FranceOctober 17, 2024, by Isa de Laat

Tips for the winter sports villages of Valloire and Valmeinier in the French Savoie Mont Blanc

Winter sports
France, October 17, 2024, by Isa de Laat

Tips for the winter sports villages of Valloire and Valmeinier in the French Savoie Mont Blanc

Winter sports in France, you either love it or hate it. We understand that slogan, but in the case of the villages of Valloire and Valmeinier, the latter is quite difficult. No high-rise buildings, expensive lunch spots or uninviting tents, but charming, cozy bars, beautiful churches and cozy accommodations. Both villages form the Galibier-Thabor ski area, with more than 150 kilometers of slopes for all levels. There is no shortage of skiing fun (and other winter sports activities), but also so many options in the culinary field. These are the tips for the winter sports villages of Valloire and Valmeinier in the French Savoie Mont Blanc.

 

More winter sports? View all tips. 

 

Activities

Activities

Of course we look for winter sports for the winter activities. What can you do in both Valloire and Valmeinier? We list all the fun things for you.

Skiing/snowboarding

Duh, but with so many kilometres of great slopes, this cannot be left out of the list. The Galibier Thabor ski area stretches from Valmeinier to Valloire. Don't expect super modern lifts, but a portion of good slopes.

First tracks in the morning

The dream… Those fresh ridges in the morning. The diehard skiers prefer to take the first ski lift in the morning and the ski area here makes that a lot more fun. You can open the slopes with the ski patrols, before the crowd arrives, and the lifts are running. Together with them you check the quality, the chance of avalanches and then you have breakfast together at Alp de Zélie. Then you would think: wow, that's expensive. No, it's really not that bad for 39 euros per person (and Yes(the kids are allowed to come along).

Biathlon

You may know this from TV: during a cross-country skiing competition, participants score certain points by shooting at a target. If you miss the target, you lose time because an extra penalty round has to be run. A tough, difficult sport and in Valloire you can test this with Nordic Gliss. Fun for those who want something different. A three-hour practice session (for nine people, costs 36 euros pp).

Zipwire

Why go off the slopes when you can fly over them? For 39 euros you fly down the zipwire. 

Accommodation

Accommodation

So no high-rise buildings to spend the night in, but where do we sleep then?

Grand Hôtel de Valloire et Galibier

A relatively affordable option at the foot of the slopes (literally, you can hop right into the ski lift). The staff is friendly and the ski locker makes winter sports a bit easier. Not a fancy hotel, but for half board you pay 140 euros per person (so 280 euros for two) and a double room is €160 (in high season). Very neat rooms, but a very good dinner. That dinner there is an absolute must for anyone staying in Valloire and the surrounding area. View and/or book Grand Hotel de Valloire et Galibier. 

Other options

For groups (up to fourteen people) The Chalet Totoro could be a good option. Nice and light, a good terrace and comfortable beds. Another luxury chalet just over a kilometre from Valloire, in Le Serroz, but close to the Moulin Benjamin chairlift is chalet Koperek for twelve people. Ok, one more then for large groups is Chalet Le Baud'Riez.

 

 

The evening in the village

The evening in the village

Still have some energy left after skiing?

Brasserie du Galibier

In other words, the après-ski spot of Valloire, and yes, it is a bit different from the standard après-ski. Brasserie du Galibier is a brewery and the bar that you should not miss in the city. Young and old come together in the early evening (in the weekend they are also open during the day, but in the evening it is happening between 16:30 and 21:30). You can score special beer for a nice price with sausages and cheeses. You can hang out at the bar or plop down on the sofas. Recommended? Do a tasting or ask the friendly staff for advice.

Le Contoir

Prefer an extensive dinner? That is also possible in Valloire. At Le Contoir the cuisine is refined and the wine advice is top. The restaurant is a bit dark (a bit like dining in a cave, but then in a good way), but the atmosphere is very pleasant. Nice, because besides meat and fish, they also serve many dishes with vegetables. Best of all? The fondue!

Pizza

Did someone say pizza? La Caburoche is the place to go if you want to eat pizza and dine there. La Cabane à Nono if you prefer to pick up a pizza.

My cocotte

Not so long there in Valloire and totally different from the authentic restaurants in the village. They are a bit hipper with a nice interior and a lounge bar. You drink delicious cocktails, the menu is small but good and the staff is friendly.

Lunch on the slopes

Lunch on the slopes

And then we come to the most important thing of all: where are we going to eat on the slopes? In the case of a ski holiday, having lunch on the slopes is definitely a highlight of the day. Nothing tastes better than a good meal after the morning's kilometres. In Valloire and Valmeinier there are plenty of options. The best? This one!

The cabin from above

By far the best option. Also the most expensive option, but hey, what do you expect when there are jacuzzis on the terrace? The food is fresh (with healthy options) and good. Is the sun shining? Then you can best click on those skis and hop to the terrace with the most beautiful view of the ski area. What should you order? The daily special and the fresh home-made fries.

The Mérégers

Another pearl on the slopes. Quite remote, but the detour is worth it. Ordering is done at the bar and not all options are top. With the pizzas, however, you are one hundred percent right.

Restaurant l'Edelweiss

This restaurant is also a bit hidden, so you have to pay for it. What exactly? A not too expensive daily menu, good affordable burgers and a view of I have you there.

Food truck dameuse “Le Barbotin”

No time to lose? Then you just go to the food truck. Fast service, nice music in the background and it is the ideal pit stop for your long day on the slopes. The prime rib is recommended.

More information on where to go? Then check out these three websites:

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