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Resort Guide

Suitability	Resort height: 1800m
Families:		[Yes]
Glacier:		[No]
Beginners:		[3]
Intermediates:		[4]
Advanced:		[4]
Snowboarding:		[3]

Valmeinier is a long standing settlement in the Maurienne Valley, with a history dating back at least to the twelfth century and possibly Roman times.

However the village has changed dramatically over the past few decades with the increasing importance of tourism and the growth of the ski industry in particular.

Key dates in Valmeinier's modern evolution include the construction of a ski lift link to neighbouring Valloire, creating one of the larger ski areas in the Alps, and the construction of a modern purpose-built off-shoot to the original village, in a traditional design, at a still more snow-sure 1800m – which has since become the main tourist centre with the majority of facilities. A free ski bus links the two villages.

The resort regards 2006 as the year it became a "true resort" having gone from previously provided skiing but little else, to now offering childcare, a cinema, bowling alley, ice rink and generally a more all-round resort experience.

By that time the number of beds available for guests each night had reached 10,000. The resort continues to evolve with its relatively new ski area adding more runs and changing drag lifts to chair lifts in recent years.

It is also known for its high value, with lower priced lift tickets and other savings compared to some of the better known French resorts.

Beginners

Valmeinier has beginner slopes served by the Casses lift at Valmeinier 1800 with long green (very easy) progression slopes all around the area, including the Epilozes trail down to Valmeinier 1500. The nursery slopes are very convenient – a short walk from most accommodation.

Buying a beginner's pack from us saves money and time in resort. This provides rental of the equipment you need, tuition and lift ticket for an inclusive price, lower that buying these items separately.

Intermediates

Valmeinier's local ski area covers three mountain areas and it's possible to cover all three of them in one day without skiing the same run twice.

To ease the process the resort operates an American-style free introduction to the ski slopes orientation meeting at the start of your stay. A typical itinerary would be to start the day at 1800 before heading up to Gros Crey, the highest point of the ski lift, for 360 views of the Meije at Ecrins.

Then head down the Perce Neige run before heading over to Crey du Quart above Valloire and on to Le Setaz. The route takes in powder snow-covered north-facing slopes and sunnier south-facing routes.

Another option is to buy the Maurienne Valley Pass which allows you to ski at a dozen neighbouring ski areas if you feel you need still more choice!

Advanced

Valmeinier provides access to nine black runs, including those above Valmorel, the toughest is Les Grandes Drozes. An option is to ski in Val Thorens in the three Valleys by making the 30 minute journey up to Orelle at the top of the valley, where a long gondola connects up to the famous area (full day trips by taxi are organised).

The local mountain guide office have off-piste courses complete with ARVA transceiver systems for avalanche rescues in an emergency, and beginner ski touring courses (8am to 2pm) inclusive of ski touring equipment hire.

Snowboarding

Valmeinier and Valmorel share a snowboarding park they have constructed on the Crey du Quart peak between them. The park has a good range of jumps and other features including a half pipe.

Elsewhere there are excellent free riding opportunities and the chance to hit off piste powder with a guide.

Other Activities and Facilities

Valmeinier has greatly improved its range of non-ski activities in recent years. Indoors, in addition to the existing cinema at Valmeinier 1500, two new cinemas have opened at Valmeinier 1800. There is also a bowling alley and more than 50 shops across the two centres.

Outdoor activities include a sledge run beside the Elan residence, the chance to try out paragliding or microlighting, ice climbing, or there's a new natural ice rink in the centre of Valmeinier 1800.

Après Ski and Dining Out

Valmeinier 1800 has about three-quarters of the shops and restaurants offered by the resort. Popular bars in 1800 include Les Refuge des 3 Diables and No Comment; in 1500 try La Taverne. The resort's late night dancing venue, in 1800, is Le Brasilia.

More of the dozen or so restaurants are creperies, pizzeria or offer traditional French mountain cuisine such as fondue or raclette. The atmosphere is relaxed and the prices mostly affordable.

In 1800 pizzerias include Le Yeti and San Marco, for traditional dishes L'Estaminet or La Fondue. In 1500 Le The au Logis serves traditional regional meals.

Families

There's a nursery facility for children from three months to 30 months old which offers an a la carte service bookable by the hour between 9am and 5.30pm. Children can stay for as little or as long as their parents wish each day.

For children in older age groups (30 months to 13 years) there are a range of staged activity groups and, from three years old, the option to spend part of the day in ski school, the rest in childcare. There is even a teen club for 13 to 18 year olds.

The Ski School also offers standard French tuition and testing according to the national scheme, which can be continued at any other French resort on subsequent holidays.

Piste Map for Valmeinier

Accommodation in Valmeinier

• Ecrin des Neige - 3 star, self catering
• Les Carrettes - 2 star, full board
• L`ours Blanc Apartments - 3 star, self catering
• Valmeinier Apartments - 3 star, self catering

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