Travel to Valloire with ski insurance from Essential Travel

Situated at the border of the northern and southern Alps, near to the Vanoise and the Ecrins national parks, and at the foot of the famous Col du Galibier, Valloire spreads its multiple charms between 1,400m and 1,800m.

Rightly recognised internationally as an excellent ski region, Valloire is composed of three areas: Le Sétaz, Le Crey du Quart and Valmeinier, offering 150kms of skiing. With 70 per cent of the domain above 2,000m, 350 snow cannons and predominantly north-facing slopes, snow conditions here are first class.

The lightly wooded terrain is varied and some of the runs are as long as 1,000 vertical metres. Most of this is well groomed but not too challenging, so beginners and intermediates should benefit. Valloire has a decent snow record due to its north-facing aspect, even though it is only at a height of 1,430m.

If you have the time, you can head 17kms to Saint Michel Valloire. From there, you can access the amazing Trois Vallées domain. The large and well-adapted pistes enable snowboarding and all varieties of snow sports, including: skwal, telemarking, monoskiing, and carving. Additionally, there are 25kms of cross-country skiing routes.

The season runs from November to April, with the best conditions considered to be early March. Cheap rates are offered until mid-December and towards the end of April. Valloire is accessed via the motorway exit and TGV station at St Michel de Maurienne, four hours from Paris by train. The nearest airport, Chambéry, is 100kms away.

Skiing in Valloire

Valloire ski resort sits between the renowned Trois Vallées resort area and the Italian border, and offers a wide variety of terrain, helping to make this a popular family destination.

The ski resort itself has largely maintained it’s traditional and rustic charm and is also reasonably priced and friendly. Evenings do not offer a large selection of activities and clubs, but the restaurants are good, inexpensive and varied enough to keep everyone happy. Additionally, there is a fine selection of bars, discos and shops, as well as an ice rink, bowling alleys and fitness centres.

The large and well-adapted pistes enable snowboarding and all varieties of snow sports, including: skwal, telemarking, monoskiing, and carving. There are also 25kms of cross-country skiing routes. Fans of walking, snow-shoeing and free riders will be well catered for, and fresh snowfall opens up excellent off-piste skiing.

Valloire is accessed via the motorway exit and TGV station at St Michel de Maurienne (four hours from Paris by train. The nearest airport, Chambery, is 100kms away.

Après-ski in Valloire

The resort itself has largely maintained it’s traditional and rustic charm and is also reasonably priced and friendly. Evenings dont boast a massive range of activities and clubs, but the restaurants are good, inexpensive and varied enough to suit all tastes and budgets, and there is a good selection of bars, discos, and shops, as well as an ice rink, bowling alleys and fitness centres. There are five kindergartens, while teenagers will be keen to visit the Adventure Park.

The ski resort is linked to the neighbouring resort Valmeinier, giving 150kms of well groomed runs. Beginners are well catered for and intermediates have a good choice of runs, with many blues and reds as well as some blacks that may be within the means of a capable skier.

For advanced skiers, there are some challenging blacks at Le Crey Rond, which is also well known for decent powder. The extensive off-piste and powder possibilities are wonderful with a local guide; the powder remains untracked for days.

Transportation to Valloire

At the foot of the famous Galibier Pass, Valloire is accessed via the motorway exit and TGV station at St Michel de Maurienne (four hours from Paris by train). The nearest airport, at Chambéry, is 100kms away.

If you are driving from Paris, take the A43 towards Grenoble/Chambery and then take exit 13 to Chambery/Albertville. Follow the signs towards Modane and take exit 29 towards Saint Michel de Maurienne/Valloire/Valmeinier/Col du Galibier. From there, follow signs to Valloire/Valmeinier.

Alternatively, take the A43 motorway to St Michel de Maurienne, and then the D 902 direction Valloire-Col du Télégraphe. Note that the Col du Galibier is closed from the end of October until the beginning of June, depending on weather conditions.

The nearest train station is Saint Michel Valloire, just 17kms from the resort. In winter, there are direct TGV trains from Paris (seven hours) as well as a service requiring a change in Chambéry. Shuttle buses run from St Michel de Maurienne up to the resort and taxis are readily available.

For Valloire, the nearest airport is Chambéry, but it services mainly domestic destinations. Your best bet is to fly to either Geneva or Lyon, both of which are about three hours away by road.

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