Valloire introduction
The biggest resort in the Maurienne Valley, Valloire (1430m) is situated between the Trois Vallees and the Italian border. Valloire is a traditional village at the foot of the Galibier Pass. It is both charming with its Barqoue Style Church, and an international ski resort linked with Valmeinier. In the 'Golden Valley', Valloire settled down its 17 hamlets. Valloire is accessed by the motorway exit and TGV station at St Michel de Maurienne (4 hours from Paris by train). The restaurants in Valloire will suit everybody and range from the famous 'Le Gastilleur' to the cosy Crêperie. There is a good selection of shops, bars, discos, ice rink, bowling and fitness centre. You can visit a working farm to buy the local Beaufort cheese and there are five kindergartens, while teenagers will be keen to visit the Adventure Park.
Valloire is composed of 3 areas: Valmeinier, Le Setaz and Le Crey du Quart, offering 150 km of skiing. Most of the pistes are well-groomed but not too challenging, so beginners and intermediates are spoilt here, as more than 80 per cent of the runs are dedicated specifically to them. There isn't a great choice for advanced skiers, however some powder is to be found at Crey de Rond. Valloire has its snow record due to the north-facing slopes, even though it is only at 1430 m.
The resort is internationally known as an excellent ski region. The season in Valloire runs from November to April, with the best conditions considered to be early March. With 150 km of well groomed piste and 70 per cent of them above 2000 m, 350 snow cannons and the north-facing slopes, snow conditions are first class here. The barely woody terrain is varied and some of the slopes are as long as 1000 metres.
There is an abundance of runs for beginners and they can quickly get advanced on the nursery slopes around Thimel while intermediates have their runs from wide reds to gentle blues. For expert skiers, Valmeinier is host for an Olympic run, and Crey du Quart offers black runs, good powder and off-piste skiing. The black runs as the long 'Cascade' will test many experienced skiers. There are also a snow sark and half-pipe.