yet integrated urban structure allows you to get around on foot and makes family life easier: nurseries, ski schools, shops, and restaurants are all located in the same center.

In addition, the resort has free parking, an internal bus service, and logistics that avoid the usual stress of large ski areas.

Skiing for all levels

The slopes are very evenly distributed:

• Green and blue slopes are wide and progressive in the 1500 sector, perfect for learning and enjoying with the family.
• Red and black runs in the upper sectors of Gros Crey and Crey du Quart, ideal for those looking for more thrills or carving on hard snow.
• Well-designed play areas and snow parks, with lines for beginners and experienced riders.

The domain also offers natural and controlled off-piste itineraries, allowing you to explore the terrain safely, and circuits for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing around the Col du Télégraphe.

Snow practically guaranteed and bright weather

Valmeinier enjoys a privileged location: it is far enough south to receive more than 300 days of sunshine a year, but its altitude (up to 2,600 m) guarantees quality snow throughout the season.

Seventy percent of the domain is above 2,000 m, and the lower areas are kept in excellent condition thanks to a network of 400 snow cannons.

A family resort with a sporting character

Valmeinier has managed to retain a warm, family atmosphere without compromising on its sporting ambitions. Its medium size—neither too big nor too small—allows you to enjoy full days of skiing without crowds or queues.

The atmosphere is relaxed, with mountain restaurants, sunny terraces, and events throughout the season: concerts, children’s entertainment, and après-ski activities in the pedestrian center.

Accessibility and sustainability

Located less than 20 minutes from the A43 motorway and the Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne train station, Valmeinier is one of the best-connected resorts in the Northern Alps.

It is part of the “Galibier-Thabor durable” program, which promotes responsible snow management and soft mobility within the valley.

Tips from the I Love Ski Community for skiing in Valmeinier

1. Start your day in the Gros Crey sector.

In the early hours, the snow is harder and the sun shines brightly on the south-facing slopes. Ideal for warming up your legs and enjoying the best views.

2. Take your time connecting with Valloire.

The crossing between Valmeinier and Valloire is one of the most enjoyable in the domain. Plan half a day to cross over, have lunch there, and return in the afternoon before the lifts close.

3. Sector 1800: perfect for families.

The 1800 sector is the most comfortable for beginners: wide slopes, good restaurants at the foot of the slopes, and rest areas with views of the Maurienne.

4. Take advantage of the long descents.

The “Génisses” and “Selles” red runs are smooth, panoramic descents that reach the valley: a must for those who love continuous downhill runs.

5. If it’s windy or visibility is poor, head for the forest.

On days with difficult weather conditions, head down to the wooded areas of the 1500 sector: more protected snow, good visibility, and less exposure.

6. Enjoy a quiet après-ski.

Valmeinier is not looking for a massive party: the atmosphere is relaxed, with sunny terraces, cozy bars, and panoramic views that invite you to stay and chat until sunset.

7. Extra day to explore Valloire.

Spend at least one full day in the neighboring ski area: its red slopes and snowpark perfectly complement Valmeinier’s profile.