Valmeinier

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Valmeinier, the most recent resort in the Maurienne valley, is spread over two main levels: Valmeinier Villages at 1,500 metres, which has kept the soul of a traditional mountain village, and Valmeinier station, at 1,800 metres, a functional altitude resort well integrated at the foot of Gros Crey. Linked to Valloire via the Crey du Quart, it forms the vast Galibier-Thabor ski area. In winter, it attracts visitors for its altitude skiing and friendly atmosphere. While less known as a major summer destination, Valmeinier nonetheless offers a preserved natural setting with remarkable alpine scenery, such as the Valmeinier basin, the Lac Vert and the proximity of Mont Thabor, often at very accessible prices during the summer season. Its south-west orientation guarantees fine sunshine.

📌 Northern French Alps – Savoie

Valmeinier

📏 Altitude: 1800 m

🎿 Alpine skiing: 160 km

🌟 Resort style: High-altitude resort

💰 From 54.9 €/day (2026-2027)

17 green

31 blue

33 red

8 black

📅 Open 12 December 2026 to 9 April 2027

Overview of Valmeinier

The identity of Valmeinier is defined by its two-tier structure. In Valmeinier Villages, you discover a settlement that has preserved traces of its agricultural and mining past, with older buildings and a village atmosphere. Higher up, Valmeinier Station — developed on the slopes of the Gros Crey — presents the typical architecture of 1980s winter sports resorts, designed to be functional with numerous tourist residences offering direct slope access. The ski area base of Valmeinier Station is the lively heart of the high-altitude resort, concentrating shops, services and ski lift departures. Landscaping was designed to limit visual impact despite the building density. The residences resemble large, colourful chalets set along the piste edges.

Our review — Valmeinier

★★★☆☆ 3.8/5

Ski area — key figures — Valmeinier

🌟 High-altitude resort (Savoie)
📏 1800 m Village altitude (2730 m Top altitude)
🏨 11.119 tourist beds
🎿 89 runs

19.1%

34.8%

37.1%

9%

🚠 24 ski lifts

Power moment^*: 8995 km.sk/h (Large resort)

Average lift age: 21 years

Get directions to Valmeinier

When to visit

Valmeinier in summer

Summer at Valmeinier is an invitation to discover unspoilt nature and find tranquillity — often at very competitive prices. It is a popular starting point for walks of all levels, notably towards the beautiful Fond de Valmeinier valley — accessible and wild — or in the direction of the Lac Vert. More experienced walkers can plan routes to Mont Thabor (7 hours return), offering exceptional panoramas. The Col des Marches and the Lac de Bissorte are also highly recommended. The setting is ideal for mountain biking, stream fishing and simply contemplating the alpine landscapes. Ski lifts may open to facilitate access to altitude. A destination for those seeking calm, pure air and outdoor activities without the crowds of the large summer resorts.

🎯 Things to do in summer:

✅ Road cycling • ✅ Enduro MTB • ✅ Hiking • ✅ Rock climbing • ✅ Paragliding

Valmeinier in winter

In winter, Valmeinier is a top choice for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts thanks to its access to the Galibier-Thabor ski area and its 160 km of runs. The altitude and aspect generally guarantee good snow conditions and pleasant skiing. Skiers particularly appreciate certain runs in the ski area, renowned for their quality and scenery — such as the Armera (a forest run) or the Combe Orsiere (a wild, into-the-wild piste). The resort, with its two sites, offers different atmospheres: more family-oriented and calm at 1,500 m, and more lively with ski-in ski-out access at 1,800 m. Alongside alpine skiing, you can snowshoe on marked routes, enjoy children’s fun zones, or try new sliding disciplines.

🎯 Things to do in winter:

✅ Alpine skiing • ✅ Ski touring • ✅ Snowshoeing • ✅ Winter walks • ✅ Paragliding

Skiing

Below is an overview of the ski area accessible from Valmeinier: Galibier-Thabor (Valmeinier-Valloire) (alpin).

Ski area — Galibier-Thabor (Valmeinier-Valloire)

⛰️ Altitudes: 1400 m – 2730 m
🎿 Alpine skiing: 160 km
💰 Day pass: 54.9 €

Linking the two Maurienne resorts of Valloire and Valmeinier, the Galibier-Thabor ski area offers 160 kilometres of varied runs. It extends across three main massifs (Setaz, Crey du Quart and Gros Crey) and benefits from excellent skiability thanks to its high altitude — 70% of the ski area is above 2,000 metres. Ranging from 1,430 to 2,750 m, the ski area benefits from multiple aspects allowing skiing in sunshine throughout the day. Around thirty ski lifts ensure smooth links, and a network of over 700 snow cannons guarantees the return to the resorts. Around 60% of the runs are on the Valloire side, and 40% on the Valmeinier side. From Valloire, skiers access two massifs: La Setaz — renowned for its more technical runs and sustained north-facing slopes, ideal for strong skiers; and the Crey du Quart (west-facing) — the main link point with Valmeinier, appreciated for its snowpark, Family Park and long wide runs including the famous Escargot green run. On the Valmeinier side, the Gros Crey massif (2,594 m) offers wide, very well-exposed runs with panoramic views over the Aiguilles d’Arves and the Valm’Park snowpark. The Crey du Quart slope towards Valmeinier offers wilder and more forested skiing, with popular runs such as the long blue Armera forest trail and the red Cotiereux, as well as fine views from the blue Combe Orsiere over Mont Thabor. In total, the Galibier-Thabor ski area has 90 runs (18 green, 30 blue, 34 red and 8 black), suited to both beginners and experienced skiers. Beyond snowparks, the ski area has several fun zones, a boardercross and new-discipline areas, confirming its family and sporting vocation.

Our full guide to Galibier-Thabor (Valmeinier-Valloire)

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